You Cannot Miss These 18 Experiences While Visiting Myanmar

A perfect location for our explorers and photographers, Mrauk-U, an ancient city in northern Rakhine state, is often overlooked by tourists. Similar to Bagan, the main attraction here is exploring the many temples in the archaeological zone. However, Mrauk-U has a hilly terrain and is filled with lush greenery which offer a much more dramatic backdrop. While most temples are within walking distance, biking is a great way to see everything.

LBB tip: This place is a long drive from Bagan so you can take a night here to avoid exertion. 

Take a 2-3 hour long journey to visit the hidden town of Sagar, which was previously the capital of Myanmar's Shan State. This town is situated at the southernmost tip of Lake Inle, and here you will find the submerged town, which only has 100 "sunken stupas" remaining as a testament to its past glory. Now you can visit these locations via boats while exploring the deep waters of Inle Lake and the markets there, getting a much fuller, explorative experience than just visiting a location. 

Monywa, situated in the Sagaing Region, is famous for hosting the second tallest statue in the world-  Laykyun Setkyar. This town is also home to Thanboddhay Pagoda, which is popular for the dazzling white stupas which glow in the sunlight. Apart from this, Monywa boasts a rich collection of pagodas and Buddha images and is renowned for its cotton blankets, while the village of Kyaukka is famed for its high-quality lacquerware utensils. Nestled in the dry zone of Central Burma, Monywa is surrounded by numerous unique sites and is often referred to as Neem City due to its streets being lined with Neem trees. You can reach here by a drive from Mandalay and make a whole day out of it, visiting the popular tourist sites.  

Hpa-An, in southeastern Myanmar, is a hidden gem famous for its breathtaking karst mountain scenery and intricate cave systems. And instead of spending loads of time visiting major destinations in and around Yangon, we would recommend taking a 5-hour drive to this location, because it is so worth it. Full of caves, hidden Buddha statues and so much more. Hpa-An can be a whole day trip away from the main cities.  The sunrise and sunset views from Mount Zwegabin are particularly spectacular, offering a glimpse of the region's rugged and untouched beauty. 

Mandalay, the former royal capital, is actually famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset vistas. Mandalay Hill, towering 760 feet above the city, is the perfect vantage point for witnessing the sun's grand entrance or exit. Moreover, as you climb the hill, you'll encounter numerous pagodas and shrines, and eventually get rewarded by the panoramic view of the city at the peak. And situated near Mandalay is U-Bein Bridge which stands as the world's longest teakwood bridge, offering a picturesque sunset experience in Myanmar. And as the daylight fades, the locals and monks stroll along the bridge, making it a perfect click for photographers, or just the best location for all your sunkissed pictures. The reflection of the pink and orange sky in Taungthaman Lake is another factor that makes this location so serene and beautiful. 

A hidden gem, The Mergui Archipelago in southern Myanmar is a remote paradise for divers and beach nuts. Quite unexplored by tourists and just gaining popularity with over 800 islands, reefs, and fishing villages, this region offers plenty to explore. The area is also home to diverse wildlife and some of the oldest mangrove forests on the planet. Popular islands include Lampi Island, Myanmar's first national marine park, known for its coral reefs and white sand beaches. This lies in the extreme south of the country that its much more accessible from Thailand, but you can also catch a flight to here directly from Yangon. 

A picturesque location for all looking for a photoshoot, Keng Tung, located around Kyaing Tong Lake in the Golden Triangle, is a photographer's dream. With stunning landscapes like Naung Tong Lake, rice terraces, and mountains, there's no shortage of picturesque spots. But also keep in mind that this is a long trip taking a detour from the classic tourist spots, thus only go here if you are looking to explore Myanmar for a lot of days. 

This mountainous plan is a paradise for all our adrenaline junkies chasing a trek, and even if you're not wanting to climb a mountain you can visit this base point for its mesmerizing views. Puta-O, a small town in Kachin State, is the starting point for serious trekkers aiming to climb Mt. Khakaborazi, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. Accessible by air for most of the year, Puta-O can only be reached by road during the summer. 

This clear 2-mile stretch of white sand is one of the most developed coastal areas in Myanmar. You can try out a plethora of water activities from kayaking to scuba diving in the nearby sea. You will definitely enjoy the best seafood experience here- the freshest catches right by the Indian Ocean, as the sun sets with a chilled beer. There are various accommodation options ranging from beach cottages to air-conditioned villas. To reach Ngapali Beach, fly into Thandwe Airport from either Yangon Airport or Mandalay Airport, followed by a short taxi or prearranged hotel transfer to the beach, just a 10-minute drive away.

