Former Birmanie, now known as Myanmar, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries on the Asian continent. A true gem of history and culture, adorned with colorful landscapes, preserved from mass tourism. Ready for an unforgettable journey, filled with religious wonders, time travel, astonishing traditions and genuine smiles? Here's our top 8 must-see destinations during your Myanmar getaway:

Bagan

If you can only visit one place in Myanmar, head without hesitation to the mystical city of Bagan. It's the most visited destination in the country, and the treasures it holds fully justify its popularity. Nestled amid forests, the city is home to thousands of pagodas and Buddhist stupas, all of different sizes. As a highly significant place of worship, Bagan was also the capital of the Burmese empire under King Anawrahta. Built in the 11th century, Bagan's historic heart is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. You can explore it on foot, by bike, or take to the skies for a breathtaking view from a hot air balloon.

Inle Lake

A favorite of our English-speaking team, Inle Lake harbors a nature and culture unique to Myanmar. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this expansive lake nestled at the foot of mountains and Burmese forests protects both extraordinary biodiversity and impressive traditions. It's an opportunity to meet several Burmese ethnic groups and witness their truly original cultures. Their fishing techniques (they row with their feet) or agriculture (with their famous floating gardens) are fascinating to discover. You can also enjoy the craft markets of the Inle Lake towns, or visit the Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, known as the « jumping cats monastery ».

Mandalay

Located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Mandalay was the capital of Birmanie until 1885. Also known as the « City of Gems », it hosts countless temples and pagodas, making it the heart of Buddhism in the country. Today a cosmopolitan city, it remains the economic and cultural center of Myanmar. A visit to Mandalay and its historical sites promises a return to royal Birmanie...

Ava

Not far from Mandalay lies the historic city of Ava, which also once held the title of capital of Birmanie long ago. This lesser-visited site is brimming with magnificent historical monuments and stands as one of the finest places to immerse yourself in Birmanie's history. Nestled on an artificial island in the Irrawaddy, Ava is today a city of ruins.

Yangon

Even if you're not a fan of visiting large cities and capitals, Yangon is worth the visit. Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, or Rangoon, was the country's capital until 2005. All eras blend together here, giving the city an authentic charm. From ancient pagodas to Chinese quarters, you'll find everything! The most famous site is the Shwedagon Pagoda, a massive stupa covered in gold and precious stones that houses a hair of Buddha. It's a hugely important pilgrimage site in Myanmar. At night, it illuminates to dominate the city in all its beauty.

Mingun

A remarkable city of extravagance, Mingun is home to the whims of King Bodawpaya, who wished to build immense monuments: a pagoda, two sphinxes, a bell and a cistern. Mingun is part of the stops on an Irrawaddy River cruise. You can notably visit the king's unfinished pagoda, an impressive 50-meter Buddhist site. Originally, it was meant to be three times longer, but its construction was allegedly interrupted when a fortune teller predicted the king would die if the pagoda were completed. The town also hosts the Nats Festival, the perfect opportunity to discover local culture and beliefs.

Pindaya

A venture into untouched nature, Pindaya is a small village perched at 1,200 meters altitude. A place of legends and splendid landscapes, it's a wonderful destination to experience Myanmar differently. Pindaya overlooks the lovely Pone Taloke Lake and offers a dreamlike setting for walks. A typical image of Burmese countryside, harboring one of the country's greatest treasures: the Swe Oo Min Caves. These sacred caverns shelter around 8,000 Buddha statues and a lovely legend. Pindaya is also known for its artisanal production of paper and umbrellas.

Kalaw

For nature lovers, there's nothing quite like a stay in Kalaw and its surroundings. This small village, quite different from the others on our list, is a British colonial legacy. You'll find mostly colonial architecture, but also a few lovely pagodas since before colonization, the place was a pilgrimage site. Perched at 1,300 meters altitude in lush vegetation, Kalaw is an excellent starting point for hiking and trekking. The most famous trek leads toward Inle Lake through Burmese countryside. Nearby is the Green Hill Valley, a park that serves as a sanctuary for eight elephants.