Guides & Itineraries Archives - Page 5 of 5 - Tales From The Banana Trail

May 24, 2018September 29, 2023

Langtang Trek | What You Need to Know to Hike Langtang Valley

Nepal’s Langtang Valley trek is one of our favourite forgotten jewels of the trekking world. With jaw-dropping mountain peaks, bright rhododendron, tiny villages, Buddhist monasteries, and welcoming locals, the Langtang is sure to solidify your love for Nepal. The earthquake that rocked the country in 2015 devastated the Langtang valley. But the area has now reopened to trekkers and choosing to trek here is an excellent way to help Langtang’s resilient earthquake survivors rebuild their livelihoods.

When is the best time to hike the Langtang Valley Trek?

The best time to trek the Langtang is September to December or March to May . Clear skies and perfect hiking temperatures create the ideal conditions for trekkers.

How much time does it take to hike Langtang Valley?

The hike is typically completed in 6-10 days, but there are plenty of ways to extend the route if you have more time.

How difficult is the Langtang Valley Trek?

The Langtang Valley Trek is a moderate trek by Nepalese trekking standards. It gains significant elevation, but the elevation is easily spaced out over multiple days on the trail. Like all treks in Nepal, the Langtang Valley is high elevation and proper acclimatization should be factored in. That said, the highest village lies at 3850m, which is well below the high points reached on either the Annapurna Circuit (5416 m) or Everest Base Camp (5545m) treks.

Additionally, Nepal’s teahouse trekking drastically reduces your packing list making the elevation and mileage much more manageable than North American trips like the Rockwall trail or Rae Lakes. Not to mention, the potential of having a hot apple pie at the end of a long day! 🙂

How long is the Langtang Valley Trek?

The one-way trip from Syabru Bensi to Kyanjin Gompa on the Langtang Valley Trek is ~29 KM. Over this distance, the Langtang Valley Trek gains ~3000 meters of elevation and loses ~600 meters of elevation.

A round-trip (out and back) hike from Syabru Bensi to Kyanjin Gompa and back to Syabru Bensi is ~58 KM with about 3600 meters of elevation gain and 3600 meters of loss.

What permits are required for the Langtang Valley Trek?

To hike the Langtang you’ll require:

- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems) card for 2000 RPS (pick this up in Kathmandu); and
- Entrance ticket to Langtang National Park (approximately 3390 RPS).

Do you need a guide or porter?

You do not need to hire a guide or porter to trek the Langtang. The trail is easy to follow and navigation is not challenging. Make sure to download a high quality offline GPS app (we like GAIA) to assist with navigation and route finding.

That said, some people do enjoy to hire a guide for their knowledge and expertise. If you’re looking for a guide seek out a personal recommendation and never just hire someone you meet on the street.

Where do you stay and what do you eat on the Langtang Trek?

The incredible thing about trekking in Nepal is that the teahouses in the villages along the way offer basic accommodation and food (namely, a lot of dal bhat!), This means you can minimize your pack weight as there is no need to carry a tent or food provisions along with you.

Why go on the Langtang Valley Trek vs. Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp?

Most travellers visiting Nepal gravitate towards the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp treks. Langtang has always offered a quieter option with fewer tourists and less infrastructure (there’s certainly no road like the Annapurna Circuit now has). Sadly, Langtang has made its way further off the map after the 2015 earthquake that destroyed lives, homes, and trails. In the three years since the quake, homes have been rebuilt and trails reforged, but the number of trekkers has hardly increased. Trekking here provides an invaluable opportunity to bring income back into a region that is struggling to rebuild. Besides being a quieter trek where your visit can make an important difference for the income of local communities, Langtang is easy to access from Kathmandu. It’s also a lower elevation trek (the highest village is at 3850m), which mitigates the risk of altitude sickness. There are a number of great, basic teahouse options, so you can easily trek this route without a tent.

Whatever you do, DON'T FORGET THIS

In remote areas travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation or medivac is absolutely essential. My former roomate was medivaced to Bangkok from Cambodia after a medical emergency and her travel insurance ended up paying out a six figure sum for the medical bills.

Hopefully, you never need to make a claim, but if you do you’ll be beyond happy you were prepared! Don’t start your trip without it! Check out World Nomads for a quote*.

