Part of our Myanmar guide.
Places and guides from our Myanmar coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: Getting Around Myanmar and The Best Burmese Food.
Breathtaking Hidden Gems In Myanmar
Myanmar’s hidden gems include Mrauk U, Hpa-An, Loikaw, Putao, Indawgyi Lake, the Mergui Archipelago, and Twante, each offering experiences far from the main tourist trails. Inle Lake, while a major destination, also holds quieter corners in its floating gardens and the unique one-legged rowing fishermen.
Inle Lake Floating Gardens
Farmers create these gardens by weaving together water hyacinths and other aquatic plants, then layering them with soil. The floating plots are anchored to the lakebed with bamboo poles, rising and falling with the water level. This system maximizes space and provides rich nutrients for crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans.
Mandalay's Gem Markets
Mandalay’s gem markets are filled with artisans who transform raw jade into carved art. Walking through the narrow lanes, you’ll see shops brimming with intricate carvings. For more context on the region’s treasures, see our guide to the cost of jade and the best things to do in Mandalay Myanmar.
Inle Lake Fishermen
The fishermen of Inle Lake stand on one leg while rowing their boats. Balancing on one leg allows them to see over the tall reeds and spot fish more easily, while keeping their hands free to handle fishing nets. This method has been passed down through generations.
Mrauk U
Mrauk U is an ancient city in Rakhine State, home to hundreds of temples and pagodas from the 15th to 18th centuries. Unlike Bagan, it sees few visitors, offering quiet exploration of sites like the Shittaung Temple, which contains over 80,000 Buddha images carved into its walls.
Hpa-An
Hpa-An, the capital of Kayin State, is surrounded by limestone karst mountains and caves. Sadan Cave stretches over a kilometer and opens onto a hidden lake. The area is a base for hiking and the outdoors in Myanmar, with trails through rice paddies and to viewpoints like Mount Zwegabin.
Loikaw
Loikaw, in Kayah State, is known for the Taung Kwe Pagoda, perched on a volcanic rock formation. The surrounding hills are dotted with traditional villages of the Kayah people, and the region’s hot springs offer a quiet retreat.
Putao
Putao, in far northern Myanmar, sits at the foot of the Himalayas. It is the starting point for treks to the remote villages of the Rawang and Lisu ethnic groups, and for multi-day hikes to the base of Hkakabo Razi, Southeast Asia’s highest peak at 5,881 meters.
Indawgyi Lake
Indawgyi Lake in Kachin State is one of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. It is a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve, home to over 100 species of birds and a ring of monasteries along its shores. The lake is reachable by a three-hour drive from Myitkyina.
Mergui Archipelago
The Mergui Archipelago consists of over 800 islands in the Andaman Sea, most of them uninhabited. Liveaboard boats run from Kawthaung, offering diving and snorkeling on coral reefs with manta rays and whale sharks. The islands are also home to the Moken sea nomads.
Twante
Twante, a short ferry ride from Yangon, is known for its pottery workshops. The town’s clay pots are fired in traditional kilns, and the canal-side village of Shwepyitha offers a glimpse into daily life along the Twante Canal. For more on the region, see our Yangon travel guide.
