10 reasons why traveling to Myanmar is a perfect vacation

Nestled on the edge of Southeast Asia, Myanmar, or Burma is a magical land of enchanting natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, friendly people, and a laid-back vibe rarely found in mass tourism areas. Visitors from all walks of life have fallen in love with this wondrous country, and here are the 10 reasons why:

1. Majestic pagodas and temples are in EVERY corner you turn

As a Buddhist country, Burma has thousands of temples and pagodas in different sizes and shapes. Prepared to be dazzled by the sparkling Shwedagon (literally Golden Temple) in Yangon, or the aesthetic all white Hshinbyume in Mandalay, or the complex of 2200+ temples in Bagan. Take your time!

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Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon at night

Majestic all-white Hshinbyume Temple in Mandalay

2. Inle Lake is absolutely fascinating!

As a recently UNESCO recognized biosphere reserve, Inle is a serene lake famous for its fisherman’s traditional rowing style. Relax on a chilled cruise and watch local people live in unique stilt houses and work on their floating gardens!

Fisherman rowing at dusk

Floating houses on Inle Lake

3. Burma has the longest wooden bridge in the world

The beautiful U-Bein bridge is probably the most photographed scene of Burma. When the sun starts to sink towards the horizon, the silhouettes of the bridge were perfectly laid out on a glazing palette of reds, and burnt oranges, creating the most splendid sunset one might ever see in his life!

A monk walking on U-Bein bridge

Gorgeous sunset on the legendary bridge

4. Sunset/sunrise anywhere is incredible

The weather in Burma makes its sunset or sunrise both spectacular! Whether you are watching it from the top of a temple in Bagan, or on a lazy cruise on Inle Lake, it will be an unforgettable experience!

Sunrise over Bagan

Sunset on Inle Lake

5. Hot air balloons over Bagan are mesmerizing

Everyone is talking about how iconic hot air balloons in Bagan are! Indeed, as you settle on one of the ancient temples in Bagan, the moment when the sun begins to drift above the horizon, shedding the day’s first ray of lights while hot air balloons fill up the sky is truly magical.

 A good day begins with balloons floating over Bagan

Spectacular sunset in Bagan

6. Idyllic beaches are perfect getaways

Named after the popular Napoli in Italy, Ngapali beach is remote and deserted heaven on earth with palm trees lining along the coast, crystal clear water, and soft white sands. It sounds just right for an escape to just chill out and enjoy natural beauty!

Beautiful Ngapali beach

This beach is perfect to chill

7. Burmese cuisines leave you craving for more

As a melting pot of cultures, Burmese culinary delights range from Indian, Chinese, British influenced to traditional Shan flavors and spices. Like any other Southeast Asian country, their food culture is huge, reflected in street food to mid-range to fine dining, leaving you never run out of options!

A set of Burmese tea with British influence

8. Local people are just lovely

It is not difficult to spot a curious look from the little kids, or the welcoming nods of the monks quietly strolling by, and the unwavering smiles on thanaka covered faces of the street vendor ladies (the Burmese version of suncream) Visit Burma, and leave with your heart a bit warmer :)

A Burmese girl with thanaka (Burmese suncream) on her cheeks

Two novice monks laughing happily

9. Traditional handicrafts are unique

Yoke thé or Burmese marionette puppetry is the country’s most popular form of entertainment. When you see those colorful puppet souvenirs swinging from the street vendors’ shelves, you will be very tempted to take one home!

Yoke thé

10. Burma is the country less traveled

Tourism is still a developing sector in Burma. That is why you will not see flocks of tourists as you might have seen in Phuket, Thailand, or Siem Reap, Cambodia. 

The serenity on Inle Lake