19 Reasons Why You Must Visit Myanmar 19 Reasons Why You Must Visit Myanmar

19 Reasons Why You Must Visit Myanmar

Myanmar is one of the most underestimated countries in Southeast Asia. Think of it as Thailand 50 years ago, with large undeveloped parts, relatively easy to travel, few tourists, and very affordable. It’s a great destination for a traveler who likes to experience an untouched country. Myanmar is set to become a traveler’s favorite destination, and here’s why:

1. The Locals

The locals in Myanmar are genuinely happy to see a tourist. They really want you to have a great time in their country. Tourists are unique and cool, which is why they want to take a selfie with you to share this with their family. This was our number one surprise when visiting Myanmar.

Please keep in mind: Always ask for permission when taking a photo of a person.

reasons must visit myanmar selfie

2. Temples of Bagan, Myanmar

The temple area of Bagan contains over 2200 small and big temples (pagodas). You can explore the African-looking area by bike or e-bike! Since July 2019, the region even received UNESCO World Heritage status which means that all temples are now closed for climbing to the top to watch the sunrise. Nevertheless, Bagan is still a great reason to visit Myanmar!

3. Hsinbyume Pagoda

Just outside of Mandalay in Mingun lies the beautiful white, circular-shaped Hsinbyume Pagoda. Climb via the stairway to the top and have a great view of the neighboring river.

reasons must visit myanmar hsinbyume pagoda

4. Ngapali Beach

Perfect palm trees line the coast with turquoise water and beautiful soft white sand. Ngapali Beach is a dream beach with not many tourists. Explore the 7-kilometer sandy area by bike, cruising between the palms, only stopping in small settlements. Ngapali is easy to get to with a domestic flight.

Find flights to Myanmar ✈️

5. Few Tourists

Tourism in Myanmar is on the rise but is nothing compared to neighboring Thailand. About 10 times fewer tourists visit here, to be exact. In 2017, Thailand had over 35 million tourists, whereas Myanmar had just about 3.5 million.

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19 Reasons Why You Must Visit Myanmar

The countries are about the same size, so there is a lot to discover, and you will mostly only meet larger groups of tourists in Bagan.

6. Bagan Balloon Flight

Floating in between 2200+ temples while you slowly feel the comfortable heat of the rising sun on your face. Experience Bagan in a unique way by joining a sunrise balloon flight (book your flight here). This is one of the best things to do in Myanmar!

7. Explore Inle Lake by Boat

Complete villages made of wood and/or bamboo stand on/above the waters of Inle Lake. See how the local people work in the floating gardens or on their fishing boats. Visit the long-necked women and clothing factories.

reasons must visit myanmar inle lake

8. Hike Hpan Pu Mountain

To hike up the small Hpan Pu Mountain, you will need to catch a local canoe boat in Hpa An, pass the river, and walk through a village where they grow vegetables. From to top of the mountain, you will have a beautiful view over the area. This area is pretty much disconnected from the normal road, so expect a lot of surprised faces when they see you (a tourist).

9. Burmese Cuisine Myanmar

One of Asia’s lesser-known cuisines is Burmese Cuisine. Seafood and plant-based meals served with rice are basically found in every meal. Like its neighboring countries, spices are used to make the dish flavorful. These were our absolute favorite places to eat in Myanmar:

  • Paw Paw Restaurant (Inle)
  • The Moon2 (Bagan)
  • Mingalaba (Ngapali)

10. Lush Green Rice Fields in Hpa-An

Hpa-An’s green rice fields are located further away from the usual tourist route. Here, they grow rice multiple times a year, meaning there’s a good chance you’ll wander through the fields.

reasons must visit myanmar rice fields Hpa An

11. Mergui Archipelago

Imagine the Phuket region in Thailand without tourists. The Mergui Archipelago lies in the Andaman Sea off the coast in the deep southern tip of Myanmar. At the moment, this part can only be visited by guided boat tour.

12. Shwedagon Pagoda Yangon

In the former capital, Yangon, stands a 99-meter-high gold pagoda, one of the country’s most famous sights. It is also known as one of the oldest pagodas in the world. Make sure to experience this beautiful pagoda at sunrise, when it slowly lights up.

reasons must visit myanmar yangon pagoda

13. Mingun Pagoda

The highly underestimated Mingun Pagoda on the Irrawaddy River, which is about 90 minutes from Mandalay, is a huge square-shaped pagoda. On a few sides, it’s been damaged by a heavy earthquake, but we believe that made it even more special.

14. U-Bein Bridge

Near Mandalay, you’ll find the longest wooden bridge in the world: a 1200-meter-long wooden footbridge over shallow water. It draws many visitors, both local and foreign, who cross it during the day.

reasons must visit myanmar u bein bridge

15. Visit Myanmar to see Golden Rock

In between Yangon and Hpa-An lies the world-famous Golden Rock. At 1100 meters in the sky, this 20-meter-high golden rock is seen as the most important Buddhist site in Myanmar. It’s quite an experience to reach to top from the base camp by bus.

reasons must visit myanmar golden rock

16. Mount Zwekabin

If you’re up for a real hike, then get out in the early morning and test your hiking skills on a 2.5-hour journey to the top of Mount Zwekabin in Hpa-An. From up top, you’ll get rewarded with an incredible view over the surroundings.

17. World’s Largest Book

One pagoda, surrounded by 729 smaller white pagodas, contains a marble stone book page. Together, they form the world’s largest book. The Kuthodaw Pagoda is located in Mandalay and is a must-visit in Myanmar.

reasons must visit myanmar white worlds largest book

18. Shwe Inn Dein Pagodas

This forgotten field of 1600 pagodas lies west of Inle Lake and can only be reached by boat through a narrow creek. Be sure to visit in the right season, as the creek dries in the summer, making it impossible to visit the pagodas.

19. Myanmar is safe

We often get the question: is Myanmar safe? The answer is YES! Myanmar is safe to travel to. The horror stories you’ve read in the news are true, but don’t forget that Myanmar is a huge country and that the locals can’t help what has been going on.

Try to spend your money at local establishments so those people will stay positive and can live their normal daily lives. We haven’t felt unsafe for a single second! We shouldn’t forget that the locals and the government are not the same people.

13/02/2024 https://www.saltinourhair.com/myanmar/visit-myanmar/
Blog comments (8)

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  • Rao Kumar

    OMG!!! This place is so lovely!!!! And surprisingly it’s in the neighborhood of my country!!! So will visit it very soon for sure!!!

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