Explore the Russian Arctics

Explore the Russian Arctics

Russia

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Asia

The Arctic region is seemingly delicate and fragile, but it is one of the most resilient parts of the planet. But is there anything to see and experience there, besides the vast expanses of water and ice? Is there more to see than just the Northern Lights?
In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan a visit to the Russian Arctic region, including the world’s northernmost city of Murmansk and the village of Teriberka, which is on the banks of the Northern Ocean with details on how to get there, where to stay and how to plan the ultimate Arctic experience!

Visit the edge of the World at Teriberka

Teriberka is a small fishing village on the Barrents Sea, in the Arctic Ocean. It is about 130 kms from the nearest city, Murmansk which is well connected with other parts of Russia. Teriberka is famous for being the last frontier in the Russian Arctics and the fishing waters it provides.

Explore the village of Teriberka with Sergey at Season’s Travel

Spend a day at the Fishing Village in Teriberka

Although there is only one Bed and Breakfast at Teriberka, its very easy to do a day trip from Murmansk where you have so many places to stay at – so many people do just that. But the experience of staying in the last village in the arctic circle is something else! 

Tip: If you want to go swimming in the Barrents Sea, go there in Summer time. Teriberka turns into a beautiful lush lanscape with moss and ferns growing abundantly. In fact, Russians consider it as a beachside destination in the summer!

Walk in the alleys of Teriberka

Teriberka used to be well populated during the ’90s, but the downward interests of fishing and the barren land has led many people to abandon their homes and move southward: a  story that is told by the few dilapidated buildings left in the village!

The village also feels like it was stuck in time since the cold war era. The architectural styles, the abandoned cars of the yesteryears, the old typewriters and hadbound books in the county school are all remnant of the most intense decades of modern Russian history.

Our experience

Visiting the beach in Teriberka was one of the strangest experiences we have had – our image of a beach had always been the blue water, a salty breeze, the warm sand and a strong sun. Here we saw, an agitated sea, freezing water, snow covered sand and fjords (huge mountains rising from under the sea) all around!

Check out the Russian Arctics with Sergey at Season’s Travel

Experience Russian Culture in Murmansk

Russia is not all about Vodka and Communism! There’s a great deal of history apart from the wars that the country boasts of – and Murmansk has the perfect combination of the two! Starting with a visit to the Orthodox Chrisitian Churches of Savior on Waters and the St. Nicholas CHurch in the city, you must also visit the Pechenga Wooden Monastery, a settlement like no other in the Arctic region.

Tip: Spend a half day in the evening doing a Murmansk city tour. This is the best way to see all the smaller attractions in the city.

Visit the 68°N Latitude point in Murmansk

Murmansk is the northernmost city in the World at this latitude. It is so special to the people of Murmansk, that they have many plaques stating so, around the city. We even had an opportunity to eat at the officially northernmost McDonald’s restaurant there!

Plan a personalised visit to Murmansk with Sergey at Season’s Travel

Spend a day at the traditional Saami Village

The Saamis are a nomadic hunting tribe that moved across the Nordics. Interestingly, they are very accustomed to living in the freezing weather and set up their teepees in the open, but layer them well to escape the cold! The Saamis also raise rabits and deer for meat and hide. Siberian Huskies and Elks (large Moose like creature) are also trained and reared in the village!

Today, the Saamis are more modern – they use ATVs and Quads to attend to their work and survive predominantly on Government support and active tourism. They are extremely hospitable, made us play some very interesting games and had even hosted us at a wonderful vegetarian lunch!

Plan a visit to the Saami Village with Sergey at Season’s Travel

See why Murmansk is called the Hero City of the World War

The port in Murmansk is deeper inland than at the frontier of the Arctic sea. This gave it an advantage to be named a military port and the Russian Government invested heavily in it, after WWI. It is said that hundreds and thousands of soldiers lost their lives protecting Russian from invaders coming from the West after fighting very bravely in the insanely cold climate! As a testimony to them, the Alyosha Monument was erected, overlooking the port of Murmansk at the top of a hill.

