Hidden Gems You Can’t Afford to Miss While on a Trip to Myanmar

Myanmar is a strategically located country, in Southeast Asia, and it is commonly known as the Golden Land. This country can be characterized by an intriguing blend of spirituality and adventure as it is covered with glittering pagodas, ancient temples, and natural beauty that could not be spoiled by anyone. Although tourists are crowding the most popular places such as the Shwedagon Pagoda of Yangon or even the expansive temple plains of Bagan, there is much more to be explored in Myanmar. There outside the tourist tracks is a world of hidden marvels, misty mountain towns, silent ruins, untouched landscapes that show the heart and soul of this mystique land.

It is a land of culture and tradition and it is as though one has ventured into a living story book. In Myanmar, the serene nature of the Inle Lake waters to the astounding bridges and the ancient cities are just but hidden gems that will give one an authentically unique travel experience. Myanmar will win your heart in case you are the type of traveler that loves to be confronted with the harshest beauty, calmness and rich cultural life.

Here is a list of Myanmar hidden treasures that you just can not leave without visiting at least once in your life, each of which presents you with another, but no less fascinating aspect of the Golden Land.

1. Mrauk U

Mrauk U, the Rakhine State is a ghost city which is beautifully haunting and once competed with Bagan in terms of greatness. Mrauk U was the capital of one of the strongest kingdoms of the 15th century and today it has hundreds of stone temples and pagodas on its territory, which are located on green hills and misty plains. The Mrauk U is calm and untouched unlike the busy tourist destinations of Bagan, and this provides those who travel there with a close experience of ancient Myanmar.

The Shitthaung Temple, the Temple of 80,000 Images, and the maze-like corridors of the Htukkanthein Pagoda are also masterpieces of architecture made of stone. The surreal impression of time stopping is generated at sunrise when the golden mist that arises between the temples brings the surreal view. To history enthusiasts and explorers, Mrauk U is the archeological miracle that can be rediscovered.

2. Hpa-An

This small town nestled in the Kayin State with its dramatic limestone cliffs, calm rivers and holy caves which are caves full of Buddha statues. The greatest image here is the mountain Zwegabin, a huge limestone mountain that rises above the scenery. Climbing to its peak, gives the visitor the spectacular panoramic picture of rice fields and remote mountains.

Below the mountain is Lumbini Garden consisting of over a thousand Buddha statues in perfect symmetry.

The Saddan Cave is one of the most interesting natural phenomena in the area and should not be passed by. This huge cave contains archaic carvings, shining stalactites and a little lake which joins to a secret exit using a small boat ride. Hpa-An is one of the least popular Myanmar destinations due to the combination of adventure and spirituality.

The caves around this place are also worth visiting, and Saddan Cave is one of the most worth it. This giant cave includes beautiful stalactites, historical Buddhist carvings, and even offers a small boat ride through the flooded passages of the cave.

3. Putao

Putao in the north of Myanmar is a heaven to adventurers and nature lovers. This is a distant town in the foothills of Himalayas that is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, pristine rivers and thick forests. It is a paradise of trekkers, photographers, as well as people who want to experience a crystal pure wilderness.

Trekking to the highest mountain of Southeast Asia, Mount Hkakabo Razi has Putao as its starting point. On the way, you are going to visit tribal villages, bamboo forests, and glacial rivers. There are also distinct ethnic communities in the area that maintain the traditional lifestyles. Due to its remoteness, Putao is one of the few destinations where you can enjoy the pure beauty of Myanmar highlands without being distracted with the additions of modern tourism.

4. Inle Lake’s Floating Villages

Although most travelers visit Inle Lake, not many people go far in the lake to explore other significant locations of the lake. The floating villages along the lake, in particular, Indein, provide an insight into a less developed, less frantic aspect of life. In this case, there are wooden buildings elevated on stilts above a still body of water and the people ride on the waters in a graceful motion which is known as a one-legged rowing skill. This is what makes Inle so captivating.

Indein village is special especially because of its old crumbling pagodas that are gradually being overtaken by nature. One can feel like he is in a forgotten world as he walks among these moss-covered ruins. The floating markets, water-grown local weaving workshops and gardens also demonstrate the unique lifestyle of the community. The Inlay Lake has some hidden gems where people can discover the beauty of the location without being disturbed by the crowd and its commercials.

5. Gokteik Viaduct

The Gokteik Viaduct constructed in the British colonial times in 1900 is still among the most significant engineering works of Myanmar. Spanning a deep ravine in the Shan Hills, this tall steel bridge was a one time record of the highest railway trestle in the world.

The ride between Pyin Oo Lwin and Hsipaw is a breathtaking experience and quite picturesque, as it is accompanied by amazing views of the waterfalls, foggy forests, and isolated villages. When the train is crawling over the viaduct and it is hundreds of feet in the air, you become both awe-struck and exhilarated. The ride could be rough and slow but it is one of the purest adventures that Myanmar could provide. The panoramic views and the rough nature render this an indelible experience to the travelers who want to experience something really unique.

A Country of Hidden Wonders

The minor sites of Myanmar have much more to give than the chance to make a picture; they provide connection, tranquility, and exploration. There are stories in every part of this country, starting at the mystical remains of Mrauk U, where towering mountains of Putao reach to the heavens.

Myanmar is one of the last regions in the ever-crowded and fast-paced world where time appears to slow down. Its untamed wonders will encourage tourists to go beyond the tourist trail, indulge in silence, and be part of a culture as home-grown as it is ancient.

When you are travelling to Southeast Asia, do not merely visit the places of interest but travel further, and see the core of Myanmar. The reason is that it is the most incredible place that is sometimes in open sight.