Myanmar

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is the Land of Human Origin. It is also recognized by the world as the Golden Land. This country lying along the eastern coasts of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea in southeast Asia.

Bagan
The main tourist destination in Myanmar is Bagan, capital of the first Myanmar Empire; one of the richest archaeological sites in South east Asia. Situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyawaddy River. The Magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to Myanmar for nearly 1000 years. Bagan covers an area of 42sq.km containing over 2000 well preserved pagodas and temples of the 11th 13th century.

Mrauk U
The unique characteristics of the topography of Mrauk U are the tiers of hills and mountains running around it. Between them are natural passes through which access is easy. These natural passes were fenced with earth walls and stone walls thus forming a long line of defence walls aligned with hills and mountains. Between hills and mountains where the location was favourable, big dams and reservoirs were built to store water as well as to serve as water barriers (Kyon Pinlei).

Ngapali Beach
Situated about 7 km away from Thandwe (Sandoway), one of the ancient Rakhine (formerly Arakan) towns. It is said to have been named after the Naple of Italy by a homesick Italian. It is famous for its natural and unspotted beauty up to this day. The beach stretches about 3 km with soft white sand fringed by coconut palms. It serves as the best ground for sunbathing and recreation such as beach strolling, cycling and so on.

Activities and Tours

Inle Lake
This vast picturesque lake, 900 metres above sea level, is one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar. The lake, 22 km long and 10 km across, has a population of some 150,000, many of whom live on floating islands of vegetation. Inle Lake, natural and unpolluted, is famous for its scenic beauty and the unique leg rowing of the Inthas, the native lake dwellers.

Kyaiktiyo
The famous legendary Pagoda on the Golden Rock about 160 Km from Yangon and 11 km of hiking from the base camp at Kyaikhto. Visitors can also go by car up to a point about a mile away from the Pagoda. This pagoda is situated on a rocky mountain 3615 ft above sea level. The Kyaikhtiyo pagoda is one of the most ancient and celebrated of all pagodas in Myanmar.

Mandalay
Mandalay is situated about 600 kilometers north of Yangon on the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is Myanmar's second largest city. Located in the Mandalay Division, it is the Capital. Mandalay is one of the largest cities in the country. It is also the major trading and communications center in northern and central Myanmar and is linked by rail with other large Myanmar cities.

Yangon
Yangon, the capital city, is the main gateway to Myanmar. Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of "The Garden City of the East".

Travel Tip and useful information

Climate
Myanmar has a tropical climate with three general seasons, the rainy season, the cool season and the hot season. The rainy season is from mid May to mid October; the cool season from mid October to mid February to and the hot season from mid February to mid May before the rains begin. The best time to visit Myanmar is from mid October to mid May during open season.

Time Zone
Myanmar is 6.30 hours ahead of GMT (+6.30 GMT).

Population
Myanmar is a union of 135 ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects. The major races are the Kachin, the Kayah, the Kayin, the Chin, the Mon, the Bamar, the Rakhine, and the Shan. The name Myanmar embraces all the ethnic groups.

Transport
The Yangon Mandalay bus service is the most comfortable long distance bus trip. Otherwise, visitors can pay a little extra to get a more spacious 'pick up truck' that crams locals in the back and makes many stops between towns all over Myanmar.

Currency and credit cards
Myanmar currency is known as " Kyat " which comprises 100 pyas. Travellers checks are NOT normally accepted and are difficult to transact. Travellers are advised to bring US Dollars in cash (small denomination notes).

Dress Code
Light, casual cotton wear because of hot weather. A cardigan or light jerkin, when visiting northern Myanmar in the cold season. An umbrella during the rainy season. Sandals or slippers. Quick drying clothes are recommended if you visit during the rainy season or Thingyan. The dress code for pagodas and monasteries prescribe decent apparel, no footwear is allowed when visiting pagodas and monasteries.

Safety and security
Don't leave expensive items in your room. Use safe deposit box. Beware of cheats, swindlers, imposters. Friendly, helpful, honest, but proud. Treat everyone with respect and you will be respected.