In the port, you can visit the Lenin, the world’s first Nuclear Icebreaker. This ship would stay afloat for many months at a stretch while exploring the Northern seas on scientific expeditions. Today, it is a museum and can be visited on a guided tour!

Go on a Murmansk City tour with Sergey from Season’s Travel

How to visit Murmansk

The easiest way to visit Murmansk is by a flight. It is well connected with St. Petersburg, Moscow and a few other cities. One way tickets to and from the city cost as little as USD 50 despite being so remote!

The best way of reaching Murmansk is by Train. Although Murmansk isn’t on the Transsiberian route, the trains are the same kind and the experience is similar. We took the 24-hour train from St. Petersburg to Murmansk and it cost RUB 3,100 (INR 3,400 or USD 50).

 

Where to stay in Murmansk

We stayed at the Season’s Hostel in downtown Murmansk. It is less than a kilometre away from the Murmansk Railway station and a few miles from the Airport. Sergey and his family run the hostel and a travel agency where they organise small group tours to the Arctic sea, Teriberka and Saami villages amongst more local destinations. The prices are quite cheap at less than RUB 550 (INR 600) per person, for a night’s stay with breakfast. The rooms are maintained very well.

Book your stay here

How many days to spend in Murmansk

Spend atleast two nights in Murmansk for the best experiences. The city is the main point in the north to visit the Arctic Ocean, Teriberka, the Saami land and the Norther Lights!

 

Suggested itinerary:

Day one: Day trip to Teriberka and the aandoned village. Have lunch at a local cafe in the town. Return to Murmansk for the night or spend the night at Teriberka. 

Optional add-on: If you are visiting in the Winter, don’t forget to experience the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) – its the cheapest way of seeing Nature’s most exquisite miracle!

Day two: Visit the Saami Village for fun, games and to learn about the classic nomadic culture in the Arctic. Lunch at the Saami house. Then head out to the numerous sghts in Murmansk starting with the Icebreaker Lenin, the Alyosha Monument, the Wooden Monastery of Pechenga and click a selfie at the northernmost McDonald’s in the world!

Plan this two night visit for as little as RUB 7,000 (around USD 100) per person, per night with daytrips and accommodation at Season’s Hostel and Travel.

Eating out in Acrtic Russia

There are many cafes and restaurants in Murmansk, and two in Teriberka. The food is very tasty in the region which is famous for its meat and fish. Jam-filled buns are incredibly tasty at RUB 15 (INR 16). Vegetarian food is abundantly found in the cities although, in Teriberka it maybe limited to Fries, Soup and basic salads.

Tip: Check out Kruzhka, a cozy cafe on Ulitsa Profsoyuzov street

Murmansk is one of our favourtie destinations for all of these reasons: history, nature, friendly people and most importantly, it does not burn a hole in the wallet for the amazing experiences it offers! And its also a place where we made one of our nicest friends in Russia.

This article features in the Arctic Circle, Asia, Europe, Russia categories
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24 Hours In Bahrain

24 Hours In Bahrain

Bahrain

Asia

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Bahrain is one of the smallest countries in the world, while still being one of the richest with its oil reserves! It also has one of the most well connected airlines in the Middle East. But is there more to see in Bahrain than just the insides of the airport?

In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan a visit to Bahrain, including what to see and how to make great use of a transit facility (visa-on-arrival) to spend time in the capital Manama.

Much like most other travellers, it was only after we booked ourselves on a Cairo-Bangalore flight that had a 14+ hour transit in Bahrain, that we actually though about visiting the Island Kingdom! And here’s a few places that we visited in the island country.

 

 

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

The largest mosque in the country (accommodating 7,000 worshippers) is also considered one of the largest in the world! The mosque was built in recent times and is an icon of the kingdom for the sheer beauty it displays. Expect to spend an hour inside learning about the religion and its evolution in Bahrain.

