Myanmar also referred to as Burma, is an incredible country that’s getting more and more tourists by the day.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Myanmar (Burma) in under 2 minutes!
Want more information on what to do in Myanmar?
Here are details on the top 10 things to do in Myanmar, broken up by the four main regions: Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, and Yangon.
Bagan
1. Temples, Temples, Temples
There are over 2,000 temples to explore in Bagan so grab an electric bicycle – or a regular one if you want more exercise – and find your own path!
2. Balloon Ride Over Bagan
Soaring high above the temples of Bagan is a magical experience and one that should be on every traveler’s list. We highly recommend using Balloons over Bagan, the oldest and most popular balloon company in Myanmar.
3. Sunrise at the Temples
Get up early and find your own abandoned temple – it’s not hard, there are thousands of them. Then, take in the magnificent sunrise.
Mandalay
4. Visit the Three Ancient Cities
The three ancient cities around Mandalay – Inwa, Amarapura, and Sagaing – are all close enough that you can hit them in a day.
If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a motorbike and drive to them yourself, which is an incredible experience. If not, you can hire a driver to take you, and make sure you don’t miss the U Bein bridge – the world’s longest teak bridge – at sunset.
5. World’s Largest Book
Set on the grounds of the Kuthodaw Pagoda, the world’s largest book is an incredible monument.
With 729 marble slabs – one for each page of the book – all housed in their own white pagoda, it’s a site you won’t want to miss.
Inle Lake
6. Full-Day Boat Cruise on Inle Lake
If you’re going to Inle Lake, you’re going to take a boat cruise. Opt for the full day option so you have plenty of time to see the world-famous fisherman, head to the various floating villages, and make your way down to the town of Inden.
7. Bike Around Inle Lake
Renting a bike is a cheap and fun way to see the surrounding countryside. And while you’re out, don’t miss Red Mountain Winery. It may be a tough, steep climb up, but it’s a blast coming back down and the views are spectacular.
Yangon
8. Bogyoke Aung San Market
There’s no shortage of weird services, foods, and colors at this eclectic and huge market. Wander around, people watch, and if you are buying something, make sure to haggle.
9. Ride the Yangon Circle Train
It’s long, slow, bumpy, and completely awesome. You’ll have 3 1/2 hours of a completely authentic experience, and will most likely encounter one or all of the following:
- Little children carrying baby chickens in a plastic bag.
- Women carrying 30 pounds of food on their head, hands-free
- Soccer games being played on dusty patches of land.
- Friendly, curious stares from locals.
The best part: It costs less than 50 cents!
10. Eat at Feel Myanmar Food
Feel Myanmar Food is the best restaurant we ate at in the entire country, and the experience alone is worth the trek.
Sidle up to the buffet, start pointing at whatever looks tasty (hint: it’s all tasty) and then eat way more than you think is possible.
Bonus: Lucky 7 Teahouse
No trip to Yangon would be complete without visiting a teahouse and eating some mohinga, and the Lucky 7 is one of the best around.
Not only are the drinks and food delicious and super cheap, but they also have a really nice outdoor seating area and get bonus points for the staff members wearing fake soccer jerseys as their uniforms.
Final Word(s)
Now that you know the top 10 things to do in Myanmar, it’s time to get there. The country is changing very rapidly, and if you’re looking for a destination that is a little difficult but also authentic and unique, Myanmar is the place to go.
Have you been to Myanmar before? What are some of your top things to do there? Share in the comments below!
Did you make a destination diaries: Myanmar? I listened to your travel meltdowns episode and you mentioned you’d be making one but I can’t find it. I could just be overlooking it though.. thanks!!
@Meghan – Believe it or not, I don’t think we have yet! Crazy, but I guess it’s time to do it – now that the meltdown has worn off 1.5 years later!
Where did you stay in:
Mandalay
Bagan
Yangon
Inle Lake
How safe is Burma, I mean Myanmar?? Could a girl travel alone ok, and would I be able to take my good camera and be ok using it there?
@kerri- Myanmar is pretty safe. It’s certainly much more “rugged” than Thailand and Cambodia and surrounding countries, meaning it won’t have the amenities that those places have for travelers (fun guesthouses, lots of English speaker, tons of other travelers, etc.). But as far as being safe, you should be fine if you keep your wits about you.
I knew a few females traveling solo through there, and they enjoyed it. And yes, you could bring your good camera. Theft is not that high there, as long as you aren’t leaving it in your room with the door unlocked or things like that.
Thank you for this information .i like your website because it have a lot of articles that they happen in everyday of our life.
I just finished listening to your top 10 architectural places and your experiences in Myanmar, so this was perfect timing. Thank you for sharing your adventures !
@Renee- It certainly is a pretty unique, pretty crazy country. Good times, bad times, but totally authentic.
Awesome! Thank you!
@Renee- No problem, thanks for watching. Plenty more where that came from!
You guys are over the top!
@Bill Maloney- You got to be if you want people to be entertained! Plus, man, we get to lead a very lucky lifestyle thanks to the support of all the EPoPer’s, so I better be enthusiastic.
Great video. Looking forward to the rest. Keeping the videos short is a great idea. I personally rather see many quick clips filled with direct content that I can pull from as I continue my hours or research when choosing a travel destination. Efficient, quick, and always entertaining. Thanks guys!
@Marilyn- Totally agree. Short, to the point. If you want to research more, great. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and hopefully a bit of fun.
Awesome. You guys crack me up. Also, I am very sad I missed seeing Burma this last trip. I mean Myanmar. I mean Burma.
@Robb- Thanks. Burma next year. I mean Myanmar. I mean Burma.