*We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Itinerary for hiking the Langtang Trek

Day 1: Travel from Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi

Catch the bus in Kathmandu in the morning (approximately 550 RPS) to travel the 122 km north to the kicking off point for Langtang – the town of Syabru Bensi. Be forewarned that this bus ride is really quite terrifying, but that’s part of the adventure! It can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours to reach Syabru Bensi by bus. Do be prepared to show your TIMS card and permit along the way. Once you arrive in Syabru Bensi, find a teahouse for the night and tuck into bed early to prepare for your first day of trekking.

Day 2: Syabru Bensi to Lama Hotel

10.5 KM | 1400 M elevation gain 400 M loss

The first day of the Langtang valley trek takes about 6 hours, depending on your pace. The trail crosses the Bhote Kosi River and weaves through oak and rhododendron forests (watch out for animals suddenly coming around the corners!). Beautiful Lama Hotel is a great place to stop for your first night with several good teahouse options.

Day 3: Lama Hotel to (New) Langtang Village

11.5 KM | 1200 M elevation gain 200 M loss

Day 3 takes just over 6 hours and ends 100 metres past the tragic site of old Langtang Village. This is where the devastation of the earthquake was felt the most strongly in the valley. Only a single house survived the landslide caused by the quake in 2015. 175 villagers and 41 foreign trekkers were killed in the village during this tragedy. These names are commemorated on a memorial mani wall where the village once was. Just a short walk up the valley, Langtang Village is being rebuilt. Staying here is an important way to support the earthquake survivors as they rebuild their lives after losing so much.

Day 4: Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa

6.0 KM | 400 M elevation gain

Day 4 takes you to the highest village you can stay at: Kyanjin Gompa. As you reach the higher altitude here, the valley opens up into yak pastures surrounded by towering mountains. It’s only a 4 hour walk, so be sure to take your time and allow your body to acclimatize. The elevation here can be an issue for some people. Kyanjin Gompa is home to an incredible monastery, a yak cheese factory, and a small village. It’s a beautiful place to stay for a few nights and explore the surrounding peaks if you have the time.

Day 5-6: Kyanjin Gompa (with a trip to Kyanjin Ri)

Breathe a sigh of relief as you get to leave your big pack behind at the teahouse you stay at. Spend a couple days exploring this incredible area and use Kyanjin Gompa as your basecamp for these day hikes:

Kyanjin Ri – this popular and worthwhile half-day hike to a height of 4604m offers incredible vistas of the surrounding area climbing 720m in 2.0 Kilometers (one-way).

Tsergo Ri – This challenging full day hike to the top of Tsergo Ri gains 1110 meters of elevation over 5.0 Kilometers (one-way).

Continue up the valley to Langshisha Kharka – Continue up the valley for more spectacular views on this long day hike which gains 450 meters of elevation over 12 KM (one-way).

Glacier Viewpoint – For an easier option a 2.0 km hike gains 200 meters of elevation for a suberb view of the Langtang Lirung (one-way).

Day 7: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel

17.5 KM | 200 M gain 1600 M elevation loss

The way down to Lama Hotel should take about 5 hours. Your knees will feel the descent and you’ll be thanking yourself for bringing trekking poles to ease the load! Once you get to Lama Hotel treat yourself to some momos or more dal bhat.

Day 8: Lama Hotel to Syabru Bensi

10.5 KM | 400 M gain 1400 M elevation loss

The final day should take around 6 hours to descend, getting you back into Syabru Bensi for a needed early bedtime.

Impact of the Earthquake on Langtang

The 2015 earthquake has had immeasurable repercussions for the communities in the Langtang valley. With a significant amount of infrastructure destroyed and a rapid drop in income with fewer tourists visiting, this area continues to suffer greatly. There are fewer kids in the communities you trek through than there were before the earthquake. This is a result of the local schools destroyed by the earthquake. Families who have the funds to do so, send their children to boarding schools in Kathmandu to get an education. With the only employment opportunities being subsistence agriculture or the now quiet tourism industry in their home villages, a number of these young people won’t return to the area. Those who don’t have the money to send their children to Kathmandu lose out on giving their children an education. With this in mind, trekking to Langtang has never been more important from a sustainable tourism perspective. For more insight, this beautiful photo story showcases the personal stories of the survivors in Langtang.

What to pack for the Langtang Valley Trek

Essential Langtang Packing List

Backpack

If all you’re planning on doing is hiking we love the Gregory Focal or Women’s specific Facet which at ~2.5lbs provide a great compromise between barebones ultralight packs and the heavier feature-laden packs!

