The 11 Most Beautiful Places in Myanmar

Novice monks hold traditional umbrellas at Ratanabon Paya in Mrauk U, Myanmar
Novice monks hold traditional umbrellas at Ratanabon Paya in Mrauk U, Myanmar | © saravutpics / Shutterstock
Chase Chisholm

Blogger

Myanmar’s diverse beauty is absolutely unbelievable. From snowcapped Himalayan mountaintops to vast underwater reefs teeming with abundant life, how has this country’s gorgeousness remained relatively undiscovered for so long? Here are 11 of the most beautiful sights to experience in Myanmar.

Myanmar’s extremely isolated northernmost city of Putao

Myanmar’s Himalayan region is described as one of earth’s “last frontiers”. The allure of experiencing a cranny of the world very few have seen certainly motivates at least a handful of adventurers to go each year.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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A flight to Putao, the northernmost town in Kachin State, will get hardcore hikers one-step closer to Myanmar’s most rugged and secretive mountain. Hkakabo Razi is an impending 5,881 meters high. But, just the journey to its base camp from Putao takes weeks, and so little is known about this peak.

The gorgeous landscape surrounding Putao provides mountaineers with plenty of shorter, challenging ascents. The best time to trek around Putao is from October to April. A government-issued permit is required to hike.

Scenic Shan State

Delicious cuisine and scenery both come from Shan State, Myanmar. Saturated greens blend with vibrant valleys as fields upon fields run alongside tiny villages overflowing with rural life. There’s much to discover in Shan State.

Perhaps one of the most isolated must-see attractions, Keng Tawng Falls, still goes mostly unnoticed by tourists due to its remoteness. Arrange a private vehicle and pack a lunch for a picnic as the nearest town is approximately 15 miles away. Heading to Keng Tawng from Taunggyi may take up to five hours by car.

Keng Tawng Falls in Shan State, Myanmar

The view of Bagan from the basket of a hot air balloon

Few scenes compare to the view of Bagan, Myanmar, from the basket of a hot air balloon high above. An aerial shot of the region provides a better glimpse of its historic vastness. Bagan’s thousands of ancient temples and pagodas can be seen dotting the landscape every which way.

Balloons soaring above Bagan, Myanmar

Below the surface of the Mergui Archipelago

While much of what’s on the surface of Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago has yet to be discovered, seemingly endless pristine stretches of completely colorful and utterly exotic coral reef lie just below. The coastlines of hundreds of islands that make up one of the world’s last remaining paradises beckon to be explored both on and offshore. Dive in!

A field of mushroom corals grows on a shallow flat in the Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar

The Bay of Bengal’s unreal sunsets

Sunset seekers have various beautiful Myanmar beach destinations to choose from when looking for the perfect sandy perch to take in a sunset. The Bay of Bengal laps against Myanmar’s western coast as the scene of one of its many stunning sunsets unfolds. Pick between a lavish sunset viewing party at Ngapali, drinking it in at a beachside bar in Ngwe Saung, or sharing the moment with locals at Chaung Tha.

A coconut seller walks along Ngwe Saung Beach at sunset

Myanmar’s mysterious Mrauk U

Myanmar’s ancient city of Mrauk U in northern Rakhine State isn’t ventured to nearly as much as Bagan, even though its misty mornings with hundreds of ancient pagoda-tops poking through the fog are just as iconic.

Mrauk U appeals to explorers looking for a less touristy site that still functions as a sacred place of worship for locals. Its signature bell-like stupas and spiralling temple tunnels lined with statues of Buddha beg to be experienced. The best way to get to Mrauk U is by plane from Yangon to Sittwe, and then by boat up the Kaladan River.

Bell-like stupas found in Mrauk U, Myanmar

The floating gardens of Inle Lake

A boat ride on Inle Lake takes travelers down narrow canals, through stilted villages and upon massive floating gardens. Produce such as cucumbers, tomatoes and gourds can be grown in the lake. Inle’s floating gardens thrive off nutrients found in the water and have become strong enough masses of roots and grass to be able to bear the weight of the local creators and cultivators.

Look for what appears to be wooden poles sticking out of the water haphazardly. These are actually rods of bamboo anchoring the gardens in place.

Rows of floating gardens on Inle Lake, Myanmar

Traversing the historic Gokteik Viaduct

A train ride across Myanmar’s longest railway bridge, reaching over 300 feet in height and nearly 2,300 feet in length, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Completed in 1901, the Gokteik Viaduct, located approximately 30 miles from Pyin Oo Lwin on the way to Lashio from Mandalay, gives rail commuters time to look out over the stunning gorge as the train crawls slowly over it.

Crossing the Gokteik Viaduct in Myanmar

Hpa-An’s secret lake

Hpa-An’s immense Saddan Cave is truly a sight to behold. Wandering under its naturally vaulted ceilings with colossal stalactites dangling like chandeliers brings cavers to an even bigger surprise out the other side. Resounding darkness opens up to Hpa-An’s tranquil secret lake as it reflects a ring of surrounding lush jaggedness.

Secret lake reflections outside of Saddan Cave near Hpa-An, Myanmar

Inside Yangon’s colonial buildings

Yangon’s colonial buildings are captivatingly beautiful. The tarnished walls and gritty exposed brick of the city’s architectural grandeur add to its overall charm.

A few masterpieces have already been renovated and turned into swanky restaurants and art galleries. Some like the remarkable Secretariat building, one of Southeast Asia’s largest colonial structures, are set to be restored. Others remain abandoned, in a state of dilapidation. For an up close and personal encounter with Myanmar’s decaying past, try getting approval to enter or at least peek inside.

Secretariat building, Maha Bandula Road, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)

A colonial-style clock tower in the heart of Yangon, Myanmar

The Shwedagon Pagoda at night

The Shwedagon Pagoda is special at any time of day, but its colors truly shine at dawn, dusk, and glow golden at night. Locals waiting to give foreigners a tour of the Shwedagon Pagoda will dish this insight. At certain points around the main stupa of the Shwedagon, moonlight reflects through a large 76-carat diamond nestled at the very top of it. Different colors can be seen by taking a step forward or back.

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar

Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda at night

Endless beauty abounds in Myanmar, and the more this once closed-off country opens up, more beauty found nowhere else in the world is revealed.

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