Most visitors travel between October and March, and January and February in particular, chasing the driest weather. We'd gently suggest another option: come in May, June or July. Yes, there's rain and humidity — but here's what you get in return.
The landscape comes alive
1. Sun and rain together make ideal conditions for wildflowers and rare flora — Pyin Oo Lwin's botanic gardens look spectacular. 2. Trees burst into colour, the flame trees turning Pyin Oo Lwin's roads fiery red. 3. Rivers replenish and the waterfalls run at full force, including the mighty Dat Taw Gyaint.
A warmer welcome
4. With fewer visitors, you're treated as a guest rather than a number; locals are happy to share their crafts. 5. People will gladly pose for your camera, confident and curious. 6. Clear-sky sunsets are common in Bagan and Mandalay despite the heat. 7. Water buffalo bathe in the Irrawaddy, all the more memorable with no crowds.
Space to yourself
8. Evening walks along Mandalay's palace walls bring more chances to meet locals. 9. Bagan's pagoda sunsets can be had entirely alone. 10. Farmers are out ploughing the fields, a quiet pleasure on a morning trek. 11. The popular trekking routes are blissfully empty.
And a few practical joys
12. The Green Hill Valley elephant camp gives longer, closer encounters with fewer visitors. 13. Kyaingtong's terraced hills fill with water and shine. 14. Inle Lake is at its most beautiful, and quietest, with fewer motorboats. 15. Hotels run at low capacity — expect free upgrades and much better rates.
