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Rudyard Kipling was right when he described Myanmar as “…quite unlike any land you know about.” At the peak of transformation, Myanmar is appealing to travellers of today for its historical charm that is the most apparent in its many gorgeous temples and stupas. Its lush fields, its simple natives and its old-world charm work the best with a mushrooming growth of tourist-centric experiences to woo travellers to the country.
Here are top five experiences that Myanmar offers its visitors:
Image Credits: Federico Mata
A Hot Air Balloon Ride over Bagan
A cluster of over 1000 temples and stupas constitute the stunning landscapes of Bagan. While each of them intrigues with its unique architecture, and is worth a separate visit; it is absolutely breathtaking to see them all together from several feet high in the sky. Riding a hot air balloon over Bagan at sunsets is one of the most sought after experiences here as there’s something divine about the temples glistening under the night sky and illuminating the city with the light they emanate. Alternatively, you can take the ride at sunrise and see the ancient city of Bagan coming to light with its quaint temples.
Explore the Lake Inle
There are a few experiences as satisfying in Myanmar as sailing over the waters at Lake Inle. The lake is the gateway to a multitude of natural, cultural, religious and historic sites in the country, and can be explored on wooden canoe boats. Some of the most popular trips around the lake are made to Phaung Daw Oo Paya in Tha Ley, the Nga Hpe Kyaung in Nga Phe village, and the floating gardens. Alternatively, you can explore the perimeter of Lake Inle on a cycling tour, soaking in the views of the hundreds of boats rowing in the lake.
Lose Yourself to Frenzy In Mandalay
The cultural capital of Myanmar, Mandalay bursts with energy and pace that you would expect in Southeast Asia. The maddening traffic, the tall buildings and the busy markets can get a little overwhelming the first time. As you delve deeper into its monasteries, pagodas, street food scene and teahouses, you learn the significant art of finding order in chaos, a lesson that will prepare you for any metropolitan city in this part of the world.
Check Out the U Bein Bridge
Resting gracefully on concrete pillars rising up from the Taung Tha Man Lake, the U Bein Bridge, with its 1.2 kilometres, is the longest teak bridge in the world. The distant views of the city and of the many boats sailing over the lake from the bridge are heartwarming. The bridge is best visited at the sunset when the lake is filled with an orange hue and a silence takes over the surroundings. You will also find many vendours selling local food delicacies on the bridge.
Climb the Mount Popa
Mount Popa is the centre of great religious interest in Myanmar as it is the place where the infamous 37 Nat temples are found. The site of a volcano that was last active 2, 50,000 years ago, Mount Popa boasts a Buddhist temple that is accessible after climbing 777 steps. The area is surrounded by Popa Mountain Park and its lush forests and offers scenic views of the Myingyan Plain. Adventure lovers can take trekking trips to Mount Popa with the help of local guides and check out the lush vegetation of the area on their way to the temple.