If you’e stopping in Nepal as part of a longer trip, the Khmer Explorer Travel Set will be perfect for you. It’s more functional for travel, but has a hip belt and suspension system which make it extremely practical for hiking trips like the Langtang!

Sleeping Bag

Patagonia’s sleeping bags are 5 star!! It’s unbelievably lightweight and packs down small. The 30°F / -1°C to be perfect for most outings – if it gets colder you can always layer up! Like all Patagonia products, it’s not cheap, but they stand behind their gear and the quality matches the price point. If you spend a lot of time in colder environments they also make a 20°F / -7°C version. These bags are a worthwhile splurge!

Nalgene Water Bottle

Use it for water, soup, as a hot water bottle to warm up your sleeping bag. Don’t leave home without your Nalgene.

Water Purification

For purifying water, I’m a huge fan of the Steripen. It’s light, portable and only takes minutes to purify a liter of water in a Nalgene. Press the button, place the pen in your bottle, and stir for a couple minutes!

First Aid Kit

The pre-built kits from Adventure Medical Kits have served me well on many adventurers. At the end of your trip write down any items you used and replace them so they’re ready for your next adventure. Add a few ibuprofen, high-altitude medicine into the kit as well.

Warm Hat

Warm Mittens or Gloves

Wind / Rain Shell

An essential piece for the wind, rain, and snow you might experience on the Langtang trek. Check out the Patagonia Torrentshell (or Men’s Version version).

Rain Pants

Mountain weather can change fast and rain pants are an absolute lifesaver. Patagonia Torrentshell Pants in men’s or women’s are great and can be taken on and off without removing your shoes/boots and allowing you to stay comfortable even if you get caught in a sudden downpour.

Puff / Down Jacket

The Patagonia Nano Puff® Hoody is a perfect multi-functional item for trekking, everyday, and pretty much anything where you might need a bit of warmth. I’m still looking for an activity it doesn’t work for. They also make the Nano Puff in a men’s version.

Sun Hoodie

Bring a sun hoodie for the Langtang. It helps you cut back on the amount of sunscreen you need, makes your virutally burn proof, and prevents having to reapply. It’s probably the best item I’ve added to my hiking wardrobe! Check out the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie available in mens and womens.

Hiking Shoes or Boots

Make sure they’re broken in first! Check out the La Sportiva Bushidos for a great lightweight shoe (mens/womens).

Headlamp

Invaluable if you get stuck walking in the dark or the electricity goes out. The Spot 350 is the way to go with 6 modes including the night vision saving red light! Red light mode takes a minute to get used to, but once you do it’s a total game changer.

Hiking Pants

A couple pairs of great and durable hiking pants are essentials for the Langtang trek.

Merino Base Layer

Stays warm when wet and effectively wicks moisture. Pack a couple of long sleeves and a few short sleeves. One pair of long underwear are great to layer up with!

Sandals

A pair of Teva’s are great for hanging out at the teahouses and getting out of your hiking shoes.

Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Vermont makes the best hiking socks hands down. They’re guaranteed for life/replaced free of charge and they don’t stink. Really! I typically bring 3 pair. 1 pair for hiking, 1 pair to change into at camp, and a reserve to throw into the rotation as needed.

Trekking Poles

Poles are great for reducing the strain of long grueling descents and providing extra stability on exposed sections. Both these features you’ll experience on the Howe Sound Crest Trail, so do yourself a favor and get a pair of poles. For a reliable entry level option try these Black Diamond Poles or consider upgrading to the carbon fiber to save extra weight.

Additional items to pack

- - Map / GPS app (we like GAIA)
  - Sunscreen
  - Sunglasses
  - Toilet paper
  - Small bills/ money
  - Journal/book/deck of cards (good for relaxing in the evenings)

*Thanks to the wonderful Lisa Smith for giving us updates on the Langtang trek post-earthquake and allowing us to share her beautiful photos that you see featured in this article.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click one of the links and make a purchase we’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you. Just like the travel backpacks we build, we’re very particular . So any products or services we suggest, we test and use ourselves before making any recommendations or endorsements.

Banana Backpacks Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Anika

Anika manages social impact and partnership work at Banana Backpacks. She spends her days connecting with the Banana Backpacks global community and making sure our gear has a positive impact on the world. When she's not working, you'll find her taking the world's longest walks or setting off to try living in a new location across the world. Presently, she's trying life in Cambodia.

