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12 reasons to visit Burma: In photos

I took well over a thousand photos while I was in Burma (Myanmar*) – around 100 per day on average. So while I won’t inflict all my Burma photos on you, I couldn’t resist sharing some of my favourites.

Intha women walk through the stupas of In Dein, by Inle Lake in Burma

Because with the country still newly opened up to tourism, and still well off the beaten track for most families, what better way to tempt you to visit than to show you some of its many, many attractions.

So here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma – and the photos to tempt you even further.

EDIT: Sadly, official guidance advises against visiting the majority of Myanmar at present – check the latest information here

The people

Wherever we went, we were met with friendliness. In fact, my daughter was met with open arms and a request for a photograph.

Whether posing solemnly with clothes smoothed out, smiling in welcome, or a snap in passing to show everyday life in this fascinating city, it’s the Burmese who help make Burma so special and made some of our most lasting memories.

Nun in pink robes with orange sash, and shaved head at Pyin Oo Lwin in Burma. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Woman at a market in Burma with her baby. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Women at a mark in Burma. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Woman at a market near Inle Lake in Burma. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Novice monks in one of the many temples around Burma (Myanmar) share a joke between meditation. One of the many fascinating sights for anyone visiting the country, here's my family-friendly two week itinerary to Burma.
Monks by the lake at Pyin Oo Lwin, one on a mobile phone. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Woman with painted face outside one of the temples of Bagan. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Man holding puppets from a play in a restaurant in Burma. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos

The temples

There are more than 4,000 in Bagan alone, but we saw temples and pagodas galore across the country during our stay. Some gilded and whitewashed, others crumbling red brick, with beautiful details and paintings.

From the huge gilded Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon to undecorated isolated stupas, they’re never less than fascinating (even if you couldn’t hope to see every one in a lifetime let alone a short stay!)

View of temples in Bagan scattered across the dry landscape. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
View out to several small temples in Bagan, Burma. two days in Bagan, Myanmar with kids
Unpainted deep reddish brown pagoda with golden decoration in Bagan. two days in Bagan, Myanmar with kids
View from one temple past a wall to another in Bagan. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
My daughter looks through an open window from a temple in Bagan to a view of more during our visit to Burma
White temple and gilded column in Bagan, Burma - two days in Bagan, Myanmar with kids
Red brick temple and stupa in Bagan. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Carved stone work at a temple in Bagan. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
View through an arch of temples at Bagan. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Bagan temples at sunset silhouetted against a golden sky. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Elephant stone carving at In Dein by Inle Lake. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos

The culture

Monks processing at dawn for alms or chatting on their mobiles, local people leaving offerings and seeking blessings at Burma’s biggest pagoda, Buddha statues everywhere – this is not somewhere where the temples are tourist sites alone.

I loved the fact that you’re seeing everyday life as you explore rather than walking around a tourist attraction frozen in time.

Golden stupa at the Shwedagon pagoda. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Golden stupas at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Visiting Yangon with kids on a family holiday in Burma (Myanmar)
Gilded and decorated temple at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Visiting Yangon with kids on a family holiday in Burma (Myanmar)
Gilded Buddha in one of the temples at Bagan. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Monk walking past a brightly painted building by a temple near Inle Lake. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos

The traditions

From the fishermen who famously row with their legs on Inle Lake to houses on stilts, and the long-necked Padaung women with their brass necklaces stacked high, step outside Yangon and you’ll find a way of life that hasn’t changed for centuries.

Inle Lake is ideal, with different villages specialising in different crafts but we also saw puppet making and lacquerware, local markets and more along the way.

Boat on Inle Lake, with leg rowing fisherman on board. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Boat on Inle Lake, with leg rowing fisherman on board. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Stilt houses at Inle Lake. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Group in a laden boat by the stilt houses of Inle Lake. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
One of the Padaung women - or long necked women - with brightly coloured scarves behind at Inle Lake. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos

The history

The country’s history stretches back thousands of years from ancient trading routes to temple-building kingdoms, before becoming part of the British Empire and its aftermath, a turbulent recent past.

And all those strands are woven together as you explore: Yangon’s colonial buildings and Pyin Oo Lwin (or Maymyo), the Burmese equivalent of the Indian hill stations, are just a few remnants of British conquest and rule, as the country’s own traditions endure.

