Hukaung Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the northernmost region of Myanmar, the Hukaung Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest protected area in the country. This remote and pristine wilderness is home to a variety of endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, and clouded leopard. The sanctuary's diverse habitats, ranging from dense forests to grasslands, make it an ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts to spot these elusive creatures.

How to get to Hukaung Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

The closest major city with an airport to Hukaung Valley is Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State. From Yangon or Mandalay, you can take a domestic flight to Myitkyina Airport. Once you arrive in Myitkyina, you'll need to make your way to Putao, a town that serves as a gateway to Hukaung Valley

Travel Notes

Access to the sanctuary itself may require special permits and a well-planned expedition. It's advisable to work with a local Myanmar Travel Agency, guides, or conservation organizations that specialize in organizing trips to this remote area.
The journey into the Hukaung Valley may involve trekking, river travel, and rugged terrain, so be prepared for a physically demanding adventure.

Inle Lake

Inle Lake, in the Shan State, is famous for its unique stilted villages and beautiful floating gardens. It's also an excellent spot for birdwatching, with a variety of waterbirds like egrets, herons, and kingfishers. 

The best time to visit Inle Lake

October till April has good weather with few rainy days. This period is perfect for a trip to Inle Lake for spotting wildlife and exploring the area. 
Reference: Inle Lake Travel itinerary

Inle Lake Wildlife Tour

There are only a few Myanmar Travel Agencies that offer tours to spot wildlife in the area. The most popular tour for wildlife to Inle Lake is about bird watching. 

Hlawga National Park

Located just a short drive from Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, Hlawga National Park provides a convenient opportunity for urban wildlife spotting. The park is home to a wide range of animals, including sambar deer, wild boar, crocodiles, and various species of primates. It's an excellent place for a day trip to observe wildlife while staying close to the city.

How to get to Hlawga National Park?

The park is located approximately 22 kilometers (about 13.7 miles) north of Yangon's city center. The journey by taxi or private car usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
You can take public buses from Yangon to Mingaladon township and then transfer with a short ride to the park entrance. It is time-consuming unless you like having some local culture interaction. 

What are the activities in Hlawga National Park?

The park boasts a botanical garden with a variety of plant species. It's a great place for plant enthusiasts and those interested in local flora. There is also a small zoo within the park that houses a selection of animals, including leopards, bears, and various bird species. It can be an interesting place to learn more about the region's wildlife.
Another activity you can enjoy in this park is hiking. Hiking trails and nature paths wind through the park, allowing you to explore the lush forested areas and observe the local flora and fauna. These trails vary in length and difficulty, making them suitable for all levels of hikers.

Mountain Victoria

Mount Victoria, also known as Nat Ma Taung National Park, is the highest peak in the Chin Hills and offers a unique highland habitat for wildlife. The surrounding forests are home to various bird species, including the vibrant and elusive Himalayan monal pheasant. Trekking in the region can lead to encounters with clouded leopards and other rare mammals.

How to get to Mountain Victoria?

To reach the rugged area of Mountain Victoria, it is advisable to take Bagan as the travel base. There are local buses to Mindat town, the main gate away from Mountain Victoria. 
The best option is to hire a private car from Bagan to Mindat. It is not cheap but so far the most comfortable means of transportation. 
We strongly recommend you book a personalized Myanmar Tour or just a short tour on your own to make sure your adventure will happen as you expect. The reason is: that there are not so many people speaking English or other languages in the town. 

How many days should I spend on a wildlife tour to Mountain Victoria?

Since the road trip to Mt Victoria is long, it is ideal to spend at least 4 days exploring its mountains and valleys. Bear in mind that the trek involves many ascends and descends which requires physical efforts. The more secluded the path you trek, the more chance you will have to encounter wild animals. 
This is one of the best Myanmar National Parks to do birding too. 

Tanintharyi Region

The Tanintharyi Region in southern Myanmar is a biodiversity hotspot. The region is home to a variety of ecosystems, from mangrove forests along the coast to dense rainforests further inland. It's a great place to spot wildlife like saltwater crocodiles, dugongs, and various species of sea turtles. The rich coral reefs along the Myeik Archipelago also offer incredible diving opportunities to witness marine life.

Where to for a Myanmar Wildlife Trip in Tanintharyi Region?

The very first destination that you should delve into is the Marine National Park of Lampi. This is just a perfect place to uncover the marine life of the Andaman Sea without tourist crowds.
This vast area is also home to Hpa An, one of the most amazing sites for trekking, and river rafting adventures where you can observe various wild animals. 

How many days should I spend in the Tanintharyi Region?

If your passion is about wildlife then Myeik Archipelago trip for 5 days is an appealing choice. For additional interests such as culture exploration, food, or religion pilgrimage, 8 to 10 days could be very fine. 

Mandalay Region

When it comes to the idea of easy escape to access authentic Burmese nature, Mandalay is a good address. The most famous trip here is probably to watch the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins who live in the Ayeyarwady River.

Where to see the Irrawaddy Dolphin in Mandalay

Ayeyarwady Dolphin Conservation Area (ADCA): This protected area is located in the Sagaing Region along the Irrawaddy River, and it was established to conserve the Irrawaddy dolphins. You can visit the ADCA and take guided boat tours to see the dolphins in their natural habitat.

Popa Mountain National Park

Located in central Myanmar, Popa Mountain National Park is home to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano, and a sacred site for Buddhists. The park's forests are teeming with a variety of bird species and primates, making it a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Here are some of the birds you can see in Popa National Park: Crested Serpent Eagle, rufous-winged, crested Goshawk,  green-billed Malkoha, red-headed Trogon, yellow-vented Warbler, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Black-hooded Oriole

Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in the northern part of Myanmar, Indawgyi Lake is the country's largest freshwater lake. The surrounding wildlife sanctuary hosts a wide range of waterfowl, including migratory species during the winter months. Birdwatchers can spot the majestic white-tailed sea eagle and the rare Sarus crane in this area.
For birding, the sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers with numerous waterfowl and migratory birds. You can spot species such as egrets, herons, kingfishers, and various species of ducks. The critically endangered Sarus crane, one of the world's tallest flying birds, can also be found in the sanctuary.
Apart from that, you might catch a glimpse of the Indian smooth-coated otter, which is known to inhabit the lake and its tributaries. The region supports diverse mammals, including sambar deer, wild boar, and various species of bats.

Khakaborazi National Park

This national park is located in the northern region of Kachin State and is home to the country's highest peak, Mount Khakaborazi. The park's pristine forests offer habitat to species like the red panda and the snow leopard. Adventurous trekkers can embark on journeys to spot these elusive creatures.

Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park

Situated in the Sagaing Region, this park is renowned for its vast teak forests and rich wildlife. The park is an important habitat for the Indian elephant, and visitors can witness these gentle giants as they traverse the jungle.