Anika

May 8, 2018September 29, 2023

Myanmar Itinerary | Your Perfect 3 Week Trip

Myanmar is a hard place not to fall in love with. From e-biking past hundreds of temples at Bagan to taking in a sunset at the enchanting Shwedagon Pagoda, this country is full of breathtaking travel experiences that will leave you dreaming of your Myanmar trip for years to come! While the Bagan-Inle Lake-Yangon triangle is the most popular Myanmar itinerary, if you have the time to explore more of the country, you’ll be heavily rewarded. This suggested itinerary for three weeks in Myanmar starts and ends in Yangon. For every destination, we I over a few top things to do. Look for the ♥ next to the unique spots or experiences that you should only miss at your own peril.

** Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you click one of the links and make a purchase we’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you. Just like the travel backpacks we build, we’re very particular about travel products. So any products or services we suggest, we test and use ourselves before making any recommendations or endorsements**

Planning your Trip to Myanmar

Responsible travel note:

Myanmar underwent very serious human rights crisis in recent years as its minority Rohingya population faced ethnic cleansing . As a responsible traveller, we encourage you to inform yourself about the impact of travelling to Myanmar before deciding to visit. To make this easier, we’ve written a brief summary on whether or not to boycott travel to Myanmar at the bottom of this article. Whatever your decision may be, make sure to read about the current situation and how you can travel responsibly before you go.

Best Time to Visit Myanmar

To avoid the intense rain and heat in Myanmar, it’s best to visit between October and March.

Time-saving tip:

If you’re in a time (or money) crunch, it’s wise to take night buses to save a day of exploration and a night’s worth of accommodation expenses.

The Luggage Decision:

Uneven terrain, frequently unpaved surfaces, and a high probability of walking make a travel backpack the best choice for your Myanmar adventure. if you need one, the Khmer Explorer Travel Set was build specifically for this kind of adventure.

Visa requirements:

Make sure to apply for your eVisa before arriving in Myanmar. A tourist visa typically takes three working days to be processed ($50 USD) or 24 hours for an expedited tourist visa ($56 USD). You can apply online here.

Money/Currency:

The currency used in Myanmar is Kyat (around 1,300 Kyat = 1 USD). While five years ago ATMs were nearly impossible to come by in Myanmar, most places now have them.

Whatever you do, DON'T FORGET this

When you’re riding on motorbikes, taking tuk-tuks, and exploring the world travel insurance is an absolute must! Michael, my borther and Banana Backpacks team member suffered a broken collarbone and racked up medical bills in excess of $15, 000 while travelling. Fortunately, he had travel insurance!

Hopefully you never need to make a claim, but if you do you’ll be beyond happy you were prepared! Check out World Nomads for a quote*.

*We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

The 3 Week Myanmar Itinerary

Yangon – Bagan – Pyin Oo Lwin – Hsipaw – Mandalay – Inle Lake – Naypyidaw – Hpa-an – Yangon

Yangon : Days 1-2

Most international flights fly into and out of Yangon and it makes for a logical starting point on any Myanmar itinerary. Yangon is a different metropolis than most others you’ll experience in Asia. Motorbikes are banned in the city, which means extreme traffic congestion and slow-moving from place to place. In a strange way this adds to Yangon’s charm. Although over 4 million people live in the city, it retains an incredibly friendly vibe. There is plenty to enjoy here and it’s easy to spend several days exploring its highlights.

Top Things to do in Yangon:

Sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda.

This 2,500 year old Buddhist site feels more like a beautiful religious town than a single pagoda. It’s a place you’ll want to linger at and it’s easy to slip away in time here for several hours. People from across Myanmar come here to worship, offer flowers and pour water over the planetary post that corresponds to the day of the week they were born (according to the 8-day week in the Burmese calendar). Nearby to those worshipping, families sit together to enjoy picnics of food. Given that tourism is relatively new to Myanmar, it’s likely you’ll be invited to join many of these families who are eager to ask you about your life and country. Shwedagon is best visited before the sun goes down to see the incredible transition from illumination by sunlight to illuminated by lights. Make sure to remember which of the four stairways you enter through as it’s easy to get lost here

Colonial building walking tour.

To see Yangon’s colonial past, an easy 3 km walking route in the downtown area is a good place to start. The worn down old buildings here will transport you back in time. Lonely Planet’s Myanmar guide book has a good map of the historical hot spots and where to walk. Alternatively, you can join a free walking tour if you’d rather not do this on your own.

