I went to Myanmar in March 2023, after the military coup.
Many people asked me, “Why are you going now?”
I did not know how to explain. I just felt something inside me pushing me to go.
The Journey Begins
I first took a flight from Kolkata to Kuala Lumpur.
Kolkata airport was busy and full of life. People were laughing, shopping, talking loudly. Everything felt normal.
That normal feeling made me uncomfortable.
Because I knew where I was going next was not normal anymore.
In Kuala Lumpur airport, everything looked bright and modern. Screens were glowing, people were smiling, cafés were full. But inside me, fear was slowly growing.
Then it was time for my next flight—Kuala Lumpur to Yangon.
The Flight to Yangon
This flight felt different.
The plane was quiet.
Most passengers were Burmese. Nobody was smiling. Nobody was talking much. Their faces looked tired, worried, and silent.
I sat quietly, looking out of the window, thinking about the coup, the soldiers, the fear. My heart was beating fast.
When the captain said we were landing in Yangon, my chest felt tight.
Arrival in Yangon
From the air, Yangon looked dark.
Not many lights. Not welcoming.
At the airport, everything was silent.
Immigration officers did not smile. They spoke very little. When my passport was checked, the officer looked at me for a long moment.
I was scared.
Then he stamped my passport and let me go.
Only then I could breathe.
Outside the Airport
Outside the airport, I saw soldiers with guns.
That moment made everything real.
My taxi driver was silent. No music. No questions.
On the road, there were checkpoints. Soldiers stopped cars and checked them.
Every time we slowed down, my body became tense. I looked down and avoided eye contact.
The city felt sad.
Shops were half open. Streets were quiet. People were there, but fear was everywhere.
Reaching the Hotel
At the hotel, the staff spoke very softly.
They gave me the key quickly.
Inside my room, I locked the door and sat on the bed. My hands were shaking. I was not tired—my heart felt heavy.
Outside, there was almost no sound.
Just silence.
First Night Thoughts
I kept thinking about the people of Myanmar.
I was just visiting. I could leave anytime.
They could not.
That thought hurt me deeply.
Before sleeping, I looked out of the window. I saw a pagoda light glowing softly in the dark. It gave me a small feeling of hope.
That was my first day in Myanmar.
It was not a normal travel day.
It was quiet, scary, and emotional.
That day stayed with me.
Places to Explore in Myanmar
Day 1 – Yangon:
Step into Yangon and feel its heartbeat. The golden Shwedagon Pagoda glows warmly as devotees pray. The city whispers tales of devotion, history, and quiet wonder.
Day 2 – Yangon:
Stroll through bustling streets and vibrant markets. Every corner holds a story, every smile a memory. Feel the city’s life wrap around you gently.
Day 3 – Bagan:
Arrive in Bagan, where thousands of ancient temples rise like dreams. Sunset paints the horizon golden, leaving you in awe of time’s quiet beauty.
Day 4 – Bagan:
Watch balloons drift above temples at sunrise. Explore Ananda Temple, sensing centuries of devotion in every stone. Here, silence speaks volumes.
Day 5 – Mandalay:
Travel to Mandalay. Walk U Bein Bridge at dusk as the sun kisses the water. Life feels both fleeting and eternal in that golden moment.
Day 6 – Mandalay:
Climb Mandalay Hill at sunrise. Visit sacred pagodas and let the prayers of countless souls fill your heart with peace and reflection.
Day 7 – Inle Lake:
Arrive at tranquil Inle Lake. The serene waters mirror the sky, and the locals’ shy smiles remind you that life’s beauty often lies in simplicity.
Day 8 – Inle Lake:
Sail through floating villages. Watch fishermen balance gracefully on one leg, and feel the gentle rhythm of the lake seep into your soul.
Day 9 – Kalaw:
Trek into the hills of Kalaw. Villages, children, and elders share glimpses of life lived simply and fully. Each moment leaves an imprint on your heart.
Day 10 – Yangon & Departure:
Return to Yangon. Pause and reflect. Let the temples, the lakes, the laughter, and the golden sunsets linger in your heart. Myanmar’s magic is unforgettable.
Food You Can Try
Food in Myanmar is simple, warm, and honest—just like the people.
You can try Mohinga, their most loved dish. It is eaten in the morning. Warm, comforting, and filling. It feels like home food, not restaurant food.
There are tea shops everywhere.
People sit quietly, drink tea, eat small snacks, and talk softly. These tea shops feel like safe spaces, where people forget fear for a short time.
Food here is not fancy.
But it is made with care, because life itself is not easy
Life of People in Myanmar
The people of Myanmar are gentle.
They smile—but not loudly.
You can see strength in their eyes.
They wake up every day, go to work, open shops, sell food, guide travelers—while carrying fear inside.
Many people avoid talking about politics.
Not because they don’t care, but because they are scared.
Life continues, but carefully.
Hope exists, but quietly.
As a traveler, I felt something heavy inside me—
I could leave anytime.
They could not.
That truth stays with you.
Kalaw – A Place That Feels Like a Breath
Kalaw felt different.
It was cooler. Calmer. Slower.
Green hills, fresh air, quiet mornings.
Kalaw is not dramatic.
It feels gentle—like it is trying to protect people from pain.
Walking in Kalaw felt like resting my heart.
But even there, you could feel that people were holding something inside.
The Trekking Organizer Girl I Met
In Kalaw, I met a girl who organizes treks.
She was young. Strong. Kind.
She smiled easily, but her eyes carried stories.
She spoke about trekking routes, villages, hills—but also about life.
She worked hard to support her family.
Tourism had dropped. Money was uncertain.
She loved her country deeply.
But she spoke softly about the future.
There was emotion in the way she talked—not dramatic, just real.
Hope mixed with fear.
Strength mixed with tiredness.
Meeting her stayed with me.
She reminded me that behind every “experience” we travelers have, there is a human life trying to survive.
Final Feeling
Myanmar is not an easy place to visit emotionally.
But it is a place that teaches you something.
About courage.
About silence.
About people who continue living, even when life is unfair.
I did not just travel through Myanmar.
I carried a part of it with me when I left.