Best Myanmar Natural Wonders

Best Myanmar Natural Wonders

When you consider Myanmar, what comes to mind? sparkling Golden Pagoda with a unique temple landscape? Picturesque river with Unesco Heritage Sites? If that is why you think, you are not alone. However, Myanmar has so much more to entice you. These 10 Myanmar natural wonders which range from wildlife-rich national parks to breathtaking snowy peaks are the must-sees for any nature lover traveling to the country.

Haipa Waterfall - Best for Wild Waters in Northern Myanmar

This magnificent waterfall is a little off the beaten path on a tourist map. It is surrounded by picture-perfect rice fields and lush forests. The fall is as impressive as the Ban Gioc Waterfall of Vietnam with different layers and cascading waters. 
The best way to get to Haipa is by car, and the best way to get to the waterfall itself is by boat. Keep in mind that during the monsoon season, Haipa Waterfall is closed for one month each year.
Related articles: most beautiful waterfalls in Myanmar

Putao - home to the country`s highest peak Hkakabo Razi

Putao is one of the less-visited travel destinations in Myanmar. It functions as the main trekking base to access  Hkakabo Razi, the highest peak in Myanmar, which rises to a height of 5,881 meters (19,295 feet). The tallest mountain in Southeast Asia is also here. 
Putao is known for its unusual flora and fauna. It has several unique varieties of orchids, including rare black orchids that are unique to this region of the world. Several endangered animal species, including black bears, red pandas, mountain goats, and black deer, can also be seen. Additionally, if you go between January and April, you can see beautiful species of butterflies.

How to travel to Putao?

From Yangon, there are some flights per week to access Putao via Mandalay. Thus, you can travel from Mandalay to Putao too.
Keep in mind that, the flight frequency is not stable. There are more flights during the tourism seasons from November to April. 

Are there any tours to Putao?

We do organize private tours to Putao. They are totally customizable. 
Trekking tours are available from 4 to 12 days or even longer upon your request. 
Mountain biking with dirt trails is ideal here for 3 days ride while the rafting tour must be booked far in advance to ensure our preparation is good. 
Looking for a tour of this Myanmar natural wonder? check out Putao 7 days trekking tour

Mountain Victoria - Best for hill Tribe Trek

Mount Victoria is located in the stunning and little-visited Nat Ma Taung National Park. The road to Mountain Victoria is pretty difficult which makes the area really out of the tourism radar.  It does not mean that the area is lack of attraction. In contrast, Nat Ma Taung national park has a large selection of trekking trails, hidden waterfalls, and fascinating nature to be explored. Due to its biodiversity, the national park has been recognized by UNESCO as having Outstanding Universal Value and as an ASEAN Heritage Park.
One of the main reasons that lure tourists to Nat Ma Taung park is to see the unique Chin tribe who have the tradition to tattoo their faces. 

Mergui Archipelago 

A group of 800 islands is dispersed over the Andaman sea just off the eastern coast of Myanmar, like pearls on a blue velvet bed sheet. The Mergui Archipelago is Burma's tropical paradise. As opposed to the Burmese "Myeik," the British colonial name "Mergui" is still in use. 
While Thailand only has a small number of islands, the Mergui Archipelago is much less well-known than its Andaman Sea neighbors, the Surin and Similan islands despite having turquoise waters, palm-lined white sand beaches, amazing dive sites, and rich wildlife. The fact that the Myeik Archipelago was only made accessible to tourists in 1997 and is still shrouded in secrecy makes it one of the world's best-kept secrets.
Did you know Mergui is home to one of the most spectacular Myanmar National Parks - the Lampi Marine Park

Indawgyi Lake

The largest natural lake in Myanmar is a must-see Myanmar travel destination in and of itself; you don't have to be a devoted wild swimmer to enjoy it. In addition to visiting hot springs and signing up for a variety of boating tours, you can rent bamboo bicycles and kayaks. All of that is highly encouraged, but nothing compares to walking to the center of the lake at dusk and dove-tailing into those incredibly deep waters.

Bant Bwe Gyin Waterfall

Visitors have only recently begun to visit Bant Bwe Gyin in the past year. With its stunning sheer cliff of cascading water, it is expected that the current trickle of visitors will become a flood in the future.
Bant Bwe Gyin offers a wide range of attractions, including family-friendly swimming pools, challenging jumps, breathtaking photo opportunities, and an infinity pool that will make even the bravest swimmers dizzy

Update travel to Bant Bwe Gyin Waterfall

The waterfall is closed for visiting due to the current situation in Myanmar in 2023. Please keep in touch with us for up-to-date information.
Meanwhile, you can still enjoy some other Myanmar Natural Wonders not far from Mandalay by checking out our guide to Mandalay Tours

Inle Lake

Undoubtedly, Inle Lake is one of the most highlighted Myanmar natural wonders. Its beauty stems from a spectacular waterway that forms a part of Shan State`s charm. This is home to many floating gardens, unique stilt villages, and a perfect point to do birdwatching. 
Not far from Inle Lake is the Green Valley Elephant Camp where you can walk into the forest with the Asian Elephants. 

Best time to visit Inle lake?

November to April is the best time to visit Inle Lake. 
If you come for a trip with more fun, do not miss the Phang Daw Oo pagoda festival in October. 
See our suggestion for Myanmar 12-day itinerary including Inle Lake. 

What to do in Inle Lake?

Apart from the exciting boat trip, nature lovers will find Inle a wonderful place to walk, explore fascinating villages, seeing the ruins of Indein. 
Trekking from Inle Lake to Kalaw for 2 to 3 days is one of the best Myanmar Travel Experiences you should try. 
See also: Inle Lake day tours

How to go to Inle Lake

From Yangon, you can take a flight to Heho and then grab a car for a 1-hour scenic drive to Nyang Shwe town. This is the main gateway to access Inle Lake. 

Irrawaddy River

The bloodline of Myanmar has a length of 2,210km and ranks as the 55th longest river globally.  The Irrawaddy serves as Burma's backbone and a crucial aspect of its history, culture, and economy. As a commercial watercourse for centuries, it has provided irrigation for farming, drinking, and washing water, and even established a spiritual connection among various communities. The riverbanks are packed with numerous Myanmar historic and cultural sights including the famous Bagan, the ancient capital of Mandalay and the rugged mountains of Bhamo. 

Pekon Lake

Located about a 1-hour drive from the peaceful town of Loikaw, Pekon lake is very similar to Inle Lake but without tourists. 
The true delight of a trip to Pekon lies in the unfettered sense of freedom that envelops you while you traverse the lake. Though the natural beauty of Pekon is stunning, it receives only a minuscule fraction of the tourist traffic that Inle does, so the experience of being lost in a crowd is non-existent. For intrepid explorers seeking autonomy, unspoiled waters, and immaculate natural scenery, the lake presents a glimpse of an unexplored realm, offering a genuine wild swimming adventure.
 
 

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