Myanmar offers a fantastic mixture of experiences; from lush green forest to pristine beaches, a cuisine with influences from neighbouring countries as well as its own taste and literally over a hundred ethnic groups this country draws many visitors back to explore more. The main attraction though is the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people who are open-minded, easy-going and interested to learn more about the world. When travelling through Myanmar you realise this is the kind of trip that is going to be meaningful and memorable for the rest of your life. We can’t tell you exactly why but maybe it’s because in the Myanmar language there is no word for “tourist” there is only a word for “guest”

These two states remained relatively untouched by tourism and so beautiful that many visitors wonder why they are not more popular. Home to paddy fields; ancient civilizations; the beautiful Thanlwin River; monasteries; and Kayin communities living in forests and limestone mountains, these destinations bordering Thailand have a lot to offer the intrepid traveller. Going east from Yangon by train, bus or private car, you can explore one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Myanmar Buddhists and maybe one of the strangest sites for tourists: Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as Golden Rock. A large gold leaf-covered rock with a small pagoda that looks as if it could tumble into the ravine below at any moment. In the nearby Kelatha national park we serve a home cooked typical Mon lunch, walk with a ranger through the park and visit the ruins what is supposed to be the “golden” ancient capital city of Suvarnabhumi.

We continue south to arrive in Mawlamyine, the capital of Mon State, a sleepy town where time seems to have stood still. You can visit the colonial area, the beautiful Sein Don Monastery, the Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery and Exploration Travel can arrange a local Mon-style lunch at a local house. Hpa An in Kayin State can be reached by boat from Mawlamyine, a great trip with stops in U Na Auk village to see the impressive temples, probably the most beautiful in Myanmar. The town itself is famous for the caves – a stunning landscape with paddy fields and limestone mountains, where you can do short walks, biking trips, boat trips or paddle leisurely with a kayak through the creeks.

There are several interesting places around Inle Lake that are worth visiting. The former British hill station of Kalaw has a British colonial ambience with its old villas, churches and schools. The town is inhabited by Burmese, Nepali and Indians, as well as several hill tribes like the Padaung and the PaO. Kalaw is the starting point for rewarding day treks, or longer overnight treks to Inle Lake. It’s also a starting point for trips to Pindaya, which is famous for the tea plantations and the production of tea to drink and to eat (the famous Myanmar fermented tea salad), the Pindaya Caves are filled with almost 8,000 Buddha statues. The Danu trails cover an area west of Pindaya and are an excellent alternative to the busier trekking routes near Kalaw. Most interesting in Kalaw is certainly the elephant conservation camp recently set up to protect elephants and to educate the local population about reforestation. A highlight of your trip to Myanmar could even be washing and feeding the elephants at the camp. South of Inle Lake is the lesser-known, but equally beautiful Samkar Lake and Pekon Lake, an excellent hideaway for an overnight trip from Inle, or coming from Loikaw. The newly developed 3 lakes trekking is an excellent way to explore the lakes on foot with overnight in comfortable lodges or a locla home

Ngapali Beach is the prime beach destination in Myanmar, boasting pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. It’s a beautiful, unspoiled place with friendly locals, excellent seafood restaurants and several quality boutique hotels. What more could you ask for at the end, or perhaps the beginning of your trip to Myanmar? Forget about hordes of tourists, high-rise buildings and noisy entertainment venues, Ngapali is a place to simply relax, swim, snorkel and explore local village communities, such as Maung Shwe Lay, in idyllic Andrew’s Bay, home of the sustainable and fantastic Lalay Lodge.

Ngapali Beach can be reached by air from Yangon, while more adventurous travelers can book an overland trip from Yangon through southern Rakhine State, enjoying the beautiful scenery and a number of attractions along th e w ay, b efo re ar riv ing a t the exc el len t A ra kan Nature Lodge on a beautiful stretch of empty beach, a stone’s throw from the Yangon-Gwa-Ngapali main road. It’s a part of Myanmar that has hardly been seen by outsiders since colonial times and very peaceful.