Myanmar has on its territory a variety of unusual landscapes and reliefs, which every year attracts many travellers. Pagodas and stupas frozen in time, millennial temples and monasteries are sometimes there where you least expect them, which makes their discovery unexpected, exciting and magical. At the bend of a path, buried in the vegetation in the middle of the sugar palm trees or even half-submerged in the crystal clear waters of Inle Lake, these architectural curiosities mingle with the green nature of the country and create stunning landscapes of incomparable beauty.
Here are our top picks of the best places to visit in Myanmar, one of the most spectacular countries in Asia:
At the edge of Shan State in the southern region of Inle Lake is a timeless and rarely-visited place: Sagar. One of the best places to visit in Myanmar, it is accessible by canoe from the lake and the path to get there is definitely worth the detour. You will pass through many floating villages and gardens where many curiosities will catch your eye until you reach the sunken temples of Sagar, half-submerged in the water – an incredible sight.
It is impossible to talk about the best places to visit in Myanmar without mentioning the famous Bagan Archaeological Zone. Constructed in the mid- to late- 9th century, this architectural curiosity is absolutely unavoidable for those who wish to live a sensory experience without comparison. Bordered by the Irrawaddy River to the east and Mandalay to the west, Bagan is an architectural gem with more than 2,000 buildings. It thus represents a high place of pilgrimage for Burmese and an incredible spectacle for visitors wishing to take a journey through time, in the land of the ancient Burmese kings. A must, at least once in a lifetime!
Daydream or fantasy? The Mergui Archipelago in the Tanintharyi region in the south of the country consists of more than 800 islands lying in the Andaman Sea. Only recently opened to foreign tourism in the late 90s, this stunning natural jewel has not yet invaded by mass tourism and allows the most adventurous to discover one of the best-preserved archipelagos on the planet on a trip to Myanmar.
White sand beaches, hidden lagoon and untouched virgin forests, the Mergui Archipelago is one of the best places to visit in Myanmar, especially if you are a fan of the underwater world. In the depths of the Andaman Sea, a ballet of Manta rays undertakes a light choreography to the delight of divers.
The karst landscapes of the Hpa-an region, like those you can find on a trip to Halong Bay in Vietnam or Phang Nga Bay in Thailand, provide a special atmosphere, imbued with serenity in this part of Myanmar where rivers and green hills make up the peaceful countryside.
Hpa-an is a convenient base from which to explore the hidden Buddhist caves, sacred mountains and streams and rivers of the stunning surrounding landscape. On the Saddan Lake not far from Hpa-an, it is not uncommon to witness scenes of timeless life and of particular beauty, making it one of the best places to visit in Myanmar, particularly for photographers and nature lovers.
Among the most remarkable landscapes and best places to visit in Myanmar, there is a region which is unanimous among travelers: Chin State, located in the west of the country. This quiet region is particularly suitable for hiking and trekking in Myanmar and offers an excellent opportunity to discover a wild and unspoiled nature and to meet forgotten peoples such as the Karen ethnic group or women with tattooed faces.
Contact your Shanti Travel Expert for recommendations on the best places to visit in Myanmar!
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