Traveling to Bagan Myanmar temples — Put this Golden Land on Your Bucket List

**save for post-covid travel**

Southeast Asia has continued to be the ideal backpacker’s paradise for decades thanks to its affordable prices, dream-like islands and all-night raves. Back in 2013, I island-hopped my way around six countries living the ultimate beach bum lifestyle. But there’s one country that wasn’t on my radar, and it still isn’t for many travelers and that is Myanmar.

I finally made it to the Golden Land and here are a few reasons why I think you should go too.

5 reasons why you need to visit to myanmar

1. it’s doable for the budget-conscious backpacker

Myanmar only opened its borders in 2012 and since then, the tourism industry has developed in major ways. Before, high-priced hotels were the only options. Now guest houses, hostels and budget hotels make it affordable for long-term backpackers. WiFi was almost nonexistent, but now it can be found at every accommodation provider, plus at cafes and restaurants. ATMs hardly worked and the money changers only accepted pristine American dollars. Today, you might have to visit a few ATMs to find a working one, but there are many dotted around major cities and towns. But fair warning, money changers are still sticklers for crisp bills. Keep your notes flat in a book if possible (I tried to use one that had a tiny crease in the corner and it wasn’t accepted).

blog on where to go and where to stay in Myanmar coming soon!

2. The people

The number one reason on why I recommend this country is the people. Everywhere we went, the locals were not only overly kind but always smiling. They happily chatted with us, curious where we’re from then continued on their way.

While there are plenty of people trying to sell tours, bike rentals, goods, etc. a simple “no thank you” will be enough. It’s not like the rest of Southeast Asia where you need to bargain more than half the first offered price, it is actually not favored to bargain. Burmese give fair prices with little room to haggle. I loved this and I never felt frustrated when shopping or felt forced to purchase anything, plus scamming is unheard of.

*the only ‘pushy’ place is in the temples of Bagan

Our wonderful hiking guide on the Inle Lake to Kalaw trek

3. The golden land

Explore tens of thousands of Buddhist temples, pagodas and shrines scattered across the country. Each one telling a story with some dating back to the 11th century. Whichever direction you look, shimmering golden pagodas dominate the view.

Don’t miss the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, its the most sacred pagoda in Myanmar and will take your breath away. Stay for sunset and watch the temple light up from thousands of candles that surround the pagoda. Bagan is an ancient city and a protected UNESCO site where you can spend hours, days, weeks even discovering a land of 2,200+ temples. This is the country’s biggest draw making it a big reason why you need to visit Myanmar.

Pro-tip: Spend a few hours seeking out empty temples off the beaten path during the day so you can return at sunrise or sunset to enjoy a private and peaceful experience.

4. It’s been rated the safest country in Southeast Asia

It’s extremely safe. And it’s great for solo female travelers. In every other Asian country I’ve traveled to, someone always has a theft story, but these are extremely rare in Myanmar. Not only because the people are so kind, the punishment for criminal acts are extremely severe. The tourist industry and many small businesses that benefit from it are keen for tourism to continue to flourish.

5. It’s far less touristy than its neighboring countries

Maybe it’s the USD $50 visa price or that the country isn’t known for wild parties or simply because it has only been open to tourists for 8 years, there are fewer tourists traveling in Myanmar than the rest of Southeast Asia. Making it another great reason to go now — so what are you waiting for?

Take-away tips:

Pre-book accommodation on booking.com or similar sites to get the best rates otherwise prices may go up during your stay.
Respect the culture, cover your knees and shoulders when entering religious sites and always take off your shoes.
Traveling as a couple? Avoid PDA, it’s frowned upon.
In Bagan, head to the temples for every sunrise and sunset, you won’t regret it. Rest in the middle of the day when the temperature is the highest.
Rent an electric scooter to cruise around Bagan’s temples for around $5/day. You can bargain on these especially if you plan to do multiple days.
If you want to see or take a hot air balloon over the temples, this only occurs during dry season (October to April).
Either pre-book cheap flights or travel via night buses to save on money. It’s worth paying a little more for a VIP bus.
To get outside the typical tourist circle, head to Pyin Oo Lwin for hidden waterfalls and cool mountain air (you can rent motorcycles from Mandalay for the ultimate adventure).

If you are thinking about traveling to Myanmar and have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at Viktoria Wanders.

5 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Myanmar