10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MYANMAR

After decades of being off-limits, Myanmar has become one of South-east Asia’s most intriguing destinations, with untouched beaches, ancient temples and a thrilling culture to tangle with. Here are 10 things you absolutely must not miss

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR OF YANGON

Walking is the best way to get a sense of Yangon. Despite being a little smelly, chaotic and unapologetic, the downtown sights and colonial buildings are beautiful. The Yangon Heritage walking tour offers tourists information about Myanmar’s history, and they are ready to answer any questions about architecture or culture. Yangon Heritage Trust is culturally sensitive to the past, present and future of Yangon. The price of the tour is US$30 per person and it takes place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The morning tour begins at 9am and the afternoon one at 4pm (3pm in December and January).

STAY IN STILTED HOUSES AT INLE LAKE

The leg-rowers of Inle Lake will bring joy to any traveler. Riding in a long, skinny boat powered by an engine and boat driver at one end, tour-participants on this ecologically rich lake will go to silversmiths, silk weavers, and pagodas at Indein. Visitors find this idyllic place to be a sanctuary after long days of traveling and trekking around Myanmar. Stay in a hotel on stilts or in the nearby town Nyaungshwe for access to delicious local and international restaurants.

FIND THE HIDDEN TEMPLES OF BAGAN

The ancient Buddhist temples of Bagan – thousands of them, spread across the plains – are Burma’s answer to Angkor Wat. Hot-air ballooning over them at sunrise is a sensational (and effortless) way to see the temples, which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Few visitors, however, discover the beautiful and largely deserted cluster of temples around Kyaukgu Umin, to the east of the market town of Nyaung U. Our tip: explore it at ground level by hiring a bike for a dollar, or hop into a horse and cart for a slow-paced tour.

TAKE THE RIDE IN HOT AIR BALLOON

Go up in a basket and float into the sky. See the pagodas below. Not for those with a fear of heights or backpackers on a budget, because these rides don’t come cheap. But if you have money to spend, a hot air balloon ride over Bagan (or Inle Lake) is as mystical and wonderful as it sounds. Prices for these rides range from U$300–U$400.

VISIT U BEIN BRIDGE

U Bein Bridge is the world’s longest and oldest bridge, erected in 1850. It is made of teak wood and feels rickety when you walk along it at sunset with hundreds of other people. In recent years, the amount of tourists coming to this place has skyrocketed, but even the crowds don’t detract from the beauty. The bridge runs 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) across Taungthaman Lake.

CLIMB THE FAMOUS MANDALAY HILL

It’ll take almost half an hour to reach the summit of this 760 feet tall hill but passing the several sacred temples and pagodas on your way, you might have to cover certain areas barefoot. Even though making stops in between can lengthen your overall journey to the top, the 360º view from above is simply breathtaking and worth every step.

TREK THROUGH THE SPLENDID VIEW OF KALAW

Start an enlivening journey by this trek through the Kalaw region which can vary from one or two days until a week. You can make advance bookings with the agencies in the area or simply go there and find out which package you’d prefer as per your likings. But, the breezy atmosphere of this hill station will sweep you off your feet and the freshly prepared home-cooked local cuisines are a must have!

GO MOTORBIKING ON THE ROAD FROM MANDALAY

Zach Benoy is an adventurous American who moved to Burma 10 years ago to start a chicken farm in Pyin Oo Lwin. But he’s also a big motorhead and to keep things interesting rents motorbikes and runs dedicated tours out of Mandalay. You can take a self-guided route, or embark on country-wide epics led by Zach or one of his local guides.

STAY ON A BOUTIQUE WINERY

Beer and whisky, yes. But who knew that Burma had its own vineyards? And surprisingly good wine, too, if you head to the German-run Aythaya winery which was established in 1999 near Inle Lake. Overlooking the hillside vineyard is a tiny boutique hotel, Monte DiVino Lodge, where bedrooms have balconies with views over the estate, best enjoyed with a glass of the local rosé to hand.

WALK UNDER A MOUNTAIN TO BUDDHIST CAVES

Laid-back Hpa An, close to the Thai border, is home to impressive karst mountains similar to Vietnam’s famous Halong Bay – but without the crowds. The highlight is Sadan Cave, a towering place full of pagodas and Buddhas, where you can walk under the entire mountain and take a tiny wooden boat back through the paddy fields. Nearby is Hpa-An Lodge, where you can book one of the 18 stylish teak cottages.