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An update from Evaneos

Best places to visit in Myanmar

Governed by civilian rule since 2011, Burma, officially called the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, is a countryunspoilt by mass tourism, which can't be ignored. Unfortunately, the government still restricts relations with the Burmese, but that doesn't prevent exchanges with a smiling and extremely generous population, open to the world and eager to meet people. Predominantly Buddhist, the country also welcomes other religious and ethnic minorities which sometimes have to assert themselves to survive.

Everywhere you go, it's the Buddhist devotion which strikes you. Upon arrival in Rangoon (now called Yangon), admire the Shwedagon Pagoda, a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture, before taking a stroll in the Kyauktada district on the banks of the Irrawaddy river. Don't miss the sanctuary town of Bago (Pegu), near the capital.

Nicknamed the city of jewels because of the extraordinary delicacy of its jade, Mandalay is for exploring by bicycle or in a tuk-tuk for climbing the hill and admiring the sunset. But perhaps you'll prefer Amarapura, the city of immortality for the Burmese, where the famous teak bridge is located, which is crossed by hundreds of Buddhist monks all day long?

Or perhaps it's a cruise from another era on the Irrawaddy, to reach the city of Bagan (formerly Pagan), which will tempt you. Hundreds of temples rise up on a vast plain, as testament to the magnificence of a past civilisation

On the west coast, stroll on the beach at Ngapali or Ngwe Saung which has the reputation of being more chic. Immerse yourself in Buddhist devotion in front of the Golden Rock near Hpa An, then make your way to Moulmein (renamed Mawlamyine) and theisland of Bilu Gyun, completely off the beaten track. Finally, treat yourself to the untamed South and its wild coasts, which are again difficult to access.

Gaëtan MOLENE
Hpa an (Myanmar)
Hpa an
5/5
At about 5hrs from Yangon, Hpa An is a must-do, that's feasible if your trip to Burma is on a 28-day visa.
Hsipaw (Myanmar)
Hsipaw
5/5
This is a small, rural town close to the mountains, that's well worth a visit when touring Myanmar. You can go trekking in a countryside where you'll find peace, quiet and amazing sunsets.
The island of Bilu Kyun lies opposite Mawlamyine, in the south of Burma. Its names translates as 'Ogre Island.'
Situated to the north of Burma, Inle Lake is an amazing spot, where anyone traveling around Burma should stop for a few days and soak up its wonderful atmosphere.
You can't miss Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. High-caliber, teeming with typical life scenes, this is an essential place to visit. Major cultural symbol. Not to be missed!
Myanmar, or burma, is a state in Southeast Asia lying at the crossroads between Bangladesh, Thailand, China, Laos and India. Myanmar is a magnificent country with an incredible historic and cultural heritage to offer.
Po Win Daung is a must-see during a trip to Burma (nowadays called Myanmar) and will give you the chance to learn about the country's Buddhist culture and history.
Bagan (Myanmar)
Bagan
4.7/5
One of the most important sites in Burma, the temples of Bagan, to the north of the country, will be an unforgettable moment during your trip to Burma.
The Golden Rock is an important place of pilgrimage for the Burmese. The history of the Rock, which houses a relic, one of Buddha's hairs, explains why the Rock seems to be balanced on the edge of the cliff.
Amarapura (Myanmar)
Amarapura
4.3/5
Located approximately 11 km to the south of Mandalay, Amarapura, or "city of immortality", the country's last but one royal capital, is an essential place to see when you visit Myanmar.
Bogyoke market is without a doubt one of the most famous markets of the Burmese capital, Rangoon (renamed Yangon).
Indein (Myanmar)
Indein
4/5
Over 1,000 pagodas stretch out all around you, as far as the eye can see. A must-see if you're on a visit to Inle Lake.
Kalaw (Myanmar)
Kalaw
4/5
Kalaw is located at an altitude of 1,300 metres and was the summer hill station for the British colonials escaping the heat of Mandalay.
Mawlamyine means "damaged eye". According to a legend, a Mon king lost one of his eyes there.
Mingun (Myanmar)
Mingun
4/5
Mingun can be reached by boat from Mandalay and is famous for it's impressive unfinished pagoda, as well as for the Hsinbyume Pagoda.
Monywa (Myanmar)
Monywa
4/5
Situated between Bagan and Mandalay, make sure you stop at Monywa on your way to either of these towns.
A town in Burma's mid-west, Mrauk'U is a site off the beaten track. An erstwhile religious and architectural hub that will appeal to any history lover in search of adventure.
One of the most famous beaches in Myanmar, with its fine sand, Ngapali is a picture postcard.
Pyin Oo Lwin is a Burmese town that still bears the marks of its British colonial past.
Sagar (Myanmar)
Sagar
4/5
The region of Sagar is situated to the south of Inle Lake. It takes several hours by canoe to reach the area, but this is what makes it one of the most interesting and well-preserved in the region of the lake.
Shan (Myanmar)
Shan
4/5
Huge Shan State covers a major part of eastern Burma (today known as Myanmar).
Shwe Sandaw is one of the most famous pagodas and one of the most visited in Bagan (or Pagan) and Burma (today known as Myanmar).
Yangon (Myanmar)
Yangon
4/5
Burma's economic capital, Yangon is a large city, and worth visiting for anyone traveling in Burma.
Bago (Myanmar)
Bago
3.7/5
Bago is a sanctuary town situated an hour away from Yangon. A sanctuary due to its temples and its Buddhas ( lying down, standing up...) and highly religious as the presence of its monastery shows. Very typical and which will please history enthusiasts.
Mandalay (Myanmar)
Mandalay
3.7/5
Mandalay is the main town of northern Myanmar. Because of its rich cultural and historic heritage it has become an essential stop for travelers who want to go on a trip to Myanmar.
Ava (Myanmar)
Ava
3.5/5
Ava, otherwise known as Inwa, is a former royal capital in the Mandalay region.
Sagaing (Myanmar)
Sagaing
3.5/5
Sagaing is a city-sanctuary, 20km from Mandalay. It's a popular pilgrimage site, on a par with Bagan and, therefore, quite touristy.
Situated in the far east of Burma (today known as Myanmar), Kyainge Tong is one of the few areas of the Golden Triangle that can be visited by tourists.
Mindat (Myanmar)
Mindat
3/5
Perched at 1500 metres of altitude, the village of Mindat is a small community in western Burma (today known as Myanmar) surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes.
Ngwe Saung is a popular, weekend, luxury beach destination for the Burmese, where most of the seafront is lined with hotels.

Best time to visit Myanmar

Jan
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