Best Places to Visit in Myanmar: A Complete Travel Guide for Indian Tourists

Are you aware that Myanmar is called the “Golden Land” because thousands of pagodas and temples are gilded with gold? Also, you will see some unique attractions here: locals cultivate floating gardens made of reeds and water plants, growing vegetables and flowers on the water, and fishermen row their boats with one leg while standing on the other.

If you are planning to visit Myanmar to explore this unique destination, our guide will provide you with all the information regarding the best places to visit in Myanmar and the best time to visit the country’s rich landscape and history. But remember, before you embark on your journey, do not forget to purchase an international travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance, so that you can enjoy your much-awaited holiday without worry.

A Deep Dive into Myanmar’s Geography, Landscape, and Climate

Myanmar is located in Southeast Asia and shares borders with India, China, Thailand, Laos, and Bangladesh. It is a country with diverse geography, landscape, and climate.

Geography

Myanmar is surrounded by mountain ranges on the northern, eastern, and western parts. The western part has thick forests and hills where monsoon rains are heavy. The central part of Myanmar is flat and fertile because of the Irrawaddy River. Most people live in the central part where the land is fertile for rice farming. To the south and west, Myanmar has long coastlines by the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.

Landscape

Trees like pine and birch are found in abundance in the northern mountains. You can also spot animals like the red panda here. The western hills have dense rainforests due to heavy rainfall. The Shan Plateau in the east is full of tea and fruit plantations. The south of Myanmar has thousands of beautiful islands, full of marine life.

Climate

Myanmar’s climate is shaped by monsoon winds and the high mountain barriers.

• Cool dry season: From November to February, the temperature is pleasant. The highest mountains in the north are covered with snow in winter. This is the best time to visit the country and experience the outdoor activities.
• Hot dry season: During the months of March – May, the temperature rises and the air is dry.
• Rainy season: From June to October, it rains heavily in Myanmar. The coastal and mountain regions get very heavy rain, more than 5,000 mm per year.

Best Places to Visit in Myanmar

The country of Myanmar is full of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual experiences.

Bagan and Yangon

Bagan is located in Central Myanmar, on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River. It is home to over 2,000 ancient Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas spread across a vast plain. The Ananda Temple has beautiful Buddhist statues and the Shwesandaw Pagoda is a popular spot to watch the sunset.

Yangon in Southern Myanmar, near the Yangon river, has numerous pagodas, which are massive and covered in gold plates and studded with diamonds and precious stones.

Do not climb on the temples and remove your shoes, as these are religious places.

Inle Lake

The Inle Lake in eastern Myanmar is a freshwater lake known for floating villages, floating gardens, and leg-rowing fishermen who balance on one leg while rowing. The people live on the lake and grow vegetables on floating plots.

Do not visit this place in the rainy season as the lake floods. In other seasons, you can go on a boat tour and explore the area.

Mandalay

Mandalay was the last royal capital of Burma. There is a palace here which was housed by the royal family in ancient times. In Mandalay, there are many attractions like the U Bein Bridge, which is a 1.2-km-long teakwood bridge where monks walk at sunset. You can visit a giant stupa here which has been cracked by an earthquake, and the Mingun Bell, which is one of the largest ringing bells in the world.

The city is extremely hot from March to May, so visit early in the morning.

Ngapali Beach

This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar. The sand is soft and white, and the seawater is crystal clear. If you love beaches, you can relax here and go for a swim. The beachfront restaurants serve fresh seafood.

The best time to visit this place is in the months of November – February as the weather is cool during this time. Do not visit beaches during the monsoon fury. There are many resorts here, but you need to book in advance.

Mount Popa

Mount Popa is an extinct volcano and a major pilgrimage site for spirit worship in Myanmar. It is believed that 37 traditional Burmese spirits reside here.

Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the place. You will find many monkeys around the site; do not feed or provoke them.

Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock)

The Golden Rock is believed to be held in place by a single hair of the Buddha. It is a huge boulder covered in gold leaf and remains balanced on the edge of a cliff.

Do not climb the rock and wear long pants and a full dress when you visit the place, as it is sacred. The site is active 24 hours.

Conclusion

Myanmar is a country that has a unique history, culture, geography, and landscape. Their traditions and customs are rare and have been preserved for generations. Their festivals are distinct, featuring archery competitions and hot-air balloons lit with candles that create a magical sky.

Before you start your journey to Myanmar, do not forget to purchase an international travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance that offers protection against any unforeseen events when you travel.

FAQs

1. Do Indian tourists need a visa to visit Myanmar?

Yes, you need a Myanmar tourist visa to visit the country. You can apply for the visa online before travelling.

2. What currency is used in Myanmar?

The official currency is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK). You can exchange Indian Rupees at authorised exchange counters.

3. What language is spoken in Myanmar?

Residents of Myanmar speak Burmese, but locals understand English.

4. What kind of food can Indian tourists find in Myanmar?

Myanmar cuisine includes rice, noodles, and curry dishes. Indian food is also available in big cities like Yangon and Mandalay.

5. Is travel insurance necessary for Myanmar?

Travel insurance is important when visiting any foreign destination to stay protected against emergencies. Purchase a travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance today.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.