Asia

Myanmar

7 activities

Myanmar, or Burma, is a country in Southeast Asia which has recently opened its borders to tourists, meaning that you’ll have a unique chance to see traditional, authentic and barely developed or visited territories. Walking rural streets and watching horses and carts passing by, men wearing skirts, women smeared in thanakha and holding their babies, old people chewing betel and monks praying for the peace is like traveling back in time and plunging deep into a historical atmosphere.

You will be amazed by ancient pagodas and ruins of long lost civilizations, Bagan’s kingdom, trekking in Inle lake, the world's longest teak U Bein bridge, and 8000 Buddha images from different time periods in the Pindaya Caves. And of course, you can’t forget to relax on some of endless paradisiacal beaches.

The best time to visit Myanmar is in December to February. In these blissful months, temperatures don’t climb so high and it rains little, if at all. The months on either side of the high season are also good times to visit, especially October and November. Temperatures can soar to 40ºC around Yangon from March through May, and while Bagan and Mandalay are also scorching, temperatures are more pleasant in the hillier regions of the Shan State.

April, though hot, is still a popular month to visit due to the Thingyan festival, and all forms of transportation are completely booked during this month. The monsoon hits Myanmar from May to September, making it the low season. Though there is a somewhat dry zone which remains between Mandalay and Pyay, the delta region becomes swamped and oftentimes the rain derails plans by making roads impassable.

Low Season

May — September

Average temperature 85-80 °F
29–26 °C

Average number of rainy days 15-20

Shoulder Season

October — November,
March — April

Average temperature 88-75 °F
33–25 °C

Average number of rainy days 5–10

High Season

December — February

Average temperature 85-73 °F
29–22 °C

Average number of rainy days 1

Average temperature

Average number of rainy days

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Available activities7

Temple crawling12 items

Myanmar is often referred to as “The Land of Pagodas.” Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Nyaung U, Wetkyi-in and Mrauk U are the top destinations to explore these ancient temples, enjoy sacred vibes and take incredible pictures of the surrounding landscape. However, visiting pagodas is sort of similar to visiting a huge exhibition in a museum. After few hours, it becomes more difficult to perceive and absorb information, especially if you are trying to do so in the intense tropical monsoon climate that Myanmar has. Thus, it’s probably better if you go temple crawling with a bike, and it’s also a good idea to take some breaks in between to chill out. Alternatively, you can mix temple crawling with trekking or hiking adventures, giving your mind a rest while your body works.

It’s also important to mention that Myanmar is home to two very famous caves that are popular among tourists for their astonishing inner temple structures: Pindaya and Khayon caves. The former offers an amazing Buddhist spot which features an impressive 8000 Buddhas. The latter also has a religious importance to locals and is decorated with ornate Buddha statues.

  1. Good daypack

  2. Sunglasses

  3. Face sunblock

  4. Body sunblock

  5. Hats

  6. Camera (portraits and city views)

  7. Portable battery charger (for your phone and camera)

  8. Facial cleansing wipes

  9. Baby powder (good for absorbing sweat in your face and neck)

  10. Hand wipes

  11. Travel umbrella

  12. Rain poncho

Oriental ballooning6 items

Oriental ballooning is not cheap, but it is an incredibly unique and beautiful experience you might want to do in Myanmar. Usually offered at Mandalay, Bagan and Inle lake, it truly gives you a magical experience, especially when witnessing the picturesque scenery during sunrise or sunset.

As some people say, “your soul will thank you!” Well, there is hardly more that can be said.

  1. Long hiking pants

  2. Long sleeve shirt

  3. GoPro camera

  4. GoPro Head Mount

  5. Good camera (portraits and landscapes)

  6. Monopod

Elephant riding10 items

Another unique experience that you can’t find in many other countries, elephant riding is a highlight of any trip to Myanmar. By heading to attractions like Green Hill Valley elephant camp near Kalaw, you can learn about these awe-inspiring animals while perched on their backs, looking at the world from a whole new vantage point. You can also learn about their lush forest habitat and the rich traditions of locals who live nearby. As a part of this ecological tourism effort, you also have the opportunity to plant a tree to give back to the local area.

  1. Waterproof bag

  2. Long hiking pants

  3. Long sleeve shirt

  4. Light trekking sandals

  5. Jungle rain poncho

  6. High DEET insect repellent

  7. Face sunblock

  8. Body sunblock

  9. Antiseptic wipes (if you have some small wounds, scratches)

  10. Good camera (portraits)

Hiking22 items

If you are keen on hiking and trekking in Myanmar, then you should consider the following major destinations, which vary in their complexity level and length of treks: Kalaw area includes overnight or two-night treks to Inle Lake; Himalayan far North area around Putao includes challenging treks to the Myanmar's highest peak Hkakabo Razi (5881 m) and the more accessible Phon Kan Razi (3635 m); Pyin U Lwin, Hsipaw, Nanshan, Kyaukme and Kalaw areas in the close proximity to Mandalay include some beautiful natural attractions such as Anisakan Falls and Pwe Kauk Falls; and, of course, in the Eastern part, the somewhat remote Kengtung area includes picturesque hills and valleys and a peaceful atmosphere.

