Myanmar
The Land of the Golden Pagodas
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10
Highlights
Irrawaddy Dolphins
Myanmar is home to the world's only species of completely freshwater dolphins, known as the Irrawaddy dolphins, residing in the rivers of the Irrawaddy and Chindwin. These enigmatic creatures have a distinctive appearance, with rounded heads and lack of beaks, and they possess a unique method of communication, emitting clicking sounds to navigate and communicate underwater, adding to Myanmar's ecological diversity and allure.
The World´s largest Book
Myanmar is home to the world's largest book, housed within the Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay. Carved onto 729 marble slabs, each contained within its own stupa, is the entire Buddhist canon known as the Tripitaka. This monumental undertaking, completed in the 19th century, makes Kuthodaw Pagoda a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Myanmar's deep spiritual and cultural heritage.
- Explore the ancient city of Bagan, where thousands of temples and pagodas dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into Myanmar's rich history and culture.
- Cruise down the Irrawaddy River, immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of Myanmar's countryside while passing by traditional villages and lush landscapes.
- Trek through the picturesque hills of Kalaw to Inle Lake, encountering diverse ethnic communities, verdant landscapes, and stunning vistas along the way.
- Discover the shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, a sacred site adorned with gold and precious gems, exuding spirituality and architectural splendor.
- Embark on a culinary adventure, sampling Myanmar's diverse and flavorful cuisine, influenced by its neighboring countries and regional specialties.
- Dive into the vibrant markets of Mandalay, where bustling stalls offer everything from fresh produce and handicrafts to colorful textiles and exotic spices.
- Unwind on the pristine beaches of Ngapali, with its soft white sands, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Trek to the remote Chin villages of Western Myanmar, where you can encounter the unique tradition of facial tattoos among the indigenous women, reflecting their cultural heritage.
- Experience the serenity of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as the Golden Rock, perched precariously on a granite boulder and revered as a sacred pilgrimage site.
- Engage with local communities through responsible tourism initiatives, such as homestays and community-based tourism projects, fostering meaningful cultural exchanges and sustainable development.
Country Information
- Nyapyidaw
- GMT +76.30
- Kyat
- Buddhism
- 54.14 Million
- Burmese
- Yangon
- It is possible to travel in Myanmar for most of the year. The coolest and driest months are November to February. It’s advisable to book well in advance for this period. March to May are the hottest months, while June to September are the wettest – Ngapali Beach is largely inaccessible during this time of the year.
Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia
Embark on a one-night river cruise through the Mekong Delta, meandering along canals and engaging with local communities. Experience the delta’s beauty before taking a speedboat to the lively city of Phnom Penh. Discover Angkor Wat by torchlight on a unique tuk-tuk ride, offering a rare and enchanting view of the ancient temples. In Saigon, immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore the city’s vibrant streets aboard a traditional tuk-tuk. This journey blends scenic river cruises, historical exploration, and authentic local travel, providing a rich and diverse experience of Southeast Asia’s wonders.
Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia
Embark on a one-night river cruise through the Mekong Delta, meandering along canals and engaging with local communities. Experience the delta’s beauty before taking a speedboat to the lively city of Phnom Penh. Discover Angkor Wat by torchlight on a unique tuk-tuk ride, offering a rare and enchanting view of the ancient temples. In Saigon, immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore the city’s vibrant streets aboard a traditional tuk-tuk. This journey blends scenic river cruises, historical exploration, and authentic local travel, providing a rich and diverse experience of Southeast Asia’s wonders.
Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia
Embark on a one-night river cruise through the Mekong Delta, meandering along canals and engaging with local communities. Experience the delta’s beauty before taking a speedboat to the lively city of Phnom Penh. Discover Angkor Wat by torchlight on a unique tuk-tuk ride, offering a rare and enchanting view of the ancient temples. In Saigon, immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore the city’s vibrant streets aboard a traditional tuk-tuk. This journey blends scenic river cruises, historical exploration, and authentic local travel, providing a rich and diverse experience of Southeast Asia’s wonders.
Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia
Embark on a one-night river cruise through the Mekong Delta, meandering along canals and engaging with local communities. Experience the delta’s beauty before taking a speedboat to the lively city of Phnom Penh. Discover Angkor Wat by torchlight on a unique tuk-tuk ride, offering a rare and enchanting view of the ancient temples. In Saigon, immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore the city’s vibrant streets aboard a traditional tuk-tuk. This journey blends scenic river cruises, historical exploration, and authentic local travel, providing a rich and diverse experience of Southeast Asia’s wonders.
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Top Places to Visit
Mandalay
The economic and religious hub of upper Myanmar, centered around the Royal Palace, Mandalay is the second largest city in the country after Yangon. Over half of Myanmar’s monks reside in Mandalay and the surrounding areas. The city is an intriguing mix of ancient and modern, with a distinctly Chinese flavor. The old-style elegance of the past remains in its shrines and monasteries, and the workshops of traditional crafts are the best in the country. The main city spreads out in a southerly direction from the Fort and Palace, the latter of which has just been fully restored and is open to visitors.
