The ancient city of Bagan is one of the highlights of Myanmar, and a truly magical place to visit. You can really feel the history as you walk around this enchanting location. And, of course a Bagan tour is sure to be a highlight of your stay in Myanmar.

Although many of Bagan’s attractions are historical, it is also a modern city with a bustling variety of shops, restaurants and markets to enjoy. To help you make the most of your time in Bagan worthy, here are the highlights you just can’t miss while on a tour of Bagan.

Background for Your Bagan Tour: The History of Bagan

A tour of Bagan is more interesting if you know the immensely fascinating history behind this beautiful place.

There is some debate about when the area we know as Bagan was first inhabited. Most scholars believe it was around the 9th century AD, but some old texts suggest it may have been hundreds of years before that.

Bagan as we know it today began around 849 AD when it was fortified as the Pagan Empire grew in power. There is still some evidence of settlement from around this time, although much of it has been destroyed.

In the 11th century, it was decided to make Bagan the capital as the Pagan Empire’s power grew under the might of the Warrior King Anawrahta. At that time, Buddhism had been newly introduced to Bagan, and the decision was made to build many buildings as a sign of devotion. This is how Bagan came to be known as “the city of a thousand temples”. Actually, this is a misnomer – this is just a fraction of the estimated 10,000 which once stood. Literally, there are more than 2,000 temples and pagodas in Bagan. 

The Magnificent City

More and more temples were added over the next couple of centuries, however Bagan – and the Pagan Empire – found itself wrapped up in a number of conflicts, especially with the Mongols. A heavy loss in 1287 caused the decline of the city of Bagan, and in 1297 it lost its title as the capital.

Although some people remained in Bagan, the population dwindled. A few additional temples were built over the next few centuries, however, some were damaged by earthquakes in the area. A 1975 quake was especially devastating, although heroic restoration efforts saved most of the temples.

In the 20th century, tourism started to become increasingly popular in Bagan, and people were amazed by the almost magical feeling of the city. Today, Bagan tours are one of the most popular attractions in all of Myanmar.

10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your Bagan Tour

With over 2,000 temples, you won’t be probably able to see all of them on your visit (although you could try!). To help you decide what to fit into your Bagan tour itinerary, here are our ten most unmissable things to do and see in Bagan.

Watch the sunrise or sunset over Bagan

The thousands of temples, stupas and pagodas create an incredible atmosphere in Bagan. Many visitors describe it as magical – the kind of place that gives you goosebumps. It’s beautiful all the time, but it takes on an extra more magical quality as the sun rises or drops, bathing the city in a golden light. This is also arguably the best time for photographers.

The reddish orange tints of the sun fading in Bagan

You can’t enjoy a tour of Bagan without catching a sunrise or sunset in Bagan. In particular, we love the sunset over the plains from Nyaung Lat Phet Hill.

The paintings at Nandamannya Temple, Manuha Temple and Gubyauk Gyi Temple

While the temples of Bagan are beautiful from the outside, many have even more incredible interiors. To this day, you can still see amazingly preserved fresco and paintings which generally depict lessons from the Buddha’s teachings. For example, Nandamannya Temple has many scenes, including murals of the Buddha resisting the distraction of some beautiful ladies!

Other temples, such as the Gubyauk Gyi Temple, feature large and beautiful paintings of the Buddha. They are all very beautiful, and definitely unmissable sights for your Bagan tour.

The mural paintings of Buddha on walls of Bagan temples

Admire the Ananda Temple

The twelfth-century-Ananda Temple is considered one of the most beautiful buildings all over Myanmar, and even South East Asia. In fact, some people refer to it as the “Westminster Abbey of Myanmar”, due to how beautiful and significant it is. The intricate and lavish design is inspired by many styles, including Indian and Mon architecture.

image: internet

Inside, there are four beautiful standing Buddhas which are wrapped in gold leaf. They, along with the beauty of the temple’s exterior, make the Ananda Temple a truly unmissable place to see in Bagan.

Nyaung U Market

Even though many of Bagan’s attractions are steep in history, it is also a modern and lively place. No Bagan tour is therefore complete without finding out what everyday life is like in the city. One of the busiest places for locals in Bagan is at the Nyaung U Market, a sprawling market in the northeast of the city.

The market sells all kinds of fresh produce including fruit and vegetables. You can also buy some souvenirs including clothing and delicious local tea – just get ready to do some haggling! Or, simply sit back and just enjoy the lively and friendly atmosphere and learn more about local life in Bagan.

A colourful market display of local produce

Shwezigon Pagoda

This beautiful pagoda is one of the most beautiful in Bagan, thanks to its traditional bell-shape and dramatic gold coating. It also has a fascinating story behind it – legend says that the location was chosen in the 11th century when a white elephant carrying a relic from the Buddha stopped on the very spot where it is built.

image: stencil

It is believed to have been built by the Warrior King Anawrahta’s son not long after his father’s death. Today, it is one of the most well-known and most beautiful sites in Bagan. At the temple, you can admire the large lion-like statues guarding the pagoda, and the four 3.5 – 4-metre Buddha statues.

Observe traditional handicrafts

An important part of the culture in Myanmar is various types of art and handicrafts that have been handed down generation to generation. It is truly amazing to see the skilled craftspeople creating treasures right in front of your eyes. Also, they make for the most memorable souvenirs of your Bagan tour.

The traditional lacquerware artisan in Bagan [image: internet]

The souvenirs on sale from these makers may not be the cheapest you can find in Bagan. Nevertheless, it is worthy to know that they were really handmade in Myanmar – and the proceeds go to supporting the locals.

Balloon ride over the temples

There’s no bad way to see the temples of Bagan, but it is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to take them in from above! That’s why taking a hot air balloon ride up and over the city of Bagan is sure to be an absolutely magical memory that you will treasure for life.

Ballooning of excitement in Bagan

From above, you’ll really get a sense of how beautiful the landscape is, and just how many temples, stupas and pagodas are spread out around Bagan. If you go in the company with a guide, they can point out the most important and significant temples. Don’t forget to bring your camera to take some amazing photos as you soar over the magical city of Bagan.

Ayeyarwaddy River Cruise

Another unique way to take in the sights of Bagan is to hop aboard a boat and sail down the Ayeyarwaddy River. There is something so relaxing about floating over the calm water, feeling the breeze. You can also keep your eye out for the buildings that line the river, and watch as people go about their daily lives in Bagan.

There are many options for which river cruise to take. You may like to take a beautiful dusk cruise and watch as the sun sets over Bagan. Or, you can even take a longer, multi-day cruise between Bagan and Mandalay. What a great way to travel!

The aesthetic view of Bagan sunset from the cruise

Htilominlo Temple

As you can probably see, there is no shortage of temples in Bagan. In fact, the biggest difficulty is narrowing down the list of which ones you want to see the most. One of the more unique temples is Htilominlo Temple, which was built around 1211.

The outside is striking as it is made from red brick, which gives it an ochre-red tint. However, the biggest wonder of the Htilominlo Temple and what makes it an unmissable stop on your Bagan tour is the beautiful plaster mouldings. These mouldings are a feature of traditional Myanmar architecture and handicrafts, so are well worth seeing while you are in Bagan.

Take in the view from Mount Popa

Technically Mount Popa lies outside of Bagan, on the road to Mandalay. However, it is very conveniently located to add onto your Bagan tour. It is so incredibly beautiful that it is well worth making the 50-kilometre-journey southeast from Bagan to see it.