Grand white city hall in Yangon. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Colonial Victorian style buildings behind the trees in Yangon. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Colonial Victorian style buildings in Yangon. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos

The colours

Bright pinks, iridescent purples, lime greens and always the red and oranges of the monks’s robes, every street is a glorious vibrant rainbow of colours.

That’s reflected in the painted and bejewelled temples, with their gleaming gold Buddhas, as well as the clothes everywhere you look.

Small Buddha statues in gold and bright colours in tiled niches in glossy purple. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos

The food

From the deep fried snacks of the Shan state to the seafood of the coast, with Chinese, Thai and Indian influences, and a mix of spices all its own, it’s easy to eat, drink and be happy.

For those visiting Burma with kids, as I was, you can find simpler, less spiced options, as well as getting a taste of the different regional specialities – not to mention vineyards and the country’s Myanmar beer, .

Plate of food, with lots of little bowls containing salad and snacks near Inle Lake. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos

The art & crafts

We saw beautiful hand-made lacquerware painstakingly created from coiled bamboo as we watched, my daughter getting her own unlacquered version as a gift from its maker.

And that was only one stop: intricate paper umbrellas, silver jewellery, paintings, woven scarves, carved wood – Inle Lake’s different villages are perfect to discover these traditional crafts, but you’ll find beautiful art and creations everywhere.

Brightly coloured paper parasols. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos

The shopping

I came home with a parasol for my daughter, a lacquer bowl, a brightly coloured scarf that reminds me of the heat and glare of its purchase on every wintry UK day, plus a few other knick-knacks.

And I’m only sorry I didn’t have room in the suitcase for a new canvas…

Scott Market in Yangon. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Paintings stacked up in Scott Market in Yangon. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos

The scenery

Yangon’s lotus-filled lake, the red dust of Bagan, mirror calm Inle Lake, the cooler green hills and flowers of Pyin Oo Lwin, the improbably turquoise sea of the Bay of Bengal…

Every journey we took was a chance to discover the always changing scenery and the variety across the country.

My daughter's hands holding white and yellow flowers. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
View of Kandawgi Lake in Yangon. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
View of Kandawgi Lake in Yangon including water lilies and golden buildings in the background
Flowers by the lakeside in the botanic gardens at Pyin Oo Lwin.
Botanic gardens at Pyin Oo Lwin. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos

Seeing off the beaten track

While we never strayed too far from the main tourist routes, it wasn’t uncommon to be able to explore completely alone – one advantage of going outside peak season, admittedly.

But it’s hard to beat that feeling that you’re among the first to explore, or the joy of wandering without the crowds to soak up every detail and revel in the atmosphere. One of the biggest reasons to visit Burma sooner rather than later!

Woman walking through the white, gold and red stupas of In Dein on Inle Lake. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos

The beach

Burma’s not alone in having beautiful beaches, but unlike other stretches of the Indian Ocean, you could be almost alone in enjoying them here.

The long stretch of Ngapali Beach, its turquoise waters shimmering in the sun, was almost deserted apart from a few other sunseekers and fishermen.

Rocks in the waves of the Indian Ocean at Ngapali Beach. With Burma newly opened up to tourists, and off the beaten track for most families, here are my 12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar) - in photos
Golden sand and turquoise sea off at Ngapali Beach in Burma.
Palm umbrellas cast a shadow on the sand at Ngapali Beach with the Indian Ocean in the background
The infinity pool at the Hilton Ngapali Beach - one of the places we stayed during our two weeks in Burma. My guide to Burma with kids
Fisherman in the turquoise water at Ngapali Beach - discovering another side to Burma beach holidays

First published 2016, updated 2024

*My sister-in-law, who comes from the country, calls it Burma so I do the same

PIN FOR LATER: 12 REASONS TO VISIT BURMA

12 reasons to visit Burma (Myanmar). Newly opened up to tourists, and still off the beaten track for most families, here's why you'll love Burma with kids.

All images copyright MummyTravels

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Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

34 Comments

    1. Thank you! And absolutely, I had to get increasingly ruthless – I have so many of the temples, all the decorations, the statues, so many wonderful details.

