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.
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!
Read about: Best Bagan temples
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.
Read more: things to do in Mandalay
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.
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.

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.
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).
Read more: Hpa An, Myanmar
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.
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.
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.
Read more: things to do in Mandalay
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.
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.
Travel Insurance
Don't forget a travel insurance for your Myanmar trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here
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.
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.
By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost.
Thank you for your support. ♥️
- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Flights to Myanmar via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.
OMG!!! This place is so lovely!!!! And surprisingly it’s in the neighborhood of my country!!! So will visit it very soon for sure!!!