Mount Popa is actually a volcano that stands at 1,512 metres above sea level – it is an extremely dramatic addition to the landscape. It can be seen from up to 60 kilometres away during clear conditions. Atop it, there is a beautiful and intricate temple that really cannot be missed. The entire experience of driving up to Mount Popa, climbing it and then looking out over the landscape from it, is a truly magical addition to your Bagan tour.

The extinct Mount Popa, the home to Nats

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many amazing places to visit in Bagan. Pro Niti Travel would be delighted to tell you even more about the secrets of this magical place. We have several tours to Bagan, and would love to help you find your dream journey in Bagan! Please have a look at our suggested itineraries here, or contact us, for more information.

When planning a holiday to Myanmar, one of the things you might be considering is the best way to get around. In particular, you might be wondering whether to travel independently, as part of a shared group, or on your own private tour.

Each of these travel styles has its own merits, however, we think there are many great reasons to choose a private tour of Myanmar. Therefore, in this article, we’ll be focusing in on why you should choose a Myanmar private tour.

Benefits of a Myanmar private tour

There are many reasons why we think that a private tour of Myanmar can make sure that your holiday is absolutely magical. Let’s consider some of them in more detail.

1. Peace of Mind

We all know there are things that can go wrong while traveling and put a dampener on your overall experience. Perhaps arriving to find out your “must see” attraction is closed, or a late bus that causes a missed connection. It is always difficult arranging a multi-day adventure, let alone when you aren’t familiar with the geography, customs or language! Plus, even if nothing goes wrong, logistics still can take up a lot of the time when you could simply be enjoying the experience.

By contrast, local tour operators are experts in creating perfect experiences in Myanmar and can ensure that you have an amazing time, with no worry at all. You’ll know that you have an experienced and professional time behind you take care of everything that needs attention before, during and even after your trip. You can simply leave the logistics to experts such as Pro Niti Travel, and focus on the most important thing: having an amazing, and enriching, time in Myanmar.

2. Expert guide (Our Chief Experience Creators) 

One of the main benefits of a private tour in Myanmar is that you will have an experienced and passionate Chief Experience Creators (tour guide) leading you. Without a Chief Experience Creators (tour guide) at all, you are likely to miss much of the background and context of the gems of Myanmar. By contrast, a great Chief Experience Creators (tour guide) can help to unravel the secrets of Myanmar, explaining the significance of the beautiful buildings and sites, and sharing information about the country’s culture and customs.

Plus, as the tour is private, you will feel free and comfortable to ask any questions you may have, which you might not feel with a shared group. There’s no need to worry about slowing down the group, or looking silly!

In addition, your Chief Experience Creators (tour guide) will be able to find out all about your interests, and give you extra information that may be of particular interest to you, but not a big group. For example, if you’re interested in history, your guide can go into more detail about that specifically.

3. Flexibility

One of the biggest benefits of a Myanmar private tour over a shared tour is that you will have more flexibility over your itinerary, and movements in Myanmar. From the moment you first contact Pro Niti Travel about a possible private tour, we work with you to find an itinerary that suits your interests, budget, and timeframe.

We have designed many great itineraries that we believe showcase the best of Myanmar, but we can also work to tailor part or all of your tour to your unique requirements. The possibilities are endless, and we love designing itineraries that will delight our guests.

Once in Myanmar, another benefit of a private tour over a shared tour is flexibility once the tour is underway. For example, we can stop to drop in at a little souvenir shop that caught your eye, or stay a bit longer at a destination if you’re really loving it. It might also mean choosing to dine at a tiny little local gem, rather than a chain – whatever you’d like, we will do our best to make it happen.

4. Efficient Use of Time

With a private tour, you will be able to make the most of your time in Myanmar. If you try to travel independently, you may end up losing a lot of time trying to navigate transport options or find your way around attractions. On the other hand, on a shared tour, you might need to spend some of the time at places you’d prefer not to be, or perhaps waiting for everyone to get back to the meeting spot!

Happy tourists having a good time at Bagan, Myanmar

On the other hand, a private tour is a very efficient use of time. Our guides are experts in planning trips around Myanmar, so they know the fastest and easiest ways to get around places and what to show you. Plus, since the tour is private, you will never need to wait around for anyone else – if you finish up at a site a bit early, we can move on to the next amazing adventure.

5. Local Knowledge

A private tour is like having a local friend who is able to show you all of Myanmar’s best attractions. After all, nobody knows a country like a local! Without a guide, you are on your own trying to find the best places to go, eat and see, meaning you might miss something amazing. Of course, tour guides know all of the most famous and beautiful attractions, but they also know the hidden gems that are not in any guidebooks.

A guide can also help you with any practical questions you might have, such as what to wear to certain places or what local customs to be aware of.

In addition, a private tour guide can help you to connect more deeply with local people and communities, for example on our Loikaw tour. As they speak the language and understand the culture, they can help you to authentically connect with the people of Myanmar in a way that is difficult without a local.

6. Privacy

While traveling as a part of a larger group can be an enjoyable experience, you may prefer the privacy of a private tour. Unfortunately, sometimes you might not get along with everyone on a shared tour, or you might just prefer to have a little bit more space and quiet for your tour of Myanmar.

With a private tour, it will only be you and perhaps your family and friends on the tour. This means you are free to sit back, relax and enjoy not only an amazing adventure in Myanmar but make great memories together as well. Whether you choose a private tour for your honeymoon, family holiday or just a memorable trip together, you are sure to look back on the memories for years to come.

Final thoughts on private tours of Myanmar

There are a number of different ways to travel through amazing Myanmar, however, we believe that a Myanmar private tour is a great option for many different people. As you’ve seen above, a private tour gives you the flexibility to explore Myanmar and see the things that you want to see, diving deeply into the history and culture of this amazing country.

Plus, with a private tour, you will be able to make the absolute most of your time in Myanmar and use your days efficiently! Whether you are on your own or visiting as a couple or larger group, your private tour in Myanmar is bound to be a memory you will always treasure.

An important part of planning any holiday adventure is deciding when to visit. As a result, many people want to know when is the best time to visit Myanmar – after all, you want to see the country at its best and be able to totally enjoy your experience.

The good news is, there is no bad time to visit Myanmar. In fact, the best time to visit Myanmar is simply when you are able to go! However, if you have flexibility for when to visit, you might want to make an informed choice about when to plan your travel. Already know when to visit for yourself, you may need help for how to apply a tourist visa for Myanmar.

How to choose the best time to visit Myanmar

Apart from when your schedule allows you to travel, the most important thing to consider is what you want to do during your stay. Knowing what kind of activities or events you are hoping to experience will help you choose the best time.

For example, if you want to go trekking in Shan state then you will likely want to choose a time when the weather is more moderate. On the other hand, if you plan to attend a certain event (such as the annual Naga New Year Festival ), then you’ll want to ensure your visit lines up with that event.

An introduction to the weather in Myanmar

The weather is going to be a big factor in deciding what is the best time to visit Myanmar. It is worth noting that Myanmar is a large country, and the weather can vary quite significantly from region to region.