      Reply

    2. We are right now in Tallinn (as you in your other post) and stuck in the hotel room because of the vomiting of unknown reason klike almost on every vacation in a different country) . How dangerous is Burma for kids, which are sensitive and often get sick? Burma is also on my wish list… But I am afraid to go there with kids… Thanks for the reply in advance. KR

      Reply

      1. Like most destinations, it does depend slightly on where you stay/eat and the precautions you take – if you avoid the usual risks (water/ice, unpeeled fruit, stick to food which is hot & from popular restaurants etc), there’s no reason it should be worse than any other part of Asia, for example.

        My daughter was fine the whole time we were in Burma, I was fine until the last few days after having an iced coffee in an airport (which was foolish but wasn’t thinking, evidently!). Having said that, I’m surprised you’re having problems in somewhere like Tallinn, so if your kids are particularly prone to problems, you might want to be extra cautious.

        Reply

  2. Oh my, this is another world. I’ve kept up with your trip on Facebook – fabulous to see the photos here now on our blog.
    #mondayescapes

    Reply

    1. It’s such a fascinating place – still more posts to come, and thanks for following on Facebook too.

      Reply

  3. Those are some pretty good reasons to visit Burma! I hope to make it there one day! Your pictures definitely increase the desire to go sooner rather than later! #MondayEscapes

    Reply

  5. Fabulous pictures…I’m definitely tempted to pay it a visit now. The beaches look fantastic and the welcoming locals always make a place extra special #mondayescapes

    Reply

    1. Thank you! And I agree, the people go a long way to making you fall in love with a country – I think you’d love it there too.

      Reply

  6. Lovely pictures! Myanmar is definitely on our list for next year, kids and all! #MondayEscapes

    Reply

    1. I’m so happy to hear that – thank you, and I really do hope you get there, it’s wonderful.

      Reply

  9. Wow, stunning photographs. 1000 photos is pretty impressive – imagine if we were all still using film cameras?! Looks like you had a fantastic trip, I’m just a little envious 🙂 #Mondayescapes

    Reply

    1. Thanks! It was an amazing trip… And I’m sure I used to take almost as many when I had my film camera – then half bankrupt myself getting them all printed 🙂

      Reply

  10. Great post! You convinced me at reason number one 🙂 Haven’t been to Burma but part of the draw is that it’s still unspoilt by lots of tourism.

    Reply

    1. Thanks! And definitely the same for me – I loved going somewhere where people are genuinely pleased you’re visiting (rather than pushing the hard sell at every opportunity)

      Reply

  11. Lovely, lovely photos. Really enjoyed following along on your trip. It’s the sort of place I am much more likely to visit as an armchair traveller than in reality, but then this is why I read other people’s blogs!

    Reply

    1. Thank you 🙂 And reading about other people’s trips, plotting fantasy itineraries in my head is one of my favourites things to do when I’m not actually travelling myself.

      Reply

  12. I’m fascinated by your posts about Burma! You so inspired me to go there!
    These temples are just surreal, something like from a movie. What a wonderful experience to visit this country still so unspoiled!
    Beautiful photos 😀 happy to always have you on #MondayEscapes

    Reply

    1. Thank you! it is the most amazing place, and I’m so glad I managed to see it while tourism is still so new there.

      Reply

  14. Hello,
    Burma looking more Beautiful through your lens, Really beautiful pictures you have taken. After seeing these photos I really wanted to test Burmese food with Myanmar Lager Beer and wanted to visit the City of temple Bagan. Thanks for sharing beautiful reason to visit Burma.

    Reply

  15. I love your gorgeous photos! We went to Myanmar for our honeymoon 2 years ago and absolutely adored our trip there! We came home with a suitcase full of treasures and, like you, only wish we had had more space to bring back even more! Everything is magical about Myanmar… the landscapes, the temples in Bagan, the people, the animals, everything… Thanks so much for sharing! (Oh and we took 6000 photos in 2 and a half weeks! Haha)

    Reply

  16. Thanks for this awesome post..I would love to explore this place because am a religious kind of person and I really want to visit beautiful unique type of temples..Burma is definitely gong to my next trip…

    Reply

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