Good As Gold
Myanmar is the unexpected gem that will give your travel game a serious upgrade, without having to venture outside of Southeast Asia. Not only is it a melting pot of cultures and stunning sights as far as the eye can see, there are enough activities here to fill your itinerary to bursting point. No wonder it’s known as The Golden Land!
For a place this untouched and unexplored, planning can sure be tough. To avoid getting bogged down by worries on safety, transport, expenditure, and even potential culture shocks; it’s best to leave everything in the hands of professionals.
So whatever tickles your fancy, from deep sea diving to ascending sky high on a hot air balloon, here are the best tours featuring 10 things everyone has to experience in Myanmar. Adventure awaits!
1. Discover hidden lakes and ancient wonders of the Indein village
Go on a tour that blends the best parts of history, nature and tradition, for one extraordinary day of exploring. You’ll get to pay a visit to the mysterious ruins of Indein. Incredibly photogenic and a magnificent sight to behold, the sprawling plains are dotted with plenty of structures and relics flourishing with greenery.
We’ve gotten too used to the metropolitan lifestyle, where even the newest, shiniest buildings, and technological creations have ceased to impress us. There’s none of that here – just ancient architectural wonders that have become even more beautiful with botanic growth brought on by none other than nature and time itself. This is culture and history mixed with the elements at their finest!
During the boat trip to and fro the tiny Indein village, marvel at the fishermen working their magic with ultimate grace and balance. No hands needed for these seasoned leg-rowers – they use nothing but their own legs to paddle across the waters!
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2. Float through the skies in a hot air balloon
It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do for a living or how long you’ve been on this eart – gliding among the clouds in a hot air balloon should be on EVERYONE’s bucket list.
With this 45-minute hot air balloon package, you’ll be treated not only to the ride of your life, but also a majestic bird’s eye view of the ancient Bagan city at the break of dawn. You and your loved ones will ascend gracefully over a picturesque panorama of awe-inspiring pagodas, grand mountains, and the serene Irrawaddy River waters.
Are you ready for your breath to be taken away, and your heart to skip a beat? Because newsflash: that’s going to happen.
Plus, you’ll be given a free memory stick as part of this tour package for all your picture perfect memories!
Click here to find out more!
3. Dive into the deep at the undiscovered Ngapali Beach
Whether you’re a true-blue diving enthusiast status or you’re just looking to go for your first dip in the high seas, don’t miss the crisp and clear waters that Myanmar has to offer. You’re likely not to find a feature of Burmese seas on the typical list of top diving spots in the world, which is an upside as this means the area remains fairly unexplored.
Ngapali Beach offers a new world of underwater wonders waiting to be discovered. Think gorgeous coral reefs and breathtaking views of marine life.
The dive sites are chosen daily by certified Divemasters in accordance to weather conditions and visibility out at sea. They also take into consideration the kind of marine life might suit the group best. Getting up-close and personal with cute fishies, stingrays and sea turtles? Yes, please!
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4. Embark on a tour of Bagan’s greatest legends
Long before Myanmar was put on the map as an up-and-coming tourism hotspot, Bagan was already regarded a national treasure. As you course through the abundant pagodas and visit various temples that have only gotten more regal with time, the rich history and heritage it holds is evident.
Pit stops include architectural masterpiece Ananda Pagoda and Nat Lyaung Kyaung, the last remaining Hindu temple in Bagan! You’ll also be able to conquer the heights of Thatbinnyu temple, the tallest throughout the entire plane.
After getting immersed in the ancient legends where you can learn about culture, deities and life itself, stop by the Nyaung Oo market for some refreshments. There, you’ll be able to see the simple, yet completely joyous ways the locals spend each day.
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5. Go wild on an unforgettable Yangon night out
An vivacious nightlife is not something you’d typically associate with Myanmar. Conservative as it may be, former Myanmar capital Yangon boasts a vibrant myriad of sights and sounds after hours.
Love pasar malams? Course through the rows of street food stalls at Yangon’s Chinatown with freshly fired up bites that can rival even that of the most popular night markets in the world. From fresh grilled fish to spicy crab masala, dig into some hearty nosh while sharing a toast of something bubbly with the equally effervescent crowd of locals.
Thereafter you can head to the hottest nightclubs* in the city to party like there’s no tomorrow. For the slightly less adventurous but just as fun-loving crowd, this tour will be an eye-opener for you to have one heck of a night out and experience Myanmar as you’ve never seen it before.
*Guys, according to at least one account, it’s normal to receive a back and neck massage while you’re at the urinal in the clubs. Be sure to tip your masseur!