Tip: Take a free tour guided by the Nuns of the Mosque

Amwaj Islands

Amwaj islands were built by reclaiming land from the sea! Today, besides having man-made beaches with turquoise water, these islands have also turned into real estate havens, with many uber-luxurious properties being built. Of course, most of these beaches turn into party zones in the evenings and on weekends (but keep in mind, that the country is still Arab, but not as conservative as its neighbors) and entry comes at a fee.

More places to see

 

Qal’at Al Bahrain
A Portuguese forst built in the 1500s stands strong today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is only a few kilometres away from Manama, the capital city of the Kingdom. Expect to spend one hour there (entry fees apply)

 

Bahrain National Museum
The region has been inhabited for many millennia and this museum is the best place to learn about the cultures and traditions of the Arab people!

 

Arad Fort
One of the most famous Islamic Forts that withstood the test of time. If you have never visited an Islamic Crusader’s Castle, this is one to start with. It’s only 4 kms away from the airport and can be visited in an hour!

 

The Tree of Life
A solitary life form that has survived for over four hundred years in an otherwise scorching uncultivable desert-land! It is revered as a miracle even today and the mystery around how it extracts water from its surroundings is still unknown!

More about traveling through Bahrain

Bahrain is very expensive to travel through (unless someone is hosting you) and can easily burn a hole in your pockets. Its best to take advantage of these Stopover packages or visit during the F1 Grand Prix (which is actually one of the very few reasons why Bahrain issues a tourist visa). Many European cruise ships dock at the Bahraini port for a day-stop.

For travellers from South Asia, you won’t be surprised at how many Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, Afghans, Nepalis work here. Hindi and Urdu are spoken in Bahrain.

At the time of writing this, the Bahraini Dinar (BHD) is worth about INR 190 or USD 2.65. Expect to spend between BHD 3 to 5 per person, for snacks, dinner at small cafes, etc.

 

Useful links:

Do you have a tip or two to share with us, on travelling to Bahrain? We’re curious to know too. Tell us about it or share it with The Backpacksters community below.

This article features in the Asia, Bahrain, Middle East categories
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A Guide To Visit Bagan, Myanmar

A Guide To Visit Bagan, Myanmar

Myanmar

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Bagan is one place you cannot miss while in Myanmar. With over 3,100 temples hidden in the forest on the banks of the grand Irrawaddy river, its easy to spend many days just wandering from Pagoda to Pagoda. 

In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan a visit to Bagan including how to reach Bagan, which temples to visit, where to stay in Bagan and even how to explore the forest. Also, find some interesting tips on a classic sunset cruise on the Irrawaddy river.

History of Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 

Known to be one of the greatest kingdoms from the 9th to the 13th century, the region had named as its capital. Over those years, 4,446 temples were built by the emperors on the plains of the Irrawaddy. Today, about 3,126 temples have survived with nature and wars having destroyed the others.

The kingdom of Bagan was predominantly Buddhist with influences of Hinduism, which is apparent in the architecture of most Pagodas. Today, Bagan is famous for these remnants of great architecture and how beautifully nature has reclaimed most of it, making Bagan worth visiting on a trip to Myanmar.

Tip: The best season to travel to Bagan is between October and February, although afternoons can be quite hot. Evenings are cold during that time. It is best to avoid the hot and wet summer during the other months.

Which temples to visit in Bagan?

Of the many temples, there are some that stand out for the architecture, the history and the accessibility. Here is a list of some temples to visit in Bagan:

1. Sulamani Temple:
It is one of the most popular temples in Bagan and is located in the Minnanthu village. It is a red brick temple and was a monastery in its time. The temple is close to a man-made mound which is the best place for sunrise and sunset in Bagan (considering you cant climb up any temple in Bagan now).

Tip: Buy a Bagan Archaeological Zone ticket for MMK 25,000 (INR 1,200 or USD 17) to enter the city of Bagan. There is no separate ticket for the temples.

