Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomadism
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • Spain
      • Portugal
      • Italy
      • France
      • UK
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Panama
      • Costa Rica
      • Nicaragua
      • Honduras
      • Belize
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
    • Others
      • North America
      • South America
      • Australia
      • Africa
      • Asia
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomadism
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • Spain
      • Portugal
      • Italy
      • France
      • UK
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Panama
      • Costa Rica
      • Nicaragua
      • Honduras
      • Belize
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
    • Others
      • North America
      • South America
      • Australia
      • Africa
      • Asia
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
👤

LIFE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR EXPATS, DIGITAL NOMADS, AND DREAMERS.

  • Your Escape Plan

Why You Should Visit Myanmar: The Newly Discovered Gem

  • July 7, 2016
  • BY EA Editors
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

I remember those first few days after arriving in Myanmar, a land newly opened to tourists after 60 years of military dictatorship and isolation. Between seeing men dressed in sarong-type skirts, the city pavement dyed red from the tobacco-spitting locals, the little girl monks dressed in pink, and the outright friendliness toward foreign travelers; it was obvious that I had discovered something unique.

 

Myanmar was not a country that I had thought to visit, and only decided to on the encouraging recommendations of friends. As a country still in development, it may be a challenge for the cushy traveler. But the seasoned, low-maintenance traveler may be pleasantly surprised by what this country has to offer. Here are a few reasons why you should put Myanmar on your list of places to see:

Many temples in Myanmar, Why You Should Visit Myanmar: The Newly Discovered Gem

 

 

It’s not popular YET, so you will feel like a celebrity.

There’s something to be said about visiting a country that has only been opened to tourism within the last few years. The locals are fascinated by seeing a foreign face, and it is a true symbol of a step forward in political freedom. They welcomed me and wanted to know where I was from. I received smiles, waves, and people asking to take my picture. Instant celebrity status.

 

The country has 135 ethnic groups.

Enough said. If you are anything like me and love cultures and experiencing new people, then you have just walked into a goldmine of cultural ecstasy. This land screams diversity. Unfortunately, there are some areas of the country that are not opened to tourism because of ongoing civil war and disputes. But there are still plenty of people to meet on the safe tourist path.

Bagan Pagodas, Why You Should Visit Myanmar: The Newly Discovered Gem
Bagan Pagodas

 

The ancient city of Bagan

This place alone was worth the visit to the country. Home to over 2,500 Buddhist monuments and centuries-old pagodas, you can expect to get your fill of ancient culture. Imagine getting up before sunrise and climbing atop majestic ruins as the sun lights up miles of pagodas scattered around the area. A breathtaking view. Even better is taking a hot air balloon ride over the field and seeing it all from the sky.

 

A 4-day water fight

If you show up for Thingyan, the New Year water-throwing festival in April, you’ll get to live out your childhood dreams. People with hoses, buckets, water balloons, and water guns fill the street. There’s dancing and massive celebrations. I’m lucky enough to say I survived the madness while going through the capital city on a motorbike (not recommended). Just don’t plan on traveling to other parts of the country during this time. Most transportation routes are shut off for the holiday.

 

Miles and miles of untapped beaches

There are many places in Asia, like Thailand and Vietnam, that are beginning to be overrun by tourists and have lost their unique flair. Not in Myanmar, where you won’t have to step over other travelers to experience quiet, tropical beach life. Perfect for romantic getaways.

Girl monks, Why You Should Visit Myanmar: The Newly Discovered Gem

 

Trek with the hill tribes

I imagine as the tourism industry grows more and more in Myanmar, there will be a plethora of activities for travelers all throughout the country. But one great activity now is to trek in Kyaingtong, a town located in the Eastern part of the Shan state. The area is mixed with a blend of different cultures, from Thai to local Shan, and the tribes are still as authentic as they come. Hire a tour guide and, if you are lucky, you can spend the night in the home of a local tribe.

 

Delicious Indian food

Being so close to India and Bangladesh, you will notice their influences on the local food in Myanmar. I had some of the best Indian food I ever tasted in my life on the streets of Myanmar, without actually having to travel to India. Outdoor restaurants with plastic chairs are set up right on the streets. You can find these restaurants serving delicious food all throughout Myanmar – your taste buds will thank you.

