Myanmar, as ever, remains off-the-beaten-path for many Western tourists. Most established tours stay close to Bagan and Myanmar, all but avoiding the rural communities that might benefit the most from visitors.
But that’s changing, thanks to the Myanmar government’s efforts to promote community-based tourism (CBT) and put its culture, nature and majestic natural scenery in the spotlight. Some of their most promising CBT sites are listed below:
Ayeyarwady Dolphins, Sagaing Region
Started in 2014, the Ayeyarwady Dolphin Community-Based Ecotourism project now covers eight villages in the Mandalay and Sagaing Regions on the shores of its namesake river. The CBT effort aims to create a sustainable income for the local community, maintain the unique culture of cooperative fishing, and support dolphin conservation.
Visitors can enjoy dolphin watching, learn about traditional cast-net fishing techniques, explore ancient pagodas and monasteries, and participate in local agricultural activities. The best time to visit is between October and May.
The local CBT effort is supported by the Dolphin Community Conservation Association (DCCA; Facebook page), which organizes activities such as joint patrolling to prevent illegal fishing and promoting awareness about dolphin conservation.
Kyaikthalae Village and Bio Garden, Twante, Yangon Region
Not far from the city center of Yangon, Kyaikthalae Village is home to the Mingalar Bio Garden, established to support a local monastic school in the wake of 2008’s devastating Cyclone Nargis.
Today, not a trace of the cyclone’s effects remains: visitors find themselves warmly welcomed into the community, where they can learn about local farming techniques, home industries like bamboo basket production, and traditional customs. Highlights of a CBT tour to Kyaikthalae include an educational cooking lesson using vegetables from the bio garden, a visit to the Mingalar Monastic School, and exploring Twante’s Pottery Kiln.
Overnight stays are available in community lodges equipped with modern amenities, providing an immersive experience into the villagers’ lifestyle and efforts in sustainable agriculture. For more information, visit their website: www.myanmarcbt.org.
Samkar Lake, Shan State
Located 35 miles south of Inle Lake, Samkar Lake offers a unique community-based tourism experience managed by the local Shan, Pa’O, and Intha communities.
Established under the EPIC project funded by the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development, the initiative includes eco-friendly accommodations at Samkar Kham Lodge, traditional boat rides, and guided tours showcasing local handicrafts and cultural practices.
Samkar Lake visitors can enjoy home-cooked meals, explore ancient monasteries and pagodas, and learn about responsible tourism practices. This project ensures fair compensation for local service providers and sets aside funds for community development, making it a model for sustainable tourism.
Visit their website for more information: samkarlakecbt.com, or check out their Facebook page.
Inndawgyi Wildlife Sanctuary, Kachin State
Myanmar’s first eco-tourism site, the Inndawgyi Wildlife Sanctuary, was established in 2013. This sanctuary supports local residents by providing bed-and-breakfast accommodations and organizing package tours that include activities such as kayaking, cycling, bird watching, hiking, and exploring local villages and religious sites.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Inndawgyi Biosphere Reserve, making it a premier destination for nature enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers. Profits from tourism support community development and conservation projects, such as waste management systems.
Visit their website for more information: indawgyilake.com/en/tourism.