Where to Stay in Yangon:

Yangon used to be known for its high priced and comparatively poor quality hostels, but a number of good quality options have appeared in Yangon recently. I stayed with friends living in Yangon at the time of my visit, but Hostel9 Yangon has come recommended by some of our Banana Trail travellers.

Bagan : Days 3-5

With quite literally thousands of temples, pagodas and stupas to explore, Bagan is an adventurer’s paradise. While some people choose to spend just one full day exploring the temples, you can easily fill three or four full days here, especially if you incorporate a visit to nearby Mount Popa (which I highly recommend!). Climbing the temples for a sunrise or sunset view used to be permitted, however climbing many of the temples is now prohibited in an effort to prevent further damage to them. Rent an electric motorbike or bicycle and get exploring!

Top Things to do in Bagan:

Explore the Bagan temples by e-bike.

Tourists aren’t allowed to rent motorbikes in Bagan, but the electric bikes available are a wonderful (and quieter) alternative to explore the Bagan temples without breaking the same amount of sweat as you do cycling. With a seemingly endless number of temples to see, it’s a tranquil experience to watch a sunset or sunrise here compared to the craziness of Angkor Wat sunrises in nearby Cambodia. You can get a map and temple recommendations from wherever you choose to stay, but some of the best temples you’ll find are the tiny ones you accidentally stumble upon.

♥ Climb Mount Popa♥

On the slopes of this extinct volcano is an otherworldly sight: a glistening golden monastery perched on the top of a rocky hill. It takes just over an hour by car from Bagan to reach Mount Popa, but it’s worth the journey. Be prepared to sweat profusely and avoid a lot of monkeys as you climb the 777 steps required to get to the monastery. We promise it’s worth every sweaty step to see the incredible 360 degree view across the surrounding area.

Where to Stay in Bagan

Ostello Bello Bagan. Offering free showers and beds on the roof to relax on when you arrive sweaty and tired from a Yangon night bus, Ostello Bello certainly knows what travellers want. This hostel is a great place to meet other travellers, particularly if you’re travelling solo. Rooms are clean with good A/C.

Pyin Oo Lwin : Days 6-7

Pyin Oo Lwin is often missed by travellers visiting Myanmar, but its quaint charm and cool weather make it a worthwhile one or two day stop on your Myanmar itinerary. This hill station was once a summer getaway for the British during colonial times and its history is evidenced in a number of the city’s buildings. It’s a nice place to rent a bike and cycle to the botanical gardens or surrounding waterfalls, explore the local market, and generally get off the beaten path. It’s also the kicking off point for the amazing train ride to Hsipaw.

Top Things to do in Pyin Oo Lwin:

See the Pwe Kauk waterfall.

This cascading waterfall and picnic spot is popular among local Myanmar families. Located just east of Pyin Oo Lwin, it’s a scenic little spot with cascading water, a golden stupa, and a nearby market.

♥ Take the Train ride from Pyin Oo Lwin to Hsipaw ♥

Bone-rattling and jaw-droppingly beautiful, this is one of those experiences that stays with you for a lifetime. After all, what better way is there to see the countryside, meet locals, and get from A to B than by train? This journey is a bit of a wild ride, as you’ll quickly realize when you see locals tightly tying their bags to the bars so they don’t go flying during the journey and knock a fellow passenger out cold. While you can take this train trip all the way from Mandalay to Hsipaw, the Pyin Oo Lwin to Hsipaw stretch is the most beautiful section and passes over the famous Gokteik Viaduct (pictured below). I promise this Myanmar highlight is worth the rattled bones!

Where to stay in Pyin Oo Lwin:

Hotel 99 This place is home to the loveliest staff I have ever encountered. The owner helped book train tickets and drove us to the train station – all out of the goodness of his heart. This is Myanmar kindness at its finest. The rooms are clean with a great rooftop area to eat breakfast and relax in the evenings.

Hsipaw : Days 8-10

Unassuming and underappreciated, Hsipaw is easily one of my favourite places in Myanmar. While most visitors come here to set off for hill tribe treks in the surrounding areas, the town of Hsipaw itself has a gentle charm and it may sway you into staying a few days longer than you had intended. Home to former royalty at the Shan Palace, boasting a very miniature version of Bagan, and offering quiet streets to explore by bicycle, this is the city to get lost in Myanmar’s charm and to learn more about the country’s difficult past and present.