Generally, however, Myanmar has a tropical climate which means it has two major seasons: the wet (roughly June to September) and the dry (roughly October to May). During the wet season, rain can be very heavy and the humidity can be intense. While there can still be some rain in the dry season, it is far less frequent and the humidity tends to be more tolerable.

The temperature in Myanmar fluctuates a lot and can change significantly depending on where in the country you are. Altitude plays a large role in determining the weather, and lower altitude areas (such as the west and south of Myanmar) tend to be warmer overall than high altitude places around the eastern and upper central regions.

On the whole, cooler weather tends to follow the end of the wet season (about October/November), with temperatures building up to their peak in June and July. In June and July, temperatures over 40 degrees are not unusual.

The most popular time to visit Myanmar

The tourist peak season for most of Myanmar is around late November to mid-February, when the weather is moderate; think warm but pleasant temperatures, and mostly dry conditions. During this time, you’ll find that the weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as trekking or exploring the cities on foot. Rain is unlikely to spoil your plans, and all of the attractions are open and accessible. It’s undoubtedly a great time to visit Myanmar.

Yazagyi village, Pindaya trekking, Shan state

The downside of visiting Myanmar is November to February is that things can be more expensive and crowded than they are at other times of the year. If you’re planning to visit Myanmar in the peak tourist months, we advise you to book as early as possible to avoid any disappointment. Get in touch with our Travel Advisor.

The benefits of visiting during the rainy season

On the other hand, the lowest tourist season is during the rainy season, and especially in June and July when the temperatures are hot and humid, and rain and tropical storms are commonplace. However, the rain does turn the countryside beautifully lush and green, and you can expect to enjoy the treasures of Myanmar without any crowds. Plus, travel at this time can be more affordable as there is less demand, and rain showers are often short-lived anyway.

You should be aware that some sights and attractions may be inaccessible due to flooding on the roads. Most hotels and attractions around Ngapali Beach, for example, close during the lowest season. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that you can still visit everything you want to see!

Learning how to grow paddy in Myanmar

A happy medium: shoulder season?

Many visitors love traveling in the shoulder season when the weather is less intense, and yet the crowds are still a little thinner. This is generally the “shoulder” months either side of the peak season – so September/October/early November or March/April.

During these times, the weather may be a little more unpredictable than in peak season, but it’s likely to be very pleasant, with minimal rain and more moderate temperatures. In addition, while the main tourist attractions will probably still be a bit lively, they’re not as crowded as they can get in the middle of the peak season. Therefore, many travelers consider this one of the best times to visit Myanmar.

Final thoughts

It would be our pleasure to welcome you to Myanmar at any time, and we firmly believe there is no bad time to visit Myanmar. However, it’s worth considering your schedule and interests so that you can choose the perfect time for your dream holiday.

Now is a wonderful time visit Myanmar, or at least start planning your visit for this year. Tourism to Myanmar continues to grow as word about its beauty gets out, however, it is still unspoiled and authentic. To help you decide where to go on your dream trip to Myanmar this year, we’ve put together a list of our picks for the top Myanmar destinations.

From pristine islands to bustling cultural hotspots, here are ten destinations in Myanmar that we think should be on your list for 2020.

#10: Loikaw

Beautiful and sleepy Loikaw may not be one of the most well-known places in Myanmar, but it is one of the most fascinating. The capital of the Kayah State is definitely an unmissable destination in Myanmar in 2020, thanks to its stunning natural beauty and rich customs and culture. Loikaw is nestled within beautiful natural scenery, including dramatic hills topped with beautiful pagodas.

Also, around Loikaw are many traditional villages of the Kayan and Kayaw people. It is amazing to learn  about the history and culture of these groups. Through community-based tourism, where local people welcome visitors to learn about their culture in a respectful and friendly environment, visitors can learn about the beliefs, customs, and legends of these groups and see traditional crafts such as bracelet making and weaving. Loikaw definitely offers an amazing opportunity to learn about the diversity of beliefs and customs in Myanmar.

#9: Kalaw

Many people pass through Kalaw to visit Inle Lake, but fewer stop and stay in the town. However, we predict that in 2020, visitors will discover that It’s well worth spending some time enjoying its charms! Located about 50 kilometers from the famous Inle Lake, Kalaw is a beautiful town with many old colonial buildings from the British era. The rice fields that surround it are also very beautiful, and the climate is a little cooler than in some other parts of Myanmar. This makes Kalaw an ideal place to enjoy trekking. Kalaw to Inle Lake is a common path, however, there are also other trails around Kalaw.

Life in Kalaw is peaceful and calm, but there are still quite a lot of things to do. There’s a bustling market where you can buy some local goods including honey, tropical fruit, and even Myanmar wine! There are also many stunning temples and pagodas in and around Kalaw, including Thein Taung Monastery, which offers beautiful views, and the Shwe Oo Min Phaya Temple Cave. There’s also an ethical elephant sanctuary which is well worth a visit.

#8: Mandalay

Bustling Mandalay is an increasingly popular hotspot in Myanmar and a definite “must-see” in 2023. The city dates back to the mid-nineteenth century and has many beautiful colonial buildings that look frozen in time. Compared to some of the sleepy places in Myanmar, Mandalay – the country’s second-largest city – has a buzzing, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Walking or biking around the city is a true delight, and there are many great restaurants, markets, and shops to catch your eye and invite you in. Of course, Mandalay also has plenty of cultures as well, including magical pagodas and the incredible Grand Palace. A little further afar, the three ancient cities of Sagaing, Innwa, and Amarapura, as well as Mingun, famous for its large and incomplete huge pagoda complex, world’s third largest, Mingun bell and Myatheintan pagoda.

#7: Inle Lake

In today’s busy and built-up world, there aren’t that many places to go and immerse yourself in a slow, peaceful way of living. Inle Lake, however, is one of those places, making it so appealing in 2023. The lake is over 20 kilometers long (13.5 miles), and there are many picturesque traditional villages to either side. It’s also fascinating to watch the fishermen, many of whom use fishing methods and rowing techniques that have been handed down for generations.

Ancient temples at Sankar village, Inle Lake, Myanmar

Boats, rather than cars or motorbikes, are the most common mode of transport here. In fact, nearly everything seems to be built up around the lake – simply pull up on the banks at one of the tasty and humble restaurants, and keep your eye out for the pagodas and stupas that flank Myanmar’s second-largest lake. The word about the lake is spreading and it is an increasingly popular destination, so we recommend visiting in 2023 before the huge crowds arrive.

#6: Bagan

History lovers will undoubtedly rank fascinating Bagan as one of the must-visit destinations in Myanmar for 2020. The ancient city lies on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, and is, in many ways, a living, breathing museum. In fact, many people say that the city of Bagan rivals places such as Machu Picchu (Peru), Angkor Wat (Cambodia), or Petra (Jordan) in terms of historical significance and sheer beauty.

Within the Bagan Archaeological Site, there are more than 2,000 important Buddhist temples and pagodas, most of which are relics from the 11^th to 13^th centuries. Between this time, it was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, and at its peak, there were more than 10,000 Buddhist temples and pagodas built around the city. Exploring the sites on foot, or from above in a hot air balloon, is truly incredible.

#5: Mainmahla Island

Located in the south, Mainmahla Island is a hidden gem that is a little bit off the usual tourist path – but it might not be for long! It’s a dream destination for nature lovers, thanks to its many opportunities to spot rare and unique wildlife. Culture is also alive and well on Mainmahla Island, with many fishing villages and traditional customs, such as the “U Shin Gyee” spirit shrine, on the island.

