Myanmar, formerly known as Burma is one of my favorite travel destinations in the world. Traveling for a month through this special country coupled with reading many books about it, changed the way I look at politics, multicultural religion, history and even books themselves! Myanmar offers a deep and complex history, friendly and generous people, a diverse culture influenced by its many ethnic groups, a unique geographic location, and breathtaking natural wonders throughout the country. Setting aside Myanmar’s political current events which I summarize in detail here and my stance against a Myanmar travel boycott , here is my brief guide on where to go and the best places to visit in Myanmar for a beautiful journey through this extraordinary country.

UPDATED – December 2019

INTRODUCTION

Myanmar is one of the less-visited destinations in South East Asia. As such, travel here can feel more different than its neighbors in terms of transportation, food, local connection, fewer tourist crowds, and many other distinct factors.

I started in Yangon because it’s one of the easiest and more affordable airports to fly into. As I boarded the plane there, I quickly realized the type of traveler attracted to Myanmar. It wasn’t frat boys looking for a beach party or sybarites looking for luxury or digital nomads looking for a temporary base to get work done. Most whom I interacted with seemed like curious visitors open to a more immersive travel experience.

1) YANGON

Yangon, like most of the country, is caught in a crossfire of transitions. There are hundreds of new foreign businesses and expats moving in. On my first night here, I was invited to Myanmar’s Uber launch party. After that event, we all went to The Penthouse , a hip rooftop resto-bar overlooking the Shwedagon Pagoda . A beautiful introduction to the swirl of changes and contrasts of old and new happening in Yangon.

Things to Do in Yangon

Shwedagon Pagoda – One of the most breathtakingly beautiful things you may ever experience. If there is only one thing you can o in Yangon, this has to be it. The stunning sights of golden statues, golden pagodas and temples are unlike anything else in the world. The energy here is calming and spiritual as you’ll see locals praying and singing. Words are not enough to explain the significance of this place.

A cocktail at the majestic Strand Hotel

Shopping at Bogyoke Aung San Market

Visiting the local tea houses such as Rangoon Teahouse ($$), Acacia Tea Salon ($$$), Lucky Seven ($)

Walking – One of the best ways to soak in Yangon’s details and stumble across gems

Book shopping on the streets – A great way to better contextualize your experience in Myanmar.

Connecting with local people in Yangon: this is one of the best parts of traveling to Myanmar. And in Yangon, it’ll be easier to find English speaking locals than in the rest of the country.

Day Trips from Yangon

Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo Pagoda) by train

(Kyaiktiyo Pagoda) by train The Yangon Circle Train which slowly loops around the outskirts of the city for half a day

which slowly loops around the outskirts of the city for half a day Bago (3 temple complexes) is about an hour drive from Yangon

Where to stay in Yangon

Little Hostel ($) or Lotte Yangon Hotel ($$$).

2) BAGAN

Vibrant yet arid, desolate yet rich in history, Bagan is also full of contrast. Fiery hot afternoons make it almost impossible to enter temples barefoot so be sure to save that time for an afternoon siesta, a massage, or exploring the local cuisine in one of the many delicious restaurants. When it’s not so hot these are the…

Top things to do in Bagan

Temple hopping – Bagan is home to some of the best temples in Myanmar. You can sign up at one of the hostels for a temple tour for free! (donation-based of course).

– Bagan is home to some of the best temples in Myanmar. You can sign up at one of the hostels for a temple tour for free! (donation-based of course). E-bike rental – Explore Bagan and it’s nearby small towns on your own! But please be cautious of the bikes, some are rented out with defects.

– Explore Bagan and it’s nearby small towns on your own! But please be cautious of the bikes, some are rented out with defects. Get a massage – When it’s just too hot to move. Consider hiding out in a massage parlor and treating yourself!

– When it’s just too hot to move. Consider hiding out in a massage parlor and treating yourself! Fly a hot air balloon – This is only possible between October and April. Prices start at around $200 and up.