2. Ananda Temple:
Most people in Bagan start their morning with a visit to the Ananda temple, a pristine white complex with a golden pagoda at the top. Popularly known as “Westminister Abbey of Burma”, it is a architecturally similar to Indian temples. Infact, the Indian Government place an active role in its maintainance. Mornings are pleasant with resounding prayers of the monks.

3. Dhammayangi Temple:
This is the largest temple in Bagan. Althogh this temple is closed for entry, the views from the outside are enough to stun you. Most hot air balloons fly over the Dhammayangi temple early in the mornings and this makes for a great picture from the nearby fields.

 

4. Thatbyinnyu Phaya:
It is very close to the Ananda temple and is very photogenic. There is a pathway leading upto it from the main road, which further connects to the Bagan Archaeological Museum. You can also visit the Mahazedi Pagoda which is right behind it.

 

5. Other Temples to visit
Shwesandaw Pagoda
Dhammayazika Pagoda
Bupaya Pagoda

Can you climb any temple in Bagan?

The temples in Bagan were earlier open for visitors to climb, but now all temples are closed to protect the temples from damage. This has been enforced since Bagan was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Best spots for sunset in Bagan

There are three places in Bagan which are best for sunset:
1. Sulamani Mound (free)
2. Nyaung Lat Phet Mound (free)
3. Nan Myint Watch Tower (entry fee: MMK 8,000 per person)

These mounds or sunset hills were created since no tourists are allowed to climb the temples anymore.

Sunset Cruise on the Irrawaddy River

If you’re spending two nights in Bagan, spend one evening at a Sunset Hill and another here on the banks of the Irrawaddy river. Most fishermen have their boats out on the river for small sunset cruises. The sunset cruise includes a 30 minute ride from the shore and sometimes, a serving of tea and traditional Burmese snacks as well. 

Tip: A sunset cruise on the Irrawaddy river costs MMK 15,000 (USD 10). But, if you have booked any bus journey on MyanmarBusTicket (our tried-and-tested recommendation to book bus/train to Bagan), then the sunset cruise is FREE.

Visit the Bagan Archaeological Museum

The Bagan Museum is a great place to spend two hours in the city. There are many interesting photos, scale models and historical tales which have been curated inside a beautiful building, built in a similar design as the pagodas. There is a MMK 5,000 (USD 4 or INR 250) fee to enter the Museum.

Tip: Bagan is uncomfortably hot in the afternoons. The best way to escape the heat is to visit this air-conditioned museum after lunch.

How to explore Bagan while visiting the temples

There are four easy ways to explore the temples in Bagan:

1. e-Bike (best option):
e-Bikes are available in nearly every hotel, hostel and homestay in Bagan. There are many stores on the street as well, renting e-bikes. Rent a two-seat e-Bike at a cost of MMK 8,000 per day, whereas the cost of e-Bike (single seat) is MMK 5,000. The range is usually 35 kms per charge which is sufficient for visiting the temples and the cafés. e-Bike Rental includes a free and immediate replacement if you run out of charge anytime. There are bicycles too, but we wouldn’t recommend.

2. Tuk-tuk:
For MMK 35,000 (USD 24 or INR 1,700) you can rent a tuktuk for the day with a driver, at your hotel/hostel. Its is more comfortable in the sunny mornings and afternoons.

3. Private Taxi:
A more expensive option is to take a private taxi from the street or the hotel to visit the temples in Bagan (if you need air-conditioning).

 

4. Bus:
Joining a group bus tour is another cheap way of sightseeing in Bagan. Although there is air-conditioning, these tours visit specific temples only and you will share the experience with over 20 people.

 

Tip: Join a three hour guided e-Bike tour to explore the temples in the morning. This way, you will visit the prime temples with a guide at your own pace. Guide charges MMK 10,000 per person (you have to bring your own rental e-Bike).

