Best Myanmar National Parks to Explore

Best Myanmar National Parks to Explore

Myanmar national parks and nature reserves offer an incredible range of diversity. In the north, you'll find striking mountains that transform with the changing seasons. The central region boasts some of the country's most picturesque waterfalls. In the south, you can immerse yourself in the lush mangrove forests and observe incredible marine life. Don't miss out on exploring these seven must-visit Myanmar national parks and nature reserves.
mergui beach

1. Lampi Marine National Park

Located in the Mergui Archipelago, Lampi Island is probably the most intriguing park in Myanmar. It is situated on Lanbi Island and is overseen by the Burma Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division, which enforce stringent regulations. The park is home to a diverse range of habitats, including coral reefs, mangroves, and tropical forests, with the highest elevation reaching 455 meters. Its stunning beaches and dunes are a sight to behold, and visitors may even be lucky enough to spot the elusive dugongs that feed on the seagrass.
The national park is rated the best place in Myanmar for diving. Any visit to Lampis will not be disappointing for its beautiful Burma Beaches. 

How to get to Lampi National Park

From Yangon, there are 2 ways to access Lampi: by road and by plane.
By road: it takes a long journey from Yangon via Dawei Peninsula and finishes by Kawthaung town. From here, embark on a boat trip to Lampi. 
By flight: the flight from Yangon to Kaw Thaung takes 3,5 hours then from this coastal city, take another boat trip to reach Lampi.

What to do in Lampi?

The island is a perfect destination for an easy jungle trek while its waters promise some exciting diving adventures. It is not to mention that there are chances to find your own sun-kissed sandy beaches. 
Find your ultimate ideas of traveling to Lampi at Mergui Archipelago Travel Itineraries


Photo: Oliver Bransch 
 

2. Mountain Popa National Park

Located on the slopes of Mount Popa, an extinct volcano, this national park covers a vast expanse of 50 square miles of forest. The name Popa is derived from the Sanskrit word "puppa," which means flower. The mountain is well-known for the stunning Popa Taungkalat Shrine, situated at its summit. To reach the shrine's peak, visitors must climb 777 steps barefoot.
Fact: the park covers `128 km2 and was established in 1989. It is now one of the most famous destinations for a Bagan Day Tour

How to get to Mountain Popa?

From Bagan, it takes about 2 hours to drive passing the lush palm plantation and rural Bagan villages. 
From Yangon, you need to take a flight to Nyang U airport and then connect with a transfer to Mountain Popa.

What to do in Popa national park?

Hiking to the peak is one of the most common excursions in Popa.
This Myanmar national park is also a good destination for birdwatching too. 
If you expect an eco-tour, you can try a horse riding tour near Bagan. 
Mountain Popa is an ideal extension for your Myanmar Multi-day tour

3. Tanintharyi National Park

Tanintharyi National Park is a protected area located in the Tenasserim Hills, south of the Tanintharyi Nature Reserve, near the Thailand-Myanmar border. Managed by the Burma Forest Service, the park is subject to rigorous levels of protection. The park's elevation ranges from sea level to 1,490 meters, and it is primarily focused on habitat conservation, with tropical evergreen forests and mangroves being the main habitats. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including Sambar Deer, Asian Elephants, Barking Deer, Serow, Red Goral, Leopards, and numerous species of birds.
Visiting note:
The park is very limited to visit. Please contact us for an update situation if you want to plan a trip here. 

4. Mountain Victoria National Park

Nat Ma Taung, also known as Mount Victoria in English, is located within the relatively undiscovered Nat Ma Taung National Park. This area is renowned for its unique and endangered plant and animal species, as well as the ethnic tribes that are recognized for their tattooed female members. The park's exceptional biodiversity has earned it the prestigious designation of ASEAN Heritage Park, and UNESCO has recognized it as having Outstanding Universal Value.

How to get to Nat Ma Taung National Park/ Mt. Victoria?

Reach Nat Ma Taung, it requires some effort to a long road through the mountain from Bagan to Mindat town. Part of the roads are not paved and the traffic is not easy during the monsoon season. 

What to do in Mt. Victoria Myanmar?

The very first experience you should enjoy is trekking. This type of adventure opens chances for wildlife spotting, nature photography and hill tribe visits. 
Suggestion for an adventure to Mountain Victoria National park: Chin Hill Tribe Trek 
 

5. Loi Mwe National Park

Loi Mwe National Park is located in the Shan Hills, in Myanmar's Eastern Shan State, and was established in 1996. This national park sits at an elevation of over 1,600 meters above sea level, approximately 30 km from Keng Tung, the largest city in the Eastern Shan State.
Although, the name "Snow Mountain," or Loi Mwe in the local language, the park is known for its misty climate rather than snow. The hills surrounding the park offer fantastic trekking opportunities and breathtaking views from various vantage points. Moreover, the park boasts a wealth of diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

6.The Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park

The park protects the largest remaining areas of undisturbed forest in the country. It supports a minimum of 165 different types of trees and 39 known medicinal plant species. There is a big number of leopards, banteng, and Asian elephants, all of which are crucial to the area. Other vulnerable species protected by the park are gaur, sun bears, Asian black bears, dholes (Asian wild dogs), Sambar deer, hog badgers, and Malayan giant squirrels.

7. Hkakabo Razi National Park

The park is home to Myanmar's highest peak Hkakabo Razi, standing at 5,881 meters (19,295 ft). This is also Southeast Asia's tallest mountain. It is situated in Kachin state, near the Indian and Chinese borders.
The mountain was declared a natural reserve in 1996 and upgraded to a national park in 1998. The Khakaborazi National Park is the final refuge of Myanmar's biodiversity, home to a vast array of flora and fauna, from tropical to alpine species, that await further scientific exploration. The park is an ideal destination for students studying botany, geology, zoology, and geography.

How to reach Hkakabo Razi National Park ?

From Yangon, there is a flight to Putao via Mandalay. Please note that the flight is not daily and it is often affected by the weather condition. 

What to do?

The most common adventure in the area is trekking which can be operated from 3 to 14 days depending on your request. The challenging mountain paths are part of your thrilling experience in this far north area. 
Recommended trip: Putao 7 days trekking tour 
River rafting is another exciting adventure you should not miss. However, to enjoy this, you need to have a good team to arrange all the services needed. 

8. â€‹Lenya National Park

Lenya National Park is situated in the Tenasserim Hills on the border between Burma and Thailand. It spans 176,638 hectares of lowland tropical forest and is being demarcated for the protection of natural resources. The park is governed by the Burma Forest Department and provides partial protection, permitting logging and forest plantations. The park's elevation ranges from 10 to 855 meters, and it is home to the endangered Gurney's pitta, which is endemic to Thailand and Myanmar.

9. Most opening Myanmar National Park: Hlawaga National Park

Hlawaga National Park is situated in Mingaladon, Yangon Division. The park covers an area of 1540 acres (623 hectares), including an 818-acre (313 hectares) wildlife park, a 62-acre (25-hectare) mini-zoo, and a 660-acre (267-hectare) buffer zone. This park offers various activities for visitors such as a safari-style bus ride, hiking on jungle trails, boating on the lake, and bird watching. 
Since Hlawaga is just about 35km from Yangon, it could be a good choice for a day trip from Yangon.


 
 

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