Best time to visit Myanmar

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Myanmar

Best time of year to visit Myanmar

Although things can get busy, November through February is the best time to visit Myanmar. During this period, the beaches are irresistible, the water activities most enjoyable, the sunrises and sunsets are unforgettable. At this time, you have an excellent chance to explore the Hlawga National Park or mud volcanoes of Minbu.
The spring is quite hot, but you will have a chance to witness Novitiation Ceremony and Padauk blossom. Note that roads in Myanmar become impassable during the monsoon season from May to October.

18 THINGS TO DO IN MYANMAR (OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 09)

Air Ballooning over Bagan

Air Ballooning over Bagan

October–March  • activity

Hot air ballooning over the temples in Bagan slowly and magnificently reveals the secrets of the old city

Rice Harvest

Rice Harvest

April–May | November–December  • food

Myanmar is considered the sixth-largest rice-producing country in the world.

Wearing Thanaka

Wearing Thanaka

November–February | April 13–April 16 • event

For many travelers to Myanmar the most notable sight is not the exotic landscapes or temples but the yellowish paste found painted on the faces of Burmese women and children, called Thanaka or Thanakha

Visit Botataung Pagoda

Visit Botataung Pagoda

November–May • activity

Discover this significant religious site for Buddhists—the gleaming Botataung pagoda, lesser known of “the three pagodas” of Yangon

Inle Lake Activities

Inle Lake Activities

November–February • nature

Visit Burma’s most unique region that gives visitors plenty of things to do

Beach Season

Beach Season

November–March • activity

Myanmar beaches are a true hideaway from modern civilization

Sunset and Sunrise

Sunset and Sunrise

November–May • nature

Heavenly sunsets or sunrises in Myanmar are precious moments that will always be in your mind

Lahpet Harvest and Preparation

Lahpet Harvest and Preparation

April–October • food

Termed ‘laphet' in Burmese, this pickled tea is not only unique to the country but is also one of the most important national delicacies

Trekking through Myanmar's Himalayas

Trekking through Myanmar's Himalayas

October–November | February • activity

Take the opportunity to discover Myanmar's Himalayas, the highest mountains in Southeast Asia

U Bein Bridge

U Bein Bridge

November–May • activity

Discover the oldest teak span in the world made of the remains of a royal palace during the dry season when it peaks high above the water

Cycling

Cycling

November–May • activity

One of the best ways to see Buddhist temples, ancient sites, and breathtaking gardens

Wine Season

Wine Season

August–October | February–May • food

Vineyards appear amongst the paddy-fields of Burma

Ferry Ride from Yangon to Dala

Ferry Ride from Yangon to Dala

November–February • activity

A picturesque way of crossing the Yangon River

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

September–April • nature

This unspoiled country provides the kind of subjects most wildlife photographers can only dream about, including rare tropical birds

Mud Volcanoes of Minbu

Mud Volcanoes of Minbu

November–February • nature

Discover Mud Volcanoes in Minbu which are less deadly and more holy

River Cruising

River Cruising

November–February • activity

Explore this breathtaking exotic country by cruising along the famous rivers of Myanmar

Hlawga National Park

Hlawga National Park

November–February • nature

A great display of Myanmar nature is available at Hlawga National Park in Yangon!

Chinlone

Chinlone

October  • activity

An unusual combination of sport and dance

15 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Balloon Festival in Taunggyi

Balloon Festival in Taunggyi

out of rangeNovember 26–27, 2023 • event

This picturesque mountain valley welcomes fans of an unusual art—the manufacture and launch of unmanned balloons

Thadingyut Festival of Lights

Thadingyut Festival of Lights

out of rangeOctober 16-18, 2024 • event

If you see that all the houses and public buildings, parks, and monuments of Myanmar are colourful illuminated everywhere, you should know that this is the Festival of Lights!

Tazaungdaing Light Festival

Tazaungdaing Light Festival

out of rangeNovember 26–27, 2023 • event

The Tazaungdaing Lights Festival has its own unique and distinctive beauty and plays a huge role in the spiritual life of the Myanmar people

Thingyan Water Festival or New Year Celebration

Thingyan Water Festival or New Year Celebration

out of rangeApril 13–April 16 • event

Water throwing awaits the residents of towns and villages in Myanmar after the arrival of a tropical spring

Ananda Pagoda Festival

Ananda Pagoda Festival

out of rangeJanuary 25 - February 09 • event

Massive celebration in the most beautiful temple of Bagan

Novitiation Ceremony or Shinbyu

Novitiation Ceremony or Shinbyu

out of rangeMarch–April • event

In the Myanmar Buddhist tradition boys under the age of twenty have to enter the Buddhist Order

Manaw Festival

Manaw Festival

out of rangeearly January • event

The Kachin Manao Festival is a traditional New Year celebration

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival

out of rangeOctober 10–27, 2023 • event

One of the most famous festivals in the Shan State is the Phaung Daw Oo pagoda festival, which is celebrated for 18 days

Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park

Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park

out of rangeJanuary–April • nature

Discover the mystical and spiritual heart of Myanmar’s Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park

Rain Retreat Meditation

Rain Retreat Meditation

out of rangeAugust 2–October 30, 2023 • activity

You don't need to be a Buddhist to practice meditation, developed by Buddha and called Insight Meditation or Vipassana

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

Escape a cold and nasty New Year's Eve in one of Myanmar's summery celebration spots

Vegetarian Dishes

Vegetarian Dishes

out of rangeAugust 2–October 28, 2023 • food

Buddhists strictly adhere to the rules during the Buddhist Lent as well as Uposatha sabbath days

Hill Station Botanical Garden

Hill Station Botanical Garden

out of rangeDecember–May • nature

One could spend the entire day wandering Pyin Oo Lwin’s gardens…

Padauk Blossom

Padauk Blossom

out of rangemid-April • nature

They say that under this tree Tissa Buddha himself was enlightened, and now it is a national symbol of the country

Myanmar Independence Day

Myanmar Independence Day

out of rangeJanuary 4 • event

From the early morning of January 4, the bells in Buddhist temples start to ring. Gongs and beeps can be heard on the rivers. On this day in 1948, Burma gained independence

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