Since opening up to foreigner, Myanmar has become one of the most fascinating destination which arise the international tourists ‘curiosity. In Myanmar, you can find peace and magical tranquility among the golden stupas, temples, rice-fields and picturesque trails through the mountains. If you are planning your first visit to this ancient land, be sure not to miss these must-visit attractions in Myanmar.
The best time to visit most of Myanmar is from November to February, when temperatures are relatively manageable. From March to May, the country becomes very hot, particularly the dry zone of the central plains where Bagan and Mandalay often see temperatures in excess of 40°C.
For most people, the main means of transport to get around Myanmar are by air and bus; you can of course mix different modes of transport during your travels according to the individual journey you are taking. Which you choose will very much depend on your budget and itinerary; buses are the cheapest form of transport and some destinations can only be reached by air, for example.
For more romantic and scenic Myanmar vacation, look no further than trains and boats. Invariably, if public transport is your options (as opposed to luxury boat cruises), these are both slow and unreliable; but they give you a leisurely, fascinating, and often beautiful view of the country, allowing you to mix with locals while travelling, in a way that is not possible otherwise.
1. Yangoon
Yangon (formerly often known as Rangoon) is no longer be the country’s capital city but it is still considered by many to be its commercial and spiritual heart. The city located at the confluence of Yangon and Bago River, away 30 km from the Gulf of Martaban. Wandering in the downtown area, in the grid of streets around Sule Paya, a golden pagoda that is one of the city’s significant landmarks. The colonial-era charm has been faded away in this area where you can feel the weight of history through the crumbling buildings.
Travellers will usually make only one jaunt out of this area, to see the major attraction of the glorious Shwedagon Paya pagoda, but as well as seeing this, you should also make a journey a little to the north to visit some attractions on the banks of Kandawgyi Lake. There, you will find the crowded (but largely tourist free) Hledan Market and the enormous marble Buddha, Kyauk Taw Gyi.
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon
2. Bagan
If there’s one place in Myanmar that you should take the time to visit, it’s definitely Bagan. This area has been filled up with a bunch of pagodas and temples that are extremely scenic at sunrise and sunsets. Reach to the skies in a hot air balloon to see this stunning charming place at its majestic best. Then walk through Old Bagan, the area with the highest density of major historic attractions, including the old-walled palace and a great many of the most striking temples and pagodas. This place is very touristy, but the sites are so breathtaking that it is well worth braving the crowds. At sunset, climb one of the temples for wonderful awe-inspiring views.
Bagan Temples
3. Mandalay
Located 716 km to the north of Yangon on the east bank of the Irrawaddy River, Mandalay is a surprisingly young city that dates from the middle of 19th century. Despite Naypyidaw’s recent rise, Mandalay still remains Upper Burma’s main commercial, educational and health center. Here you can see many traditional performing art shows and purchase traditional Burmese crafts. However, the rush and traffic can be somewhat off-putting initially for a lot of foreign visitors.
You should take your time to drop in on the old palace and the concentration of mosques and temples or venture in some of the serene neighborhoods further west which are ideal for exploration by bike. Climbing Mandalay Hill for incredible views. Around the hill are many must-see historic religious sites.
Sunset over U Bein Bridge, Mandalay
4. Inle Lake
This huge, serene lake is a highlight of many visits to Myanmar. The unspoiled natural beauty of the area is one the main draws; however, the stilt villages around its shoreline are also charmingly fascinating. Though Inle Lake is on the beaten track, it is not much invaded by travelers. It is best to take a boat trip to know more about the fishermen and farmers who take to the lake to work.
Leg-rowing fishermen in Inle Lake
5. Ngapali Beach
Not only renowned for cultural and historical sites but Myanmar has one of the most beautiful beaches in South East Asia, Ngapali Beach. Ngapali Beach is one of the great destinations in Myanmar and also the most beautiful beach in Myanmar. Ngapali beach is beautiful stretches of sand on the Gulf of Bengal. It is located about 7 km from Thandwe, in Rakhine State.
Ngapali Beach is famous for its natural beauty and pristine. Beach stretches about 3 km with soft white sand under the coconut trees. It has beautiful natural scenery of immense sea, white sand and smooth sun. Sea water is blue platinum, clean and without any dangerous marine animals.
Ngapali Beach is the best place in Myanmar is not only for recreation and tourism, but also study the life and local culture. There are no industries and pollution, rubbish along the beautiful beach. There is also 18 holes to play Golf and it just takes 15 minutes driving from the hotels to perform the taste of golfers in one of the best beach in Myanmar.
The best time to visit Ngapali Beach in Myanmar is during the period from October to May. Ngapali can be reached by plane. It takes about 45 minutes from Yangon and about 14 hours by car along the Rakhine Yoma Mountain Range.
Daily life of Burmese people in Ngapali Beach
