JULY 2016 | WORDS BY ELLENA JOHNSTONE FROM INSIDER JOURNEYS
NOW IS THE TIME TO EXPLORE MYANMAR.
From temple-strewn plains to golden stupas, floating gardens to colonial gems, Myanmar has so much to see and experience. Yet there is no denying the country is changing, and our advice is simple – it’s time to go. Now.
Here are the 5 sights you must not miss:
Shwedagon Pagoda
No journey to Myanmar is complete without a visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Thought to have been built by the Mon people during the 6th century, this is one of the most impressive Buddhist sites in Southeast Asia and a true religious wonder of the world. Besides the beauty of the temple itself, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a fantastic spot for people-watching, with devotees making offerings, worshiping and meditating before the golden stupas.
The Shwedagon Pagoda is thought to have been built in the 6th century, and is one of the most impressive Buddhist sites in the world.
Inle Lake
Cruising the waters of this peaceful lake, flanked by floating gardens and wooden stilt-houses, is an unmissable experience. The antics of its famous leg-rowing fisherman, whose distinctive method can be observed nowhere else in the world, is a major draw for visitors to this tranquil oasis in the Shan Hills. When compared to the bustle of Yangon, Inle Lake is a place to relax, unwind, and observe communities and customs little-changed for thousands of years.
The leg-rowing technique used by Inle Lake’s fisherman cannot be seen anywhere else on earth. Their aerial displays have to be seen to be believed.
Colonial Architecture
There is no denying that Yangon is changing. As Myanmar opens up to tourists, development is inevitable and our advice to travelers who want to see Yangon’s unique heritage buildings is simple – now is the time to go! As a result of British rule between 1824 and 1948, and its relative isolation in the years that followed, Myanmar is home to some of the finest colonial architecture in the world.
Our advice to travelers keen to see Myanmar’s colonial architecture is simple – now is the time to go.
The Temples of Bagan
Where else on earth can you watch the sun set over more than two thousand temples? The temples of Bagan are truly unique and, as with all sights in Myanmar, it is important to experience this sight before the country truly opens up to tourism.
Want to really see the temples in style? We can arrange a hot air balloon over the temples – just ask us when you book one of our small group tours or private itineraries.
The temple-strewn plains of Bagan are a sight to behold. Superbly preserved, the temples are now UNESCO protected.
Ngapali Beach
Having explored temples and colonial wonders in Yangon, cruised Inle Lake and watched the sun go down over Bagan’s mesmerizing plains, you definitely deserve some time to unwind at the beach. Few people realize Myanmar shares the same incredible stretch of coastline as better-known neighbor Thailand, with white sand and the famed azure waters of the Andaman Sea. This tranquil coastline and its quaint smattering of fishing villages is the perfect way to end your time in Myanmar.
As if that isn’t enough reason to go, Tripadvisor just named Ngapali beach among its top 10 beaches in the world!
Ngapali Beach, on Myanmar’s west coast, is an undiscovered gem complete with white-sand beaches, palm trees and charming fishing communities.
What are you waiting for? Now is the time to experience Myanmar for yourself. Talk to Peregrine Travel Centre today about an Insider Journeys trip to Myanmar.
Original article featured on Insider Journeys Blog.