The Golden Rock
Kyaikhtiyo, or The Golden Rock as many people rather know it, is truly something out of the ordinary. Located in Mon State it is a one-night excursion from Yangon away. More than the 5.5 m gilded chedi on top of a gilded boulder, itself balanced on top of a cliff, for the local followers of Buddhist faith it is the place of pilgrimage per excellence in Myanmar. It is a chance to meet and fraternize with friendly locals who have come from near and far to pay homage to the lord Buddha. Especially around sunrise and sunset time the sweeping views from the top of Mount Kyaikhtiyo can be very beautiful.
Mawlamyine & Hpa-An
Also located in Mon State, but more toward the center, Mawlamyine is the country’s 3rd biggest city. In the context of the planned (2015) East West economic Corridor land connection linking Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand with Myanmar, Mawlamyine is the convenient terminus of this very-important-to-be highway. The city still has many reminders of the British colonial era, it has a number of nice and interesting pagodas an monasteries, and is the starting place for many excursion in every direction. Hpa-An, a good one-hour drive away from Mawlamyine, is located in the neighboring Kayin State. It is the area of green paddies, scenic panoramas, and many caves.
Bagan
Located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, Bagan is home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. The city with its collection of over 2000 awe-inspiring pagodas, is surely the most splendid sight in the whole of Southeast Asia and a must for any visitor to Myanmar. Nowhere else in the region do manmade relics mix so evocatively with nature as on the plains of Bagan. Visitors can enjoy a horse-and-cart ride around the site. On nearby Mount Popa, one can enjoy trekking, horseback riding trips and spectacular views.
Yangon
This city is an amalgamation of British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian influences, and is known for its colonial architecture, friendly people, numerous street vendors and their pungent smells! Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar, is as busy as it gets in the country – the downtown area is always alive with people in the distinctly, laid back Myanmar way. Highlight is undoubtedly the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, surely one of the most incredible sights in the world and certainly one of the best preserved and maintained. A priority for many will be the chance to shop for exotic fabrics, rubies from the famous Mogok mines and handicrafts competitively priced even when compared to the rest of Southeast Asia.
North Myanmar (Bhamo, Myitkyina, Putao)
Kachin State is Myanmar’s northernmost state. In terms of wild beauty, colorful ethnicities and rare fauna and flora, this region stands out from all others. From the snow-capped mountains of Putao, to the decimated tiger colony of the Hukawng Valley, to the rare orchid and butterfly varieties hidden high up in the deep forest and jungle, to the jade mines of Hpakant, to the confluence of the Maykha and Malikha rivers (and as such the birthplace of the Ayerwaddy river) near Myitkyina, to the scenic Indawgyi Lake with its many bird species, to the colonial-era Bhamo of the days of George Orwell – Kachin State does not stop amazing us. It should be considered a privilege to visit this area of exceptional value!
Inle Lake & Surroundings
Located in the heart of the Shan Plateau, 900 meters above sea level, Inle Lake is inhabited by many different ethnic nationals of the area. The Intha people are the Lake dwellers who are unique for their traditional leg rowing style that attracts many visitors. Each side is banked by tall hills creating a stunningly beautiful expanse of water surrounded by a unique community of 17 villages. Visitors to the area can also experience life on the lake by staying in the numerous hotels and guesthouses perched on stilts out on the water. Bargain-hunters can chose from the array of silk weaves and silver from lakeside workshops available at markets that move from village to village.
Mrauk U & Sittwe
Mrauk-U is Myanmar’s second-most-famous archaeological site, a centuries-old city of hundreds of temples around which village life thrives. Tourists are a rarity here and are treated by the locals with a mixture of skeptical reserve and cheerful curiosity. Although smaller than the vast plain of temples and pagodas of Bagan, there is something unique and almost mystifying about the Mrauk-U site. In addition, the plentiful waterways in Rakhine State and the very rural atmosphere in general make it a very nature-based experience. Sittwe, an important port on the west coast facing the Bay of Bengal, is the gateway to any destination in upper Rakhine State and famous for its fisheries.
Ngapali Beach
Idyllic palm-lined pristine white sands on the Bay of Bengal’s blue water, Ngapali is an unspool beach haven. Don’t expect jet skis and windsurfing here, this is a truly laidback and unspoilt paradise in Myanmar, where all there is to do is lay back and relax. Ngapali Beach is heaven for peace and tranquility “far from the madding crowds.” Situated about 7km from Thandwe, it is one of the ancient Rakhine towns and is famous for its natural beauty up to this day. The beach stretches about 3km (2 miles) with soft white sand fringed by coconut palms. It serves as the best ground for sunbathing and recreation and unlike today’s beaches of Asia, it is free of noisy beachside bars, crowds and hawkers trying to persuade you to buy their things.
