Travel Myanmar

Travel Myanmar with mr.hotsia: Experience the charm of the land south of the Irrawaddy River

Many people think of Myanmar as a country worth visiting for its ancient temples and pristine nature. But for mr.hotsia, this trip to Myanmar was not just sightseeing; it was a journey to meet the real lives of the people, taste local food, and experience the tranquility of nature with few tourists around.

The Origin of the Irrawaddy River in Kachin State

For those who love nature and want to experience Myanmar's important river, the Irrawaddy River, I recommend traveling to Kachin State, the starting point of this river. It is where the Mali Hka and N'Mai Hka rivers meet at Myitkyina city, called "Myitsone." I had the chance to rent a motorcycle from a hotel in Myitkyina to ride to Myitsone. The trip takes about 1 hour, covering approximately 40 kilometers.

Riding a motorcycle in this area is a fun and challenging experience because the roads are still dirt tracks, and helmets must be worn all the way. Along the way, I stopped at roadside villages and got a close look at the simple and warm lifestyle of the Kachin people.

The Irrawaddy River is over 2,170 kilometers long, flowing through Myanmar as the country's main artery. It stretches from its source in Nujiang, Yunnan Province, China, through Kachin State to the Andaman Sea. The peaceful river and surrounding nature made me feel like escaping the chaos into a world full of beauty and tranquility.

Indawgyi Lake: The Great Treasure of Kachin State

Another place I highly recommend when visiting Myanmar is Indawgyi Lake, located in Kachin State. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia. Around the lake, more than 20 Shan and Kachin villages reside. The atmosphere here is full of peace and rich nature.

Indawgyi Lake is an important wildlife sanctuary, home to many rare mammals and birds, especially significant birds of Myanmar. Bird lovers can rent boats from guesthouses to get close to the wildlife. I experienced the tranquility and beauty of nature around this lake and want to share it with everyone to visit at least once.

If you are interested in in-depth details about Indawgyi Lake, you can read more in my articleIndawgyiwhich explores the natural diversity and local culture here.

Walking Around Bagan: Temples and Local Food

Speaking of Myanmar, Bagan is a city that travelers should not miss, with ancient pagodas and temples scattered throughout. I, mr.hotsia, have traveled here and want to share that Bagan is not only about religious sites but also delicious and diverse local food.

I stayed at Thong Young Oo near the morning market in Bagan, a hub for local food to taste, from Indian-style roti, authentic Burmese dishes, to restaurants catering to tourists with familiar Western and Indian food. For curry chicken lovers, I recommend a restaurant opposite New Park Hotel, which serves fresh, rich curry that tastes great with hot steamed rice—so good I went back for multiple meals.

Bagan also has many roadside Burmese dessert stalls. I recommend trying desserts while they are still hot for the best taste. This is another charm of traveling that made me feel like truly experiencing the local way of life. If you want to read detailed stories about food in Bagan, I wrote an articleFood in Bagan, Myanmarthat will enrich your travel experience.

Horse Carriage Ride in Nyaung-U: Experience the Old Town Atmosphere

Another experience I, mr.hotsia, enjoy when visiting Myanmar is riding a horse carriage in Nyaung-U, a small town near Bagan. The carriage slowly takes you around the town to see daily life, people walking, and shops along both sides of the road.

I once took a horse carriage tour around town for 10 USD, which is reasonable if you want an intimate atmosphere. My driver spoke little English but tried to communicate and share some stories about the town. The roads here are dusty, so I recommend bringing a face mask for comfort.

Additionally, horse carriages are a good option for watching sunrise or sunset at Bagan's pagoda plains. Although I chose to rent a taxi for convenience and time-saving, if you have time to relax, horse carriages are an interesting choice.My article on horse carriage rides in Baganwill help you prepare better.

Irrawaddy Riverside Markets and Riverside Life

Whether in Pathein or other towns along the Irrawaddy River, riverside markets are interesting spots that clearly reflect the lifestyle of the Burmese people. I have strolled through these markets and found fresh local products, including fruits, fresh vegetables, and street food that are hard to find in big cities.

Talking with vendors and seeing the simple life of riverside villagers made me feel more connected to this place. I encourage cultural travelers to experience it themselves.Irrawaddy Riverside Market in Patheinis one of the destinations I highly recommend.

Summary of Myanmar Travel Experience by mr.hotsia

For me, traveling in Myanmar is not just about taking photos with beautiful temples but about experiencing the real lives of villagers, enjoying fun motorcycle rides, tasting flavorful local food, and slowly riding horse carriages to see life in small towns that still hold their original charm impressively.

If you want a different travel experience and to deeply feel Myanmar not just through your eyes but through your heart, I, mr.hotsia, recommend following the routes I shared. You will realize Myanmar is much more than the usual images you've heard.

Watch my in-depth Myanmar travel video here:Travel Myanmar