Top Things to Do in Myanmar
Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia that is gradually gaining appeal amongst visitors. Due to excellent availability from land borders, tourists from Thailand and the rest of its nearby nations in Southeast Asia commonly frequent these lands in search of off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Although not large, there are still heaps of places to go to in Myanmar Unbelievable historical sites, lovely all-natural landscapes, and a broad range of cultural sites, Myanmar is a nation that I prompt every person to position on their bucket lists. Here's a list of destinations in Myanmar (Burma) that are worth visiting.
Places to Visit in Myanmar.
Yangon
The capital city of Myanmar, Yangon is growing to be an active urban city where old colonial structures meet ancient pagodas. There are sights like the Shwedagon Pagoda which is among one of the most crucial historic sights in all of Myanmar. The round train is likewise a remarkable experience where you can observe the local culture.
Sule Pagoda as well as Shwendagon Pagoda
Known for its mystical pagodas, no trip to Myanmar is complete without visiting Sule Pagoda and also Shwendagon Pagoda. These 2 pagodas are so stunning, especially during sunrise and sundown.
Sule is smack in the centerof Yangon. It is 48 meters tall and was made use of by the British as the center of their grid pattern plan for Burma in the 1880s. Sule, unlike other pagodas, is a octagonal-shaped pagoda.
The 2,500 years of age Shwedagon Pagoda preserves strands of Buddha's hair and various other divine relics. It is a should go to. Shwedagon Pagoda is covered with hundreds of gold plates and also its stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds.
Ride Yangon's Circular Railway
The Yangon Circular Train is something you absolutely need to experience. You won't just experience a day in the life of residents, yet likewise reach take impressive photos of the outskirts of the city.
You'll see individuals going up and down the train selling things, as well as also meet people of all kinds hopping on and off the trains. Business owners, market wholesalers ... it is just one of those things that allows you to experience Myanmar of what it actually is.
Outside Yangon
Mt Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock)
Picture Credits: World Atlas.
Mt Kyaiktiyo is a prominent pilgrimage trip for devout Burmese Buddhists and is usually full of devotees that travel from around the nation to admire this religious site. From Yangon, this gold rock is accessible by bus or train.
The pagoda itself is made up of a big gold stone which is balancing at the edge of the high cliff. We recommend going to during sundown as the gold rock glows, even more, when the sky becomes different tones of orange as well as purple. Although it is a spiritual site, it has actually additionally become very commercialized however nevertheless, a view to see.
Where to stay in Yangon
Budget: Little Yangon Hostel
Budget: Pickled Tea Hostel
Mid-Range: Jasmine Palace Hotel
Mid-Range: Hotel Grand United (21st Century Downtown)
Luxury: Sule Shangri-La
Luxury: The Savoy
Reaching Yangon.
By Air: Yangon has an international flight terminal and also offers the biggest number of destinations both within and outside the nation.
By bus: Yangon is additionally effectively linked by both bus as well as train routes. It's from Yangon that you will certainly have the greatest choice of places to take a trip to.
By train: Yangon is a significant stop on the nation's train system. Do understand that trains are not what you 'd find in developed countries. There are hard seats and no or inadequate a/c. Train traveling is also much slower than bus. Nonetheless, if you seek a local experience, train is the method to go.
Bago
If you want more pagodas, an impressive reclining Buddha and also a wine abbey, you will intend to travel to Bago.
Bago is only a number of hours away from Yangon, making it a simple day outing.
According to tale, the Buddha who once took a trip in the area saw a number of Hintha birds flying across the waters looking for a relaxing location. The male bird landed on the only available place which was just big enough for one bird, whereupon the female perched on top of the male bird. Upon seeing this, the Buddha foretold that one day a city would thrive at this area.
Shwemawdaw Pagoda.
Called the "Gold Temple" this stupa is the tallest in Burma.
Credits: Wikipedia.
Kyaik Pun Paya
This is residence to the renowned Four Seated Buddha shrine.
