Myanmar is one of the beautiful countries with rich cultural heritage, has become of the sought after tourist destination in Asia. This stunning country lies on the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman sea coast. Bordering nations are Bangladesh and India to the west, China to the north, Laos and Thailand to the east. From beautiful Buddhist temples, Pagodas to a stunning river, Myanmar takes you by surprise with each visit. Having being isolated with the rest of the world for so long, Myanmar still has some traditional outlook when compared to the other countries of Asia. Let us find out some wonderful places that are must-visit in this intriguing country of Myanmar.
Visa
Myanmar is one of the few countries in the world that is friendly for Indian passport holders. Myanmar offers both E-visa and Visa on arrival to the Indian tourists. One can apply for e-visa by entering the details such as choosing your port of entry depending on whether one of flying or crossing over by land. Visa fee for this beautiful nation is about 50$ approximately 3500/- INR for a single entry visa valid for 28 days. E-visa processing time takes about one to three working days. One can also apply for Visa on arrival especially if you are flying into the country. One can get their visa on arrival in International airports of the country such as Yangon, Mandalay and Nay pyi taw international airport. Visa fee is the same as E-visa.
Top places to see in Myanmar
Yangon
The Largest city of Myanmar is arguably the most vibrant of all the places in the country. Yangon has been a former capital city of Myanmar; it is highly populated and commercially busy cities in the country. This stunning city is known for ancient Buddhist temples, Pagodas and stupas; often visited by Buddhist pilgrims, Yangon has become a popular heritage site in recent years amongst the tourists. A most popular tourist attraction is Shwedagon Pagoda – which is over 2500 years old Pagoda. This beautiful site is an impressive construction that is flocked by tourists and local pilgrims. Best time to visit this site is during sunset, the place looks simply mesmerising. Other popular tourist attractions are Kandawgyi Lake and Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda. This beautiful city has great street food especially local cuisine, one must try in Burma. Yangon is definitely one of the must-visit destinations in Burma to get a good understanding of this culturally vibrant city.
Nearest airport: Yangon international airport
Mt. Kyaiktiyo - Golden Rock
Situated on the south-eastern part of Myanmar, near Yangon Kyaiktiyo is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site. Located about 160 km from Yangon, Kyaiktiyo is a golden boulder on which a Pagoda is constructed that is balancing on a cliff. This fascinating monument is highly popular amongst the tourists in Myanmar. It happens to be the third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Burma after Shwedagon Pagoda and Mahamuni Pagoda.
Nearest airport: Yangon international airport
Bagan
This ancient city lies on the banks of the river Ayeyarwady is commonly known as Irrawaddy is a beautiful destination. Bagan situated in Mandalay region of Myanmar is a UNESCO world heritage site and thus receives a lot of tourist population in a good season. It is home to some stunning Buddhist temples, Pagodas, Stupas and ruins of the same belonging to 11th and 12th century B.C. Sunrise and sunsets are absolutely spectacular. One can indulge in a sunrise hot air balloon ride to experience a postcard-worthy moment.
Nearest airport: Mandalay international airport
Inle Lake
Inle Lake is one of the most sought after travel destination in Myanmar. So much so that, hundreds of tourists flock to Inle Lake; this freshwater lake happens to be the second-largest lakes in the country. Located in the southeast of Mandalay, Inle Lake is a 22 km long that is fringed by marshes and floating village. One must experience boating in this vastly Spread Lake.
Nearest airport: Heho domestic airport
Mrauk U
Mrauk U pronounced as Mrau – oo, is a quaint little town in the western part Myanmar. With a glorious past, Mrauk U is one of the important archaeological sites in the country. Nestled in the midst of Rakhine Yoma mountain ranges, Mrauk U has some stunning landscaped that leaves you spellbound. One will come across pretty beaches and foggy hilltop Pagodas in this sleepy little town. Often considered as a lost capital of Myanmar, Mrauk U is one of the significant places both historically and culturally during the Arakanese kingdom. It was during this time fancy pagodas and palaces were erected in this part of Myanmar. If you are into the ancient historical heritage and archaeological founding, then Mrauk U is the place for you.
Nearest airport: Sittwe domestic airport
Ngapali beach
Located on western Myanmar, Ngapali is a beautiful beach destination in the country. Known for secluded beach and stunning blue waters, Ngapali is a must-visit beach destination. Experience a relaxing holiday where the water is transparent and silky white sand on the beach. This beach stretches up to 3 km and there are places where one can get massages and indulge inactivity such as snorkelling.
