Top 10 things to do in Myanmar Burma

Myanmar (Burma) is a crazy cool eclectic clash of all the countries around it.  Due to keeping it borders closed for so long it has developed in a completely unique way that leaves you fascinated and wanting to explore more.  

Hardly anyone is traveling Myanmar right now, so get it BEFORE it’s hot!  We adored the place and are super giddy about sharing all our highlights with you….

With so much of the world internationalising, Myanmar really stands out as a unique gem.  SO, hop into a time machine and let’s go to a place like no other…

1. TREK TREK TREK

If you do one thing in Myanmar, make it a trek!  Kalaw to Inle Lake is by far the most popular for VERY good reason, we have written up everything you need to know about it!.  Another stunning place to trek is the sensational (and exhausting!) trek through the tea hills and mountain top villages of Hsipaw. A hike up the to the holy monkey – tastic – monastery of Mt. Zwegabin was a dream backpacking experience for us!

If you’re feel spoilt for choice, check out ‘Where are the best treks in Myanmar?’, then once you’re sure, follow the links to the inspirational writes up we have done for each.  They have EVERYTHING you will need to know to get booked up and geared up.

2. Discover their epic waterfalls

There are endless stunning waterfalls waiting to be explored.  We found some gorgeous ones around Hsipaw, Pyin U Lwin and on the outskirts of Mandalay.  We really did get to some epic waterfalls, many of which we had to ourselves.  The most epic find was Dee Doke outside of Mandalay, but we have also written up the details of all The Best Lakes and Waterfalls in Myanmar HERE >>>

3. Get lost in Bagan

Get a bike and get lost!  Sorry, I’m not meaning to be rude, but it really is the best advice for Bagan.  It is so vast, varied and full of adventure.  There are a few REALLY impressive temples you may not want to miss, but really, it’s all about the exploration.  

You can’t really write a guide on how to get lost, so we put the an essential Budget Backers Guide to Bagan to help you get started (Getting there, finding accommodation renting bikes ect) and lots of fab photo to inspire you to go get lost! 

4. Paddle through the floating villages of Inle Lake

Inle lake is renowned not only for its epic trekking but also the captivating way in which locals do life around the lake.  It is well worth negotiating a boat ride with a local who can take you into the heart of the village life surrounding the lake.  As you wade through the winding green canals to explore their unique way of life you can’t help but find yourself impressed by the ingenious way they farm, wash, do school, socialise, move furniture and of course fish.  To make the most out of your trip in Inle Lake and not miss out on the winery, check out  our inspiration Top Things to do and See around Inle Lake >>>

5. Try a tea leaf salad

You may already know that I’m a bit of a tea lover, so when I heard that the Myanmarese put tea in their food, I was pretty excited.  It isn’t quite what you may expect, but it is a very worthwhile dish to try; do not leave Myanmar without trying it!  If like me, you LOVE food, you will defiantly want to check out a Mouthful of Myanmar!

6. Stay in a Monastery at the top of the sacred Mt. Zwegabin

Mt. Zwegabin is so much more than just a trek! It’s what backpacker dreams are made of! You can start your Pilgrimage by hiking up through the enchanting Buddha forest.  As you strive up the mountain you eventually reach the large golden stupa at the top where you are greeted by Monks who will offer you a bed and food for the night. Oh, and in the morning, there are monkeys!! You can’t make these experiences up! To get the details and make this adventure your reality, check out ‘Why Climbing Mt. Zwegabin is a Dream Travel Experience’

7. Vist U Bein Bridge in Mandalay

Mandalay has a lot to offer if you love golden stupas, impressive palaces and monks.  A particularly beautiful thing to experience around Mandalay is watch the sun rise or set over the iconic U Bein Bridge.  There is a beautiful village near by and you can also hire a boat if you would like to see it from the lake.  For tips on how to get there and what to watch out for, check out ‘How to get to U Bein Bridge’.

