Published on March 15, 2021
Across its 261,227 square miles, Myanmar embraces and highlights its natural wonders — starting with mountains. The country is far from lacking in beautiful mountains to trek and provides options at all difficulty levels. Mount Victoria is one standout, nestled in the ASEAN Heritage Park of Nat Ma Taung National Park. Mount Zwegabin and Mount Popa are not only wonderful climbs but host monasteries on their peaks. Thought to be the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, snow covers the impressive Hkakabo Razi, perfect for adventure seekers. You don’t have to be a hiker to enjoy the nature of Myanmar. The National Kandawgyi Gardens showcase a wide variety of flowers and trees. As for waterways, Inle Lake, Anisakan Falls, and Taungthaman Lake offer different opportunities to take in the country’s aquatic offerings. In the case of Taungthaman Lake, visitors can walk across the U Bein Bridge to see the lake up close and take in its incredible sunset. Learn more about Myanmar’s remarkable feats of nature below.
Nat Ma Taung National Park
At over 10,000 feet high, Mount Victoria provides impressive views for those making their way to the summit. The geographical wonder gives a clear panoramic picture of its home, Nat Ma Taung National Park. The area is also an ASEAN Heritage Park thanks to the incredible biodiversity visitors will see as they explore.
National Kandawgyi Gardens
Across 435 acres, the National Kandawgyi Gardens bring visitors on a serene journey through manicured flora. With over 480 types of flowers, shrubbery, and trees, the garden offers something for everyone. Make sure to check out the aviary, orchard garden, and butterfly museum during your trip for the full experience.
Hkakabo Razi
Located in the northern Myanmar state of Kachin, Hkakabo Razi is believed to be the highest snow capped mountain in Southeast Asia at an estimated 19,295 feet tall. Tourists looking to enjoy the cool weather need to head out to towns nestled in the lap of the hills. The peak is enclosed within the Hkakabo Razi National Park, characterized by broad-leaved evergreen rain forest, semi-deciduous forest, and snowy forest.
Inle Lake
Inle Lake is the attraction for tranquility in Myanmar, famous for its floating villages, gardens, and the local people’s unique way of life, with their living communities based entirely on the water and the Intha fishermen’s one-leg rowing technique. Stunning as the sun dips low in the sky, the lake is a beautiful escape for anyone looking to immerse themselves in peace.
Mount Zwegabin
Mount Zwegabin, one of the most beautiful and sacred mountains, can be found in Kayin State, Myanmar. The highest peak of Zwegabin is 722 meters (2369 ft) above sea level, with staggering views. At the top of the mountain are a stupa and monastery where tourists can enjoy beautiful sunrise views and the lush green landscapes.
Mount Popa
In the heart of Myanmar, 50 km southeast of Bagan is Mount Popa, an extinct volcano 1518 meters (4981 feet) above sea level. Visitors can climb 777 steps to the top where Mount Popa Shrine and Monastery precariously sit, exploring the lush mountains’ panoramic views and different flora and fauna species.
Anisakan Falls
Six miles outside of Pyin Oo Lwin, you could experience Anisakan Falls, cascading 400 feet into a gorge. Visitors can take in the layered waterfall from its base beside a gold pagoda. Words cannot describe the beauty of this site. Be aware that it will take 45 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the Anisakan Falls.
U Bein Bridge
Stretching for three-quarters of a mile over Taungthaman Lake is the U Bein Bridge. Built in 1851, over one thousand wooden planks were hammered into the lake’s base to support those crossing. At sunset, U Bein creates a striking contrast to the vibrant sunset that draws people to its planks. Take in the view of the bridge itself from a boat on the lake.
Whether you hike high up into the sky or glide on a boat across shimmering lakes, Myanmar’s natural wonders won’t disappoint.
