Until fairly recently, Myanmar was off limits to wanderlust travellers. But after five decades of military rule and consequent democratic reform, Asia’s formerly Junta-controlled diamond in the rough has finally opened its crystal shores to nirvana-seekers. Now tourists are flocking to the Asian country in droves, curious to explore Myanmar’s majestic temples, primeval jungle and unspoilt beaches, which have for so long remained concealed and gloriously untouched. So many reasons to visit, the ancient temples of Bagan, the unique cuisine, beautiful white beaches and incredibly kind people. It’s a nation on the cusp of great change, and there’s never been a better time to go than right now.
Go before the place internationalizes and loses the look of old Asia that has been preserved by its harshly imposed self-isolation. Go before irreligiosity strips Myanmar of its mystical Buddhist purity. Go before the people in remote villages grow accustomed to tourists and lose their curiosity about you, before people switch to global ways of dressing and thinking. Go before they fix the English on the menus and signs. Go before everyone else goes.
Things not to miss in Myanmar
Trek in Hsipaw
Watch sunset at Bagan
Inle Lake
Visit the temple in Yangon
Chill out at Ngapali Beach
Cruise on Ayeyarwady River
Best time to visit
Nov – Feb
Jul – Sep ( the coast and in the Ayeyarwady delta)