The Natural Wonders of Myanmar
Myanmar, a captivating nation in Southeast Asia, is a land steeped in rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Once known as Burma until its official name changes in 1989, Myanmar is bordered by the shimmering waters of the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
The landscape is a stunning blend of majestic mountains, golden pagodas that pierce the sky, lush tropical forests, and serene, untouched beaches. The area has been inhabited since the 9th century and was shaped by the rise and fall of powerful dynasties before falling under British colonial rule in the 19th century.
After regaining independence in 1948, Myanmar began reclaiming its unique identity. As the largest country in Mainland Southeast Asia, it is truly a treasure trove of natural marvels, many of which remain hidden from the outside world. In the following, we’ll explore five of Myanmar’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders that reveal the country’s timeless charm.
Inle Lake
Floating gardens at Inle Lake | Visit Southeast Asia
Serene, bountiful, and diverse, Inle Lake is one of the most famed natural wonders of Myanmar. This 116-square-kilometer lake is the second largest in the country. It is known for its above-water bungalows, lakeside markets, canoeing fishermen, and — of course — its unique floating gardens. These floating garden are all man-made, and each grows crops like tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, and gourds. Inle Lake’s fishermen themselves are also famous for their difficult, one-legged stance.
Part of the magic of Inle Lake lies in its rich cultural heritage. Despite the diverse ethnicities of local residents, most are devout Buddhists, giving rise to important local sites such as the Hpaung Daw U Pagoda. Other traditional practices in the area include silversmithing and weaving; visitors can observe these processes and purchase some wares of their own at five different markets around the lake or even at the occasional floating market on small boats out on Inle Lake itself. Popular goods don’t just end at silver and cloth: local artisans also specialize in rice wine, cheroots (a type of cigar), and carvings.
Located a short flight away from Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, Inle Lake is an easily accessible natural and cultural wonder, perfect for gaining a deeper understanding of Myanmar itself.
Ngapali Beach
Ngapali Beach | Visit Southeast Asia
Ngapali Beachis a gorgeous, untouched stretch of land in western Myanmar, known best for its laid-back energy, high-quality seafood, and sheer beauty. Its closest town is Thandwe, about an hour’s flight away from Yangon. Ngapali is a soothing escape from the world, offering visitors the opportunity to swim, sail, snorkel, kayak, and more. The sunsets at Ngapali Beach are especially spectacular, given its location.
The seafood at Ngapali is known for being über-fresh: freshly caught tuna, barracuda, squid, and shrimp are all served at local restaurants. The beach is also dotted with resorts and hotels, making it a prime destination for visitors looking to relax.
Off the coast of Ngapali Beach is Pearl Island, which can be reached by snorkeling excursion or boat. This small island is even home to a restaurant called Lobster Bar. Whether you plan to snorkel through the mangroves or tan on the sand, Ngapali is the ultimate relaxation destination. It’s certainly no wonder this beautiful beach is one of the top natural wonders of Myanmar.
Irrawaddy River
A dolphin in the Irrawaddy River | Visit Southeast Asia
One of the most defining features of Myanmar, the Irrawaddy River, is a vital commercial and ecological hub. The name itself comes from an early Indo-European word meaning ‘abounding in riches,’ a fitting title for a river that is home to some 200 unique species of fish and that flows into the ultra-fertile Irrawaddy Delta region. It is also sometimes called ‘The Road to Mandalay,’ after an 1890 poem by Rudyard Kipling. As the river runs from north to south, it provides a base for everything from eclectic markets to wooden longboats to thick mangrove forests.
Along the Irrawaddy River are cities like Mandalay, Myitkyina, and Bhamo; Mandalay especially is worth a visit, as it was the last royal capital of the country. Other features of the Irrawaddy include pagodas, temples, bamboo villages, rice paddies, and much more. One of the most famous features of the Irrawaddy River, though, is the Irrawaddy dolphins, a grayish-to-slate-blue blunt-snouted species that populate the area. However, five of the seven subspecies of Irrawaddy dolphin are endangered due in large part to the presence of heavy fishing and boat traffic in many of its habitats.
No visit to Myanmar is complete without stopping by the Irrawaddy River — in the form of a river cruise, the sweeping view from a pagoda, or even a hot air balloon ride.
Hkakabo Razi
Hkakabo Razi | Visit Southeast Asia
Towering at 5,881 meters, Hkakabo Razi is not only the highest peak in Myanmar but also the tallest mountain in all of Southeast Asia. Nestled within the remote and pristine Hkakaborazi National Park in the far north of the country, this majestic giant rises above a vast wilderness of dense evergreen jungles and alpine glaciers. The region is remarkable for its striking contrast in climate—from the warm, humid lowlands to the icy, snow-covered peaks that remain frozen year-round. As one of the most biologically diverse areas in Myanmar, the park is a sanctuary for a stunning array of wildlife, including rare and elusive species such as sun bears, palm civets, clouded leopards, and crested serpent eagles.
Due to its extreme conditions and remote location, Hkakabo Razi has seen very few successful ascents. The first documented climb was in 1996, and the most notable recent attempt was made by a National Geographic team in 2014. But you don’t have to be a mountaineer to appreciate the region’s raw, untouched beauty. The nearby town of Putao serves as a gateway to the surrounding wilderness, offering adventurous treks and nature hikes that reveal the enchanting landscapes, rich biodiversity, and deep serenity of one of Myanmar’s last great frontiers.