Until very recently Myanmar was very much closed to the outside world. But, recent tentative steps towards democracy and engagement with the world at large mean that this country is now very much accessible to visitors. Here you’ll find a wondrous and largely untouched land. If the romantic notion of sailing the Ayeyarwady River in an old river steamer appeals: this is the place. Likewise if basking in the sun on a beautiful beach on the Bay of Bengal, trekking through forests, admiring glistening pagodas or imposing temples sound like your kind of adventure, then this is also the place to book a hotel.
Where to Stay in Myanmar
Bagan — Located on the banks of Ayeyarwady River, north of Yangon, this spectacular architectural zone is a place of genuine historical wonder. Once the capital of the first Myanmar Empire, the Bagan skyline is dominated by a spectacular array of Buddhist temples renowned across Southeast Asia. If you want to experience a genuine taste of ‘old Asia’ then a hotel in Bagan is hard to beat.
Inle — This huge lake on the border of Thailand and Laos is almost indescribably beautiful. Home to over 30 tribes, the lake’s mountain locale means it’s blessed with a refreshingly cooler temperature than most other places in this region. Boasting a variety of lake resorts and hotels constructed on stilts over the waters of the lake, this is the perfect place to get away from it all and relax.
Yangon — Perhaps better known as Rangoon, Myanmar’s largest city, and former capital, is rightly considered one of Asia’s most exotic. With the awe-inspiring Buddhist Shwedagon Paya temple looming large over its skyline and attracting pilgrims from all over the world, coupled with burgundy-robed monks commonplace on the streets, Yangon wears its Buddhist heritage proudly. An essential destination for anyone interested in the history of this region.
Mandalay — The name itself is evocative of Eastern wonder, and whilst the city itself could perhaps never live up to that lofty expectation, the broader surrounding regions do. The city itself offers plentiful pagodas, churches, temples, monasteries and more for you to discover.
How to Make the Most of Your Hotel in in Myanmar
Myanmar is a land of antiquated wonder, almost as if frozen in time a century ago. It is quite literally littered with beautiful temples, pagodas, and sites of historical interest. Bagan is one such site, as is the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, and also Kyaiktiyo. However Myanmar is also home to some spectacular beaches and forested mountain landscapes too, making it the perfect destination for both lovers of history and the great outdoors alike.
Myanmar is ripe for exploration. Trek across the Shan Hills, taking in the splendid pine forests and enjoying the warm welcome of the friendly locals. Dive in one of the many world-class dive sites only now being discovered by the world at large. Travel by steamer boat on the Ayeyarwady river taking in the views. There’s almost no end to Myanmar’s old world charm.