Nearest airport: Thandwe domestic airport
Mandalay
This culturally rich city is one of the popular destinations flocked by tourists. Mandalay, the former capital of Myanmar is centred on the royal palace. It is the second-largest city in the country after Yangon. This stunning city was established by the King Mindon as a centre of learning for Buddhism and also as his capital. However, it did not last as a golden capital for a long time, it, however, survived as a culturally important place in Myanmar. Thus you will come across most of the monks of Burma reside in Mandalay. It is definitely one of the significant tourist destinations as one can visit three ancient capital of Burma i.e. Amarapura, Inwa and Sagaing which are located very close to the city of Mandalay. Mandalay Hill, Shwe Nandaw Kyaung – part of a royal palace and Maha Muni Pagoda
Nearest airport: Mandalay international airport
Nay pyi taw
Nay pyi taw or Nay pyi daw has been a newly constructed administrative capital of the country Myanmar. This beautiful city situated in the centre of the country and about 400 km from its former capital Yangon. It is believed that the government started constructing a new capital in the year 2002 secretly, and for the most bizarre reason the then prime minister the state civil servants were given a weeks’ notice regarding the shift of capital.
Unlike the rest of the capital cities, this place is eerily less populated with empty roads; where one can feel the stillness in the air. Popular attractions are Uppatasanti Pagoda, Three king statue and a national museum.
Nearest airport: Nay Pyi Taw international airport
Cruising from Bagan to Mandalay
The beautiful water of Irrawaddy River is too beautiful to ignore. And if there is an option of cruising from Bagan to Mandalay, it is the best mode of travelling to Mandalay. Although there is an overnight bus from Bagan to Mandalay with duration of 12 hours, travelling by the boat is almost the best possible option since the duration is only 8 hours. Plus, you will be cruising in a beautiful river overlooking scenic sunrise and sunset. Be prepared with enough memory cards in your camera, as you will come across many picture-worthy moments. One way ticket usually costs between 30 $ to 40 $.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Yangon arrival
Day 2: Yangon
Day 3: Inle Lake
Day 4: Inle Lake – Bagan
Day 5: Bagan
Day 6: Bagan – Mandalay cruising
Day 7: Mandalay
Day 8: Mandalay Departure
Best time to visit
Myanmar like the other south Asian destinations is very tropical; due to which one can, of course, explore the country at any time of the year. However, as a rule, it is advisable to avoid travelling to Myanmar in the months between June to September when the monsoon tides are high. It is one of the most inconvenient times for tourist activities as most of the roads become inaccessible. Summers that begins in the month of March and continues until May is possibly the worst time, as the weather gets extremely hot and sultry.
The best time to visit Myanmar is when the climate is pleasant between November to February. The weather in this period is extremely pleasant to explore the region in a much-relaxed pace.
What to eat?
Burmese cuisine is one of the interesting cuisines that is not as popular as its’ neighbouring countries including Indian and Thai. With Myanmar becoming a popular tourist destination in recent years, Burmese cuisine also has been playing a major role in alluring tourists to this wonderful country. If not same, there is a slight touch of Indian and Thai flavours and spices when it comes to Burmese cuisine. Let us look at some interesting dishes on must try in their visit to Myanmar.
Nga htamin – Nga htamin is an interesting combination of rice and freshwater fish. The rice is cooked with turmeric and then squashed into a disk topped with fish flakes and garlic oil. This dish is an absolute delight one must try.
Nangyi Thoke – This tastiest dish is a popular dish that basically a Dry noodle salad that is served with broth on the side.
Mohinga – This is possibly the most favourite dish amongst the locals of Myanmar. This dish is nothing but rice noodles served in a bowl with herbal fish and shallot broth, topped with sliced boiled eggs, deep-fried crispy veggies and dried chilli flakes.
Deep-fried snacks – Anything deep-fried is delicious. Likewise, Burmese come up with a lovely snack in the evening that consists of leafy veggies, onions, tofu, and sweet potatoes, served with sweet and tangy sauce; available on the streets of Yangon, Bagan and Mandalay.
How to reach?
Myanmar is one of the beautiful countries in Asia that is visited majorly by the pilgrims and a few tourists from the west. Connectivity to this country is limited to Airways and by road. And travelling by road from India is a recent phenomenon attracting tourists from India in recent years.
Air: Major airports in the country are Mandalay International Airport, Yangon International airport and nay pyi daw international airport is connected with international flights. There are no direct flights to Myanmar from India. There is only one flight per day from Delhi to Yangon. Otherwise, there are plenty of one-stop flights.
Road: Travelling by road is probably the best way to reach Myanmar from India when you are on budget travel. One can enter Myanmar from Manipur; Moreh is the bordering village one the Indian side, from where one needs to cross over to Tamu by walk which is a bordering village on the Myanmar side.
Getting around in Myanmar
Getting around the cities like Yangon can be quiet hectic considering heavy traffic. Taking public transportation can be cheaper to get around the city; however, with the traffic jam, it is better to shell out some money on taxis to explore the city. Motorbikes are banned for some political reason in Yangon, however, in Mandalay; one can hire motorbikes and explore the region much faster and with less money. For long-distance, overnight buses are popular in Myanmar.