Where to eat in Bagan

Bagan is filled with many quaint cafés and restaurants. Although most of them are in New Bagan and Old Bagan, it is far easier to rest at one of the cafes in the Minnanthu village inside the forest during mid-day. We had lunch at the Minnanthu Kitchen, where the food was tasty and all tables had a bed to rest on – probably, the best way to escape the heat in the noon.

Here are a few vegan cafés worth checking out in Bagan:

1. The Moon Café (Old Bagan)
2. Khaing Shwe Wha (Old Bagan)
3. The Moon 2 (New Bagan) – best for spendinf a few hours playing board games and eating

Most dishes are reasonably priced. Try the refreshing Orange and Avocado Juices in Bagan.

Tip: Carry a reusable waterbottle. Purified water can be filled at most of the big Temples. There are water-pots on the streets as well. Restaurants charge for bottled water.

How to travel to Bagan

Getting to Bagan involves many options:

Air: There are many daily flights from most cities in Myanmar, to Nyaung-U Airport in Bagan. The flight prices are high considering the demand is mostly from foreigners.

Bus: The most convenient way to go from Yangon to Bagan or Mandalay to Bagan is by an overnight sleeper bus (cost is less than USD 15 or INR 1,000). You can also take a bus from Inle to Bagan or even do the Ngapali-Bagan route for about the same price.

Train: This is the cheapest way of travelling in and out of Bagan. We took the overnight train from Mandalay to Bagan and it was crazy! Buy only first class tickets (check for an AC coach).

Cruise: The most luxurious option is to do a one day cruise on the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to Bagan. It includes food and drinks and takes a full day to reach the pier at Bagan. You can also consider taking the cruise from Bagan to Mandalay.

Book your bus and train tickets here

What to wear in Bagan

Bagan is a city filled with temples, so it is naturally more conservative than other Burmese cities, so it is good to respect the culture there by avoiding Buddha prints, sleeveless tops, shorts and short skirts. It is best to wear full-sleeved cotton clothing to be comfortable in the heat. Evenings can be cold.

Tip: Buy a traditional Burmese shirt and long pants or Lungyi at the stores outside the big temples. Reasonable bargain price: MMK 8,000 for the set. Also, buy a traditional Bamboo umbrella to avoid the sun.

 

Where to stay in Bagan

Bagan is made of three localities: Old Bagan, New Bagan and Nyaung-U. 

Old Bagan is home to a variety of luxury hotels and stays. There are a few nice hostels as well. It is also closest to the large temples.

New Bagan is an upcoming neighbourhood and has many hotels, budget-friendly hostels and funky cafés. It is a little farther from the temples, but not inconvenient.

Nyaung-U is the backpackers’ neighbourhood in Bagan. It is close to the Bagan Airport and the Bagan Railway station too. Its easy to find cheap group tours here.

 

Tip: We stayed at this amazing little place called Ever New Guest House on the east side of Nyaung-U. With breakfast, wifi and air-con, a room costs only MMK 24,000 (USD 16 or INR 1,100) a night. We used the in-house e-Bikes to visit the temples in Bagan.

See all accommodations here 

How many days to spend in Bagan

Spend atleast two nights to experience Bagan in different ways. We spent the first day visiting three-four temples and doing the free sunset cruise. The next day, we started early with a visit to the sunrise rise hill and a few more temples. We had lunch at some of the Cafés in Minnanthu Village and in Old Bagan, followed by sunset at the Sulamani Sunset Hill and dinner at The Moon 2 in New Bagan.

 

Where to go from Bagan

Bagan is very close to Mandalay and only takes a few hours by road. But thats not all, you can even visit Asia’s third best beach here! All of Myanmar is very well connected and the easy visa process makes it a delight to explore too.

So, when are you traveling to Myanmar?

This article features in the Asia, Myanmar, South East Asia, Temples categories
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What to do in Mandalay, Myanmar

What to do in Mandalay, Myanmar

Myanmar

Asia

Countries > Myanmar >

Asia

Mandalay is one of the most important cities in Myanmar, with its heritage dating back millennia. Mandalay was also a royal capital city in the yesteryears and its palace and huge pagodas have remained to tell the tales. 

