Myanmar (Burma)
Myanmar is one of the most culturally rich and visually stunning countries in Southeast Asia. The temple plains of Bagan, where over 2,000 ancient Buddhist temples and pagodas dot the landscape as far as the eye can see, rival Angkor Wat for sheer archaeological impact. The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, covered in gold and crowned with thousands of diamonds, is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. And Inle Lake, where fishermen row with one leg wrapped around their oar and farmers tend floating gardens, is a way of life that feels untouched by the modern world.
Myanmar’s recent political instability means that current travel conditions must be carefully researched before planning a trip. When accessible, however, the country offers experiences that are profoundly moving and utterly unique in Southeast Asia.
Where to Go
Bagan is the reason most travelers first consider Myanmar. The ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains more than 2,000 surviving temples built between the 9th and 13th centuries when it was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom. Exploring the temples by bicycle, e-bike, or horse cart, discovering small temples with detailed frescoes that you have entirely to yourself, is an extraordinary experience. A hot air balloon ride over the temple plains at sunrise, with dozens of pagoda spires emerging from the morning mist, is one of the most magical sights in travel.
Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is Myanmar’s largest city and commercial capital. The Shwedagon Pagoda, a 2,500 year old gold plated stupa standing nearly 330 feet tall, is the spiritual heart of the country. Visiting at sunset, when the gold catches the fading light and monks chant in the surrounding temples, is mesmerizing. The colonial downtown area has one of the largest collections of British colonial architecture in Southeast Asia, and the bustling Bogyoke Aung San Market is the best place for shopping.
Inle Lake in the Shan State is a freshwater lake known for its leg rowing fishermen, floating villages, and gardens built on woven beds of vegetation. Boat tours of the lake visit silk weaving workshops, silversmith shops, floating markets, and ancient pagoda complexes. The Shwe Indein Pagoda, a collection of over 1,000 weathered stupas on a hillside, is hauntingly beautiful.
Mandalay, the last royal capital of Myanmar, has the country’s densest concentration of monasteries and a spiritual atmosphere that feels distinctly different from Yangon. The teak U Bein Bridge, the longest teak footbridge in the world, crossing Taungthaman Lake at sunset is one of the most photographed scenes in Myanmar.
Let Us Plan Your Myanmar Trip
Myanmar requires up to date information on travel conditions, and the situation can change rapidly. When travel is advisable, we will arrange flights, guides, accommodations, and an itinerary that showcases the temples, the lakes, and the culture that make Myanmar one of the most remarkable countries in Asia. Please contact us for the latest guidance before planning.