Top Things to do in Hsipaw:

Cycle from ruins to a palace.

Most guesthouses offer bicycles to hire and this is a lovely way to explore Hsipaw’s many sights. The first of these is Myauk Myo. This ancient neighbourhood featuring stupas covered in foliage (fondly known as Little Bagan) and teak monasteries is bursting with weathered charm despite its small size. Stop for a relaxing lunch at the lovely Mrs. Popcorn’s Garden before carrying on to the Shan Palace. This was the former home of the region’s prince before the military junta seized power in 1962. Similar to Myauk Myo, it is a rather weathered beauty of an old mansion. The wife of the prince’s nephew welcomes visitors and shares the beautiful and tragic story of their family. Her tale is really worth the visit. Pick up the book Twilight over Burma: My Life as a Shan Princess for more insight on this family.

♥ Go on a 2-3 day trek ♥

One of the main reasons people come to Hsipaw is to experience Myanmar’s rural areas through a multi-day trek. In stark contrast to the crowds that flock to the Kalaw to Inle Lake hike, the area around Hsipaw is quiet and it’s highly unlikely you’ll run into other trekking groups. Take a two or three day trek here to really immerse yourself in rural life. Depending on your guide, you’ll likely stay in the home of a local family. Some of the best and freshest food I had in Myanmar was on this trek! Do keep informed about restrictions for visiting this area, however, as it has been closed periodically due to violence in recent months.

Where to stay in Hsipaw:

Hotel Lily the Home. Another first rate place for staff. Lily herself is beyond friendly and helpful. The rooftop here has a beautiful view (as you can see in the sunset photo above) and it’s a great spot to eat breakfast or play cards in the evening. The rooms are clean and in good shape. You can also rent bikes here to explore the town.

Mandalay : Days 11-12

A number of travellers skip over Mandalay, but this city has a charm of its own to share with those who do choose to visit. Boasting the world’s longest teak bridge (U Bein) and the world’s biggest book (Kuthodaw Pagoda), Mandalay has some unique sites to behold.

Top Things to do in Mandalay:

Sunset at U Bein Bridge

I need to confess I visited Mandalay solely for the reason of seeing the U Bein Bridge… and I wasn’t disappointed. Built in 1850 and spanning 1.2 km, this is the oldest and longest teak bridge in the world. Come here before sunset to witness a jaw-dropping change of light and boats streaming out onto the water.

Where to Stay in Mandalay:

Ostello Bello Mandalay. Like its sister hostel in Bagan, the Mandalay branch of Ostello Bello is clean and offers all that you’re looking for in a place to stay, particularly given the limited choices of hostels in this city currently.

Inle Lake : Days 13-15

Inle is Myanmar’s second largest lake and is probably the most touristic place you can find on this Myanmar itinerary, besides the Bagan temples. Like most heavily visited places, there is a reason so many travellers flock here. With incredible floating villages to explore by boat, a winery in the countryside, and the famous Intha fishermen who paddle with one leg while balancing on the other, Inle is an easy place to get lost in and take a vacation from your vacation in Myanmar.

Top Things to do in Inle Lake:

Take a boat trip.

While a trip onto Inle Lake by boat is a touristic experience, seeing local life taking place on the stilted homes in the middle of the lake is in itself worth the trip. Boat tours typically stop off at various local handicraft shops, where you can see products being made and purchase them if you wish. You’ll also pass by numerous stupas and the famous Intha fishermen. Witnessing a sunrise on the lake is a worthwhile and serene experience.

Cycle to the local winery.

Okay, so you probably aren’t coming here for the most amazing wine you’ve ever tasted. That being said, this is a unique experience to cycle a beautiful road and bask in an incredible view from the winery as you do a wine tasting of several somewhat quaffable selections.

Where to stay in Inle Lake

Song of Travel Hostel. Designed to look like a music box, this place was Inle Lake’s first hostel and it set the bar high. The dorm beds are compartment style which gives great privacy and they have free bikes to rent plus tons of activities going on every day. It’s not hard to meet friends here (staff and fellow travellers alike!) .