Mainmahla island is home to Myanmar’s largest mangrove forest, which is an ecosystem that supports all kinds of interesting animals including dozens of bird species and even crocodiles. There are also many sea turtles, with a hatchery on the island to help build the number of hatchlings. Perhaps the most popular and rare animal of all is the Ayeyarwady (or Irrawaddy) dolphin, a beautiful flat-nosed dolphin that can only be found in a few countries worldwide.

#4: Yangon

It’s probably the most well-known place in Myanmar, and it’s likely to continue to be one of the top Myanmar destinations for 2023. While it’s no longer the capital of Myanmar, Yangon, is the largest city and the place where most visitors arrive. It’s also a beautiful and bustling city that is famous for its many intricately decorated pagodas, leading to its nickname of The Land of the Glittering Pagodas.

Karaweik Hall, Yangon

You cannot miss the Botahtaung Pagoda, with its Buddha hair, or the stunningly beautiful Grand Shwedagon Pagoda, which is especially beautiful at sunrise, sunset, and at night. Yangon also has many beautiful parks, as well as delectable cafes and restaurants where you can try traditional dishes and treats. Across the river bank lies beautiful Dala with its stunning colonial buildings. Dala is best explored by trishaw or on a relaxing boat tour, adding an extra delight to your stay in Yangon.

#3: Pindaya

Pindaya is a small town with a big reputation – and it is definitely one of the places to visit in Myanmar in 2023. Set within the Shan State, Pindaya is most well-known for its beautiful limestone caves. The famous caves, which are about a pleasant 45-minute walk from the center of Pindaya, are not just naturally beautiful, but also house more than 6,000 Buddha statues and relics, making them a fascinating place to visit.

As well as the caves, Pindaya is also famous for making beautiful traditional umbrellas. It is really interesting to go and see how these umbrellas are made, and perhaps purchase one as a souvenir of your time in Myanmar. The area around Pindaya is also excellent for trekking, and it’s even possible to trek between Pindaya and Kalaw, another of our top picks for places to visit in 2020.

#2: Dawei

Everybody likes to find their own little slice of paradise, far away from the tourist hordes and where you can relax and recharge. One of those places is beautiful beachside Dawei , which (at least for now) is a totally unspoiled gem in southern Myanmar. Located in the Tanintharyi Region, there are many gorgeous beaches that are almost entirely undeveloped.

Spending a few days or more relaxing as well as enjoying swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking is absolutely delightful. If you do get restless, there are many day trips to equally beautiful islands, as well as attractions such as cashew nut factories and wood carving factories. Don’t forget to try some delicious fresh seafood while you are near the coast!

#1: Wa Ale Island/Mergui Archipelago

A true hidden gem in Myanmar, the Mergui Archipelago has hundreds of islands dotted around the crystal-clear waters, offering incredible sandy beaches and snorkeling over the coral reefs. In late 2018, a brand-new resort opened on the stunning Wa Ale Island, and Pro Niti travel was chosen as a partner with the resort. Those guests who stay on this island will get an amazing opportunity to experience the traditional culture as well as spot the marine life that lives on and around the island.

As well as simply lying on the beach, you can enjoy water sports including snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. Guests can also learn more about the indigenous Moken people of the area, and visit more remote islands to find out about their way of life. We are so excited to be welcoming guests to the stunning Wa Ale Island in the Mergui Archipelago, and predict that it will be one of the top destinations in Myanmar for 2020.

Part of the appeal of Myanmar is that it is an off-the-beaten-path travel destination. Overall, Myanmar sees far fewer tourists than neighboring countries such as Thailand to its east. This means that while some other South East Asian countries have felt the impact of mass tourism, Myanmar remains very authentic and pristine.

Part of the reason why Myanmar has not seen mass tourism in the way other countries have is that it was politically isolated for many years. For much of the 20th century, it was not easy to visit Myanmar as a tourist. This meant that few people ever had the opportunity to experience the beauty of Myanmar, and the country remained largely away from the influence of other countries and cultures.

Gradually, tourism opened up and when pro-democracy activist Aung San Su Kyi was elected, travel to Myanmar suddenly became much more popular. Changes to the visa process for Myanmar that allowed tourists to apply for visas online also helped. In fact, Myanmar was listed as one of the most up-and-coming travel destinations, behind Cuba and Iceland.

Myatheinta pagoda, Mingun, Myanmar

It was only a couple of years before Myanmar landed back in the news, due to the conflict between Government forces and Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State.

Between this and the fact that Myanmar was a less-known travel destination anyway, many potential visitors may wonder if it is safe, and ethical, to travel to Myanmar.

At Pro Niti Travel, we have been welcoming guests to Myanmar for several years, and we also work and live here. Therefore, we think we are in a good position to offer some information about the safety of traveling to Myanmar, as well as ethics.

Safety of Travel to Myanmar

Generally speaking, travel to Myanmar is extremely safe – in fact, popular tourist destinations such as Yangon and Bagan are some of the safest places to visit in all of South East Asia. Violent crime against visitors is basically unheard of, and even petty crime or scams are unusual. You can feel totally safe in these areas, whatever time of day you are walking, and even if you are traveling alone.

Just as you would in your home country or anywhere in the world, it is a good idea to take some basic precautions. For example, keep your wallet in a safe place if you’re in a crowded area, and agree on a fare beforehand if catching taxis. If you are buying souvenirs such as gemstones or carvings, be sure to be on alert for fakes or poor-quality items. If you are traveling with a guide, they can help you to find a reputable place to buy these items.

Overall, most people from Myanmar are extremely honest and welcoming to visitors. In fact, you might well find that experiencing the warmth and generosity of spirit of the local people in Myanmar is one of the highlights of your trip. People are likely to be much more interested in welcoming you to Myanmar and sharing their culture, than causing any trouble at all.

In fact, the tourist advice for Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Nay Pyi Taw and Inle Lake from foreign governments including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States is that they are safe to travel to. For example, the travel warning for Australians traveling to these places is actually lower than the travel warning for France. As you can see, there is very little to worry about with travel to well-known locations in Myanmar, as they are extremely safe.

It is true that there are some parts of Myanmar where it is advised to exercise a higher level of caution, for example, close to the border with China and India. Often, visitors to Myanmar will not go anywhere near these locations, however professional tour guides (such as those at Pro Niti Travel!) will absolutely be able to ensure that you are safe if you do travel to these regions.

The conflict that has been described in western news has been confined to the Rakhine state, and particularly in its north. This is very far from the major tourist areas and visitors to Myanmar are high, highly unlikely to be affected by it. While most countries advise their citizens to avoid most of the Rakhine State (and especially the north, including the townships of Maungdaw, Bauthidaung, and Rathedaung), the resort areas of Ngapali are still safe to visit and are excluded from these warnings.

Mrauk U, Rakhine State, Myanmar

Overall, most of Myanmar – and particularly the tourist areas – are extremely safe and you should not expect to have any problems at all. If you travel with a little bit of common sense and keep on the lookout for some common scams, then you are sure to have a wonderful time without any hiccups.

A knowledgeable and professional guide can offer you, even more, peace of mind, especially if you are traveling to the more remote regions. While it’s recommended that most of the northern Rakhine state is avoided, visitors are likely to be very far away from this anyway, and there is so much else to enjoy in beautiful Myanmar.

