10 reasons to visit Myanmar

Travel to Myanmar and experience its most unique wonders: with 20 years of expertise crafting journeys through this exceptional country, we've distilled the ten reasons below to capture the true essence of Myanmar for the curious, the seekers, and the deeply adventurous. Each reason is enriched with practical, nuanced advice you’d only hear from a local expert.

1. Savor authenticity and absolute calm

Unlike some other tourist destinations, when you visit Myanmar, you get a rare chance to immerse yourself in the country’s true authenticity, untainted by mass tourism. The opening of Myanmar’s borders to tourism is recent, and it still feels like an undiscovered gem. For nature lovers, the snow-capped peaks of Hkakabo Razi and the northern Himalayas offer wilderness expeditions where you’re more likely to meet local hunters and monks than fellow travelers. Down south, the beaches of the Mergui archipelago remain near-deserted. Traveling slowly here—on foot, by small boat, or overland—lets you connect with tranquil landscapes and appreciate the deep calm that defines Myanmar’s rural heart.

2. Get closer to Buddhism and spirituality

With Buddhism practiced by 90% of the population, Myanmar is a living display of devotion. Vipassana meditation traditions are strong, with renowned meditation centers in places like Sagaing Hill and Mandalay. For a deep dive into mindfulness, you can join meditation retreats (sometimes in English) at the Okpo Monastery in Mogok or simply observe the rituals at dawn as monks silently accept alms. For genuine immersion, visit modest monasteries where visitors can meditate with resident monks, and consider bringing small respectful gifts (like snacks) to nuns and monks. Yoga classes on a cruise or in the pine forests of Kalaw Mountains further nurture well-being, but spiritual connection here comes most powerfully from quiet presence.

3. Treks and emotional discovery

Trekking in Myanmar is one of the few ways to move at a local pace and see life as it unfolds. The classic trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake takes travelers through rolling Shan Hills draped in early-morning mist, golden rice fields, and remote Pa-O and Shan villages. Staying overnight in family homes or village monasteries brings heartfelt exchange—shared meals, stories, and laughter. For a more immersive, less-traveled path, seek routes originating in small towns or delve into the highlands of Chin State. Early morning hikes reveal misty valleys and farmers tending emerald paddies—a moving tableau that will stay with you long after your return.

4. Unique gastronomy that teases your curiosity

Exploring Myanmar’s cuisine means sampling beyond restaurants: try street stalls in Yangon’s Chinatown or vibrant local tea houses for mohinga (catfish noodle soup) and ethnic Shan dishes rarely found outside the country. Burmese cooking classes open up the secrets of Bamar and Mon cuisine. Don’t miss lephet thoke (tea leaf salad) for a true taste of Myanmar, or local specialties in off-the-beaten-path markets, where influences from Indian, Chinese, and Thai traditions mingle surprisingly. Sipping on talapo (fermented palm spirit) with locals in central villages is an experience best enjoyed under their guidance. Supporting small vendors and family eateries ensures you’re tasting time-honored recipes, not just the tourist versions.

5. Dazzle yourself with gold and precious stones

Myanmar is world-famous for its rubies, jade, and sapphires—seek the craft ateliers in Mogok or small workshops outside city markets to watch stones being cut and set. Temples shimmer with devotion: gold leaf is painstakingly applied by locals and pilgrims alike. For an authentic experience, try gold-leaf making yourself or meet silversmiths and lapidaries working in hidden corners of Mandalay. When shopping, look for regional jewelry styles; buying directly from artisans ensures both authenticity and fair-pricing, a value we champion as Myanmar travel specialists.

6. Practice the art of photography: a beautiful journey in perspective

For photographers, Myanmar is a mosaic of light and color. Expert advice: carry a versatile lens kit (wide angle for architecture and landscape, telephoto for portraits) and a tripod for stunning dawn shots at the U Bein Bridge or Bagan’s temple plains. The best moments to shoot are sunrise and sunset—especially from lesser-known pagodas or lakeside villages, which offer more tranquility and richer light. Engage with locals by asking for permission, and consider sharing instant Polaroids as a small gesture of appreciation. The interplay of natural beauty—mists swirling over Inle Lake, saffron-robed monks framed by golden pagodas—delivers photos with powerful stories.

7. Share precious moments with the Burmese

With over 130 distinct ethnic groups, Myanmar’s diversity is seen in the kaleidoscope of traditional dress, music, and daily rituals. Shanti Travel recommends interactive experiences: join a weaving session with Palaung artisans in the Golden Triangle; sail with the seafaring Mokken people on the Andaman Sea; or spend time with Intha fishermen at Inle Lake, known for their one-legged rowing. Impress your hosts by learning a few words in local dialects and showing genuine curiosity about their way of life. Extended homestays and village visits, especially in Chin or Shan State, reveal culture in everyday gestures—not just for snapshots.

8. Superb craftsmanship in attractive colors, materials and shapes

Myanmar’s crafts are integral to its identity. Seek lotus silk weavers on Inle Lake and stop in artisan villages near Bagan for hands-on lacquerware lessons. In Pindaya, Shan umbrellas made from bamboo and flower petals are produced using centuries-old techniques. Community markets, rather than tourist bazaars, offer genuine ethnic textiles, jewelry, and lacquerware, each region boasting distinct motifs and color palettes. Acquiring pieces directly from makers supports these vanishing arts—and brings home a story with every artifact.

9. Ngapali: lazing on the shores of the Bay of Bengal

Ngapali, with its broad sands and swaying palms along the Bay of Bengal, remains off most mainstream itineraries. Here, the days slip by to the rhythm of fishermen casting nets and the scent of grilling seafood in village eateries. Sunsets bathe the coast in gold, and evenings reveal a constellation of green lights—the signature of octopus fishing boats. For a truly serene beach escape, Ngapali’s tranquil waters and undeveloped charm are unparalleled in Southeast Asia.

10. Travel back in time at Bagan

Bagan is more than a historical marvel—it’s a deeply spiritual, living landscape. With only 2,200 of its original 10,000 monuments remaining, visiting Bagan is a leap through time. The sunrise from a quiet temple or by hot air balloon feels otherworldly, and at dusk the light transforms pagodas and plains into a silvery dream. For deeper connection, explore lesser-visited temples or small villages nearby. Ask Shanti Travel for tailored photographic itineraries or introductions to local guides whose families have called Bagan home for generations. Each encounter adds a personal dimension to the temple-studded valley.

Expert Advice Box: Travel slowly and with intention. Dress modestly for spiritual sites; respect local customs; support community artisans; and take time to engage with people you meet along the way. The magic of Myanmar reveals itself to those willing to linger, listen, and look deeper. As your Myanmar travel specialists, Shanti Travel designs journeys that weave these authentic experiences into every adventure.