You are here: Home Destinations

Myanmar (or Burma) sits at the crossroads of two of Asia's great civilizations (India and China) and looks out onto the vast Indian Ocean next to Thailand. One of Southeast Asia's largest and most diverse countries, Myanmar stretches from the sparkling islands of the Andaman Sea in the south, right up into the Eastern Himalayas.

Myanmar (or Burma) sits at the crossroads of two of Asia's great civilizations (India and China) and looks out onto the vast Indian Ocean next to Thailand. One of Southeast Asia's largest and most diverse countries, Myanmar stretches from the sparkling islands of the Andaman Sea in the south, right up into the Eastern Himalayas.

To this day, Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world. A land of breathtaking beauty and charm, Myanmar has only recently emerged into the modern world. What can the casual visitor therefore expect upon arrival, and why should one embark on such a journey in the first place?

Myanmar offers all the traditional delights of Asia in one fascinating country. Virgin jungles, snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches, combined with a rich and glorious heritage spanning more than two thousand years. Spectacular monuments and ancient cities attest to a vibrant culture that is still home to 135 different ethnic groups.

The country's tourism infrastructure boasts five star properties, intimate boutique hotels and family guest houses in all of the major centers, as well as stunning mountain and beach resorts. Myanmar also boasts one of the lowest tourist crime rates in the world, so visitors can rest assured that their holiday will be carefree from start to finish.

Wherever you go in Myanmar, whether it’s cruising down the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River in style, drifting over the ancient city of Bagan by hot air balloon, or searching for that elusive tiger on the back of an elephant, there is always a feeling of adventure. With two modern internal airlines upgrading and expanding their networks, new and exciting destinations off the beaten track are gradually being opened, from mountain trekking and rafting in the far north to world class diving in the Mergui Archipelago.

CLOTHES IN MYANMAR

Cotton clothing and a light wrap on evenings during the winter season (between Oct and Feb) are recommended. When visiting temples, pagodas or other places of religious worship, it is necessary to dress modestly, as any kind of revealing clothing is frowned upon in Myanmar. Removal of all footwear and socks is necessary before entering all places of religious worship.

SHOPPING

Best buys include lacquer wares, silver, wood and stone carvings, hand-woven silks and cottons, gems, 'Kalaga' embroidered tapestries, traditional puppets and tribal handicrafts. All gem and jewelry purchases should be made through a government authorized dealer, who must issue an official receipt, which is required for export of such items. Bargaining is essential for all souvenirs shopping, if Travellers are to obtain reasonable prices.

FOOD

Burmese cuisine uses rice or noodles as staple dishes, usually served with a variety of side dishes: curries with meat or fish, vegetables, salads, soup, condiments etc. Curries tend to be less chili-hot than Thai versions. Chinese, Thai and Indian restaurants are also found in major cities, but European cuisine is mostly confined to major hotels at present. 

In order to give Travellers a true feeling for the country and its diverse regional gastronomic variations, we feature interesting local restaurants whenever possible in its itineraries. These are carefully selected, for hygiene as well as gastronomic considerations. In some country areas, however, dining opportunities are still very limited. Travellers are advised against eating from street or market stalls, however tempting these may seem.

DO  & DON"T

Visitors are required to dress decently within the precincts of religious buildings. Ladies should not wear shorts or bra-less T-shirts in such places. Shoes and socks/stockings must always be removed at pagodas and monasteries. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Disregard of these rules causes serious cultural and religious offence to the devout Myanmar people. Visitors are advised to ignore touts who may approach them to exchange foreign currency, or to sell gems of dubious quality. Such offers, although apparently attractive, are breaking strict laws.Begging is not widespread in Myanmar and visitors are requested not to encourage development of this practice by giving money, sweets etc. to children. If Travellers wish to contribute to, say a village community, gifts should be directed to the local schoolteacher or headmaster. Contributions can also be arranged to recognized local charity organizations.

YANGON

The city of Myanmar, has a unique charm with its old colonial buildings, Tree lined streets, busting local market and tranquil lakes. Interesting places to visit are the massive Shwedagon World famous Pagoda the original stupa was built over 2500 yrs at same place installing Buddhist relics inside it. Sule Pagoda an excellent landmark in the down town area. Chaukhtatgyi 72 meter long a reclining Buddha Image. One the Yangon riverfront its Botataung Pagoda said to house some Buddha's hair relic. China town market has plenty of Chinese culture features Temples, houses and roadside food shops. National Museum a place housing numerous exhibits that are testament to the wealth of Myanmar Kings. Major tourist market in city is Bogyoke Market. Numerous souvenirs items are sold there to be memorials of the visit Myanmar.