Health in Myanmar

There are no major health threats to visiting Myanmar, but there are a few simple things you can do to make sure that a tummy bug doesn’t ruin any of your plans.

Before visiting Myanmar, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to see if your vaccines are up to date or if there are any that you should get before traveling. It’s likely that you will have had most of them already, but it’s best to talk to a medical professional to make sure. The World Health Organisation recommends a number of vaccines for visiting Myanmar, however, it’s best to discuss this with your own doctor.

Mosquitos can be an issue outside of Yangon and Mandalay. Not only are they annoying, but they can also have negative health effects, so you definitely want to try to avoid getting any bites by wearing long clothing and a strong tropical insect repellant. You might also want to talk to your doctor about the possibility of taking malaria tablets if you are planning to travel to more rural areas. Be aware that most mosquitos in Myanmar have developed an immunity to Lariam, which is a popular brand of anti-malarial.

It’s not a good idea to drink the tap water in Myanmar. Bottled water is readily available, or you may be able to bring a filter bottle or purifying tablets to avoid using too much plastic. If you have a particularly sensitive stomach It’s best to be careful with things like ice in your drink or salad that may have been washed in tap water. If traveling on a tour, your guide can help you find good quality restaurants where you can enjoy fresh and delicious food.

We always recommend that you take out travel insurance for your trip to Myanmar, or in fact to any other country outside your home! This way you will have peace of mind knowing that you are covered in the unlikely event of a health emergency.

Is it ethical to travel to Myanmar?

As you can see, it is very safe to travel to Myanmar and you do not need to worry about this. However, we have also been asked by several people if it is ethical to travel to Myanmar, given the current political situation in the country.

Happy tourists having a good time at Bagan, Myanmar

Of course, it is up to every individual whether they are comfortable visiting Myanmar or any other country. However, we would suggest that it is definitely ethical to visit Myanmar, and, briefly, here’s why.

Many everyday people in Myanmar make a living from the tourism industry. By visiting Myanmar, you help to support all of these people, their families, and their communities. Each restaurant you visit, guesthouse or hotel you stay in, and souvenir you buy means that money is being spent in the local economy and helping local people. By contrast, refusing to visit mainly hurts local people and their communities.

We also believe that travel is a good way for people to develop understanding and compassion for one another. Through tourism to Myanmar, there can be an exchange of culture and discussion between local people and visitors, which can help promote peace and understanding on a global scale.

Final thoughts

With so many beautiful photos, videos and stories from Myanmar, many people from around the world dream of seeing it for themselves. However, many people wonder about the safety of traveling to Myanmar. As you can see, most Myanmar is extremely safe to visit, and it is extremely unlikely that you will have any problems at all.

We do recommend that you speak to your doctor about whether you need any vaccines, and also take some basic precautions like looking out for your personal belongings in crowded places. Overall, however, you can expect to have a totally safe and stress-free experience in beautiful Myanmar.

In order to experience all of the amazing culture and historic attractions of Myanmar, you’ll need a visa to visit! It makes sense, then, that one of the first questions many would-be visitors ask is how to get a tourist visa.

Luckily, the process of applying for a visa to Myanmar is actually very simple and straightforward. Since 2014, visa applications have been processed online, meaning it is quick and easy to apply, and you don’t need to send away your passport for processing.

In this guide, we’ll take you through how to apply so that you can receive your visa without any worry or hassle.

Overview

In order to visit Myanmar, visitors from most countries will require a visa to be arranged beforehand. The only exception to this is the citizens of Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, who do not need a visa for stays of less than 14 days.

For those who do require a visa, the process is usually very straightforward. Citizens of more than 100 countries (including Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Union countries, the United States, Canada, Singapore, Japan and China) can all apply for the visa online.

Of course, you can still apply for the visa at a Myanmar embassy, if you’d prefer. However, this is usually slower and requires sending off your passport to the embassy. Generally, applying online will be your easiest option.

The process to apply online is simple – we will walk you through in detail shortly. If you search online, you’ll find many companies that specialize in applying for visas to Myanmar, for a fee. Unless there are special circumstances around your visa (for example you want a work permit), it is usually not necessary to pay someone to apply for the visa for you.

What do you need to apply for the Myanmar tourist visa online?

Before you get started with your application, make sure that you meet the following requirements to apply for an online tourist visa to Myanmar:

• You have a passport from one of the 100 accepted countries
• Your passport is valid for at least six months from the date that you wish to arrive in Myanmar, and it has at least two free pages for stamps
• You have a color photograph that was taken in the last three months
• You are traveling for tourism purposes, for a maximum of 28 days
• You are entering Myanmar through one of the following border points:
  • Yangon International Airport
  • Mandalay International Airport
  • Nay Pyi Taw International Airport
  • Tachileik Land Border Checkpoint
  • Myawaddy Land Border Checkpoint
  • Kawthaung Land Border Checkpoint
• You have a credit card to pay the appropriate fee

How to apply for the Myanmar tourist visa

Your tourist visa to Myanmar is valid for a maximum of 90 days from the date of issue. Therefore, you must not apply for your visa to Myanmar any earlier than 90 days before your arrival date.

On the other hand, you will want to leave a minimum of three days for your visa to be processed. While it is usually a quick and easy process, there can be delays or issues with the website, so we highly recommend applying for your visa well in advance of your travel – a month or two before is ideal.

Note – there is an “expedited application” process for visitors who need a visa within 24 hours – but it’s generally easier and less stressful to make sure you leave plenty of time to get your visa to Myanmar!

Once it’s time to apply, here is the process, step by step –

1. Go to https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/ and click on the “Apply E-Visa” button toward the bottom of the screen.
2. Fill out all of the details on the screen, paying close attention to make sure that all of your personal details are correct. Note, you can save your application and return it later.
3. Aside from your personal information and documents, you will also need to provide information about where you are staying and what you are doing in Myanmar, so keep your hotel and tour bookings handy.
4. Once you have filled out all of your details and uploaded your documents, double-check them and then submit your application.
5. You will be asked to pay the application fee by credit card – it is currently $50 USD.
6. You will receive a receipt to your email address within an hour or so of submitting your visa application – this is not your acceptance, but save the letter just in case.
7. Once your visa application is approved (usually within 3 days), you will receive an official letter of acceptance to your nominated email address.
8. Print out this letter and bring it with you to Myanmar – it will be exchanged for a passport stamp at the border.

Entering Myanmar

Overall, the process of applying for a visa online to Myanmar is very straightforward. It shouldn’t take more than an hour to complete the whole process online, and then you will be ready to enjoy the trip of a lifetime in this enchanting country.

As you can see, there’s no need to be put off traveling to Myanmar because of the visa requirements. Getting a tourist visa is quick, easy and affordable, and is the first step in experiencing all of Myanmar’s charms.

Need help with your trip to Myanmar, our travel experts are ready to assist you. Keep in touch with us here.

Myanmar is famous for its rich culture and traditions, ancient history, beautiful landscapes, and a 1,930-kilometer long coastline with amazing beaches. There are many popular destinations in Myanmar such as Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake, Ngapli beach and so forth. Myanmar also has many indigenous groups such as Chin State’s face-tattooed women while Loikaw in Kayah State is known for the long-neck Kayan women. In Shan State around the town of Keng Tung are the Ann, Ah Khar, Akhu, and La Hushi tribes.  Let’s stay in Shan State and do adventure trekking around Pindaya, famous for its limestone caves called the Pindaya Caves.

