Suggestions of the top 5 interesting destinations for backpackers to Myanmar for the first time

1. The Inle Lake

Inle is the second largest freshwater lake in Myanmar, located in Shan State. Guests often choose the Nyaung Shwe town to stop because it is easy to rent a boat for exploring the beautiful scenery as well as the lifestyle of locals in villages around. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Myanmar, the Inle Lake is known with the unique fishing methods, rowing with only one leg.

Although in recent years, tourism in the region has developed, this place still retains the natural beauty. Coming to Inle, you will experience the feeling of staying in the floating house, a perfect place for you to sink in deeper into the marvelous beauty of nature.

2. The Golden Rock

The Golden Rock is situated on a mountain at a height of 1,100 meters above the sea level. This sacred rock is located precariously on the other rock (the part contacting with mountain’s surface is just 78 cm²), and the gold-inlaid surface is adjacent to the edge of the mountain, almost looking like it can be felt at any time. However, this rock has been solid over the years.

At the top, there is a church tower with a height of about 7.3 meters. Many people believe that, because this church tower was placed on Buddha’s hair relics, the Gold Rock could stand steadily over 2,000 years.

Visiting Myanmar, you should spend one night for sleeping over here so that you can hear the tinkling of wind chimes and the murmur of prayers. Consequently, you will see your soul be peaceful, more relaxing and see how closer the present and the past connect together.  

3. Mandalay

The name of the Mandalay city easily makes travelers perceive the quiet and gentle atmosphere, but this city is actually extremely bustling with lots of exciting activities on the streets.

Just stepping out of the hotel and wandering through the streets of Mandalay, you will know that your decision is completely correct. The city not only attracts you by the bustling markets, which sells a variety of street food, or the beauty coming from the ancient architectures, but the cheerfulness of people also helps you quickly integrate into local life in Mandalay. Additionally, Mandalay is also highlighted with owning the picturesque Ubein Bridge in the ancient Amarapura village.

4. Yangon

The former capital of Myanmar – the Yangon city is one of the most attractive destinations while traveling in Asia. When you come here, you will be completely conquered by the turquoise lakes, the shady parks, and the lush tropical plants. This is the reason that Yangon is known as "The Garden of the East".

Besides the impressive beauty of the famous gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, which dominates the city’s skyline, here you will be extremely surprised that Yangon has a variety of hotels, excellent restaurants, which are not inferior to any other growing cities in the world. Even, the bustling nightlife of the city will make you fascinated. Yangon really gives you a different experience, unlike any other cities in the world.

5. Bagan

With a repertoire of massive Buddhist temples, built by the Pagan kings for centuries, it is no doubt when asserting that Bagan is one of the great archeological sites on Earth.

With its 2,220 Buddhist temples left today (with about 13,000 temples in the peak period), you can unleash to explore this destination. The temples are located close to each other in distance, so you may be based on your condition to choose the form of movements such as walking, cycling, buses, tuk tuk or balloons.