A Belgian's story

“I’ve been on the road for a while now, and I’ve seen a lot of different places. But Myanmar was something else entirely. I visited in 2015, and it was like stepping back in time. The moment I arrived in Yangon, I could feel the difference. The heat was oppressive, the city was chaotic, and the people were so friendly.

It’s hard to describe how different Myanmar is from Belgium. For starters, the landscape is completely different. In Belgium, you have these rolling hills and fields of green. In Myanmar, it’s all mountains and jungle. And the animals! I’ve never seen so many different kinds of animals in my life.

But the thing that really struck me was the people. In Belgium, people can be cold and reserved. But the people of Myanmar are some of the warmest, most hospitable people I’ve ever met. Everywhere I went, I was greeted with smiles and offers of help.

I first heard about Myanmar when I was planning a trip to Southeast Asia. I was looking for a destination that was off the beaten path and Myanmar fit that bill. I was also intrigued by the country's history and culture. I had read about Myanmar's struggle for democracy and wanted to see firsthand how the country was faring.

Myanmar did not disappoint. The country is beautiful, with lush green landscapes and stunning temples. The people are friendly and welcoming. And the history and culture are fascinating.

My time in Shan State really stands out.

I arrived in Kalaw in the early afternoon, after a long and bumpy bus ride from Inle Lake. The bus had dropped us off at the edge of town and we had to walk the rest of the way, our backpacks heavy on our shoulders in the heat. But it was worth it, because as soon as we reached our guesthouse we were greeted with cold drinks and a beautiful view of the mountains.

We had decided to take a trekking tour to see more of the area and to get away from the tourist crowds. Our guide, Ko, was very knowledgeable about the area and the different ethnic groups that live there. He took us on a hike to a nearby village where we got to meet some of the locals and see how they live. We even got to try some of their traditional food, which was delicious!

The next day we started our trek in earnest, and it was not easy! The path was often steep and slippery, and we had to cross several rivers. But it was all worth it when we reached the top of the mountain and saw the most incredible view. We could see for miles and miles, and the sunset was just breathtaking.

We camped overnight in a village, and the next day we walked back down to Kalaw. It was a great experience, and I'm so glad we decided to do it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to see a different side of Myanmar.

Myanmar is a truly unique place. It’s like nowhere else I’ve ever been. If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t hesitate. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.”