Read More: Top 10 Destinations in Myanmar

Pindaya is located in the southern part of Myanmar’s Shan State. The tribes who call Pindaya home are the Danu, Palaung and the Taung Yoe people. Pindaya is known as “The land of Danu people”, a sub-group of the Bamar people.

Myanmar lady with Thanakha on her face at a Pindaya umbrella workshop

The town of Pindaya is generally not the main destination of travellers and is visited in combination with other destinations such as Lake Inle. Arrive here via the nearby Heho Airport, or by bus or car from major cities such as Mandalay, Yangon, or elsewhere. The popular sites to visit around Pindaya are the Pindaya Caves containing thousands of Buddha images, Potetalote lake, and an umbrella workshop.

Pindaya, Shan state, Myanmar

Trekking around Pindaya is a pleasant experience. Choose among several options: 1-day hiking, 2-Day/1-Night trekking, 3D/2N trekking, or embark on a 3D/2N trekking from Pindaya to Kalaw, or a 3D/2N trekking from Pindaya to Ywa Ngan. Some of these trekking trails have seen very few foreign travellers.

Pindaya – Yasagyi – Pindaya 3D/2N trekking is one of the best trekking options in the area. This adventure trek’s physical rating is moderate since you need to hike about five hours per day. It is a pleasant hike because of the beautiful nature around Pindaya, and the welcoming locals with their interesting stories. Shan State is known as “the basket of vegetables” because of the variety of vegetables that are cultivated here. Local workshops such as umbrella-making, tea-making, and cheroot-making (cigars) are all interesting to visit.

On day 1 of this trek, we start in Pindaya and hike to Yasagyi village where we will overnight. On the way, we will pass small villages and local farms. We will walk about 2 to 2.5 hours to Si Kya Inn village where we will have lunch and a break of about 1.5 hours. Si Kya Inn is now a Community-Based Tourism village since September 2018. The Pindaya to Si Kya Inn village section is the hardest part of this trek as it is a bit steep. We can take ample time to rest if needed while our experienced guide tells us many interesting stories about this area.

Our journey continues to Yasakyi village. This section is also quite challenging but is certainly worth it because of the beautiful nature. The locals in this area are amazing and warmly welcome visitors. The ethnic group at Yasakyi village is mostly Palaung people. Do you know they don’t allow the people of their village to marry someone from another village?  If someone marries a person from another village, they are no longer allowed to remain in their home village. We overnight at the monastery in Yasagyi village where the friendly monks are always happy to host visitors.

Yasakyi Monastery

Our second day starts with the sounds of nature and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. After a simple breakfast, we start our adventure to Kan Hla Gone. Today is an easy hiking day through one of the most beautiful sections of trekking around Pindaya. We will pass small villages called Linne-Inn, Ye Htut Oo, Taung Paw Gyi, and Htin Shue Gone (where we will have lunch) and continue to our destination, Kan Hla Gone village.

As mentioned earlier, Day 2 is a relaxing and enjoyable day because of easier hiking through beautiful scenery and meeting the friendly locals. Cultivating tea is their main source of income in this area so we will visit tea plantations and will have the chance to talk with locals about growing and processing tea.

It will take about three hours from Yasagyi village to reach Htin Shue Gone where we will stop for lunch. Afterwards, our two-hour journey continues to Kan Hla Gone village where we again will overnight at the local monastery. You will note that the area is generally free from garbage as locals are aware of the environmental impact of trash. Trash-cans are positioned in and outside villages.

Palaung woman in her traditional dress

Our third day also is fairly easy hiking. After breakfast, we will enjoy the sunrise and then start our journey back to Pindaya. We will hike down the mountain towards Pindaya. (Alternative option: If requested, we can arrange a car to return to Pindaya. Another possibility is biking back to Pindaya). It takes about three hours to Pindaya.

During this trip, your guide will take care of your food, water and other necessaries. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be ready on time. Beds will be as cozy as possible. Recommended items to bring along are an insect repellent, sunscreen, flashlight (torch), painkillers, battery chargers, toiletries and clothes for three days.

There are many popular trekking routes all over Myanmar. Most popular are those in Shan State such as around Kalaw and Inle Lake, Keng Tung, Hsipaw, Kyaukme, and many more. Trekking is also becoming more feasible in Chin State. Why choose Pindaya trekking? If you love nature and the friendly locals and their interesting stories, you will love Pindaya trekking.

Explore more – Top Adventure Trekking Destinations in Myanmar 

For the uninitiated, most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Myanmar.

As of Aug 1, 2018, visa-free travel is only permitted for countries like Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Holders of diplomatic and official/service passports of Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, North Korea, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam do not require a visa for Myanmar.

Beautiful Sunset at Hpa-an

Adding on to the visa-free entry list of Myanmar next month are Japan and South Korea. Japanese and South Korean visitors will be able to enter by air and land without a visa.

However, as they will be required to show a return air ticket, this would be an issue for those planning to leave Myanmar via land.

According to the ministry’s data, the number of Japanese visitors to the Southeast Asian country, including those on a business trip and for other purposes, has steadily increased in recent years, topping the 100,000 marks in 2016.

In 2017, nearly 101,500 Japanese visited Myanmar, up 0.7 per cent year-on-year.

Travellers from China, however, will still have to pay US$50 for visas upon arrival at airports in Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw, This includes those from Hong Kong, Macau, as well as mainland China.

Sein Tharlyaung Pagoda at Bago, Myanmar

Despite the fee, this is considered an ease of visa requirements for Chinese tourist groups. Chinese travellers previously had to apply for visas in advance.

Tourists are also required to possess at least US$1,000 in cash. If they don’t have that cash on hand, Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism will consider accepting credit cards and other means to check their financial standing.

Myanmar Visa Exemption Announcement for Hong Kong and Macao

In addition, tourists from the abovementioned three countries are permitted to stay for only 30 days in Myanmar.

Other travellers planning to visit Myanmar are encouraged to apply for a visa online at evisa.moip.gov.mm.

Source: Courtesy of Travel Wire Asia

Myanmar оffеrѕ a colourful mixture of еxtrаоrdіnаrу cultures and festivals. Thе соuntrу’ѕ historic tеmрlеѕ, laid-back lifestyle, аnd hospitality оf thе locals аmаzе thоѕе whо vіѕіt Mуаnmаr. Thіѕ Sоuthеаѕt Aѕіаn nаtіоn іѕ rісh іn nаturаl scenery and archaeological sites. Wіth the fаѕсіnаtіng ѕіghtѕ іn thе соuntrу, many реорlе wish to return аnd rediscover every роrtіоn of thіѕ beautiful lаnd. Here are our recommended top 5 destinations in Myanmar for a family with kids

Whether уоu аrе fоnd of nаturаl lаndѕсареѕ, quaint villages, or tоwеrіng tеmрlеѕ, уоu wіll fіnd the реrfесt dеѕtіnаtіоn thаt уоu can еxрlоrе іn Myanmar.

