Set on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Mandalay is Myanmar’s second-largest city. The combination of crumbling colonial charm, elegant Buddhist temples, and lush hilly surrounds have rendered many a traveller hopelessly intoxicated. Visiting here is like stepping back 50 years in time: beat-up buses trundle along wide avenues, men in longyis cycle serenely around the moat, and monks pad silently through dusty temple courtyards. Don’t miss a trip up Mandalay Hill to take in panoramic city views; sunset at Ubein Bridge (the longest teakwood bridge in the world); the Buddhist Mecca of Sagaing, encompassing scores of temples and the Buddhist University; and a mellow boat trip down the Irrawaddy River to see the colossal stupa base at Mingun.
Bagan is to Myanmar, what Angkor Wat is to Cambodia, in terms of both culture and tourism. This ancient, sacred zone stretches across over 100 square kilometres of bush and grassy plains, with over 2200 towering temples, pagodas and monasteries sprinkled across this vast expanse. Crafted mainly from reddish-pink bricks, the complex is what remains of the powerful ‘Pagan’ culture, which was at its peak during the 11th to 13th centuries. It is an architectural and archaeological wonder and an awe-inspiring spectacle to behold, particularly on misty mornings bathed in sunrise light.
Resting in the Shan Hills’ Nyaungshwe Township, beautiful Inle Lake is a world unto itself and one of Myanmar’s most alluring destinations. The local people have integrated their lives fully with their watery surrounds, building entire villages on stilts, buoying up their crop fields with floating devices, and even learning an ingenious method of fishing from their long-tail boats – balancing on one leg and using the other to clasp the paddle and row, which leaves their hands free to cast a net. Here visitors can enjoy delicious Myanmar cuisine and exquisite sunsets from alfresco decks, or take a boat trip to the floating markets and the handicrafts centres, watch silver makers, silk-weavers, and lacquer artists at work, and purchase exquisitely made gifts and souvenirs.
Located in the state of Kayin, the picturesque town of Hpa-An serves as the capital of the region. The little town rests on the eastern banks of the Thanlwin River. It is located very close to the Thai border and is easily accessible for holidaymakers. Visitors can look forward to exploring the surrounding mountains, rice paddies and hidden caves, browsing the early morning market, discovering the narrow, winding and cluttered lanes of the small town, as well as soaking up the tranquil beauty of this spectacular place. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch the sunset at the Shweyinhmyaw Pagoda and enjoy the views of the magnificent Kan Thar Yar Lake.
With a population of over 5 million, Yangon, also known as Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar up until the end of 2005. It remains the largest city, and is still the pivotal commercial hub of the country today. A visit to this magnificent city will allow you to take in the interesting mix of British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian cultures that mingle there. The skyline is an interesting contrast of decaying colonial architecture and modern high-rises, dominated by the golden glow of the Shwedagon Pagoda, an exquisite Buddhist temple that draws pilgrims from across the globe. Your time here would be well spent visiting the impressive array of temples, museums, and markets that the city has to offer.
Made up of some 800 islands in the Andaman Sea, the remote Mergui Archipelago is one of Myanmar’s least travelled and most pristine destinations. This marine Garden of Eden has valleys covered in virgin jungle, tangled mangrove swamps flanking river estuaries, countless idyllic deserted, white beaches, translucent turquoise waters and an incredible diversity of bird, animal and aquatic life. The islands are also culturally rich - inhabited largely by sea gypsies who live a traditional, ocean-based existence.
