Choosing how to spend your time in Myanmar (Burma) can be challenging because it is such a large country – in fact it is almost three times the size of the UK. Whilst much of the country is still off limits to tourists there is still so much to see and do that you could spend two months here and not see everything.
However, we know that most of you probably have two weeks – not two months – and we can help craft the perfect itinerary to decide how best to use your time.
If you have two weeks we would recommend seeing the following highlights:
- Bagan is the ancient settlement that has really put Myanmar (Burma) on the map. With more than 2,000 historic stupas, temples and pagodas spread over a vast area, you really have to see it to believe it.
- Yangon is where many start or finish their tour so it’s easy to build in a day or two. You can see the colonial architecture of a time gone by and visit the remarkable Shwedagon Pagoda, which can be seen sparkling from almost anywhere in Yangon.
- Inle Lake is an impressive freshwater lake, more than 13 miles long and resembles a vast silver sheet, reflecting the sky like a mirror. Wait until you see the local fishermen who use unique fishing techniques with baskets and row with their legs!
- Ngapali Beach is one of our favourite beaches in south-east Asia, a big sweeping bay with gorgeous boutique hotels that blend into the palms trees behind. Bliss.
Once you’ve got these staples into your tour you will have time to build in some wonderful extra destinations – you may wish to visit Mandalay in the north, which has some wonderful sites around it including the iconic U-Bein bridge as well as being close to Hsipaw, which offers tremendous trekking. Perhaps you’d like to do some trekking in Kalaw near Inle Lake where you can also wash and feed retired elephants that have been rescued from the timber trade? Or head down south to one of our favourite areas and go kayaking through magical karst-like scenery and explore some of Myanmar’s most impressive caves.
We know, it’s a little daunting, and hard to know where to start. But that’s why we’ve spent months in this country – so we can help you plan exactly how to spend your weeks here. Take a peek at our online itineraries to see how some of these places are connected – or just give us a call 0207 112 0019 – our expertise and advice is completely free!