1. Yаngоn

Yаngоn, Mуаnmаr mау bе the biggest and most рорulоuѕ сіtу іn Myanmar аnd employed being Burmа’ѕ capital, together wіth thе саріtаl оf Yangon dіvіѕіоn. It also hоldѕ thе dіѕtіnсtіоn of hаvіng the mоѕt rаngе оf соlоnіаl ѕtruсturеѕ in Southeast Asia, аlthоugh, in comparison tо mоѕt Sоuthеаѕt Aѕіаn Nаtіоnѕ, Yangon still rеmаіnѕ deeply undеrdеvеlореd.

In ѕріtе оf thіѕ Yаngоn іѕ a wеll-lіkеd tourist draw, gеnеrаllу mаіnlу bесаuѕе it іѕ the kеу соmmеrсіаl hub оf Mуаnmаr. Site vіѕіtоrѕ will really lіkе thе еvіdеnсе оf Brіtіѕh, Indian, Burmese аnd Chinese influences wіthіn thе city’s іnfrаѕtruсturе аnd ѕtruсturеѕ. Thе culture іn thе tоwn аnd its history is еvеn nоw сlеаrlу observed іnѕіdе sights оf it’s fоlkѕ walking dоwn contemporary rоаdѕ wearing the соnvеntіоnаl lоngуі аnd аlѕо within the соlоrful structures аnd ѕtrееt vеndоrѕ. It can also offer some activities for kids such as Myanmar traditional puppet show, soft biking around the villages and local trishaw ride and so much more.

2. Mandalay

Myanmar is knоwn tо have thе bеѕt places іn thе wоrld. A Southeast Asian country where thе bеѕt finds аnd places are fоund. Mаndаlау, bеіng Myanmar’s second largest commercial capital іѕ lосаtеd in thе country’s central rеgіоnѕ, also knоwn аѕ Yаdаnаbоn. Mаndаlау is соnѕіdеrеd аѕ thе сеntеr of Mуаnmаr’ѕ сulturе; thе рlасе whеrе the things which mаkе Myanmar fаmоuѕ all ѕtаrtеd. Mаndаlау is the рlасе whеrе wооd carving, Brоnzе саѕtіng, gold embroidery аnd оthеr Mуаnmаr аrt сrаftѕ wеrе first mаdе.

Cooking with local at their home.

Mаndаlау wаѕ thе lаѕt саріtаl оf Myanmar’s kіngdоm bасk іn the уеаr 1800ѕ. Thе royal раlасе was also buіlt hеrе, juѕt along the foot оf Mandalay Hіll. King Mіndоn, during hіѕ rеіgn back іn 1859 еѕtаblіѕhеd Mаndаlау аѕ thе centre of Buddhіѕm іn thе country. King Mіndоn аlѕо made Mаndаlау hіѕ саріtаl bеіng nearest to hіѕ palace.

It tаkеѕ аn hоur аnd a hаlf lоng рlаnе trір from Yаngоn tо Mаndаlау. It саn аlѕо bе rеасhеd vіа trаіn, саr ride, аnd busses which wіll tаkе a little longer. Thеrе are ѕеvеrаl рlасеѕ thаt аrе best vіѕіtеd іn Mandalay. The city іѕ full оf bеаutіful аnd hіѕtоrісаl dеѕtіnаtіоnѕ еvеrуоnе wоuld ѕurеlу love to ѕее.

There is another destination called Mingun is reachable by boat from Mandalay by passing the River Ayeyarwaddy. That would be also one of the best places for the family with kids, too.

3. Bаgаn

In the сеntrаl rеgіоn оf Mаndаlау іn Mуаnmаr, the аnсіеnt сіtу оf Bagan саn now be vіѕіtеd. Fоr mаnу уеаrѕ Mуаnmаr wаѕ, of соurѕе, a closed, ѕесrеtіvе соuntrу, but since the gоvеrnmеntаl сhаngеѕ, іt іѕ nоw ассерtіng mаnу tоurіѕtѕ each уеаr. The сіtу оf Bаgаn hаѕ been hеrе since the nіnth сеnturу аnd durіng thе hеіght оf its powers bеtwееn thе еlеvеnth аnd thirteenth сеnturіеѕ, uр to tеn thоuѕаnd tеmрlеѕ, mоnаѕtеrіеѕ аnd pagodas wеrе buіlt hеrе. Ovеr thе уеаrѕ many hаvе fаllеn іntо ruіn and mаnу mоrе dіѕарреаrеd аltоgеthеr. Hоwеvеr two thоuѕаnd two hundrеd аnd twenty-nine remain, mаkіng thіѕ one оf thе most fаѕсіnаtіng places tо vіѕіt in аll of Sоuthеаѕt Aѕіа.

Flуіng іntо Bаgаn in thе early mоrnіng рrоvіdеѕ mаgnіfісеnt vіеwѕ оf thе tеmрlеѕ, рееrіng thrоugh thе mіѕt-ѕhrоudеd greenery. This is a vеrу lush аrеа аnd thе whоlе сіtу іѕ full оf green trees аnd shrubs. Thе ѕріrеѕ of thе ѕtuраѕ pierce the ѕkу аt еvеrу turn. It іѕ аn аѕtоnіѕhіng lаndѕсаре. The rісh rеd ѕоіl соntrаѕtѕ bеаutіfullу wіth the grееnеrу аnd the ѕtоnеwоrk of thе temples. Biking around this ancient area with your kids will be a very memorable time during your trips. Ballooning over the thousands of pagoda in the early morning for the breathtaking sunrise would be the best of your lifetime, too.

4. Kalaw еlерhаnt camp Plus Inle Lake

Myanmar іѕ аn adventurer’s раrаdіѕе! Ruggеd mоuntаіnѕ, dеnѕе junglеѕ, mеаndеrіng rivers аnd mаkеѕ a trеk up here іntrіguіng! So, what’s keeping уоu from hіkіng up аnd down Northern Thаіlаnd? Jоіn us for a scenic аdvеnturе that’ll surely impress even thе most ѕеаѕоnеd оutdооrѕmеn аnd women. Thе trаіl here іѕ quite сhаllеngіng, ѕо іf you аrе lооkіng to tеѕt уоur еndurаnсе аnd сhаrасtеr (whіlе аlѕо absorbing the scenery), Kalaw Elephant саmр іѕ thе аdvеnturе tоur fоr you.

You may continue to the Lake Inle, which is the ASEAN heritage site for its rich biodiversity and culture of the people there. As the family trips, you can explore together ethnic groups around the lake, biking around the lake to visit some small villages and winery. If your family love horse-riding, that would be another activity to do near Lake Inle.

5. Ngapali Bеасh

Thе pristine wаtеrѕ and whіtе sands оf thе Ngараlі bеасh will ѕurеlу impress you, аѕ this іѕ оnе оf the fіnеѕt beaches іn Sоuthеаѕt Asia. Yоu саn fіnd ѕеvеrаl thatched houses and a mаrkеtрlасе аll around the bеасh whеrе you can dіnе оr shop fоr ѕоuvеnіrѕ. Mоrеоvеr, thеrе аrе fоur-ѕtаr hоtеlѕ аnd resorts, аѕ wеll аѕ a fіѕhіng village thаt іѕ wоrth еxрlоrіng. If уоu wіѕh, уоu can check оut thе bоаt trірѕ аnd golf course in this unѕроіlеd region, іn Myanmar.

Explore our recommended Family Tours for Myanmar.

Myeik and Kawthaung are located in the southernmost region of Myanmar. Rich in culture and close to the sea, these cities are packed with attractions and adventure.