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6. Step into the scenic pages of a fairytale wonderland
Let all the stress in the world just melt away as you spend an idyllic day at Pyin Oo Lwin, with all its scenes that look straight out of charming colonial times. This quaint little town sits at an altitude so lofty, that it has a crisp and fresh climate much cooler than the rest of Myanmar.
Take in all the fresh air as you experience an array of lovely activities for the first time. Visiting organic coffee plantations for an ultra fresh cup of brew, snapping away at the Insta-worthy garden landscapes, and even going on a horse-drawn carriage ride.
This is one tour that’ll tick a whole lot of activities of your bucket list at one go!
Click here to find out more!
7. Explore the backroads of Yangon on a bicycle safely
If you love cycling, as well as visiting cultural sites, and the everyday haunts locals frequent; this is going to be your idea of a perfect day out. On a rented mountain bike, zip through a foreign city, stopping at spots like temples both Chinese and Hindu, pagodas, street markets, bustling jetties and serene backroads, all bursting with the same local flavour.
TSL tip: As a sign of respect, ensure that your shoulders and knees are not exposed when visiting the pagodas. You can cover up with a Burmese longyi skirt that can be borrowed at local tea shops!
The fact that such rich cultural immersion and appreciation for the beauty of local life can be achieved this easily makes this a must-try. No pricey entrance fees for complicated attractions, just the simple joy of riding around on two wheels with your own two eyes, taking it all in.
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8. Understand the meaning of simple joys with an old-school train ride
Sure it’s a chore when we have to deal with it on our daily commute, but you must admit that train rides can count as the simple joys of life. The Yangon Circular Train is a ride you need to experience for yourself, with charming coaches and vintage stations that have aged in the most artful way possible.
Otherwise, a short trip around the railway will provide a refreshing flipside to the dynamic, and often stressful life in the big city. Hop off at any time to get a closer look at all that nature has to offer, or simply to take in all that sunshine and fresh air, unmarred by pollution. You can even strike up a chat with the friendly farmers and villagers!
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9. Be dazzled by a Dandaree Show
Following a view of the golden sunset from the near millennium-old Shwesandaw Pagoda, head to the Bagan Golden Palace in time for the renowned Dandaree show. Brilliantly constructed to reflect the grandeur of Bagan itself, the palace makes for the perfect setting for a splendid show indeed.
Unlike anything else you’ve ever witnessed, the Dandaree show puts together a harmonious blend of performance arts with hefty doses of history and tradition.
You’ll be holding onto the edge of your seat the entire time as you take in the visual masterpiece that is Dandaree. Featuring state-of-the-art technologies in stage production, coupled with the sheer talent of over one hundred actors, dancers and performers, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in Myanmar’s rich cultural story than this!
Click here to find out more!
10. Find out where to catch the best views at Mandalay’s serene paradise
Famed for being the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world, the U Bein Bridge connects many a villager during their daily farming and trading. As the sun goes down, it acts as the perfect vantage point for one of the most spectacular sights in existence.
Prepare to be blown away by views of the landscape and the sun setting over the glistening horizons of Mandalay’s renowned waters. This tour ties in ultimate tranquility, stunning locations and the perfect backdrop to create memories of a lifetime. And in just one day!
Click here to find out more!
Bonus: Rent a swanky ride complete with a private chauffeur for less than $30/day
Gone are your fears of fraudulent cabbies and sweating it out endlessly in the midday sun trying to get from one destination to the other. You don’t want to expend all your energy on just transportation struggles alone, too exhausted to actually enjoy the main activities when you get there.
Weave your way through the vastness of Myanmar in great comfort and ease by renting a car and, while you’re at it, a private driver too! Take your pick from a range of modern saloon cars or custom vans that come at VERY affordable prices.
Whether you need a quick airport pick-up or a private chauffeur to ferry you around for the duration of your trip, rest assured that you’ll be doing so effortlessly in absolute style and comfort. Prices start from just $6.50 for a transfer and less than 30 bucks for a full day rental! Now that’s luxe for less.
Click here for the full list of car rentals!
So Much To See And Do
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or the type of vacationer who thrives on sampling local wines and the best street food of whichever country you visit, Myanmar’s got something that’ll be right up your alley.
The next time you’re in need of a getaway, look no further than the charming mix of tranquil heritage sites and bustling activities that Myanmar has to offer. Coupled with a robust culture as well as the warmth and hospitality of the Burmese people, you can be sure of embarking on a trip to remember.
Begin planning your dream vacation to the Golden Land now!
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