Myanmar

Asia

Bordered by China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh and India, Myanmar is sprinkled with golden pagodas and warm welcomes.

Overview

Bordered by China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh and India, Myanmar is sprinkled with golden pagodas and warm welcomes. Its location between China and India has heavily influenced its culture, blending elements of both with traditional Myanmar traits and Buddhist beliefs to create a unique way of life.

Discover colonial-style Yangon, filled with the smell of spices from the stalls lining the streets and the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. On the west coast, Ngapali Beach, named after Naples, boasts untouched white sand beaches lined with palm trees - perfect for serene relaxation. Head north to Bagan, home to a traditional way of life, to hear the monks chant as the sun rises, and to Inle Lake to discover the famous leg-rowing fishermen and extraordinary floating markets. Climb to the top of Mandalay Hill for a birds-eye view of the bustling streets of Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest city on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River.

Rudyard Kipling's interpretation of this magical land is correct, this is "quite unlike any land you know about".

Highlights

Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences while discovering the best that Myanmar has to offer.

Tranquil Inle Lake

The pristine Inle Lake is punctuated by stilt villages and Intha fisherfolk who fish with traditional conical nets and propel their boats along with a unique leg-rowing technique. Visit the gardens that float throughout this vast lake, where locals tend to fruit and vegetables, including the famous Inle tomato plants - said to grow some of the finest tomatoes in Myanmar.

Visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda

No visit to Myanmar is complete without a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, one of Buddhism's most sacred sites. Finished with gold leaf and encrusted with thousands of diamonds, this monument can be seen throughout most of Yangon. Visit at the sunset when the golden temples glisten in the setting sun and the air is filled with the sound of wind chimes blowing in the evening breeze.

Balloon over Bagan

Bagan is home to more than 2,000 Buddhist temples, stupas and monasteries spread over 67 square kilometres. Rent a bike and cycle between the pagodas and climb to the top to take in the view. Alternatively, indulge in a hot air balloon ride to view this breathtaking spectacle from above.

When to visit

Temperatures cool to pleasant levels and rains stop between December and February, making this the best time to visit Myanmar. From March to May temperatures soar, while the monsoon season falls between May and September which can make some roads impassable.