Myanmar Travel Guide
Better known by its former name, Burma, this once thriving British colony of teak forests is now a pariah state which has been under strict military junta control for four decades. That doesn’t hide the fact that it has some incredible scenery and beaches, a rich culture legacy and ancient sites which all attract a small flow of tourists. The people are welcoming, if somewhat subdued and it’s perfectly safe to travel here provided you stick to the government prescribed routes, don’t talk politics to the locals and spend your overpriced FECs (foreign exchange certificates). Despite the depressing human rights situation and sheer poverty from ostricisation, the desperate locals will appreciate your visit.
Weather – when to go
The most ideal time to visit Myanmar is during the cool end of year season with average temperatures between 20ºC - 24ºC. The three distinctive seasons are: hot season (March to May), rainy season (June to October) and cool season (November to February) In the summer time, the temperature can go up to 35ºC,
But average annual temperatures vary from 19ºC - 38ºC, with the climate more temperate in the Northern Shan states than at the steamy coast.
Highlights
Yangon (Rangoon): the capital city of Myanmar on the Yangon River boasts many tourist spots such as the famous gold-plated Shwedagon Paya (pagoda), the reclining Buddha in Chaukhtatgyi Paya and the exquisite Kandawgyi and Inya Lakes.
Mandalay: this very Burmese, second-largest city in the country features Mandalay Hill, Mahamuni Paya with the ancient Rakhine Buddha image, and Shwenandaw Kyaung, the remains of the once magnificent palace from where the country was once ruled. Four abandoned cities nearby will please photography buffs.
Shan State: the infamous Golden Triangle, floating markets and many gardens can be found in Shan State as well as those long necked women you always see on the Discovery Channel.
Bagan: an ancient city, destroyed by Kublai Khan in 1287, packed with a number of pagodas and temples located on the charming banks of the Ayeyarwady River.
Bago (Pega): another ancient city worth visiting, Bago features interesting sights such as the Shwemawdaw Pagoda which dominates the town, the Hintha Gone Pagoda and the reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha.
Pathein (Bassein): known for its handicrafts and the Shwemokhtaw Pagoda, Pathein is worth a visit if you want to break away from the bustling city.
Recommended Itinerary
As a basic introduction to this coutry you would need at least 10 days, not counting the days wasted travelling on the poor network.
Three days in Yangon
Three days in Mandalay
Three days in Shan State
Two days in Bagan and Bago
Health and safety
Locals in general are quite reserved and passive but you might also meet a lot of trishaw hustlers who try to get you to places they will get commission from. A thinck pall of politic supression also hangs over daily life in Myanmar, so don’t expect the locals to ‘open up’, government spies are everywhere.Ssome places are off limits to tourists, so do some research in advance. Health risks that tourists should be aware of include hepatitis, typhoid, malaria, rabies and cholera. Make sure you eat well-prepared food and drink water from a bottle. Hospital facilities may also be well below par.
Activities
Scuba diving: newest diving spots in Myanmar are at the unspoilt, untouched Mergui Archipelago (Myeik) in the southernmost part of the country. There are more than 800 islands surrounded with crystal clear waters with rich marine life including manta rays and sharks.
Hiking: the Shan State around Inlay Lake offers many trails. Many hikers go to hill tribe villages around Kalaw and Pindaya to explore the nature. A journey into the jungles on the island of Lampi Kyun and Mt Kyaikto is also worthwhile.
Meditation: looking for some place quiet where you won’t be disturbed? There are many centers for the study and practice of Theravada Buddhism in Myanmar. The most famous one is the Mahasi Meditation Centre in Yangon.
Mountain biking: Myanmar offers several challenging mountain biking routes. But you have to bring your own bike and spare parts as support is limited.
Wildlife safaris: an array of national parks and wildlife spots are scattered in the country. The notable ones include Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park, Hlawga National Park and Popa Mountain Park.
Trampling: around the magnificent ruins of Bagan and Pago, scattered across the Irrawaddy Plains – an unforgettable historic impression.
Food and Hospitality
Even though the country’s infrastructure is generally poor, hotels and resorts in Myanmar offer fair facilities and friendly services. There are, however, some important things to be noted. Credit cards are not accepted in most parts of the country and the best form of currency, apart from the local Kyat, is Euro. It is a good idea to do some research and update yourself on current situations in Myanmar before planning your trip. Incoming visitors are usually required to buy FECs (foreign exchange certificates) to use as currecny – a government attempt to retain much needed foreign currency and subvert the better value black market.
Transportation
Going to Myanmar is quite a challenging task for those who are only used to luxury. The most realistic means of reaching Yangon is from Bangkok, but flights also arrived from East India and Bangladesh, China, Malaysia and Singapre. You can also fly to Myanmar from Chiang Mai in Thailand. Yangon Airways provides domestic flights to key attractions around the country. Driving overland from India or Thailand is unrealistic due to restrictions and safety. A rail service will get you North to Mandalay with modest comfort and reliability. Trishaws, taxis and pick-up trucks can be flagged down anywhere in the country to take you places, they are run down but cheap.