– This is only possible between October and April. Prices start at around $200 and up. Sunrise or sunset temple tour – Experiencing Bagan’s sunrises and sunsets are some of the most popular things to do. If you’re not a morning person or you really value a full night’s sleep, then go to the sunset instead of the sunrise!

Where to stay in Bagan

Ostello Bello ($) or Maya Bagan ($$$) or Sense Hotel ($$) — Here are a few more places to stay in Bagan.

3) KALAW

Lovers of nature and hiking can join a Kalaw trekking tour with other travelers, slowly making your way from Bagan towards Inle Lake together. If you’re solo traveling, you can easily join one of these tours with other travelers from Ostello Bello Hostel in Bagan. This is a highlight experience, however, if you have sensitivities or physical disabilities, I’d either opt the shorter hike or avoid this experience. The hike is often done under the hot sun (unless you go during a colder time) so plan ahead of time for basic precautions.

As noted above, you can arrange this tour through Hostel Ostello Bello from Bagan or Inle.

4) INLE LAKE (NYAUNGSHWE)

Idyllic Inle captured my heart. It was the perfect respite from the hot and arid environment of Bagan. The cooler weather coupled with its bucolic landscape of hills and calm lake felt like a vacation from my vacation. Allocate at least a few nights here to take in a little bit of everything it has to offer.

Don’t Miss Out On These Things to Do in Inle Lake:

Wine Tasting at the BEAUTIFUL Red Mountain Estate Vineyard perched on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful wine valley. Be sure to go before/during the sunset.

at the BEAUTIFUL Red Mountain Estate Vineyard perched on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful wine valley. Be sure to go before/during the sunset. Rent a Bike to tour the town (just don’t take it to the vineyard like I did, unless you want to die riding up a steep hill)

to tour the town (just don’t take it to the vineyard like I did, unless you want to die riding up a steep hill) Go on a boat tour across the lake – a MUST experience where you can visit the silk farms, floating gardens and markets, cigar makers, leg rowers, and boat makers.

– a MUST experience where you can visit the silk farms, floating gardens and markets, cigar makers, leg rowers, and boat makers. Cooking Class + Market Tour with Mercury Cooking Class – A HIGHLIGHT experience and a great way to culturally immerse yourself.

Where to stay in Inle Lake

Ostello Bello – That’s right they have a location here too! It’s an amazing place and I made so many good friends thanks to Ostello Bello’s space and good vibes.

5) MANDALAY

Many travelers skip Mandalay, but it’s one of the most important places to visit in Myanmar! Just the beautiful name alone beckons a visit. If you’re short on time, you can hire this driver to take you all around Mandalay to see the best sights.

Best Sightseeing in Mandalay

Jade Market – You can see people actually crafting the jade and you’ll come across some of the biggest jade sculptured pieces.

– You can see people actually crafting the jade and you’ll come across some of the biggest jade sculptured pieces. Mahamuni Pagoda – Gorgeous golden temple.

– Gorgeous golden temple. U Bein Bridge – Best during the wet season, but still worth a visit any time.

– Best during the wet season, but still worth a visit any time. Mandalay Hill – A MUST do. If you can only visit one thing in Mandalay, let it be this incredibly breathtaking place.

– A MUST do. If you can only visit one thing in Mandalay, let it be this incredibly breathtaking place. If you can spare an extra day, join this full-day tour and cooking class with A Glimpse of Mandalay

Skip the palace for ethical reasons.

Where to Stay in Mandalay

Ostello Bello! At this point, you will probably have made some friends from bumping into each other so much at the same hostel from Bagan to Inle to now Mandalay.

6) PYIN OO LWIN

Pyin Oo Lwin is located on the train line between Mandalay and Hsipaw in north-eastern Myanmar, making it an ideal place to break up the overland journey. The small Shan Highlands city was formerly used as a British hill station and known as ‘Maymyo’ during colonial times.

