Photos That Prove Myanmar Is One of the World's Most Beautiful Places

In the riverside village of Shwe Pyi Thar, a woman stirs toddy palm sap. Candy made from the sap is a Myanmar favorite.

The U Bein Bridge is a three-quarter-mile-long bridge that was built in 1783 from reclaimed teakwood from an old royal palace.

Just outside Mandalay is Amarapura, the former capital of Myanmar and home to the famous U Bein Bridge.

A fisherman tends his underwater nets in Taungthaman Lake, home to the famous U Bein Bridge.

Astrology is a huge part of Myanmar culture. Locals consult astrologers before making major decisions, and at tourist attractions, tourists can get their palms read and learn the best dates for upcoming big events.

The town of Kyauk Myaung is famous for its pottery making. Pots made from local river clay and fired in giant ovens come in all sizes, ranging from a few inches high to 50-gallon Martaban jars.

Buddhist families send their sons to become monastery novices for at least a short while during childhood. Young men have another chance to revisit monastery life, and at any time, men can return for a week or a month or a year to live as monks.

Tea shops—often made up of nothing more than a burner, a kettle, and some low-slung plastic chairs and tables—are a huge part of daily life in Myanmar, especially for men.

Markets are a daily part of small-town life in Myanmar. "Wet" markets sell fish, meat, produce, and other items that must be fresh; while "dry" markets sell items with longer shelf lives.

Monks rely on daily donations of food for their daily meals. So early each morning they wrap their robes, cradle their bowls, and form a procession. Each person who donates food puts just one scoop in each bowl. The monks then return to the monastery and share the meal.

At a Buddhist nunnery in the village of Kyun Daw, a nun prepares betel nut for herself. Kyun Daw is a small village along the Irrawaddy that's best known for the 7,000 stupas (a religious structure holding a Buddha relic) surrounding the local monastery.

In the town of Kyun Daw, most younger children don't yet wear longyis, but many wear the traditional thanaka paste on their faces. Thanaka protects the skin from sun damage and is reputed to have many healing properties.

A fisherman gets an early start along the peaceful stretch of river between Bhamo and the dramatic Second Defile.

More from SmarterTravel:

• What I Packed: Myanmar in Winter
• 12 Destinations That Should Be on Your Radar in 2016
• Beautiful Myanmar: 26 Revealing Moments Caught on Video

Christine Sarkis has her fingers crossed that the people of Myanmar will benefit from the current changes. Follow her on Twitter@ChristineSarkisand Instagram@postcartography for more advice about making every vacation the best vacation.