Myanmar Off-the-Beaten Path
You don’t have to go far to get off the beaten path in Myanmar. Much of the country is still rural, and life has remained unchanged for the past few decades. Go here to see longboats and traditional villages.
The best places to visit in Myanmar Off-the-Beaten Path
Kalaw
Kalaw is nestled among the mountains and caves of Shan State, located about two hours west of Inle Lake. The British built this highland retreat to escape the heat of Yangon and Mandalay. You can still see British colonial architecture and a popular marketplace in the small downtown area. And even though this is a rural town, local restaurants still offer a nice variety of Asian and European cuisine.
Mrauk U
Southwestern Myanmar, formerly home of the Arakan Kingdom, stands on its own from the rest of the country for most of its history. During the majority of Burmese rule, it remained a powerful autonomous kingdom. The gray stone-and-brick temples and pagodas in Mrauk U stand as the final testament to the last great Arakan Empire. Unfortunately, the current political situation has made visiting this site impossible. As soon as life in Rakhine stabilizes, we will update this page with new information and visitors can once again see this stunning piece of Burmese history.
Myanmar Off-the-Beaten Path itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Myanmar Off-the-Beaten Path itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.












