In the past few years, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) – a country that has been forgotten for a long time, has become one of South-east Asia’s most favorite destinations. Myanmar attracts visitors in a distinctive way, with pristine beaches, ancient temples and a mysterious culture to discover. Not noisy, not boisterous but Myanmar still makes any tourist nostalgic when they leave there. To explore all the beauty and interesting things in Myanmar only on a short trip is impossible. However, there are experiences that you must definitely try to come to this country if you do not want to regret. Here are some special things to do in Myanmar for all domestic and international tourists.
See the diamond on top of Shwedagon shining in the light
One of the most interesting things to do in Myanmar is visiting Shwedagon Pagoda. Considered as the most sacred Buddhist temple, Shwedagon Pagoda now becomes the symbol of pride for the people of Myanmar.
This famous destination impresses domestic and international tourists by the Burmese architecture and hundreds of gilded gold plates, along with 4,531 diamonds on the top of the tower. It can be seen from most rooftops in Yangon – the main commercial city of Myanmar.
But few know that there is only one place in the courtyard where you can see the biggest diamond (72 carats) mounted on top of the tower sparkling in the light. Get yourself to Shwedagon and find this special place!
In addition, a journey to Shwedagon Pagoda is absolutely one of the most magnificent and magical things to do in Myanmar. There are four entrances, each leading to a flight of steps into the pagoda. There are also eight planetary posts, one for each day in a week (Wednesday is split in two). Burmese Buddhists will go pray at the individual post where they were born. Each planetary post is ruled by an animal as follows: tiger on Monday, the lion on Tuesday, tusked elephant on Wednesday morning, the tuskless elephant on Wednesday afternoons, mouse on Thursday, guinea pig on Friday, naga on Saturday and Garuda on Sunday.
Going to Shwedagon Pagoda, you have to take off your shoes. Therefore, you should be careful when walking barefoot because the heat at summer‘s noon will make the brick background extremely hot.
Enjoy stunning views of the sunset at U Bein Bridge
It is no coincidence that this 1.2 km long wooden bridge connecting the banks of the Taungthamna River in the ancient village of Amarapura is so popular. For a long time, it has become one of the most beautiful sightseeing spots with a magnificent sunset view in the world. That’s why enjoying stunning sunset here is always in the list of best things to do in Myanmar.
The U Bein Bridge is like a miniature Myanmar, where you can discover the ordinary daily life of people before the last light of the sun is swallowed up by the night. There are quiet young people sitting together, strollers walking on the bridge, hawkers hastily returning home, fishermen who have finished a hard working day with a net full of fresh fish.
With the exception of the summer‘s months (from March to June), when the water of the Taungthamna River is dried up, it’s better that you spend another evening in your Myanmar tour to discover it more deeply. You can rent a small boat (20,000 kyat / 4 people – equivalent to 350,000 VND), enjoy the casual nature of the leisure time on the lake and enjoy the panoramic view of the world’s longest teak bridge in the wonderful sunset.
Admire sunrise in Bagan
No visit to Myanmar is completed without a visit to Bagan. The best way to go around here is by motorbike or electric bike, which can be rented easily from one of the many departments or directly from your hotel. Sunrise is the specialty of Bagan – the royal capital of Myanmar from the mid-11th to the 13th centuries. Wake up at 4:30 am and rent a motorbike or an electric bicycle to travel. The fear of going out in the dark will soon be replaced by the enjoyment of the sight of hundreds of bicycles turning on the lights on the way.
In Bagan, ancient Buddhist temples – hundreds of them, spread across the plains. Therein, the Shwesandaw Shrine is the most beautiful place to enjoy the new day in Bagan. Do not be embarrassed to choose another location because Shwesandaw’s high altitude and ideal location will make it easy to capture the panorama of the beautiful sunrise. Therefore, you should note this fascinating activity in your list of things to do in Myanmar.
Get up early to pick a place you like, with friends from all over the world anxiously waiting for the moment of the sun rising over the ancient temples would definitely be an experience which can never be forgotten.
Admire spectacular views of picturesque Myanmar from a hot air balloon
If you only experience on land, you can hardly contemplate panoramic views of pristine natural in Myanmar. But at the height of the hot air balloon, you can see the beautiful wilderness with its ancient temples and majestic architecture running along the river.
This type of travel is one of the most exciting things to do in Myanmar. But it will not be suitable for people with a fear of heights or those who have a budget because these rides aren’t cheap. But if you are brave and have enough money, a journey on a hot air balloon ride over Bagan (or Inle Lake) is really a mystical experience. Go into a basket and float into the sky, you will forget all worries, depression and feel harmonious in the picturesque Myanmar scenery and the hot air balloon will bring you to the promised land.
Enjoy milk tea – Ideal things to do in Myanmar
Are you passionate about the flavors of coffee? Do you curl your lips with the ‘bland’ milk tea that is only for teenagers? However, you should not deny the invitation to taste a milk tea ‘made in Myanmar’, because the milk tea here has a special taste and a particular processing procedure.
Just like iced tea in Vietnam, milk tea is everywhere in Myanmar: from the corner of the countryside, the roadside restaurants to the cafes. Depending on your taste, you can choose for yourself a cup of light tea or rich milk. The names of the teas are quite complex and difficult to remember, ask the seller to advise you.
Try applying Thanaka and wearing longyi
One of the most interesting sights that capture a traveler’s eye coming to Myanmar is the yellow patterns painted on the people’s faces and brightly colored robes of both men and women in Myanmar. Do not miss the opportunity to experience the feeling of being a Myanmarese girl or boy – one of the most fascinating things to do in Myanmar, with these specialties: Thanaka and longyi.
When you arrive in Myanmar, you will see the image of the people here, regardless of their age, young and old, using a white powder on their face, on their neck, and on their arms. It is a yellow-white cosmetic paste produced by grinding the bark of the Thanaka tree on a flat, smooth stone with water. The milky yellow liquid dries quickly when it is applied to the skin.
Women, men, and children apply Thanaka for a variety of reasons. Thanaka is valued as a whitening powder, which has a cooling effect on the skin and acts as a sunscreen. You can rub Tanaka on your face or ask local people to draw leaves or even lovely animals on your cheeks.
Longyi is the traditional costume of the people in Myanmar. Longyi is extremely simple in design, just a cloth about 2m long, 80cm wide, sewn in tubular form. Longyi is much simpler, just wrap it around the person and it is done. But brilliant colors with special pattern and characteristics on each longyi still make tourists extremely excited. It becomes one of the best things to do in Myanmar.
In general, Myanmar is a large country with diverse cultures and architectural features. This is really an ideal option for you this summer. Do not hesitate to plan and prepare your luggage for today and don’t forget to list 6 exciting things to do in Myanmar for an unforgettable summer journey.
