Buzz
With landscapes reminiscent of ancient legends and the genuine warmth of its people, Myanmar is emerging as one of the hottest destinations on the Asian travel map.
This summer, invite your friends for an unforgettable journey to Myanmar.
Traveling with your closest friends is an experience like no other and one that you truly deserve. Consider packing your bags together and embarking on a trip to Myanmar.
Day 1: Hanoi – Yangon
Our flight took off at 12:30, and in just about 2 hours, we arrived in the land of the Golden Pagodas. After an additional hour for immigration procedures and adjusting to the time difference between the two countries, by around 3 PM, our group was ready to explore Myanmar.
We indulged in leisurely time, dedicating the entire morning to relaxation. It wasn't until the afternoon that we commenced our exploration of the temples: Shwezigon, Annada, Htilo Mininlo.
In Bagan, there are countless temples of all sizes, renowned and obscure. Hence, it's essential to wisely allocate time and plan our visit for optimal value.
To roam around freely, we opted to rent electric bikes from the hotel at 5,000 kyats for small ones and 7,000 kyats for larger ones.
Evenings in Bagan lack standout activities or destinations. Therefore, the group consensually decided to rest early, gearing up to greet the sacred sunrise over the land of pagodas the next morning.
Days 3 and 4: Bagan
We had to rise very early – as early as 3 a.m. – fearing the crowds and the potential loss of breathtaking views if we lagged behind. However, luck wasn't entirely on our side as the two most scenic sunrise spots were under renovation during our visit to Myanmar. Consequently, the group had to allocate a small sum to be led by locals to an alternative temple.
However, this didn't deter us from fully enjoying the wonders of Bagan. Watching the sunrise, climbing and capturing photos until the sun was high, then the whole group rested before continuing our journey to visit and explore famous temples such as Sulamani, Dhammayangyi, Thatbyinnyu...
Finally, as the day waned and the sun set, we decided to take some time to rest, have a beer, indulge in shrimp cakes, and admire the sunset, bringing an end to our two days of exploring the land of temples, Bagan.
Days 5 and 6: Bagan – Mandalay
Tickets from Bagan to Mandalay cost 9,200 kyats per person. The journey takes about 4 hours.
Upon arrival in Mandalay, travelers like our group can only take a taxi, Grab bike, or rent bicycles. If traveling in a group, taking a taxi is the optimal choice for saving costs while still ensuring a lively atmosphere.
With ample time, we booked a hotel room in advance and rested and ate. Afterwards, we headed to the charming little village of Inhwa nestled along the Ayeyarwady River, the first destination in Mandalay for our group. Boats serve as the connecting means to reach the village. Here, we could take a horse carriage to visit the village's four most prominent tourist spots.
We proceeded to the outskirts of the ancient city of Mandalay, where the world's longest teakwood bridge, U Bein Bridge, spans the Taungthaman Lake. Watching the sunset here is a daily ritual for locals and Buddhist devotees alike. The cost for transportation around Inwa village to U Bein Bridge, including waiting time, is 30,000 kyats for 4 people.
On the sixth day, our group woke up at 5 a.m. to catch the sunrise at U Bein Bridge before visiting the ancient village of Mingun, Sagaing Hill, and Mandalay Hill.
Upon arrival at the ancient village of Mingun, there are two ways to enter: by boat, with trips available only from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or by taxi, which takes a longer detour.
Within the ancient village are three main attractions: the ancient ruins, Mingun Bell, and Hsinbyume Pagoda.
Mandalay Hill has a total of 1,729 steps, offering panoramic views of Mandalay city. For those who prefer not to climb too much, taxi services are available to reach the summit and conserve energy.
Days 7 and 8: Mandalay – Yangon
JJ Express Bus offers a ride back to Yangon for 25,000 kyats per person. Since the bus departs at 9:30 PM, our group decided to leave our belongings at the hotel and explore Mandalay Palace – the last royal palace of the Myanmar monarchy.
In Yangon, we continued our tour by visiting two famous pagodas: Shwedagon and Sule.
What's fun in Myanmar?
If you're seeking a lively tourist destination with plenty of entertainment options, traveling to Myanmar might not be the perfect choice. It's a place adorned with temples and imbued with sacred stories of Buddha's land.
However, if you crave a change of pace, yearn for tranquility far from the bustle of daily life, or believe in the blessings of the divine, then Myanmar undoubtedly serves as the perfect destination.
Some tips for traveling in Myanmar:
The best time to visit Myanmar is from November to February as it's cool and pleasant. Additionally, hot air balloon rides are available in Bagan during this period.
Attire: Footwear, socks, and short skirts are prohibited in all Myanmar temples, so prepare your outfit accordingly. Always wear long pants.
Essential items to bring: Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, face mask, sunglasses, sun jacket, and some light snacks.
Recommended eateries in Myanmar: 7 Sister, Harmony, You and Me, Golden Duck.
According to Tran Le Ngoc Thang/Zing news
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Explore with guidance: The Ultimate Travel Companion Mytour
MytourMay 17, 2018
