Quite honestly, Myanmar does not often come up in conversations about “bucket list travel destinations.” For a while, this Southeast Asian country formerly called Burma endured rise-and-fall empires and military dictatorships. However, now Myanmar is slowly reclaiming its identity as an important tourist destination. And for those who have gone to this so-called “Golden Land,” Myanmar has left an impression no other country in the world did.
Now is the best time to join Myanmar group tours. This country earned the title the “Golden Land” because of its rich cultural history and stunning natural resources. Among the favorite Myanmar travel destinations is the Shwedagon Pagoda. Undoubtedly one of the most famous pagodas in the world, it looms large and prettily like the Eiffel Tower, visible from most rooftops in Yangon, where it is located.
While the Shwedagon Pagoda is definitely worth a visit—and something that one ought to do at least once in Myanmar—there are still so many hidden gems in this country. Below are some of the other destinations and activities you can see and do in Myanmar.
Myanmar Highlights and Features
1. See over 2,000 temples in Bagan
Begin your Myanmar adventure with a visit to Bagan and its 2,000 temples. Once an ornate metropolis with over 10,000 temples, the former city of Bagan now offers tourists a glimpse of the remaining thousands of temples. These temples and other religious structures are best viewed on a hot air balloon. However, you might want to time your visit as the balloon rides are only offered from October to March. Other options include horse carts and e-bikes. This incredible landscape of temples and greeneries is the perfect start to your Myanmar photography adventure.
2. Read the world’s largest book
Have you ever wondered where the world’s largest book can be found? Well, look no farther, because it is located in Myanmar. Built in 1857, Kuthodaw Pagoda is a gorgeous “golden” temple building. But the real attraction is under its pinnacled roofs where one can find over 700 marble slabs covered with scripts on both sides. Each tablet is five feet tall and five inches thick. It is a spectacle even non-bookworms will appreciate. While it is not essentially an “easy” read (it is after all Theravāda Buddhism’s entire religious canon), walking along these slabs already makes for an interesting activity.
3. Witness the Nesting Turtles of Wa Ale Island
A secluded tropical island in the Mergui Archipelago, Wa Ale Island is a protected area home to rare nesting turtles, which lay their eggs on the beach just a few feet from the island’s own eco-resort. Because it is a protected area, guards patrol the island 24/7. This effort by the government and a private agency has helped save thousands of turtles. You need an e-visa to visit the archipelago and before you can book a stay at the eco-resort. But it is a destination worth venturing.
There are so many other destinations one can go to in Myanmar. Because this is a nation that is rich in cultural identity and history, there are so many new and unexpected places to discover. Indeed, joining Myanmar group tours could possibly be one of the best travel decisions you will make.
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