Myanmar, a truly remarkable country in Southeast Asia, remained closed to foreign tourists until 2012. Before then, it was one of the world’s most isolated places. Now, citizens from the European Union and many other countries can visit Myanmar without much hassle.
Since Myanmar only recently opened up to visitors, its tourism industry hasn’t reached the bustling levels seen in places like Thailand. This makes now the perfect time to explore Myanmar and enjoy its beauty without the overwhelming tourist crowds. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
So, what should you see in Myanmar? Here are some top places to consider for your trip:
Inle Lake is one of the most scenic spots in Myanmar and a must-visit destination. It’s the country’s second-largest lake, offering a variety of activities. You can hire a boat to admire the lake’s beauty and watch skilled fishermen in action, making it look like a performance. Visit Indein village to see hundreds of ancient stupas in two main groups: Nyaung Ohak and Shwe Inn Thein Paya. The weathered and ruined stupas are a spectacular sight. Don’t miss Kakku, where you can see a staggering 2,478 ancient stupas.
Old Bagan, also known as the Bagan Archaeological Zone, is an ancient temple town in central Myanmar and a major attraction. Covering an impressive 104 km², it houses over 2,200 temples and pagodas, a fraction of the over 10,000 Buddhist monuments that existed in the 13th century. If you can splurge, a hot-air balloon ride over Bagan offers an unforgettable experience.
Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, is a stunning, gilded monument and a key attraction. As the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, it draws visitors and pilgrims from around the world. The pagoda, towering at 99 meters, is believed to contain relics of four previous Buddhas and is a significant feature of Yangon’s skyline.
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, or the Golden Rock, is one of Southeast Asia’s most unusual and popular pilgrimage sites. This landmark, perched on a large boulder, is about 7.6 meters high with a circumference of 15 meters. The pagoda atop the boulder stands at about 7.3 meters. The gravity-defying Golden Rock offers magnificent views and is both fascinating and slightly scary to behold.
The road to Pindaya showcases the beauty of Myanmar’s countryside. Pindaya’s most famous landmark is the Pindaya Caves, located on a limestone ridge. These caves, significant for Buddhist pilgrimages, are filled with thousands of gilded Buddha statues and also house the Shwe Oo Min Pagoda, a notable limestone grotto.
Myanmar is home to some of Asia’s most beautiful and pristine beaches, particularly in the Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago. Although not a popular tourist destination yet, it’s worth a visit, especially for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Tours to the archipelago can be expensive, but day trips to Nyaung Oo Phee Island offer gorgeous white sand beaches, clear waters, and extensive coral reefs.
For a more budget-friendly beach option, head to Ngapali in Western Myanmar. It is the most famous beach in Myanmar and a popular tourist spot. While not as cheap as some places in Thailand, you can find decent accommodations for around 25-30 EUR. Though there are no cheap wooden bungalows, several good 4 and 5-star hotels are available along Ngapali beach.