Instead of opting to only go sightseeing at the Irrawaddy River, which has been a lifeline of Myanmar for centuries, thrive in it by going for short cruises between Mandalay and Bagan that are perfect for a quick getaway. You can also opt for longer cruises connecting Bagan and Yangon, with stops at places like Pyay. Some cruises even go to border towns like Bhamo and Homalin. Departures are from major cities along the river, such as Bagan, Mandalay, and Yangon, covering almost all the major locations here, so instead of road travel cruising through the country can also be a unique option to try. Most cruises run from September to April, coinciding with the dry season. Truly a luxurious and relaxing experience at a much more affordable rate than other locations. 

Something truly unmissable in this country is the hot air balloon ride overviewing the 2,000 temples spread across the vast area of the ancient city of Bagan. The ballooning services are provided by a couple of companies there, that offer flights lasting between 45 minutes to an hour, providing an unforgettable experience for those willing to splurge. In case you aren't willing to take this ride, you can also explore these wonders of architecture by hiring a bicycle, e-bike, or car-and-driver service. Certain must-visits are iconic sites like the grand Shwezigon Pagoda and the majestic Ananda temple. 

For our active travellers, take up a bike and explore the countryside and outskirts of Nyaungshwe by going on the bike trail to Red Mountain Winery, also known as the Wine country of Myanmar. This route is about 2 miles going uphill in the hills around Inle Lake, the weather there making for a quite pleasant journey. Once you reach there you can participate in their wine-tasting session and sample the products of this local vineyard, such as their Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz-Tempranillo blend, and a white wine blended from sauvignon blanc and muscat petit grain. 

This market is majorly famous for the collectable items sold here from stamps and coins to souvenirs and clothes, but most iconically the gems sold here. Rubies, jade, sapphires and many more types of gems are sold at a cheaper rate here compared to anywhere else. Even if you don't want to shop This market named after Myanmar's independence hero Bogyoke Aung San is a colonial architectural beauty with cobblestone lanes and over 2000 shops that it hosts. 

LBB tip: Also visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon on the same day to save travel days. 

Nyaung-U, located near the Bagan Archaeological Zone, has a local market- the Mani Sithu Market, known for its fresh produce and bustling atmosphere so full of life that it is contagious within its energy. This market provides a glimpse into daily life in Bagan, with stalls selling a variety of goods, including live animals, meats, areca nuts, and dried fish. Having local street food here is a fun experience you must indulge in. But if you want a different experience from the hustling-bustling of huge markets then visit Myinkaba, renowned for its high-quality lacquerware. The town's workshops use traditional techniques and materials, producing items like jewellery boxes and cups, which improve in appearance over time. The slow life in the outskirts of the zone is quite calming and gives a richer shopping experience as you buy directly from the local artisans. 

From New Bagan to Nyaung-U, you can find eateries serving up Thai, Indian, Tibetan, and British dishes, alongside local favorites like Irrawaddy River prawns in spicy curry at Shwe Ou Food Garden, traditional Myanmar cuisine at Seven Sisters, and Burmese vegetarian delicacies at The Moon (Be Kind to Animals). Even though Bagan's culinary scene has evolved to cater to diverse tastes offering a range of international cuisines, enjoying Burmese food is a huge draw here, especially in the local eateries in market areas apart from the high-end restaurants. 

A staple breakfast in Myanmar Mohinga is a lot like Japanese ramen, having rice noodles in catfish broth and spices like coriander, lime, lemongrass and toppings like fritters or hard-boiled eggs. Available in every nook and cranny of the country, it is a filling yet affordable meal option for locals. Mohinga is traditionally eaten with a fork and spoon, never with chopsticks. The favourite experiences of foodies with this dish have been in Yangon at the Daw Cho Noodle stall near Shwedagon Pagoda and at Thahara Pindaya in the morning.

The Villa Inle Resort and Spa has emerged as a premier retreat in the area, featuring secluded lakeside villas with movie-like canopied beds and breathtaking balcony views. You can observe local fishermen and endangered bird species from their balconies, something the region of Lake Inle is known for. The resort is committed to environmentally friendly practices, sourcing produce from an onsite chemical-free vegetable garden and collaborating with local communities on reforestation initiatives.

The Aureum Palace, located within the Bagan Archaeological Preservation Zone, is the perfect base for travelers exploring this captivating area. The resort boasts an art gallery showcasing local artifacts and artwork, nightly cultural performances, 27 acres of tropical gardens to wander through, and private plunge pools for villa guests.