Beginners Guide

You may not able to fit them all into one trip, but here are the places and attractions that are exercising a magnetic force over tourists these days.

1. Yangon

The former capital and still the largest city in Myanmar (Burma), Yangon is a heady mix of colonial, commercial and spiritual. Feast your eyes on the incredible Shwedagon Pagoda; feed your shopping habit on the vast array of traditional Myanmar arts and crafts; enjoy a warm welcome by longyi-wearing locals. Yangon is in the far south of the country. Chances are, you’ll start here.

2. Mandalay

Written and sung about by so many Western artists, Mandalay is a fascinating and culturally diverse city. It’s the hub of upper Myanmar and its focal point is the spectacular Royal Palace. Also worthy of exploration are the many pagodas and temples that attract pilgrims from across the world. Mandalay is also well placed for visits to the great wilderness areas of the north.

3. Bagan

The ancient city of Bagan is a must for amateur archeologists, but it’s also a winner if you are a fan of shining temples and seriously beautiful sunsets, preferably at the same time. Bagan has the highest concentration of temples in the country; its spire-jagged skyline leaves visitors breathless.

>>read more: Bagan Enduring Lure

4. Inle Lake

This peaceful, beautiful lake located in Shan state deserves one of the most unique places in the world thanks to Intha leg-rowing fishermen along with numerous exotic facts waiting travelers to discover. Idyllic scenery in the lake is remarkable with stunning floating gardens and floating houses. Here, you can explore the Inle 5-day-market, lotus-weaving, Burmese cheroot making, life of Pa-O tribe, long-necked Padaung women and Intha leg-rowing fishermen.

5. Mount Popa

Close to Bagan in central Myanmar, Mount Popa is an extinct volcano rising to over 1,500 meters (nearly 5,000 feet) above sea level. The nearby Taung Kalat monastery, which sits on its own volcanic plug outcrop, is also a big draw. Visitors climb barefoot up 7000 steps to see shrines and at the monastery often accompanied by monkeys en route.

>> recommended trip: Mountain biking to Mount. Popa

6. Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock)

The Golden Rock is a sight that draws, amazes, and even converts people on a regular basis. It is a small pagoda perched on top of a huge boulder, which in turn is perched on the edge of a cliff in the far south of the country! The secret of gravity-defying success is unanswered . It is believed to be secured by of Buddha’s hairs. Jaw dropping. A must-see.

7. Pyin U Lwin

Pyin U Lwin town was built by the British establishment in the early 20th century as a place to escape from the heat of Yangon. It’s a cool slice of colonial life, populated with European architecture and lush, exotic gardens. City-dwellers and tourists alike now come here to unwind. Just an hour’s drive from Mandalay, it’s easy to reach and easy to love.

8. Pindaya and Kalaw

Located in Mon State in central Myanmar, Pindaya and Kalaw are worth visiting for their respective insights into Myanmar art and culture. Pindaya’s famous limestone cave contain thousands of statues and images of Buddha; a trek from Kalaw to the surrounding settlements will offer an intimate insight into Myanmar’s hill tribes.

9. Ngapali Beach

Probably Myanmar’s best- known beach (for now), Ngapali is situated on the Bay of Bengal, just a 45 minute flight from Yangon. With its miles of white sand, turquoise waters and green palms, it’s steadily creeping up the ranks of the world’s most paradisaical beaches, and is served by a number of attractive resorts, took early to ensure your place in heaven.

10. Ngwe Saung Beach (Sliver Beach)

This takes a little more effort each, but compensation comes in the form of a quieter paradise. Ngwe Saung Beach (Sliver Beach) also on the Bay of Bengal is the longest stretch of beach in Southeast Asia, 15 kilometers (9 miles) of pure bliss. Tourists are increasingly choosing this as the place to spend their Myanmar beach holiday.

Source: The Traveller

Thetraveller.jourmal.mm@gmail.com