Myanmar holidays

Myanmar holidays mean witnessing some of the most iconic images in travel - gold-spired stupas, floating markets, sunset orange-robed monks and leg-rowing fishermen - to name only a few of the country's extraordinary sights. It’s easy to get swept up in the city of Yangon, from the gleaming Shwedagon Pagoda to its smart colonial architecture, while Mandalay - the last royal city, boasts both towering skyscrapers and teak-wood monasteries. Then there’s Bagan, which is simply unmissable, and somewhere you could spend a lifetime exploring its ancient Buddhist temples. The calm waters of Inle Lake feel just as spiritual, sparkling and mystical in the morning light.

What can you find in Myanmar that you won’t find elsewhere?

If you only do one thing in Yangon, make sure it’s a visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda - its one of the oldest pagodas in the world, and is possibly one of the most beautiful. A feat of man made wonder, it is the city’s prize possession, complete with a 326-foot gilded stupa and diamond-studded crown, marble walkways and a pair of enormous leogryphs guarding the entrance. Inside you may find tranquil scenes of colourful prayer flags, wafting incense and worshippers in action. Away from the city, the poetic Irrawaddy River (the country’s life blood) beckons where those gliding down on a riverboat can witness rural life unfold. From one watery abode to the next, Inle Lake’s glittering waters are home to extraordinary floating villages and Intha fisherman who row with a unique one-legged technique – a remarkable sight. Meanwhile Bagan’s staggering temples offer sensational panoramas, best admired from the heights of a thrilling hot air balloon ride.

Who is Myanmar best for?

Myanmar holidays may just be seventh heaven for the ultimate culture vulture who can hop from one pagoda to the next, meeting saffron-robed monks and visiting tiny rural communities. If you’re looking for a beach break, head west to Ngapali or the Mergui Archipelago where the golden sands feel wonderfully unspoiled. Celebrate beach life at its most authentic, watching villagers carry fresh produce from one bay to the next and fishermen tending to their nets splayed out on the shores. Did we mention the breath-taking sunsets?

What are the best ways to discover Myanmar?

With so much on offer, an expert guide is essential to navigate the country’s countless pagodas and shrines. To avoid temple fatigue in Bagan why not explore by bicycle, or ask your guide to visit the lesser-explored structures for a more intimate experience. Our experts can sniff out the most exclusive activities - whether you float down the fabled Irrawaddy River on the sundeck of a traditional river boat, or kayak on Inle Lake’s labyrinthine waterways.

What are the best options for a Myanmar holiday?

Most visitors will arrive into Yangon, which is a relatively quiet and charming city. The undoubted highlight here being the Shwedagon Pagoda, a stunning and extremely humbling place where we can arrange for visitors to take part in a robe offering ceremony with some of the temple monks. There is a relatively well worn path for travellers exploring Myanmar - and for very good reason. The temple strewn landscape of Bagan is a photographers dream, so ensure all camera batteries are suitably charged. This is also the perfect spot to view the landscape from above, with a serene hot air balloon journey. In the interests of expediency, the flight to Mandalay has replaced the road, but a visit is still well worthwhile. Highlights here include the wonderful alms collection at Mahagandayon monastery, when over 1,000 monks gather to collect their daily meal from the local Buddhists. The tranquil setting of Inle Lake also feature highly on most visitors lists, where the labryinth waterways are best explored by boat or kayak. Finally, if all that culture starts to overwhelm (unlikely, but not out of the question), then might we recommend a bit of beach action? Yes, even Myanmar has its elite beach retreat, in this case Ngapali Beach, a quintessential white sandy beach with palm tree backdrop sort of place. While Ngapali might be the last stop before returning to Yangon, there is another way to see the wonders of Myanmar that we strongly recommend - namely a boat trips along the Irrawaddy between Yangon and Bagan on board a luxurious river boat.

Special things to do in Myanmar:

For total cultural immersion, join the chanting monks in the Shwedagon Pagoda for a special robe offering ceremony and take a day trip to Kyaiktiyo aka, the Golden Rock, to see its teetering pagoda and gold leaf boulder. Or drift over Bagan’s temple-studded plains in a hot air balloon - especially romantic in the golden morning haze.