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Myanmar

Discover Myanmar: A Journey Through Timeless Landscapes

Myanmar is a country of ancient temples, golden pagodas, winding rivers and landscapes that seem to move at their own rhythm. From the quiet beauty of rural villages to the spiritual atmosphere of its historic cities, Myanmar offers a deeply immersive journey through centuries of traditions, beliefs and cultural heritage.

At the heart of the experience is Bagan, where thousands of ancient temples and pagodas rise across a vast plain, creating one of Southeast Asia’s most extraordinary landscapes. Beyond Bagan, discover the tranquil waters of Inle Lake, the colonial character of Yangon and the mountains, villages and rivers that reveal a quieter side of the country.

For travellers drawn to culture, history, spirituality and authentic encounters, Myanmar offers a journey filled with remarkable places, meaningful experiences and moments that stay with you long after you leave.

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Places to Discover in Myanmar

Yangon
Myanmar’s largest city offers a fascinating introduction to the country’s culture and history. At its heart stands the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the country’s most important Buddhist sites, covered in gold and crowned with a jewel-encrusted stupa. Explore colonial architecture, lively markets, peaceful parks and neighbourhoods where traditional life continues alongside the modern city.

Bagan
One of Myanmar’s most extraordinary destinations, Bagan is a vast archaeological landscape filled with thousands of ancient temples and pagodas. Explore the ruins by bicycle, e-bike or private vehicle, discover lesser-known temples and experience the magical atmosphere of the plains at sunrise or sunset. A hot-air balloon flight offers another unforgettable perspective over this remarkable landscape.

Inle Lake
Surrounded by mountains, Inle Lake is known for its tranquil waters, floating gardens and distinctive way of life. Travel by traditional boat to discover floating villages, local markets, craft workshops and ancient temples, while observing the daily rhythm of the Intha communities who have made the lake their home.

Mandalay & the Ancient Royal Cities
Mandalay is an important centre of Myanmar’s cultural and religious heritage. Discover Mandalay Palace, traditional monasteries and workshops, then explore the surrounding former royal capitals of Amarapura, Sagaing and Mingun. The famous U Bein Bridge, stretching across Taungthaman Lake, is particularly atmospheric at sunset.

Hpa-An & Southern Myanmar
For travellers looking beyond the classic highlights, Hpa-An reveals a quieter side of Myanmar. Dramatic limestone mountains, caves, rice fields and Buddhist sites surround the town, creating spectacular landscapes and opportunities to experience rural life away from the country’s main tourist routes.

Ngapali Beach
On the Bay of Bengal, Ngapali offers a peaceful coastal escape after days of cultural exploration. Long stretches of sand, warm waters and a relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal place to slow down and enjoy Myanmar’s tropical coastline.

When to Travel

Myanmar’s climate varies across the country, but the cooler and drier months are generally the most comfortable for travelling.

November to February is typically the most pleasant period for exploring Bagan, Yangon, Mandalay and Inle Lake, with cooler temperatures and relatively little rainfall.

March to May brings hotter weather, particularly in central Myanmar. Early mornings and evenings can be especially enjoyable for sightseeing, while coastal destinations can offer a welcome change of pace.

June to October is the monsoon season, bringing more frequent rainfall to many parts of the country. Landscapes become lush and green, although weather conditions and accessibility can vary considerably by region.

Practical Information

Currency: The official currency is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK). Cash remains important, particularly outside major cities, and it is advisable to carry enough local currency when travelling through more remote areas.

Language: Burmese is the official language. English is commonly used in hotels, tourist areas and by many professional guides.

Getting Around: Domestic flights connect major destinations, while private vehicles and local transfers are practical for exploring regions by road. Boats are an essential part of travelling around Inle Lake and can also be used on some river routes.

Visiting Temples: Modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees is appropriate when visiting Buddhist temples and pagodas. Shoes and socks are normally removed before entering religious sites, and visitors should be respectful when photographing monks and ceremonies.

Lively street in Hanoi Old Quarter with traditional houses and local life Previous Combination with stay in Vietnam

Practical Information

  • Best seasons November to February
  • Language Burmese
  • Currency Myanmar Kyat (MMK)
  • Time zone UTC +6:30
  • Getting around Domestic flights, private transfers, boats and local transport
  • Visa Visa requirements depend on nationality and current entry rules

The best time to visit Vietnam

If you want to visit Vietnam, you might be wondering what the weather is like in different months. Well, it depends on where you go and what you want to do. Vietnam has a diverse climate, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry, I’ll give you a general overview of what to expect in each month, based on the average weather patterns. You can also check out the holidays and events that happen in each month in Vietnam.

January
This is a good month to enjoy the dry and pleasant weather in most parts of Vietnam, except for the north. The north can get quite cold, especially in the morning and evening. You might need some warm clothes and jackets if you go to places like Sapa and Ha Giang. If you’re looking for some beach time, head to Phu Quoc, where the sun is always shining. Just be aware that Halong Bay can be foggy this month, so you might not see the best views.

February
The weather gets warmer in most of Vietnam, except for the north, which still feels chilly. This is a high season for tourism, so expect more crowds and higher prices. But it’s also a great time to experience the TET festival, which is the Vietnamese New Year. It’s a big celebration with lots of food, fireworks, and fun. Just keep in mind that many shops, museums, and restaurants are closed for about a week during TET.

March
This is one of the best months to visit Vietnam, as the weather is fantastic everywhere. You have more options for beach destinations, such as Mui Ne, Con Dao, and Nha Trang. Hoi An is also a lovely place to enjoy the beach and the old town. This is also a great time to visit Halong Bay, which should have clear blue skies and no fog.

April
Like March, April is another great month to visit Vietnam, with amazing weather everywhere. This is also a high season for tourism, so be prepared for more crowds and higher prices.

May
The weather gets hotter in May, but it’s still a good time to visit Vietnam before the rainy season starts. You might get some rain in the north and south by the end of the month, but nothing too serious. You can also take advantage of the lower prices after the high season.

June
You might get some rain in the north and south of Vietnam, but it’s usually not too bad. You can still enjoy the sunny days in Hanoi, Mai Chau, and Halong Bay. The best place to be is in central Vietnam, where the weather is still dry and sunny. You can relax on the beaches of Lang Co and Hoi An, or explore the countryside and culture. This is also a good time to travel before the school holidays start next month.

July
Central Vietnam is still the best place to be in July, with lots of sunshine and little rain. The rest of Vietnam might have some showers, but they won’t ruin your fun.

August
Central Vietnam is still a good place to visit in August, although you might get some more rain by the end of the month. The rest of Vietnam might also have some rain, but it’s not too bad. You can also enjoy some discounts on flights and hotels during the low season.

September
This is a good month to catch the last sun on the central coast of Vietnam before it gets too rainy. The north and south are usually very wet this month, but you can still find some bargains on hotels.

October
The weather gets better in the north of Vietnam in October, and this is a great time to visit places like Sapa or Ha Giang. You can admire the stunning scenery of rice terraces, valleys, and mountains that change color with the seasons. You can also hike, bike, or stay with the local people who live there. This is not a good month for beach lovers, but Vietnam has so much more to offer than just beaches. And traveling in October means you avoid the crowds.

November
The high season starts again in November, as many people come to Vietnam for the cooler winter months in the north. By the end of the month, most of Vietnam is hot and dry again, except for the central region, which might have some rain.

December
There is still a chance of rain in the central part of Vietnam in December; however, most of Vietnam is hot and dry again. The beach season starts again on Phu Quoc island. You should book early for Christmas time, as it can get very busy.