This year most of us have been stuck in one state or region, and though, in many ways, this sucks, it has also opened our eyes to hidden beauty spots right on our doorstep.
Yangon region has seen a boom in camping, leading some farms to set out tents and welcome visitors. In fact, camping options are now so plentiful that we have only included a small sample here (the sites aren’t limited to Yangon either—keep an eye out for the opening of this wild monkey camping ground in Bago).
Of course, camping in Myanmar comes with its dangers, for instance, encountering a scary reptile, or even worse, a human pulling out a guitar by a campfire. But the mental respite that nature offers from the fumes and noise of the city is worth the risk.
So pack your mosquito spray, long-sleeved shirt and toiletries, and jump in a car for an hour or two to enjoy your very own budget break in the seclusion of the woods. All six of these camping grounds require advance booking, so contact the sites before feeding your inspiration for the wild.
Mother’s Village Campground
Hidden among tall trees, with a small boat floating in a lake a few steps away, the scene at Mother’s Village is idyllic. It offers tents as well as two bungalows for some modest glamping, while a football area and bicycles provide some outdoor fun.
For 15,000 kyats you can drop-by for the day, lunch included, or stayover from 12pm to 10am for 32,000 kyats per person for groups of five or more—this includes breakfast, lunch and a dinner of chicken, pork, or beef, with noodles and fruits. You can also use communal stoves to cook your own food.
Find Mother’s Village near Kwin Ni town on the Yangon-Mandalay Highway (around the 16-mile mark) after paying half one week in advance to secure your mini-break.
Phone: 09 450 490 091 / 09 265 444 337
38 Miles Farm House
The biggest attraction of 38 Miles Farm House is that it slopes down into a serene stretch of the Bago River. Two wooden huts and a set of swings overlook the water, and the site offers sunrise trips on a small motorboat for 13,000 kyats per person or you can row a canoe yourself.
As its name suggests, the camping ground is on the 38-mile mark of the Yangon-Mandalay Highway. Overnight stays are 30,000 kyats per person, including breakfast, from 10am to 2pm, or 40,000 kyats per person including lunch and dinner too. Day returns are 9am to 5pm.
The food is fried chicken, sourdough bread, eggs, and let’s not forget our old friends, rice and noodles. Book at least a week in advance, bring your own bed sheets and pillows, and enjoy a breeze that, for once, is not emanating from a passing truck.
Phone: 09 988 293 221 or 09 424 821 233
Green Leaves
Set on a hillside boasting views of the surrounding countryside and with its local organic produce, including coffee and vegetables, you would be forgiven for thinking Green Leaves was in Shan state. Fortunately you are only two hours from the city.
Be warned: like many of these camping spots, signal (and therefore internet) is hard to come by. But see that as a plus, a chance to escape our devices and enjoy the lush scenery. Hiking, basketball and darts are available, while potable water is provided in earthenware pots. Download the songs you want in advance and bring power blocks to keep the music going.
Bookings are only accepted for groups of five to 10 people and car transportation can be arranged. Stayovers are 30,000 kyats per person including breakfast and lunch.
Phone: 09 262 491 121
Karen Farm
Of all the camping grounds featured in this article, Karen Farm probably offers the most cultural experience. About an hour and a half from Yangon city, based in a Karen village called Naphadaw near Hlegu town, the farm will teach you about Karen agriculture and customs, provide bamboo rafts to play on, or just let you gaze up at the stars.
It won’t, however, give you the exact co-ordinates for the site unless you book in advance. Bring your own food in re-useable containers or (recommended) order some traditional Karen food. And another major strong attraction: the farm is pet friendly meaning you can bring your canine companions along.
Groups per day are 15 people maximum for a total of 100,000 kyats excluding meals. As testament to its popularity, Karen Farm is booked until February.
Rubber Village Campground
Rubber Village is a pretty little camping ground based in Hmawbi Township, about an hour and a half from the city, but the site itself is only half the attraction. Right next door is Shwe Yamin Organic Farm, nearby is Pa Auk Tawya Meditation Centre and up the road is Phu Gyi Reservoir with all its wild swimming delights.
Sit between orchards at the ground and get comfy with a glass of local toddy palm wine. Day trips are available, or stay the night for anywhere between 65,000 kyats for two people to 118,000 kyats for eight people, including lunch and breakfast (think classic Myanmar camping fare: noodles, local vegetables, barbecue meat).
Phone: 09 97 031 9594
Island of Adventure
If stars glittering in the night sky are not enough to hook you, Island of Adventure also has an enticing array of activities, among them rafting, fishing, biking, swimming and even horse riding.
Based in Hlegu Township, an overnight stay for two costs 85,000 kyats, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, and three meals. The same package is 195,000 kyats for five people and 295,000 kyats for eight people (not bad, at just under 37,000 kyats each). Day trips are 20,000 kyats per person, with the same activities available.
Phone: 09752966335