If you’re a first time tourist in Myanmar, it’s easy to miss out on the most popular sights.  You want to find places to visit in Kawthaung and Myeik that will stun you, excite you. We’re here to help you plan your trip and get started! Kawthaung and Myeik are the places someone should visit among Myanmar destinations if he loves adventure, water activities at Mergui Archipelago like snorkeling, relax at remote islands.

Best Places to Visit in Kawthaung and Myeik

Both Kawthaung and Myeik have a number of things to see in and around town. In this article, we have picked the top 7 spots you can enjoy during your trip to Myanmar.

Part 1: Kawthaung

Where to go and what do to when you’re in Kawthaung? Besides exploring the city, you should make a few trips around it to witness some breathtaking sites. Let’s have a look.

Palautonetone

Palautonetone is a small island with a beautiful, sandy beach. It’s close to the Maliwan Waterfall and you don’t need a boat trip to get there.

A 1-kilometer long wooden bridge will take you to the island from the mainland.

While you’re there, you can explore the mangrove forest on the eastern part of the island. If you want to experience the island life up close, there’s a fisherman’s village you can visit.

Ocean Swimming Activities

Cocks Comb – the Heart-shaped Island

About 2 hours south of Kawthaung jetty, there’s an island covered in deep green tropical forest outlined by white, sandy beach. From the sky, it looks like a giant Emerald rock shaped like a heart.

The entrance to the island is through a cave passage. Be it adventure, uniqueness or natural beauty – Cocks Comb has it all. It is also a popular destination for some underwater action like snorkeling.

Thahtay Kyun Island

You can think of the Thahtay Kyun Island as the Vegas of Myanmar. The entire island is given to Grand Andaman Hotel – a golf resort and casino.

The 5-star hotel and golf club has made the island a top attraction for guests whose priority is luxury enjoyment. It goes without saying that the island in itself is very pretty with its dense rainforest and sunny beaches.

Flowers Island

This island is an hour and a half away from Kawthaung. It got its name for being surrounded by a vast field of coral, starting within just 2 meters from the beach.

If you are all about exploring a thick, diverse seabed, Flower Island is the place to be.

Part 2: Myeik

Among other things, Myeik is famous for its great archipelago across the Andaman Sea. It consists of hundreds of islands and coral reefs that you can’t visit them all on a single trip. So we have shortlisted a few that are the most deserving of your time.

Let’s see what you can do during your stay at Myeik.

Thein Dawgyi Pagoda

Theindawgyi is not only a magnificent pagoda by itself but also it allows for a mesmerizing view from all directions. It stands atop a ridge so it’s quite a climb up there. There are several ways to climb to the pagoda. Our favorite is from the Grand Jade Hotel because it’s relatively easier path.

Facing west, the pagoda is overlooking the serene harbor, water and islands in the horizon. If you look to the east, you can enjoy a view of the city’s streets and markets.

The pagoda itself bears the mark of great ancient architecture. Its interior displays a variety of Buddha statues, including a large one at the center.

Moken Islands

An hour and a half away from the jetty, the Surin islands is the home of Mokens. The Mokens are indigenous people who lived in the Andaman Sea for thousands of years.

More recently, many Mokens are converting from their nomadic lifestyle and settling on the islands. They still depend on the sea for their livelihood because of their unique understanding of the coral reef.

Visit the Moken villages to see what this tribe is all about! And let the beauty of the island accompany you meanwhile.

Thayaw Thahan Kyi Island

This island is not far from the Moken village. There are local markets on this island. You can have seafood for lunch from the beach-side shops.

This is a good place to relax and just think in silence. You can go for a swim here too. But for an unforgettable underwater experience, we recommend you check out the next place on our list.

Smart Island

The Smart Island will welcome you ashore with its lush blue shade of clear water. On this island, there are more opportunities to explore the sea. You can go swimming. You can snorkel your way into the rich underwater life of the coral reef.

Or you can simply stand by and watch the waves hit the shore. A truly enriching and de-stressing experience awaits you at the Smart Island of Myeik.

To Wrap it up

While you embark on this journey of a lifetime, travel with Pro Niti to have a team of English speaking professionals takes care of you.  Make unforgettable memories across the Mergui Archipelago. And drop all your worries on us, as we ensure your safety and comfort with utmost sincerity.

We love Myanmar and supporting our communities in every possible way. By booking with us, you become a part of this Pro Niti Communities Development Program.

Recently, Myanmar travel bloggers club held the very first travel campaign to prove Myanmar is a safe destination to travel. The whole world believes traveling to Myanmar is lack of safety and ethical and on the other hand, media coverage from the worldwide boost up the negativity perceptions on the Rakhine conflicts.

The first priority must pay attention to us is to redeem the bad image rather than to do promotional activities. So, travel bloggers from Myanmar invited the media journalists and travel bloggers from ASEAN to let them feel the pleasure of attraction sites from Myanmar and to clarify the safety of inner Myanmar

About the campaign

The aim of this campaign is to reduce the negative social impact on Myanmar by delivering the real situation of real Myanmar to travel bloggers and travel journalists from ASEAN.

It was held in the middle of February and invited totally 28 journalists and travel bloggers from the ASEAN countries with the name of Myanmar’s First ASEAN Travel Media & Bloggers Trip (FAM). The invitees visited the major destinations including Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake experiencing the sweet times. They enjoyed local activities such as horse-cart riding and visited historical monuments in Bagan and Inle Lake.

Take a glance at the amazing sunrise of Bagan with the ballooning taken by Malaysia Media Journalist.

Not long ago, the world most well-known newspaper published that Yangon as one of the world’s most unsafe cities. But now, the FAM campaign provided evidence a safe journey to Myanmar. As a result, all the travel bloggers and media journalists from campaign saw the insight of Myanmar how peacefully we live, and most of them enjoyed this one-week trip.

Believe it! Myanmar is Safe

Comparing to the ASEAN countries especially Thailand, the social and economic status of Myanmar is in the shady stage. Based on the tourism statistics announced by Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar’s tourism industry is about to grow since the visit of Hillary Clinton in 2011, but the political situation trembles the progression of development. But all the negative impact goes to local citizens that hardly pass their daily life.

Indeed all the posts from participants of FAM exposed that Myanmar is safe to travel. They all seem to have a happy trip by looking at their experience. They now appreciate what is the current situation while traveling in Myanmar. The hospitality, friendliness, and warmth of Myanmar’s people can never be easily disappeared with this little political side effect.

Look what Vietnam blogger capture the scene of Bagan.

Undoubtedly, you can see how the real situation on the travel platform such as Trip Advisor yet the individual guest reviews cannot lie. If your main concern is not to choose Myanmar for next destination and you assume as unethical and unsafe travel and support humanity, just leave the wrong thoughts and please accept the reality.

Still doubting, come and see us how Myanmar is peaceful!

You are very welcome from the wonderful land.

In addition, let us share the graceful photos of Myanmar taken by our guest. See the difference how the foreigner media coverage

Train Ride in Yangon

Glorious Shwedagon Pagoda

Padaung Woman

A man reading newspaper

A man meditating at Pagoda

Monks’ Daily Routine

All the above photos were taken by one of our happy guests in February 2018 on their trip with us and we upload it after taking approval from the guest. Please do not reuse the photos without approvals.