8. Explore Hpa An By motorbike

Hpa An, the one most miss, or at least miss the point! Aside from the mountains, lakes and impressive temples, you have endless caves to explore too.  Almost nobody gives Hpa An the time it deserves!  You will certainly be a novelty wherever you go and where you go will feel novel to you!  We have written a super exciting Guide to Exploring Hpa An by Motorbike with all the things you must not miss!! If you don’t fancy doing it by motorbike then check out ‘Things to do around Hpa An’, it’s pretty awesome!

9. Sample their surprisingly good wine

Myanmar may be known for its beer, but I didn’t expect great wine too! I love this country!

Now, I’m no connoisseur, but the wines tasted great to me and the red one stuck to the glass, which I think in wine world, means it’s pretty good!  To find out how to get there and what it costs (You’ll be pleasantly surprised!) check out ‘Things to do and see around Inle Lake’.

10. Rise early and go back in time

The ultimate TOP TIP for making the most of Myanmar is to rise early!  Myanmar is magical in the morning.  In the villages, the locals rise with the sun.  As the cock crows and children start to rise and play, the villagers get dressed and take their offerings to the monasteries before changing into their tea picking clothes for the day.   One of of the most beautiful mornings of my life was in the small village of Pankam, with the Palaung tribe.  I have written all about it HERE so can see if you too would want to trek through what has very recently been a conflict zone.

A few more things not to miss…

The Local Markets

You can learn more about a culture in 5 minutes in a market the an hour in  museum.

Mt.Popa

Pretty much everyone makes it to Bagan, but not everyone knows about Mt.Popa.  The monkey-tastic quirky mountain is definitely worth a visit when you get to Bagan

Ancient caves

There are ancient caves all over the country and some of the best are nestled into the countryside not only around Hpa An, but Inle Lake too.

Golden Boulder

This Golden Boulder has made it on to many people’s generic tick list for Myanmar, so we shouldn’t leave it out.  Many say it is more about the hike than the boulder and as it’s not every country that has a giant precariously perched golden bolder, you may want to check it out.

Rock a Longyi

Myanmar is one of the few cultures where the majority of the men don a skirt.  It’s fab! Technically, the skirt is called a Longyi and they are often bright colours and super practical.  Pete and I couldn’t resist buying a few and we HIGHLY recommend picking one up in the market!  It’s hard to go back to pants afterwards!

Thanaka face paint

You will notice that the majority of locals in Myanmar appear to be wearing a white or yellow decorative face paint.  Thanaka is actually more like a cream and is made from grinding wood with and adding a little water to make a paste.  Not only is it pretty, but has lots of useful properties. 

Try the red stuff

Don’t be alarmed by the masses of men with blood red teeth grinning at you.  The locals chew a red tobacco loaded mash up called Betel Nut and served in a Paan leaf.  Do note that there have been some awful health issues linked to longterm use of it.  I quite liked it as a one off though; I got a total head spin trying it, so do be warned, it is REALLY strong, but like most crazy culture things, worth a try.

Learn to cook

Myanmar food is super duper tasty, so watch out for the chance to learn to cook. We found a great school in Inle Lake called Myomyo, definitely check it out if you’re in the area!Top 10 things to do in Myanmar Burma 

Beaches

Ooo and don’t forget, Myanmar has beaches, beautiful unspoilt beaches.  There are a few to choose from around Yangon and up the North West coast such Ngapali and Ngwe Saung.  The most idyllic beaches however are down in the south in The Mergui Archipelago, which has over 800 islands to explore!

First Time in Myanmar ?? 

Myanmar is changing rapidly, so up-to-date blogs (like this one, ahem!) will be a great source.  But If it’s you’re first time visiting Myanmar you will probably want to grab a travel guide too. I always think you don’t need more than a ‘Rough Guide‘ as it is about making it your own adventure! They have a pretty cheap kindle copy as well as the actual book.

Looking for a place to stay?

Check out our blogs on local little guesthouse you can find on route for each place:

Bagan>>     Inle Lake>>    Kalaw>>     Mandalay>>     Hpa An>>    Hsipaw>>      Pyin U Lwin>>     Myawaddy>>

OR

If you want to get the best places booked up in advance:

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