3. MYANMAR

Myanmar is a very special country to visit since it was a close dictatorship during the late 20th century. People there are still not used to foreigners at all which is causing amazing hospitality and many curious encounters. Many parts of the country are still closed to foreign travelers due to conflicts between different ethnic groups and require special permits. I have visited the region around Hsipaw for hiking in Eastern Myanmar where I saw armed separatist groups on a daily basis.

Traveling around this country sometimes is very very complicated because of the poor shape of infrastructure and possible requirement of permissions in several regions but on the other hand, it is extremely rewarding and one of the most interesting travel destinations in the whole world! Obtaining a visa in an embassy of Hanoi in Vietnam where they invited me for special interviews 2 times was an adventure already. I finally got a 28 days visitor visa which was way too short to explore the beauty of that hidden treasure.

5 Highlights:
- Yangon, the biggest city of the country with amazing pagodas and architecture
- the most beautiful train ride I ever had from Mandalay to Hsipaw
- Inle Lake, a huge lake with amazing floating villages and fishermen

- Bagan, an UNESCO zone with thousands of ancient pagodas

- Hpa An, undeveloped and highly interesting capital of Kayin State with amazing nature around