Myanmar backpack tour: the country from south to north
Do you want to discover Myanmar with a backpack? To help you prepare for your departure, here are our stopover recommendations for a 3-week trip to Myanmar.
Yangon: Myanmar’s capital is so immense that it’s impossible to visit it in its entirety. However, discover the city's must-see sites, such as the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. Then visit Chinatown followed by Downtown with its superb colonial buildings.
Mandalay: visit Mandalay in central Myanmar. Visit the Mahamuni temple, a site not to be missed. At sunset, enjoy an unforgettable panorama over the city by climbing up into the higher districts, and don’t miss the weekly market! After this crazy day visiting Mandalay, set off to discover the royal cities: Amarāpura, Sagaing, Inwa and Mingun.
Visit the famous historic site of Bagan, taking a boat back down the Irrawaddy.
Bagan: UNESCO-listed, Bagan is an absolutely fascinating, magical archaeological site, especially at sunrise and sunset. Come and admire nearly 2000 temples and monuments, including Shwezigon Pagoda, Ānanda Temple or Nanpaya Temple. Plan at least two days and don't forget to rent bikes!
Take the road towards Inle Lake. It takes around 10 hours by bus to get to your destination. If you’re travelling under your own steam, you can stop en route at the foot of Mount Popa, an ancient volcano.
Inle Lake: discover this absolutely unique place in the heart of the mountains of central Myanmar. From the main village, motorboats let you navigate your way through the stilt houses. You can also cycle around the lake. Stay at least 3 days!
End your trip to Myanmar with Kalaw, just enough time to go on a trek for 3 or 4 days to meet the Pao ethnic group and other minorities in the country.
Return to the capital to catch your flight back to France.