Still relatively undiscovered, Myanmar, formerly known as Birmanie, is one of Southeast Asia's most stunning countries. Spared from mass tourism, it offers incredible landscapes, in shades of red and gold, dotted with countless Buddhist pagodas, lakes, rice paddies, floating gardens... Most importantly, its inhabitants have preserved a traditional way of life that is fascinating to discover. Here's why Myanmar should be your next vacation destination :

1 – Admire the World's Most Beautiful Buddhist Temples

A Buddhist country par excellence, Myanmar is home to thousands of magnificent Buddhist pagodas. From your arrival, you'll be mesmerized and left speechless before these unparalleled ancestral structures. Their architecture is breathtaking, with golden pyramid-shaped roofs, Buddha statues in gold or bamboo, multiple tiers, varied shapes and sizes, layered designs... And especially the sound of their bells. At Bagan, you'll face thousands of stupas of all sizes, navigating through ruins still visited by pilgrims. In Mingun, the capital of grandeur, you'll be lulled by a 90-ton bell. All this in an exceptional natural setting of ochre mountains and humid forests. Everywhere, temples and Buddhist monasteries will cross your path, plunging your journey into a historical and religious epic.

2 – Meet a Welcoming People

Birmanie has only recently opened to tourism, and remains far less visited than its neighbors, Vietnam and Cambodia. This means its sites are exceptionally well-preserved, its paths clean and rarely traveled, and its people welcoming and genuine. Locals don't see many tourists, whether in cities or countryside, so they're always happy to welcome you, help if you're lost, practice their English, or offer you their brightest smiles. Perfect for taking beautiful photos and creating unforgettable memories.

3 – Hike Off the Beaten Path

Myanmar is not only an ideal destination for history and culture enthusiasts. It's also a magnificent country for hiking and trekking in the heart of nature. You can choose an itinerary that combines nature and culture. Several trails, for example, will lead you to the Inlé Lake while taking you through small countryside villages over several days. The perfect opportunity to discover local life, exchange with Myanmarese people, in short, to step into another world, while challenging yourself physically. On foot, horseback, by bike, you'll find yourself nearly alone, immersed in the real life of Myanmar.

4 – Discover a Traditional Way of Life

Myanmarese people still live very humbly and simply, especially in the country's rural areas. It's the perfect opportunity to disconnect and discover the true meaning of life, learn to fish alongside locals, observe fieldwork... Around Inlé Lake for example, you can admire crops in floating gardens, an ancestral and still-active agricultural technique in Myanmar, or marvel at traditional fishermen who row with their feet...

5 – Witness Incredible Shows and Festivals

On the cultural side, local inhabitants have preserved most of their beliefs and traditions, which create incredible encounters for tourists. From a show of cats trained by a monk on Inlé Lake to the famous Nats festival in Mingun, numerous local entertainments are worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. It's an opportunity to get to know this people, still hidden and sheltered from globalization.

6 – Savor Local Dishes

Myanmarese cuisine is earning its reputation around the world, and for good reason. For generations, locals have learned to cook with the richness of their lands, creating lightly spiced, deeply flavored dishes, alternating seafood, rice, vegetables from the plains... Curries, grilled specialties, soups—everything is delicious and very affordable, so indulge yourself !

7 – Pedal and Navigate Through Sumptuous Landscapes

You'll need to fly or drive to traverse Myanmar's regions, but certain stretches are best covered on foot, horseback, by bike, motorbike, or boat. It's the perfect place to connect with nature, engage in physical activity, enjoy the fresh air and the simplicity, sincerity, and beauty of our Earth. Besides, locals themselves are big fans of two wheels – and you can rent a bike or electric bike nearly everywhere in cities. Cycling is also ideal for meeting local peoples, exploring villages, and getting away from city centers. On a cruise, you can navigate up the Irrawaddy River to fully enjoy the landscapes, the calm, and this historic journey.

So what are you waiting for to plan your trip to Myanmar ?