Photo: Sea 2 Charters 

Best for sea kayaking : Mergui Archipelago

If you fancy azure waters in the most untouched corners of Asia then Mergui Archiepalgo is just a perfect spot to enjoy kayaking. The whole area houses about 800 amazing islands and mostly out of the radar tourism. This means you have chance to encounter the pristine nature without any tourist footstep.
Apart from the well-claimed Lampi marine national park where you can admire mangroves, the shoreline that links from Kawthaung port to Dawei Peninsula has so many hidden treasure to surprise its visitors. 

Best time to kayak : November to April
Easy day tour : Lampi kayaking , Marcus Island 
Long expedition : ocean cruise with kayaking starting from 5 days. More details at Mergui Tours 



Photo: Oz Goren

Best for lake culture : Inle Lake

Tucked away in the picturesque Shan State, Inle offers 22km of waters filled with fascinating floating gardens, stilt villages and exotic pagodas. While most of the visitors take boat trip to traverse the highlighted attractions like Jumping Cat Monastery, Inpheon silk factory, rowing provides a more friendly way to appreciate the lake. It enables the chances to meet friendly locals out of the touristic areas, seeing the authentic daily works on the floating garden. 

Best time to Kayak : year round. 
Best to combine : kayak and biking - 1 day tour


Photo: Dr: Stephen

Best for inland waters : Indawgyi Lake

Indawgyi is simply the largest lake in Myanmar. It is also known as one of the least-visited places in Southeast Asia but it doesn't mean Indawgyi is lack of charm. There are many reasons that you should bring your kayak to this spectacular setting : to see the rewarded Unesco Biosphere Reserve, to absorb in the view of rolling hills or to explore the wilderness of Kachin state. 
You can rent a kayak for $15 / day with Inn Chit Thu  Tourism Group, a dedicated ecotourism group. 

Adventure to Indawgyi notes : guided, private tour is the best choice
Best to combine : birding, biking



Photo: Catherine Scott

Best for remote river : Putao

For active travellers, Putao has something to inspire you. The scenic river of Nam Lang and its branches are simply awe-inspiring and totally untouched. There are beautiful waters to paddle and even for whitewater rafting adventures. 
A trip to Putao maybe expensive, effort-required but your experience is really outstanding. 

Best time to visit : winter time from November to April. Flights to Putao are only operated during this period. 
Best to combine : long, hard trek with homestay.



Photo: Matthias Schmidt

Best for jungle adventure : Hsipaw

Hsipaw is one of the best hill station for money value in the country. The most popular activity in this striking area is trekking and cruising Dokthawady River. However, kayaking shows more than just ordinary postcards. 
If you consider a place to experience the authentic Burmese hospitality while giving yourself a chance to tour Myanmar in style then Hsipaw could promise some sort of life time travel. 

Best time : Year round
Best to combine : cultural visit to Shan palace, exploring tea plantation and trekking to tree house
Suggested tour : Hsipaw Trekking Adventure

Best for rural Exploration : Hpa An

This is one of the hottest tourism destinations in South Myanmar. It boasts mysterious caves, serene mountains surrounded by verdant rice paddies as well holy Buddhist hill. 
Instead of a car journey to scan all the famous attractions, kayaking invites you to explore the hidden waterways that leads through lakes, rice fields as well friendly local hamlets. 

Best time to visit : year round. Each season has its own specialities.
Suggested tour : South Myanmar Tour 12 days which takes you from Yangon to Myeik.