Central Myanmar Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and scenic Central Myanmar with our detailed tour guide. Discover the top attractions, best things to do, food and drink scene, local culture, and much more.


Introduction to Central Myanmar

Central Myanmar is a melting pot of traditional and modern culture, offering a unique travel experience to visitors. Referred to as the heart of Myanmar, Central Myanmar is an ideal destination for travelers looking for cultural immersion, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Central Myanmar

Central Myanmar has many attractions for visitors to explore. Here are some of the popular places to visit in Central Myanmar:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Bagan Archaeological Zone: Located in the Mandalay region, Bagan is an ancient city that is famous for its temples and pagodas. With over 2,200 temples and pagodas, Bagan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Mandalay Palace: The palace was the home of the last two kings of Myanmar and is a significant historical site worth visiting.

  • U Bein Bridge: The bridge, in Amarapura near Mandalay, is one of the longest teakwood bridges in the world and provides a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.

  • Mingun Pahtodawgyi: The unfinished stupa in Mingun is a must-visit archaeological site that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Natural Attractions of Central Myanmar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Popa: Located in the Mandalay region, Mount Popa is an extinct volcano and home to many monkeys. Visitors can trek to the top and enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the surrounding area.

  • Inle Lake: Inle Lake is a picturesque freshwater lake in the Shan State. Visitors can take a boat ride and enjoy the scenic view of the surrounding mountains and floating gardens.

  • Hpa An: Hpa An is located in the Kayin State and offers great opportunities for hiking and exploring caves and waterfalls.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Central Myanmar

Central Myanmar offers a range of hiking and biking routes for adventure seekers. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Kalaw to Inle Lake Trek: The trek takes you through the Shan hills and offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and villages.

  • Mount Popa Trek: Visitors can trek to the top and enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the surrounding area.

  • Bagan to Mandalay Bike Tour: Visitors can bike through the flat plains of Bagan and Mandalay, passing by local villages and temples.

Best Things to Do in Central Myanmar: Activities and Tours

  • Hot Air Balloon: Visitors can take a hot air balloon ride over the Bagan Archaeological Zone and enjoy the breathtaking view of the temples and pagodas.

  • Cooking Classes: Visitors can learn how to make traditional Burmese dishes and experience the local culture.

  • Elephant Camp Experience: Visitors can visit the Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp and get up close with the majestic creatures.

Week-Long Itinerary for Central Myanmar

Day 1: Explore Mandalay and visit the Mandalay Palace Day 2: Visit Mingun and explore the Mingun Pahtodawgyi Day 3: Trek to Mount Popa and enjoy the scenic view Day 4: Explore the Bagan Archaeological Zone Day 5: Take a hot air balloon ride over the Bagan Archaeological Zone Day 6: Visit Inle Lake and explore the floating gardens Day 7: Explore the Hpa An area and visit the caves and waterfalls

Food and Drink Scene of Central Myanmar

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mohinga: A popular breakfast dish that consists of rice noodles in a fish broth and served with boiled eggs and a variety of toppings.

  • Shan Noodles: A dish originating from the Shan State that consists of rice noodles in a tomato-based broth and served with chicken or pork.

  • Tea leaf salad: A traditional Burmese salad made with fermented tea leaves, tomatoes, peanuts, and fried garlic.

Local Beverages

  • Myanmar Beer: A popular local beer that is refreshing and easy to drink.

  • Mandalay Rum: A traditional Burmese rum made from fermented sugarcane juice.

Where to Stay in Central Myanmar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Central Myanmar has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Some of the popular options include:

  • Bagan Lodge: A luxury resort located in the heart of Bagan that offers a range of activities and facilities.

  • Ostello Bello Bagan: A budget-friendly and social hostel that offers dorm and private rooms and a range of activities for guests.

  • Inle Princess Resort: A luxury resort located on the shores of Inle Lake that offers a range of activities and facilities.

What to Buy in Central Myanmar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Traditional textiles: Central Myanmar is known for its traditional textiles, including handwoven fabrics and woven baskets.

  • Lacquerware: A traditional Burmese craft that involves coating bamboo or wooden objects with lacquer for decoration and preservation.

Local Culture and Customs of Central Myanmar

  • Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist country, and visitors are expected to dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas.

  • Removing your shoes when entering a temple or home is a sign of respect.

Best Time to Visit Central Myanmar

The best time to visit Central Myanmar is from November to February when the weather is dry and cool.

Do’s and Don’ts of Central Myanmar

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local food and learn about the culture.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect Buddha imagery and symbols.
  • Litter or damage the environment.
  • Engage in any illegal activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Central Myanmar

Central Myanmar is a relatively safe destination, but visitors should take general safety precautions, such as avoiding traveling alone at night and using licensed taxi services.

Health in Central Myanmar

Visitors should take general health precautions, such as drinking bottled water and avoiding street food. It is also recommended to get vaccinated against diseases such as typhoid and hepatitis A before traveling to Myanmar.

Getting to Central Myanmar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Central Myanmar

  • Mandalay International Airport
  • Naypyidaw International Airport

Bus Stations Near Central Myanmar

  • Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal
  • Chan Mya Shwe Pyi Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Train: Myanmar has an extensive railway network, and visitors can take a scenic train ride through Central Myanmar.

  • Taxi and Private Car: Visitors can hire taxis or private cars to explore Central Myanmar.

How to Get Around in Central Myanmar

Central Myanmar has a range of transportation options, including taxis, private cars, buses, and motorbikes.

Where to Go Next from Central Myanmar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Yangon: Myanmar’s largest city is a vibrant metropolis that offers a range of attractions, including colonial architecture and the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda.

  • Ngapali: Ngapali is a picturesque beach town that is ideal for relaxation and water sports.

Conclusion

Central Myanmar is a fascinating destination that offers a range of attractions and experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in culture, nature, or outdoor adventures, Central Myanmar is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.



    Mount Popa
    Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria)