Myanmar, or Burma as it is also known, is a country in Southeast Asia that has, until recently, slipped under the radar of tourism for a long time. In 2011 the borders were reopened to tourists and people are now discovering the true beauty that lay hidden behind a military dictatorship for so many years.
In November of 2014, I was lucky enough to spend my honeymoon traveling throughout this wonderful country. It wasn’t long before we fell in love with this magical place. With the golden temples, the delicious street food, and the warm and welcoming local people, Myanmar has it all!
Balloons adorn the sky as the sun rises over Bagan
Since 2011, tourism has been rising exponentially. In 2016, it is expected that 5 million tourists will visit Myanmar, so, if after browsing the following photos you are considering a trip, book it quickly!
Each week we will be featuring a new destination here on Backpacker Travel, in the form of a photo journal. If you are interested in contributing or have a suggestion for a particular place, please get in touch here.
Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda, or the Seated Buddha, in the city of YangonA golden Buddha statue in one of the many temples around BaganGetting ready for our balloon ride in Bagan with Balloons Over BaganFruit glorious fruit!A boatload of tourists enjoying the sun setting over U Bein BridgeThe sunset at U bein Bridge is one of the most famous in the worldThe highly decorated feet of the Reclining Buddha in BagoA couple of young monks taking in the views from Mandalay HillBuddha statues from different eras and countries at the Thidagu World Buddhist UniversityThe Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock) is a famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists who believe that the rock is balanced on a strand of Buddha’s hairThe Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha image in YangonPaduang ladies weaving by hand at Inle Lake
It is customary for the local tribe’s women to wear brass coils around their necks. This starts from as early as five years old, adding additional rings until around twenty years old. It is seen as a sign of beauty but can be a painful process.
Mount Popa is located a short drive from Bagan. Here you will find a Buddhist monastery perched atop the Taung Kalat pedestal hill. You’ll need to trek up 777 stairs to reach the summitA local artist in the town of MingunFishermen at Inle Lake. The art of one-leg paddling is now more of a tourist attraction, and modern-day fishermen are using outboard motors.The Golden Rock appears to glow during sunsetPeering through an open door at the Shwenandaw Monastery, known for its teak carvingsSome of the 729 stupas that make up the World’s Largest Book on the grounds of the Kuthodaw Pagoda. Each stupa contains a large stone tablet inscribed with the teachings of BuddhaBirds following one of the longboats on Inle Lake, hoping for tourists to throw them some foodYoung nuns on their lunch breakThe sunsets over the temples of BaganThe Kambawzathardi Golden Palace in BagoAn old Burmese lady smokes on a cheroot (traditional cigar)Farming takes on a new meaning at the floating gardens of Inle LakeDecaying artwork on the walls of a temple in BaganTime to spice things up with these green chilisTraffic jam. A line of horses and carts wait patiently for tourists outside one of the many templesA group of Burmese kids. The yellow paste on their faces is called thanaka. It is made from ground-up bark and used as a moisturizer and sunscreen
Michael is the founder of Backpacker Travel. He also runs walking tours in San Francisco and is a freelance travel writer. Michael is extremely passionate about travel and loves to explore festivals around the world.
