This was definitely our favourite place in Cambodia! Angkor Wat is the major tourist attraction and it is truly an amazing place, we would highly recommend booking the three day pass to explore as many temples as you can! The best way to get around is to hire a tuc-tuc driver for the day (or three if you are happy with him) and they will wait outside the temple until you’ve finished exploring, then take you to the next one. Hotels do offer their own tuck-tuc services, but we preferred paying the drivers directly.
- KALAW -
Budget travellers should prepare themselves for another long bumpy minibus ride to the mountain top village of Kalaw. The sedate village has a much cooler temperature than Bagan and Yangon, and one could be forgiven for feeling like they were in a completely different country. The village itself oozes with charm and we loved it straight away; the nearby mountains sculpt the jagged horizon and creates a sense of nostalgia and warmth - you’ll definitely spend more time here than you anticipated!
The weekly market brings the village to life, and is where the local people stock up for the week to come. It’s one of the best locals markets we’ve been to, completely unadulterated by tourist tat. Make sure you try the sweet sesame seed and syrup dessert as it was one of our favourites! In the centre of town there is also a pagoda decorated with loads of tiny mirrors which is particularly pretty at night time, as they twinkle like stars.
One of the most popular things to do in Kalaw is the trek to Inle Lake. There are options to do either two or three day treks to the lake, spending the night in a monastry with practicing monks! We chose the two day trek which was the highlight of our entire Myanmar experience, as well as the most exhausting!
- INLE LAKE -
One of the most beautiful spots in Myanmar, Inle Lake is surrounded by mountains and lush green grass. Here you will see the iconic fisherman hanging out of their boats, and visit the craft villages that take you through the process of making cigarettes and clothes (with opportunity but no obligation to buy). Make sure you visit the two Padaung ladies who are extremely friendly, and more than happy to chat and have photographs.
ITINERARY
MYANMAR
GALLERY
COMING SOON
- BAGAN -
You’ll reach Bagan with tired eyes after the eight hour drive from Yangon. Coach services run both during the day and at night and are surprisingly very comfortable! There is ample leg room with reclining chairs, as well as notoriously fierce air con - so make sure you bring a jumper!
When you arrive at Bagan you have to pay a 25,000 Kyat entrance fee, which allows you to roam the ancient pagodas throughout the town to your hearts content. We spent two days exploring; renting a bicycle for the first, which is a great way to get around (just make sure you bring lots of water) and on the second we hired a horse drawn cart to ferry us round the major sites. We found that it really adds to the experience, and its a lot less tiring if you hire a horse!
- YANGON -
Despite not being the official capital of Myanmar, Yangon remains the hub of trade, commerce and activity in the country. The city provides quite the introduction to Myanmar - especially as we visited on the eve of Chinese New Year! Accommodation is slightly more expensive than other countries in South East Asia, however the hospitality you receive is next level!
Our highlights of Yangon were the night market that seems to be situated in the middle of the two main roads! Here you will find infinite dining options such as fried rice, barbecued fish and noodles. Take time to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda in the centre of the city, and there is also an interesting market nearby.
L I F E.
OPEN YOUR EYES TO A DIFFERENT WAY OF LIVING
TRIED, TESTED & APPROVED
BY
Rachel & William
WEEK ONE:YANGON & BAGAN
Pagoda Galore
WEEK TWO: KALAW & INLE LAKE
Trek. Trek. Trek.
E M B R A C E
THE WELCOMING NATURE OF LOCAL PEOPLE