In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan a visit to Mandalay including how to reach Mandalay, visiting some of the best sights in the city and doing a day trip to Mingun. Also, find details on where to stay and what to eat in Mandalay.

Visit Mandalay Hill and the Su Taung Pyae Pagoda

The best viewpoint of Mandalay is on top of the Mandalay Hill which is on the north side of the city. There is a Pagoda at the top of the Hill and many locals offer their worship to Buddha everyday. The walls, arches and pillars of the temple are beautifully decorated with coloured glass chips and mirrors.

There is a small entrance fee of MMK 1,000 (USD 1 or INR 50). 

Tip: Go here in the morning to avoid the crowds and afternoon haze, and to get a good view of the city.

Admire the legendary Shwenandaw Monastery

Completely built in wood in the 1800s, the building was constructed as a royal house of the King of Mandalay and was used as a meditation hall. It used to be covered in gold and glass mosaic work, but now only the original teak carvings of Buddhism have remained. It is a must-visit in Mandalay!

Tip: Buy a Mandalay Zone ticket for MMK 10,000 (INR 470 or USD 7) to get free entry to this and three other sites in the city.

Read the largest book in the world at Kuthodaw Pagoda

The Kuthodaw Pagoda was built in Mandalay in the 1800s as a school. There are 729 stupas containing marble slabs which are the pages to the largest book in the world. Expect to spend an hour here wandering between the rows of stupas. 

 

Meditate in peace at the Atumashi Monastery

This monastery is right behind the Shwenandaw Monastery, although it is much larger and has a huge central hall meant for community gatherings. Its white and gold exterior makes it a simple, yet grand monument in Mandalay. Expect to spend an hour hear before drinking fresh coconut water at the snack stalls on the street.

Tip: The entry to the Kuthodaw Pagoda and the Atumashi Monastery is covered in the Mandalay Zone Fee.

Get lost in the Mandalay Royal Palace

Surrounded by a moat, the Royal Palace is the largest monument in Mandalay. The design is traditional Indo-Chinese with many royal buildings surrounding the main palace halls. The Palace is 1 km away from the main gate at the moat, where you can park your bike. 

Don’t forget to climb up the watch tower at sunset time!

Ride a scooter in Mandalay

The most convenient way of seeing Mandalay is to get a rental scooter. This way, its possible to visit Mandalay Hill, the Palace, the monastery and Pagodas on the same day. The roads in Mandalay are well laid and easy to ride on. The bike is very useful to visit Mingun, the town across the Irrawaddy river, from Mandalay.

Tip: Book your scooter with a reliable agency. We used TT Bike Rentals owned by a group of fun, young friends who make sure that every bike is well-maintained and insured. Rent a TVS Wego for MMK 15,000 (USD 10) a day with helmets for two. Fuel is cheap.

Do a day trip to the enchanting Mingun region

There are two ways to get to Mingun: road (1.5 hour) or ferry (1 hour). We chose to ride our rental bike along the rustic village roads between Mandalay and Mingun.

In Mingun, pay MMK 10,000 (USD 7 or INR 470) as Zone Fees to enter four pagodas. These are all equally interesting, starting with the strange looking Mingun Pagoda, a flat, square temple built in red sandstone. It is incomplete yet absolutely huge.

Tip: Carry an umbrella or a hat to avoid the strong sun

There are two other major pagodas in Mingun and each of them have a different design or importance. 

The Big Bell pagoda houses the world’s second largest bell inside a white-and-red shrine (the largest bell being in Moscow, Russia). The temple and the neighbouring monastery can be explored in one hour, before breaking for lunch and coconut water.

The best monument in Mandalay is the Hsinbyume Pagoda, that is modelled after Mount Meru, the sacred mountain in Buddhism. The pagoda is stunning in white, especially when it is sunny in Mandalay. There are seven layers designed like waves and you can take the stairway to the top tier.

