Want to come to Myanmar and see something other than Bagan and Inle Lake? Here are a few ideas from a recent blog post by Myanmar Tourism Marketing:
Inle-Keng Tung Road
The stretch of Highway 4 between Inle Lake and Keng Tung in eastern Shan State is known as one of Myanmar’s most scenic drives, and the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism recently made it possible to apply for a permit to travel on it. It was previously only accessible with a guided tour or by air.
Relatively few Western tourists have taken the road, which brings travelers up close to stunning nature and traditional village life.
Keng Tung, located near the Laos border, was once part of the Thai kingdom of Lanna and features a mix of Thai, Chinese, Wa, and Shan cultures.
Bago Yoma
The forests of the Bago Yoma, or mountain range, are home to a significant wild elephant population. These elephants are regularly killed by poachers for their tusks and skin.
The Bago Yoma Eco Resort in Pauk Kaung Township is trying to open up the area for tourism, which will hopefully have the effect of mustering local support for elephant conservation efforts.
Zikhone Beach
The Arakan Nature Lodge, which opened on the beach in October, seeks to attract tourists who want to enjoy the beach in an “environment-loving, culturally sensitive way.” It also claims to be 100 percent solar-powered and serves food caught or harvested locally.
The beach is known for its crystal-clear water and absence of rubbish.
The Secretariat
Earlier this month, the massive complex that was once the center of British colonial control and the site of Myanmar’s first parliament opened for guided public tours 21 times every week.
The tours are offered by Asia Tours Myanmar and cost just US$6 per person.
They start at 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm from Monday to Friday and at 9:30am on Saturdays.
Guests can sign up here.
Reader Interactions