Myanmar is currently a hot spot as a tour destination in Southeast Asia. Known certainly for its cultural value, this country, also known as Burma, is also a worthy destination for its abundant wildlife. And not just in remote areas such as Putao in northern Kachin State, but also close to Yangon.

Moeyun Gyi Wetlands Sanctuary, a 3-hour drive north of Yangon in Bago Division, is an exciting opportunity for bird watching enthusiasts. Constructed in 1878 as a reservoir to supply water to a canal for moving cut timber, the area now supplies water for downstream rice cultivation and has evolved into a natural wetland area with a surface area over 100 km2. Since 1988, this state-owned area has been protected for wildlife habitat and more recently has achieved “Wetland of International Importance” by way of the Ramsar Convention global environmental treaty.

Every year around the globe, millions of birds fly from the northern hemisphere to warmer tropical climates. The East Asian-Australian Flyway bisects Myanmar and Moeyun Gyi Wetlands is one of a network of rest stops along the flight path of millions of migratory birds.

A recent census at Moeyun Gyi revealed that there are 125 species of water birds. The best season to visit is from November to March when this protected wetland hosts over 20,000 migratory birds species such as herons, pelicans, cranes and cormorants.

For more information and bookings for bird watching tours in Moeyun Gyi, please contact to [email protected]