Myanmar is an unexplored natural and cultural wonder that offers one of the best authentic experiences for the traveller to Asia. From the snow-covered rugged Himalayas in the north to the pristine deep blue waters in the south, Myanmar is a land blessed and abundant.

The natural attractions include caves, corals, lakes, rivers, beaches, islands, and mountains, whilst the connoisseur of culture and history will find pagodas, an array of vibrant festivals, 135 tribes and a spread of delicious cuisine to tantalise their taste buds.  The ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites of Pyu and Bagan promise a trip into the glorious past of the country, while the serene and idyllic beaches at Ngwesaung and Thandwe are the perfect getaway from the bustle of the city.

Between November and February is the best time to visit Myanmar, for it rains the least and the temperature is not too hot (27°C average temperature). From March to May, the country becomes very hot, particularly the dry zone of the central plains where Bagan and Mandalay often see temperatures in excess of 40°C.

Sitting as it does between India, China and Thailand it probably would not surprise you to learn that Myanmar’s Cuisine draws influences from all three countries. A typical Myanmar meal has lots of rice with meat or fish accompanied by soup, vegetables and salads, pickles and raw vegetables. Myanmar also offers a whole range of vegetarian food. Chilli is popular in Myanmar and is used in the majority of dishes, but not to the same extent as in neighbouring Thailand.

Myanmar can boast a diverse range of cuisine with Chinese, Thai and Indian restaurants sprinkled around the major cities. Western food can be found in a number of French or Italian restaurants in Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake as well as at most international hotels.

Mohinga, a thick fish broth with thin rice noodles, is arguably Myanmar’s most famous national dish and is typically eaten for breakfast. Another delicious choice is the popular ohno kaukswe, a coconut-based chicken soup with noodles.

Tea shops are the most populated and frequented places in Yangon. In the morning, the tea shops are busy and most Myanmar people enjoy their breakfast before going to the office. Burmese cups of tea usually combine black tea leaves and condensed milk. And also try samosa, ei kyar kway, pa lar tar and nan pyar.

Besides the unpolluted natural scenery and the exotic charm, Myanmar is also an ideal destination that owns rich traditional and culturally cultivated things. Myanmar is not only attracting visitors by the beautiful temples but also attract tourists with a variety of exquisite and beautiful souvenirs. It’s a pleasant thing to shop in Myanmar: from the colorful Longyi, sand paintings or ornate jewellery, there are many things you can buy as gifts when travelling Myanmar. Coming to duty-free shops, department stores, supermarkets and markets, you could have wide selections of locally made goods, luxury buys for both local people and foreigners and local people with the fixed price.

The official language is Burmese, spoken by the people of the plains and, as a second language, by most people of the hills. During the colonial period, English became the official language, but Burmese continued as the primary language in all other settings.

1. MANDALAY

Mandalay is a city located on the banks of the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River in Central Myanmar. It is the second-largest city in the country after Yangon. Most people expect an old Burma when it comes to Mandalay, but end up getting welcomed by sprawling buildings, wide roads filled with motorcycles and cars, pagodas with towering stupas, shopping complexes, tea houses and many lovely buzzing markets.

The city is popular among tourists for life across the Irrawaddy, plenty of ancient Buddhist pagodas which speak of the rich Burmese culture revolving around Buddhism. The boat cruises from Mandalay to Bagan and Inle and are quite famous for the scenic journey which spans for multiple days on the river.

Places to visit in Mandalay: U Bein Bridge, Mandalay Palace, Kuthodaw Pagoda, Jade Market, Kandawgyi Lake, Museum

2. BAGAN

Bagan is an ancient city located on the banks of the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River in Mandalay region in Central Myanmar. Bagan was formerly a capital and a centre of a powerful Pagan empire which flourished for over 400 years. Today, it is a renowned UNESCO heritage site. The old town area is one of the most visited destinations in the country, who visit the Bagan Archaeological Zone, which comprises of the remains of over 4000 Buddhist temples and monasteries, around 1000 of which remain today. Bagan’s rich culture, history, architecture and Buddhist temples have attracted travellers from around the world. Hot Air Balloon rides are very popular and are one of the ways of experiencing this enriching town.

Places to visit in Bagan: Mount Popa, Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, Nyaung-U, Thatbyinnyu Temple

3. YANGON

Yangon was actually known as the city of Rangoon – that is until the name was officially changed in 2006. Yangon is the largest city and the commercial centre of Myanmar. It is also known as the ‘Garden City of the East’. The people of Yangon place a lot of importance in the preservation of natural elements, which explains why everywhere you go in the city you will always come across some beautiful scenery.

The city was founded around 1755 by King Alaungpaya who incidentally named in Yangon. However, when the British came and colonised the country, the name was changed to Rangoon, until 2006 when it was officially reverted back to its original name.

Places to visit in Yangon: Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Kandawgyi Lake, Inya Lake, Botataung Pagoda, Chinatown

4. SAGAING

Sagaing is a town located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River about 20km from Mandalay in Myanmar. It is the capital of Sagaing region and is known for many Buddhist temples and monasteries, making it an important monastic centre. Sagaing is a great day trip option for tourists visiting Mandalay who head to the scenic Sagaing Hill overlooking the Irrawaddy and Yadanabon Bridge.

Sagaing’s former name is Zeyapura (Jayapura), which translates to the city of victory. Among the prominent attractions are the Kaunghmudaw Pagoda and Yaza Mani Sula Kaunghmudaw, a large pagoda on the northwestern outskirts of Sagaing.

Sagaing is renowned for its silversmith works at Ywa Htaung quarters and also pottery at Nwe Nyein village. It is also an important educational centre and is home to several colleges, because of which you can notice a significant presence of students in the town.

Places to visit in Sagaing: Hsinbyume Pagoda, Kambazathadi Golden Palace, Phowintaung, Bodhi Tataung

5. BAGO

Bago, also called Pegu, is the capital city of the Bago region in Myanmar. It is one of the ancient cities that flourished on the banks of the Irrawaddy River and is known for ancient historical sites and pagodas. The town was formerly known as Hanthawaddy and is one of the most abundant archaeological sites in Myanmar.

TheMahazedi Pagoda is the place to go to watch stunning views of the sunset from the top, overlooking many other pagodas amidst the hill. Bago is a city with a rich political and architectural history. For tourists, it’s a popular day trip option from Yangon, although people can easily spend more than a day in Bago.

Places to visit in Bago: Snake Pagoda, Mahazedi Pagoda, Shwemawdaw Paya Temple, Shwethalyaung Buddha

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