Yangon (formally Rangoon) is the largest city in Myanmar and the one that has changed the most since the country opened its doors to foreigners. Boutique hotels, rooftop bars, and gourmet restaurants are popping up all over the city. It is also the most popular spot for expats to take up residence as it is a hub for commercial business and has the largest international airport in the country.

Three days in Yangon is enough time to see the highlights of the city but you may enjoy yourself so much that you want to stay longer. Be sure to spend an evening wandering around the Shwedagon Pagoda, not only because of how beautifully it is lit up at night but also because you won’t have to worry about scalding your bare feet on the pavement in the afternoon sun.

Make sure you spend an evening on 19th street in Chinatown – the local hot spot for street food and cheap draft beer!

The 26-square-mile area that was once the capital of a powerful ancient kingdom filled with over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries, is now one of Myanmar’s top destinations for tourists to visit. These beautiful structures were constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries but due to various natural disasters, only about 2,200 temples and pagodas have survived to this day.

The best way to get around Bagan is wake up before sunrise (as the sun reaches scorching temperatures by midday and shade is minimal), rent an electric motorbike, and cruise around the interweaving dirt roads, stopping at every pagoda that catches your eye.

If you want the best bird’s eye view of the region, book a sunrise air balloon ride but keep in mind that they don’t operate year-round.

As of January of 2018, visitors are not permitted to climb the temples of Bagan. Formally this was the most popular way to watch the sun rise and set over this expansive and beautiful landscape. There are still a few places where you can climb high enough to get a nice view.

The actual city of Mandalay is not nearly as interesting as the area surrounding it. If you do decide to stay in town you can head to the Mahamuni Buddha Temple at 4:00am to witness the ceremonial practice of a monk lovingly washing the face and brushing the “teeth” of Buddha.

You can also check out the Snake Pagoda which is the home of 3 divine pythons that are walked and bathed every day at 11:00am.

And the most popular spot to watch the sunset over the city is from atop Mandalay Hill where hordes of Burmese children will gather around you to practice their English. You’ll have fun answering their questions for a while, but after 15 minutes or so you should probably find a clever way to sneak off.

Once you’ve had your fill of city life, check out the surrounding area. Hire a driver to take you the two hours to Dat Taw Gyaint waterfall.

Inle Lake is located about 210 miles west of Bagan and is probably the second most popular tourist destination in Myanmar. The lake is known for the men who use their feet to paddle fishing boats. Although it is now mostly done as a show for tourists, it is quite a balancing act. Expect to give them a small tip if you snap any photos.

The lake is home to approximately 70,000 local Intha people who live in floating villages and tend to floating gardens. The most popular attraction in the area is to hire a private boat driver for the day to tour the lake and the surrounding area. Your boat driver will take you to all of the main attractions in the area so no need to plan your route in advance. But plan on leaving before sunrise for the best light.

Ngapali is the most popular beach in Myanmar and has plenty of accommodation and restaurant options to suit any budget. You can find a variety of stunning bungalows that open right up to the beach and the best seafood in the entire country is here.

Spend your days relaxing on the beach or by the pool, and your evenings watching sunset at one of the many restaurants while munching on the fresh catch of the day.

And when you tire of lounging, hire a boat and a guide to take you on either a snorkeling or spear fishing trip. You’ll leave early in the morning and they’ll provide you with all of the gear you’ll need. The water is warm so no need for a wetsuit. If you manage to catch something while spearfishing there are plenty of beachfront restaurants that will fry up your catch and serve it with yummy sides!

Mrauk U (pronounced “mrau-ooo”) is the second most famous archaeological site in Myanmar so it is similar to Bagan but without the hoards of tourists. It is also far more difficult to get to as it is located in the northern Rakhine State.

The lack of tourists isn’t the only difference between Mrauk U and Bagan, the pagodas are also quite different. Those in Mrauk U have thick walls built of stone, rather than brick, to withstand fierce winds. And they are also smaller and newer than those in Bagan.

The landscape is also different between the two. Mrauk U has small villages, rice paddies, and many grazing animals interspersed between the old pagodas. You’ll more than likely have the entire enormous area all to yourself with far less hassle than Bagan.

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda or as it is more widely known, the “Golden Rock” is a giant rock covered in gold leaf, precariously balanced on the top of a hill in Southern Myanmar. It is so precarious, in fact, that you can actually gently rock it back and forth (if you are a male that is). Buddhists believe that a single hair from Buddha’s head is keeping this massive rock from careening down the hill and into the village below. It is the most sacred site in all of Myanmar.

There are two ways to get to the Golden Rock. The first is to catch a ride in the back of a crowded pickup truck that transports people up and down the steep mountain road from Kinpun. The second is a 7-mile religious pilgrimage hike that is far less popular (and far more scenic). You’ll pass by plenty of small tea shops selling snacks as well as friendly locals who will point you in the right direction if you get turned around.

If you are looking for a less populated beach with equally as soft sand and warm water, then head 6 hours west of Yangon to Ngwesaung (also spelled Ngwe Saung). It’s not nearly as developed as Ngapali so hotel and restaurant options are limited but there are several small gems in this quaint town that are anxiously awaiting the arrival of electricity (Ngwesaung currently runs entirely on generators).

Rent quad bikes and cruise down the beach to Lover’s Island where you can wander around this small, jungle-like landmass (that is sadly littered with trash from locals picnicking). And be sure to enjoy sunset at Kyauk Maumghnama Pagoda which are twin pagodas that are sitting atop massive boulders right on the beach.

Spend your days lounging by the pool and your evenings watching kids play soccer while the sun sets over the ocean. You’ll never want to leave this tranquil paradise!

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