However, the landscape is not the only attraction worthy of attention. You’ll meet lots of local ethnic groups and learn about their various cultures and ways of life. The best time to hike in Myanmar is between November and March, during the dry season.

Don’t forget that in some areas, you need a special permit to walk and hike around; therefore, it’s imperative to consult with a local agent or guide in advance. And one more important thing: don’t forget to have a have copy of your passport photo page and visa!

  1. Good daypack

  2. Good hiking boots

  3. Jungle boots

  4. Long hiking pants

  5. Long sleeve shirt

  6. Trekking socks

  7. Trekking poles

  8. Jungle rain poncho

  9. Torch and headlamp

  10. Extra torch batteries

  11. Softshell jacket

  12. Anti leech socks (if rain season)

  13. Face sunblock

  14. Antiseptic wipes

  15. Waterproof bandage

  16. Lighter

  17. Knife

  18. Good binocular

  19. Travel towel

  20. Swimsuit

  21. Light sleeping bag

  22. First aid kit

    Pack all the essentials and extra items you might need as in the jungle you cannot get any help, so it’s extremely important to be prepared.

Meeting locals3 items

Myanmar has more than 130 authentic ethnic groups, and you can easily meet representatives of some of these groups at the closest local market. However, if you want to make a more intimate connection or to meet more remote and rare peoples, like for example Nepali Gurkhas and Indian Hindus or Shwe and Ngwe Palaung ethnic groups, or maybe the Akkha, Loi, Ann, or Lisu peoples, then you’ll need to opt for a few days hiking experience in the corresponding areas.

Before you do this, consult with a local agent or guide, as in some areas you need a special permit to walk and hike around the villages. And one more important thing: don’t forget to have a have photocopy of your passport photo page and visa.

  1. Good camera (portraits, object, landscapes)

  2. "Polaroid"-type camera

    Polaroid-type camera makes immediate pictures to present them as well. This camera is small, relatively cheap and allows you to produce photos immediately. One of the greatest options is by Fuji, as they recently issued a very good Instax model for shooting and getting images immediately.

  3. Small presents

Cycling15 items

Myanmar is plentiful with cycling possibilities, especially if you choose to do pre-organized cycling tours which last a few days. It is also possible to go cycling on your own, but remember that Myanmar is a former military government, thus there are still many check points on the roads and you can hardly get spare parts anywhere, though local people will try their best to help.

Consult with a local agent or guide, as in some areas you need a special permit for cycling. And one more important thing: don’t forget to have a have photocopy of your passport photo page and visa.

  1. Cycling gloves

  2. Cycling sunglasses

  3. Cycling shoes

  4. Cycling padded shorts

  5. Cycling helmet

  6. Cycling jerseys

  7. Cycling softbag

  8. Cycling softshell

  9. Cycling waterproof jacket

  10. Cycling pedals

  11. Waterproof bag

  12. Face sunblock

  13. GoPro camera

  14. GoPro chest mount

  15. First aid kit

    Pack all the essentials and extra items you might need as in the jungle you cannot get any help, so it’s extremely important to be prepared.

Beaching9 items

Though Myanmar is a coastal country, it’s not often lauded for its beaches. This is a bit odd, since if you want to relax at the end of your holiday, you can definitely find plenty of idyllic beaches. Some of the gems are Ngapali, Chaung Tha and Ngwe Saung beaches. To witness a truly precious sunset, head to the Bay of Bengal. And if you have time, be sure to visit the untouched Myeik archipelago and bathe in the magnificent crystal water of the Andaman Sea.

  1. Body sunblock

  2. Face sunblock

  3. Sun oil

  4. After sun care

  5. Moisturizing spray

  6. Sunglasses

  7. Hats

  8. Hand wipes

  9. UV protection shirts

Vaсcination7 items

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. The following vaccination recommendations are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage.

  1. Hepatitis A

  2. Typhoid

  3. Hepatitis B

  4. Japanese Encephalitis

  5. Malaria

  6. Rabies

  7. Yellow fever

First Aid Kit6 items

Of course, Myanmar is a country where you can have some qualified help in the cities like Mandalay and Bagan. However, in some remote areas it will take a while to get proper treatment. Sometimes, not you but some of your traveling buddies might need help. Make sure you have something in advance against the following symptoms:

  1. Wounds, traumas, cuts

  2. Gastro problems like poisoning or heartburn

  3. Allergic reactions on sun burn, bites of insects, unusual food

  4. Fever and cold

  5. Motion sickness

  6. Strong painkillers

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