Pyin Oo Lwin has a mild climate and verdant landscape, hence its nickname ‘The City of Flowers’. Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens on the outskirts of town cultivates 300 species of orchids amongst beautifully manicured parks. In town, the Wet Market (best visited in the early hours when vendors light their stalls with candles) and the Shan Market both sell local produce, including betel leaf and Shan tea. Pyin Oo Lwin’s British colonial buildings, including the Candacraig Hotel, made famous by George Orwell’s novel Burmese Days, speak to the area’s past and are well worth seeing. The town is compact, so the best way to get around is by hiring a bicycle.

Things to See/Do in Pyin Oo Lwin:

The Goteik Viaduct – Myanmar’s highest and most iconic bridge, lies 75km east of Pyin Oo Lwin. Mail trains bound for Hsipaw and Lashio cross over the bridge and depart Pyin Oo Lwin daily at 8:20am. Riding the train over the trestle – once the largest of its kind in the world – is a nail-biting yet unforgettable experience. If you want to finish the ride early, you can alight after the bridge and organize for a car to take you back into town.

– Myanmar’s highest and most iconic bridge, lies 75km east of Pyin Oo Lwin. Mail trains bound for Hsipaw and Lashio cross over the bridge and depart Pyin Oo Lwin daily at 8:20am. Riding the train over the trestle – once the largest of its kind in the world – is a nail-biting yet unforgettable experience. If you want to finish the ride early, you can alight after the bridge and organize for a car to take you back into town. National Kandawgyi Gardens

Taj Eatery

Lake Front Feel

By: Emily Lush

Where to Stay in Pyin Oo Lwin

7) HSIPAW

Nestled in the remote reaches of northern Shan State, Hsipaw remains a relatively off-the-beaten-track destination in Myanmar.

Most people who do make it here come to trek. Guided walks to village homestays around Hsipaw are amongst the most beautiful walks in Southeast Asia. Pankam Village is a popular final destination for trekkers and can be reached via a full-day uphill hike out of Hsipaw via tea and cornfields. Although the area is considered safe for tourists, some parts remain off-limits to foreigners. If you plan on trekking, a guide is essential.

Hsipaw town itself is small with only a few attractions. Principal among them is East Haw, the former residence of the Shan Prince who disappeared during the political unrest of the 1960s.

Things to See/Do in Hsipaw:

Nam Hu Nwe Waterfall

Check out the hot springs

Go shopping at the local central market

Trek/Go for a hike

Take the iconic train

‘Little Bagan’ – a collection of ancient Buddhist stupas close to town

– a collection of ancient Buddhist stupas close to town Eat – Try a bowl of famous Shan noodles at one of Hsipaw’s local restaurants

By: Emily Lush

Where to Stay in Hsipaw

8) Mrauk-U*

Mrauk-U is one of the most magical places to visit in Myanmar. Ancient temples set between the hills, “wake up” each morning in a mystic haze that gives them a magical atmosphere. This place is so remote and poorly accessible, that it only has 2,000 to 5,000 visitors a year. There is a universal fee of 5000 MMK to Mrauk U Archeological zone. The fee is collected only at the Shit Thaung pagoda. In case you need ATM there is one in the central area by KBZ Bank.

Things to Do in Mrauk – U:

Rent a bike – Cycling around is a great idea for exploring the surrounding area and the archeological zone. You can get a bike for 2000 MMK per day. Mrauk U is ideal for exploring temples and pagodas on your own. Just download the map of temples to the GPS on your phone and head out to discover ancient places.

Visit Chin villages – Chin village is a village of indigenous people living the old way. You can see there older women with facial tattoos. These tattoos were made to them to protect them in their teenage years against kidnapping by men from another tribe.

Eat at Kaung Than – The restaurant where locals eat. It is cheap and so good! You will be nicely surprised by the amount of food you get.

*As Mrauk U is located in Rakhine State always check your local travel authority about updated safety information. This area wasn’t safe in the last few months and it’s not recommended to travel there.

Other destinations you should try to see while in Myanmar if you have more time: Hpa-an (from Yangon) and Mrauk-U.

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