Burma (Myanmar) travel

Exotic Burma (Myanmar) has been mostly hidden from the outside world for many years. Now that travel to the region, if done responsibly, has become welcome and encouraged, the wonders of this magical land begin to reveal themselves. Diverse in both landscape and culture, discover the winding Irrawaddy River, sandy beaches, pine forests or plains dotted with thousands of stupas.

Burma (Myanmar) is home to 135 ethnic groups, yet all the people of Burma (Myanmar) share warmth of heart and a welcoming smile. The colorful culture is strongly influenced by Buddhist beliefs, while past British rule has left the legacy of grand colonial architecture. This unspoilt land offers the adventure of the Asia of old.

What to expect

A journey into Burma (Myanmar) is a journey into the Asia of days gone by. Visitors to Burma find that their ventures off the well-trodden tourist trail are rewarded with a wonderful, often touching travel experience rich in old-world atmosphere, natural beauty, culture and memorable encounters with its engaging people.

Burma is a country of great beauty and diversity, dominated by lush mountain slopes covered with alpine forests in the far north and steamy jungles in the south; broad flat plains in central regions like Bagan; the famous Irrawaddy River and over 1,929 km (1199 miles) of coastline boasting some of Asia’s most stunning beaches. The Irrawaddy is the country’s main waterway and the source of much fishing and farming activity, and village life. Your travels in the country will take in some of the gorgeous river and mountain scenery in the country, the extraordinary temple studded plains of Bagan, the tranquil villages around lovely Inle Lake as well as the famous cities of Mandalay and Yangon (Rangoon). While these are the country’s biggest cities, they are relaxed, at times sleepy - a far cry from the huge size and frenetic pace of many other cities in Asia! If you have time to stay a little longer, you may also trek through Pa-O and Intha tribal villages in the hills which rise above Inle Lake, experience one of the country’s charming former British colonial hill stations or relax on glorious Ngapali Beach.

The Burmese people are disarmingly warm and welcoming. They are both curious to learn about the places from which visitors to Burma have travelled and keen to share their views and the stories of their own country.

The travel industry is slowly developing in Burma. While the freshness and novelty of tourism in the country is why many people choose to visit Burma, one should keep in mind that facilities and services do not often match Western standards. Electricity cuts (blackouts) are common and traveling through more remote areas will involve bumpy road travel and the use of clean but basic accommodation.

Patience is something you must definitely bring with you when you travel to Burma. Lack of development, education and infrastructure, coupled with the laid back customs and lifestyle of Burmese Buddhism means things move at a pace much slower than both Western nations and even neighboring Asian nations. Expecting the same levels of services at hotels, restaurants and bars that you may receive back home will only leave you disappointed and frustrated. Patience and calmness is the best way to optimise your enjoyment of this magical country. Displays of emotion and anger are rare in Burma and considered taboo. It is this laid-back, care-free attitude which makes Burma so special and is one of the country’s many allures which draws travelers from around the globe.