Credits: 123RF. com.
Shwethalyaung Buddha
Among the largest lying Buddha images in Myanmar.
Credits: Renown-travel.com.
Bagan
Promoted by the many sweeping pagodas as well as stupas, Bagan is a cultural joy and also is considered a must see by everyone who comes to this country. With over 2000 ancient ruins, you can spend a couple of days traveling around the area going from one historical site to the next. If you're looking for a magical experience, you can ride a hot air balloon over the temples during sunrise. The sun glimmering as it rises on top of these ancient ruins is a view to see and also is something that is worth doing during your time there.
Aside from seeing the ancient ruins, you can likewise see Mount Popa and also the monk monasteries.
Mount Popa
Where to stay in Bagan
Budget: Ostello Bello, Bagan
Mid-Range: The Hotel at Tharabar Gate
Luxury: Bagan Lodge
Getting to Bagan
By Air: The nearest airport is Nyaung U, which is just a couple of miles from old Bagan. It is a domestic terminal only.
By bus: Bagan is well linked by bus:
Inle Lake (10 hrs).
Yangon (9 hrs).
Mandalay (7 hrs).
By train: Bagan is on Myanmar's rail network and also you can connect with Yangon (16 hours) or Mandalay (8 hours).
Inle Lake
Take a day trip on the attractive Inle Lake discovering the rivers with its stilt residences, markets, floating gardens, pagodas, local traders and also dining establishments. This is a great place to see the sun set as well as the sun rise over the water. Seeing how the locals in Inle fish making use of conelike sphere like nets as they guide their boat with one foot is likewise rather enjoyable to see.
Where to stay in Inle Lake
A lot of the accommodation is located in nearby Nyuangshwe with a variety of budget to deluxe options. You can also take into consideration at least one night on the lake for the daybreak as well as sunset views.
Budget: Ostello Bello Hostel Nyangshwe
Budget: Song of Travel Hostel Nyangshwe
Mid-Range: Thanakha Inle Hotel Nyangshwe
Mid-Range: Aureum Palace Resort & Spa Inle Nyangshwe
Luxury on the Lake: Golden Island Cottages on Inle Lake
Luxury in Nyuangshwe: La Maison Birmane Boutique
Reaching Inle Lake
By Air: The nearby airport is Heho, which is about 45-60 mins' ride from Nyangshwe via winding mountain roadways. Expect to pay around $20 for your taxi (one of the best offers you'll get in Myanmar for a taxi trip). Heho is a domestic terminal only. A stay on the lake is about another 20 mins away from Nyuangshwe by boat (or another 40 or so mins by road).
By website bus: Inle Lake is well connected with buses travelling from:
Yangon (13 hrs)
Mandalay (10 hrs)
Bagan (10 hours)
By train: Inle Lake is not on Myanmar's rail network.
Trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake
From being outdoors, taking pleasure in the amazing landscape, to staying in a local family's residence as well as tucking right into some home-cooked food, there's a great deal to like about it. The most usual trips are either 2 or 4 days long.
Reaching Kalaw: Lots of people start in Kalaw as well as trek to Inle Lake instead of the other way around.
By air: If you're flying in to Heho, you're halfway there-- just take a taxi from the airport terminal. There is a train from the flight terminal (2 hrs) but just once a day in the morning so you 'd require to co-ordinate your flight time.
By bus: there are buses from Mandalay (8 hours), Bagan (8 hrs) and also Yangon (12 hours).
When should you go? High season (which is both the most preferred but likewise the driest period) is November to February. Myanmar has a wet period unlike most of the rest of SouthEast Asia-- it pours, often non-stop (compared to the once a day heavy showers of a lot of monsoons). This can produce some unpleasant trekking conditions.