Fisherman on the Lake, Why You Should Visit Myanmar: The Newly Discovered Gem

 

Inle Lake

Located in the Shan hills between two mountain ranges, Inle Lake is worth checking out. One-legged fishermen, floating markets, silk weaving workshops, and pagodas are some of the day’s attractions. These local fishermen depend on both the daily catch and new increasing tourism to help support their families. It’s a unique experience well worth a day of travel.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Previous Article
  • Your Escape Plan

Expats Retiring in Tonga

  • May 25, 2016
  • BY EA Editors
View Post
Next Article
  • Real Estate

Buying Real Estate in Thailand – 7 Things to Know Before You Go

  • October 3, 2016
  • BY David Pierce CCIM
View Post
You May Also Like
Tourist visas remain the simplest path to setting foot abroad.
View Post
  • Plan B
Living on a Tourist Visa – How Long Can You Stay?
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • June 4, 2025
Moving abroad can be a fresh start—but only if you do it with your eyes wide open.
View Post
  • Plan B
Moving Abroad to Reinvent Yourself
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • May 28, 2025
Residency programs worldwide are undergoing rapid transformation.
View Post
  • Second Citizenship
Beyond the Golden Visa – The Future of Residency
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • May 7, 2025
Not all retirements are created equal—especially when taxes are involved.
View Post
  • Plan B
How to Retire Tax-Free Abroad
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • April 23, 2025
Choosing the right country can shape your investment strategy.
View Post
  • Plan B
How to Secure a Second Home Overseas
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • April 18, 2025
The good life in Belize.
View Post
  • Belize
The Plan B Strategy—Securing Lifestyle and Liberty in Belize
  • BY Michael K. Cobb
  • April 5, 2025
Investors diversify globally to protect their future.
View Post
  • Plan B
Why Every Investor Needs a Plan B Abroad
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • April 3, 2025
Tallinn, Estonia is Europe’s digital gateway for borderless business.
View Post
  • Plan B
The Best Countries for Financial Freedom
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • April 1, 2025
Trending Posts
  • Auckland’s peace begins with the landscape. 1
    • Field Notes
    Falling for Love and Life in Auckland
    • June 2, 2025
  • Moving abroad can be a fresh start—but only if you do it with your eyes wide open. 2
    • Plan B
    Moving Abroad to Reinvent Yourself
    • May 28, 2025
  • A new generation claims space through movement. 3
    • Africa
    How Ethiopia’s Girls Are Rewriting the Rules on Wheels
    • May 30, 2025
  • A large mural adorns the exterior of the London Graphic Centre. 4
    • Art & Culture
    The Coolest Art Scenes Around the World
    • May 26, 2025
  • Tourist visas remain the simplest path to setting foot abroad. 5
    • Plan B
    Living on a Tourist Visa – How Long Can You Stay?
    • June 4, 2025
Know Before You Go
  • A new generation claims space through movement. 1
    • Africa
    How Ethiopia’s Girls Are Rewriting the Rules on Wheels
    • May 30, 2025
  • Residency programs worldwide are undergoing rapid transformation. 2
    • Second Citizenship
    Beyond the Golden Visa – The Future of Residency
    • May 7, 2025
  • A typical crosswalk in Tokyo. 3
    • Blue Zone
    Top 10 Things to Know if You’re Moving to Japan
    • April 18, 2025
  • Photo courtesy of iStock/Kosamtu. 4
    • Digital Nomadism
    The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Successful Digital Nomad
    • April 16, 2025
  • Every day life unfolds on Australia’s golden sands. 5
    • Australia
    Top 10 Things to Know if You’re Moving to Australia
    • April 7, 2025
Learn More
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
Why Subscribe

The newly imagined Escape Artist brings you fresh content with a global focus, and sharp, up-to-the-minute coverage of the joys, challenges, and opportunities of life abroad.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on all subscription deals, so be sure to lock-in these incredible savings and start receiving top-notch travel and expat content today!

Sign up for the EA Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Escape Artist
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Newsletter Subscription
Our Spring Sale Has Started

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/