Tip: Shoot a photo of this Instagram-famous temple from the south side to avoid the crowd There is free parking and some small cafes for lunch/snacks.

Other monuments in Mingun are also on the same road. One of them is a pagoda with its white stairs leading down to the Irrawaddy river. These are more off-beat than the main temples of Mingun.

 

Feasting on traditional cuisine of Mandalay

A visit to Mandalay is not complete without eating at Mingalabar, the most authentic Burmese restaurant in the city! Serving many vegetarian dishes, the restaurant is frequented by foreigners and locals alike. A full meal costs only MMK 5,000 (aroung INR 250 or USD 4) for two! Lentils, many curries, salads, cashew and peanuts, chutneys and soup are served with rice.

Don’t miss the Sunset at U-Bein Bridge

While passing on the Amarapura-Mandalay road, stop at U-Bein Bridge for sunset. Its the longest foot bridge in the world! Take a leisure walk just as the sun comes down and sit on the benches while hearing the locals fish, sing or even cook snacks in front of you.

Tip: Mandalay is a big city, and quite modern. It is a warmer than Bagan and can tire you out if you don’t hydrate well. Also, dressing styles are conservative at the pagodas and monasteries, so it is good to respect the culture there. Avoid travlling to Mandalay in Summer.

 

How to travel to Mandalay

Getting to Mandalay has many options:

Air: There are many daily flights from most cities in Myanmar, but very few international flights (route through Yangon instead).

Bus: The most convenient way to go from Yangon to Mandalay is by an overnight sleeper bus (cost is less than USD 15 or INR 1,000). You can also take a bus from Inle to Mandalay or even do the Mandalay-Bagan route for about the same price.

Train: This is the cheapest way of travelling in and out of Mandalay. We took the overnight train from Mandalay to Bagan and it was crazy!

Book your bus and train tickets here

 

Where to stay in Mandalay

Staying near the Royal Palace is the best part of Mandalay. It’s got many hostels and hotels, and the Railway station is also very close. You can pick up a scooter from TT Bike Rentals in the neighbourhood.

Tip: We stayed at this amazing little place called Kaung Hostel. It offers provate dorms to couples or friends who want privacy as much as a cheap stay! With breakfast, wifi and air-con, it costs only USD 7 (or INR 500) a night.

See all accommodations here 

Mandalay is one of our favourite places in Myanmar – why? Its probably how those two days in the city came together. We spent a whole day in Mandalay and a good part of the second day in Mingun, roadtripping on a scooter in a land of simplicity.

If you are planning to go to Myanmar, then make sure to add Mandalay to your list!

This article features in the Asia, Myanmar, South East Asia, Temples categories
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Visit Asia’s Most Beautiful Beach in Myanmar

Visit Asia’s Most Beautiful Beach in Myanmar

Myanmar

Asia

Countries > Myanmar >

Asia

Did you know that Myanmar has Asia’s third best beach? Did you also know that its over seven kilometres long? If you’ve been looking for an exotic beach holiday, then look no further than the exclusive Ngapali Beach on the west coast of Myanmar.

In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan a visit to Ngapali beach, including details on where to stay in Ngapali, where to eat and even things to do in Ngapali. Also find information on how to reach Ngapali from Yangon and other cities in Myanmar.

White sand beach and heavenly turquoise blue water

Ah, there’s just no other way to say it – Ngapali beach is the most beautiful beach we’ve seen in our lives! What makes this beach even more impressive is how long it is at 7.5 kilometres! Imagine this never ending streak of white and blue, and the coconut palm fringe – thats what Ngapali beach looks like.

 

When to visit Ngapali: Ngapali has great weather all year round except between June and September, when most resorts and hotels are closed for renovation and the very turbulent monsoon. The best months are December and January.

Thanks to the coral reefs around the beach, the waves are quite calm and it is safe to swim and play in the sea. The coconut palm lining along Ngapali beach has some great spots to relax in, especially when it gets very hot during mid day.

