Search results for

A traditional teahouse reimagined for a globe-trotting crowd, this airy space can be found up a flight of creaky stairs inside a colonial-era building. Black-and-white vintage films of the city flicker on one wall and there is an excellent version of the Burmese staple mohinga—a soupy stew of rice noodles and fish—as well as curries, salads, traditional tea, coffee, cocktails, wine and craft beers.

Floating on a barge on Kandawgyi Lake, the shiny Karaweik Palace resembles its antique pagoda cousins—but it was actually constructed in the 1970s. Built to resemble the ceremonial barges used by Burmese kings, the palace now houses a restaurant and also stages regular cultural shows of dance, music and traditional puppetry.

One of the most accessible destinations in Chin State, Mt Victoria (Nat Ma Taung) is also one of the most alluring spots in the country. The mountain itself is, at 3053metres, Myanmar’s second highest and it stands amid a beautiful national park that is a prime spot for birdwatching. Try to visit in November when rhododendron season is in full swing.

This is a market that runs five days a week and changes location or “floats” around the lake to different villages. It’s a big tourist attraction, but also provides access to a market for people who live around Inle Lake. Here you’ll find unusual spices, herbs, fish, fruits, and vegetables as well as local crafts, food stalls, and flowers. People come from all over Shan State to sell their goods and you’ll probably spot Pa’O women here. Pa’O people are recognized by their black dress and colorful turbans and come to the market to sell thenapet tree leaves, onions, garlic, and chili.

Rhiannon Taylor traveled on Abercrombie & Kent’s Myanmar & the Irrawaddy tour as part of AFAR’s partnership with the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), whose members provide travelers with unparalleled access, insider knowledge, and peace-of-mind to destinations across the globe. For more on Rhiannon’s journey, visit the USTOA blog.

Built on scrub ground amid rice paddies at great expense (some reports have it at around $4billion), Naypyidaw has been Myanmar’s seat of government since 2005. Despite all the investment, it is not what you would call an enthralling city. Nevertheless, the vast, empty highways, grandiose government buildings and sights such as a giant gilded pagoda and a zoo and safari park make it a worthwhile stop on the road from Yangon to Mandalay.

Dining venues that really scale the highest of international standards are few and far between in Yangon. One such options, however, is the long-standing Le Planteur. Set in a mansion with a lovely garden, the restaurant specialises in intricate fusion creations with dishes running the gamut from foie gras to prime rib.

Along with tea leaf salad, Shan noodles is one of the most ubiquitous (and delicious) dishes to be found in Myanmar. There are different versions, but common threads usually involve chicken, garlic, turmeric, tomatoes and fish sauce with Chinese greens to garnish. A popular venue for the dish in Yangon is 999 Shan Noodle Shop, which has the tourist stamp of approval.

Visit small villages, enjoy a traditional Thai meal in a local home, and stay at an eco-resort built into a hill.