From gilded temples and pristine beaches to sublime landscapes and hospitable people, Myanmar is a diverse country with plenty of places to visit.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful beach retreat or an epic hike, there’s something to suit everyone in Myanmar. Here, we’ve put together a list of our favourite places to visit in the country.
Mrauk U
Mrauk U is a fascinating place to visit as it is the ruins of an ancient kingdom that once ruled Arakan. The ruins have not been visited by many tourists and are considered to be relatively untouched as compared to the sites of Angkor in Cambodia or Ayutthaya in Thailand.
To get to Mrauk U you will need to take a local bus from Yangon or Mandalay. These buses will cost 3,000 Kyat and it can be a long journey so make sure that you have some snacks with you to keep you going during the journey.
There are a number of things that you can do in Mrauk U and one of the best ways to see some of the most beautiful temples in the area is by horse and cart. There are a number of horse and cart drivers that you can hire for the day and they will take you to a number of different temples which are situated in the surrounding villages.
Ngapali Beach
Ngapali Beach is a small, rarely-visited sliver of Myanmar that's a dream come true for travelers looking to unwind on pristine beaches. With its picturesque white sands and crystal clear waters, Ngapali is a paradise for swimming, snorkeling or sailing.
Travelers should expect a quieter experience in Ngapali than the tourist-friendly destinations of Thailand, but it is still a must-visit on any trip to Myanmar. The pristine coastline is dotted with lavish hotels and working fishing villages, but the beaches themselves are unspoiled by tourism.
The best way to explore the beach is by bicycle, which most hotels provide. The roads around the area are easy to navigate and you'll be able to see much more than you would by taxi or bus.
Aside from the beach itself, Ngapali is also home to Thandwe Market, a bustling marketplace filled with local vendors selling all sorts of goods. If you have a couple of hours to spare, it's well worth a visit!
Kakku
One of Myanmar's hidden gems, Kakku is a collection of 2,478 stupas commissioned 2,000 years ago and is a religious centre for the Pa-O people. Reached via a half day trip from Inle Lake, this awe-inspiring site is best visited with a local guide.
The story of the complex stretches back to the 3rd century BC when it was first constructed by the Indian emperor Ashoka. The site also holds a special place in the heart of Burmese pilgrims as it's home to the precariously-placed Golden Rock – a boulder suspended from the side of a cliff and held in place by a single thread of Buddha's hair.
It's a pilgrimage must-see and is considered a highlight of the region. The festival at Kakku, which takes place every full moon day of Tabaung in March, is a significant event for the tribes that live around the area. Its success depends on the economic contribution of villagers who sell their harvest, alms donations and other goods at the celebration.
Bagan
Bagan is one of the most popular destinations in Myanmar. It’s known as the land of 3000 pagodas and has a lot to offer visitors.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of the first dynasty in Myanmar and more than 10,000 Buddhist temples were built during its flourishing years between the 9th to 13th centuries. Today, only around 2,200 of the monuments remain intact and are carefully maintained by the government.
The city itself is an extraordinary place to visit and is renowned for its incredible local life. You’ll witness monks traversing the markets, women making their way to work, and beer stations filled with men after work.
Outside the city, take a short trip to Kyauk Kalap, a beautiful pagoda perched on an unusual rock in a man-made lake. It’s sadly currently under construction but it’s still worth checking out for its serene beauty.