Tip: Buy fresh tender coconut water from the locals on the beach for MMK 1,500 (about one USD) – they are huge coconuts with the sweetest water!

Take a walk in the early morning or late afternoons

The beach is very flat and you’ll love taking a stroll on the beach! There are many visitors who enjoy their early morning jogs or their evening walks on this long stretch of sand. Besides, the number of visitors to the beach is very low. In fact, when the tide is low, many locals ride their bicycles along the beach too.

Tip: The best hotels and resorts on the Southern coast are listed here

Take a fisherman’s boat to the nearby coral island

Just a few hundred metres from the beach is an uninhabited island where you can find interesting diving and snorkelling spots. During winter and summer, visit the beach shack on the island’s natural sand bank.

We chose to snorkel at the island in the morning. Although there were very few live coral reefs, we still got to swim with many fishes. A four hour snorkelling session can be as cheap as MMK 20,000 (USD 12 or INR 980) including the boat service and the snorkelling equipment!

Tip: Find your stay near the island here

Take a nap under the trees or get a traditional Ngapali massage

The afternoon heat is tough and therefore, the best way to enjoy Ngapali Beach during those few hours, is to just relax in the shade of the seaside foliage. In some parts of the beach, its very easy to spot a massage parlour. Although many different tyoes of massages are offered, the best one is the traditional Ngapali full body massage. We couldn’t decide which was better: the therapeutic effect of the massage or the beautiful view of the ocean while being massaged!

Tip: The massages cost only USD 10 (INR 700) for 60 minutes, so don’t hesitate to tip the therapist for their good work!

Enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Bay of Bengal

Considering how expansive the Ngapali beach is, everyday sunsets look so stunning! Its those surreal hues in the sky, the warmth in the waves, the cold breeze blowing gently that come together and bedazzle any sunset-lover.

Our favourite spot to see the sunset was on a leaning Coconut tree. 

Explore the villages in Ngapali Beach

If you like exploring local cultures and meeting the local people, rent a bicycle and ride along the main boulevard of Ngapali. The road terminates at the Thandwe Airport, which is 10 kms from the southern most point of Ngapali.

Along the way, visit some of the Pagodas and Cafés, or just admire the calm village atmosphere. Tuktuks are also a great way to see the villages.

Tip: Bicycles are generally free to rent or less than MMK 5,000 and most hotels/guesthouses provide bicycles

Eat at the local restaurants and coffee houses

Seafood is very popular in Ngapali and the fresh catch of the day is proudly displayed in most restaurants! The prices are very wallet friendly and cheap. If you are looking for other options, Pizza, Burgers and Pasta are available in most cafés too! 

The spicy mixed vegetable curry is another authentic dish you must try. We liked it most at the Taste Restaurant across the street from the Kyaw Myanmar hotel. Also try Jones Pizza on the same street!

How to travel to Ngapali

Getting to Ngapali is usually considered very expensive due to how remote it is from other tourist cities in Myanmar (which makes it all the more worthwhile to visit)

Air (expensive): The best option is to take a flight to Thandwe and a cab ride to Ngapali Beach. A flight from Yangon to Ngapali costs USD 75 (same price for a Heho to Ngapali flight). If you want to fly from Bagan to Ngapali, it costs USD 110. 

Bus (cheap): Take an overnight bus from Yangon to Ngapali, which costs USD 13 (INR 910) one way. The route is scenic and it takes 16 hours. Bus from Bagan to Ngapali through Pyay costs over USD 16.

Tip: If you are short on time, fly from Bagan to Thandwe and take the overnight bus to Yangon. Local flight and bus tickets can be purchased here

Where to stay in Ngapali

Ngapali has many beachfront resorts and hotels along the 7.5 km stretch. The best places are in the south beach and you can find 5 star hotels too. We stayed at the Kyaw Myanmar Guesthouse. Here are a few curated stays based on budget.

See all resorts and hotels for your stay here

This article features in the Asia, Beach, Myanmar, South East Asia categories
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