Mandalay
In contrast to the silent and subdued roads of Bagan, Mandalay is a large city teeming with life. Hectic roads full of a selection of tea shops, terrific Pagodas, as well as lots of destinations make this one of the most prominent locations to go to in Myanmar. Out of all the tourist attractions, climbing Mandalay Hill is most likely a large crowd favorite as it allows you to sweeping views of the city and also the Irrawaddy River gleaming from afar.
The U-bein Bridge and also Kuthodaw Pagoda is also a quite popular destination and also is an excellent location to observe the culture of the residents.
Kuthodaw Pagoda
The Kuthodaw pagoda in Mandalay consists of a gilded pagoda, numerous shrines housing etched marble slabs and numerous pavilions. The pagoda is likewise called "the world's largest book", named after the 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings.
Credits: luxurymyanmarrivercruises.com
U-Bein Bridge
U Bein Bridge is thought to be the longest and oldest teak wood bridge on the planet and extends for 1.2 kilometers. The bridge itself plays a huge component in the everyday life of citizens with hundreds crossing over by either foot or bike to get to or the local markets. Since becoming a preferred visitor attraction, many currently make their source of income from the bridge by providing boat rides, selling food and water or by showing off their impressive knowledge of its history.
Credits: Rainforestcruises.com.
Reaching U-Bein Bridge: You can reserve a local driver to take you to the U-Bein bridge at sunset. Prices can be steep given it's just half an hour outside Mandalay. You can take a tour as well as if you spend a little bit more, you can find a tour that will provide you a wider excursion of Mandalay including lunch.
Where to stay in Mandalay
Budget: Ostello Bello, Mandalay
Mid-Range: The Link 83 Mandalay Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort
Reaching Mandalay
By Air: Mandalay has an international flight terminal that is additionally well connected locally. Nonetheless, know that the airport terminal is about 20 miles outside the city, which can be time consuming (over an hour) and costly due to the {raffic. Internationally, you will certainly connect with even more locations by flying from Yangon.
By bus as well as train: Mandalay, like Yangon, connects with a lot of the tourist stops in Myanmar.
Hsipaw
Situated by the Shan state, Hsipaw is a sleepy village that is pretty popular for its trekking. From Hsipaw, you can head to either Namhsan and Kyaukme. Namhsan is known as the tea capital of Myanmar so anticipate to see lots of local| life. Although the {reks are easy, some parts are still restricted to tourists so it is best discovered with the assistance of a tour operator. Hsipaw is a trekking location that attracts individuals in and also keeps them there possibly due to the fact that it's cooler and the air cleaner than most various other areas in Myanmar.
Credits: diytravelhq.com
Trekking in Hspiaw
Reaching Hspiaw: Also on the train line, it takes 13 hours from Mandalay or 7 hrs from Pyin Oo Lwin. There are buses from Mandalay (7 hrs), Pyin Oo Lwin (7 hours), Inle Lake (12 hrs) and also Yangon (15 hours).
Ngapali Beach
If you're looking to loosen up by a seaside location, head to Ngapali Beach which is among the most widely known beaches in Myanmar. Located on the Bay of Bengal coast, this palm-fringed island has a couple of resorts set amidst fishing villages providing you an excellent contrast of both. Remarkably, there is a vast quantity of activities to do around with scuba diving, snorkeling, boat tours, as well as kayaking. You can also simply loosen up on the beach as well as consume seafood caught by the local fishermen, and also take a day trip to Pearl Island.
Creidts: svietnamtravel.com
Do know that Ngapali almost shuts down throughout monsoon season (May to October).
Getting to Ngapali Beach
By Air: Flying to Ngapali beach will certainly be your best bet since all various other transport modes are seriously minimal. The local flight terminal is Thandwe and is just a couple of kilometres from the beach hotels. You can discover flights from and also to Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Heho (Inle Lake). Nonetheless, these routes thin in monsoon season with cancellations on the day being common. Your most reliable route is in and also out of Yangon.
By bus: The only bus route running to Ngapali comes from Yangon and also takes about 11 hrs.