Naypyidaw : Day 16

Naypyidaw is Myanmar’s (little known) capital city. Construction of this city only began in 2002 and the government was mysteriously relocated here in 2005. It’s a strangely deserted place and, while there isn’t a whole lot to do here (I didn’t even take a photo of Naypyidaw), it can be worthwhile taking a day to see this different side of Myanmar on your way down to Hpa-an. Naypyidaw is oddly known for its deserted 20 lane highway, where you could likely take a half hour nap in any lane without a car coming by (I don’t recommend trying this, however).

Hpa-an : Days 17-20

Sprinkled with mountains and limestone caves, Hpa-an is jaw-dropping in its beauty and equally so in its lack of backpackers. Located 290 km east of Yangon, Hpa-an (pronounced pah-ann) is the capital city of Kayin state. The city offers some of the most incredible scenery in the country and is worth hopping off the typical Yangon-Bagan-Inle Lake Myanmar itinerary to see. It certainly won’t stay concealed for long, so make sure to plan a visit here in the near future. While the city itself is perhaps not the most endearing, you could easily spend countless days exploring the lush surroundings and cool caves at your own pace. The Karen people of the region are incredibly warm, and they make this city a true highlight of any visit to Myanmar.

Top things to do in Hpa-an:

♥ Climb up Mount Zwegabin ♥

Located just outside of Hpa-an, don’t miss the best view in the area by hiking to the monastery perched at 725 metres on top of Mount Zwegabin. While not for the faint of heart, this journey is worth everything it demands of you. It’s best to plan your summit time for a sunset or sunrise at the monastery to see the surrounding mountains beautifully lit up. Visitors are sometimes allowed to stay at the monastery for the night, however, the regulations change frequently so make sure to check with your guesthouse on the current situation and bring a good headlamp to traverse down in the dark if need be. The ascent takes about 2-3 hours, depending on your speed.

Navigate through Saddar (sometimes called Saddan) cave.

Buddha-statues and bats await as you enter this astonishingly huge cave. It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk from the cave’s entrance to the sunlight waiting for you on the other side. Once you get there, a serene lake opens up in front of you and you can pay to be rowed in a little wooden boat under the mountain and back around to the entrance where you came from (and collect your shoes where you left them outside of the cave).

Where to stay in Hpa-an:

Galaxy Motel. This comfy spot is run by the lovely Kim and her family, who are possibly some of the most helpful owners around. Offering up a delicious breakfast, a rooftop with beautiful views, and more information than you could imagine about the area, this is a prime spot to station yourself.

Return to Yangon, travel onwards to Thailand or visit the beaches of Dawei : Day 21

End your route by journeying back to Yangon or travelling overland to the north of Thailand from Hpa-an. If you have more time in Myanmar, you can head south to the beaches of Dawei.

As a responsible traveller, should you boycott travel to Myanmar?

Over 700 000 of Myanmar’s Rohingya minority fled to neighbouring Bangladesh since August 2017 in the wake of military abuse and human rights atrocities gravely labelled as ethnic cleansing by the United Nations. This has put the country at the very centre of the ethical travel debate. Simply put, as responsible travellers should we or should we not visit a country where such abuses are being committed? While we don’t have a flawless answer to this difficult question, the following arguments for and against boycotting travel to Myanmar may help you decide for yourself whether or not you should visit the country at this time.

Reasons to boycott:

Even with dedicated efforts to spend your money at local establishments, large costs like your Myanmar visa fee and entrance ticket to Bagan go directly into the hands of the government. This poses a moral dilemma because you are inevitably supporting an oppressive regime in some capacity. In addition, visiting a country committing such abuses may send a symbolic message to the government and military that its action (by the military) or inaction (by the government) will have no negative repercussions.

Reasons not to boycott:

Travel boycotts can have a dark side. Within only a few short years the majority of Myanmar now uses Facebook and with misinformation abound, the country is full of misunderstandings about the Rohingya. Direct interactions are often the best or only way to create greater understanding of what is happening. Isolation through travel boycotts restricts this dialogue. Spending your money carefully at local, privately owned establishments typically benefits average civilians significantly more than it does the government.

How else can you make a difference besides boycotting?

This great article by Dominican Abroad provides insight into all of the ways you can help the Rohingya people: educate yourself and spread awareness of the situation, support locally-owned establishments and engage in conversation with the local population, and volunteer valuable skills or donate to organizations working on the ground to help Rohingya refugees. We all have a role to play in ending these violations no matter our stance on boycotting travel to Myanmar.

Questions about where to go? Thoughts on boycotting travel? Drop me a note in the comments below!