BAGAN

One of the worlds historical as well as archeological sites is major Tourist attraction in Myanmar. Originally there were 10,000 temples at Bagan, largely constructed of brick between the 11th and 13th centuries. After seven long centuries only 2217 of these remain standing. Ten great Bagan monuments are most attractive ones for Tourist. There're Ananda Temple, built by King Kyan Sittha was completed in 1091. Thatbyinnyu Temple the tallest building in Bagan at 62 meters was built in the 12th century. Thandawgya Image a huge seated Budda figure at six meter tall, was build in 1284. Gawdawpalin Temple it was built in Burmar style to resemble the Thatbyinnyu Temple. Shwegugyi Temple, king Alaungsithu built it in 1131 unlike most Buddhist monument. Damayangyi Temple is well over a kilometer to the southwest of the city walls. Shwesandaw Pagoda was built by king Anawrata in 1057. The long flat building within the walls of it enclosure contains the Shinbinthalyaung reclining Buddha. The last Burmar style Temple built in Bagan is Tilominlo Temple. It was constructed in 1211. The last of the great stupa is Mingalazedi Pagoda. It was built in 1284 and it represents the pinnacle of Burma Pagoda architecture. Other interesting places in Bagan are Shwezigon Stupa in Nyaung Oo and Nyaung Oo Market, lacquer ware works and shops in Myinkabar village as well as New Bagan.

MANDALAY

The last capital of Myanmar Kingdom, is now Myanmar's second capital city. A city of Markets, Monasteries, Traditional art and craft centers and religious monuments, Mandalay is the economic and religious center of upper Myanmar. Places to visit around city are old Royal Palace, the last palace of Myanmar Kingdom, Mandalay hill, Panoramic View of city, has teak Monastery for Royal Monks, rest house for pilgrims and shrines, Kuthodaw Pagoda, well known as the world largest book since Buddhist scripture had been inscribed on 1774. Marble Slabs, Shwenandaw Monastery, a wonderful wood carving decorated building and antique materials preserved inside it. The place every visitor shouldn't miss is Mahamuni Buddha Image. It was shifted from Rakhine State and built since Lord Buddha was still alive.

Other interesting places in the city are gold leaf making work, Tapestry work, and stone carving work, silk weaving work and Zaychotaw Market.

SILVER BEACH IN MYANMAR

Ngapali Beach

Located on the Rakhine Coast near Thandwe(Sandoway), Ngapali is one of the beautiful beaches in Myanmar. This unspoilt is 35 minute flight from Yangon. By overland, 14 hour drive along the narrow winding road over the Rakhine Yoma(mountain range) after crossing the Ayeyarwaddy River at Pyay(Prome). There is an 18 hole Golf Course, located 15-minute driver from the beach. A wined choice of hotels from first-class Bay View Hotel to standard Ngapali Beach, and Silver Beach.

Ngwe Saung

Ngwe Saung situated on the western seaboard of the country, facing the Bay of Gengal is the newest "cool" spot not only for the young and upwardly mobile executives but also for the family. The whole beach is approximately 9 miles long and bordered by tall, green palms, swaying gently in the breeze. This is where the rain forest meets the ocean. The road from Yangon connects Ngwe Saung Beach via Pathein, the capital city of Ayeyarwaddy Division. After five hours drive along the Yangon - Pathein - Chaungtha Highway and you are transported to a totally different environment, away from the dust and grime, away from the noise and commotion of the city of the peaceful and tranquil Ngwe Saung Beach.

Chaung Tha Beach

Well developed beach nearly same distance with Ngwe Saung Beach from Yangon. It can be reach by car from Yangon. After about 4 hours drive to get Ngawun river in Pathein city there have to join a ferry Z club boat and then proceed to Chaung Tha Beach by same car. After one-hour drive, will get in this beautiful beach.

Related Destinations

• Vietnam
• Cambodia
• Laos
• Thailand
• Singapore