BURMA (MYANMAR)
Very much in the tourist spotlight at the moment Burma’s recent emergence from isolation has still left it relatively untouched. Together with the great sights of Mandalay and Pagan you should not miss a trip to tranquil Inle lake. There are plenty of Irrawaddy river cruises on offer and a sunset visit to the mighty Shwedagon Pagoda will be long remembered. There are a wide range of group tour options of varying length on offer or we can easily create your own tailor-made holiday.
Rangoon and Mandalay
The former capital of Rangoon (Yangon) will feature in most people’s holiday not just as the main point of entry to the country but also for the stunning and majestic Shwedagon Pagoda located there. This towering edifice, often best seen as sunset approaches, draws streams of devotees every day. Elsewhere the capital retains much of its colonial charm and visits to Bogyoke (Scott’s) market, the huge Chaukhtatgyi reclining Buddha and pagodas at nearby Bago should be included if possible.
The pre-colonial capital of Mandalay is perhaps best seen from the iconic hill at sunset. Explore the pagodas, the remains of the Palace and Fort or just wander the markets and temples. Mandalay is the jumping off point for cruises and visits to Maymyo hill station and the rocktop shrine of Mount Popa.
The temples of Pagan and Lake Inle
Without doubt Pagan is one of Asia’s greatest sights, to rival Angkor and Borobodur, with almost 3000 temples rising from the plain alongside the Irrawaddy river. You need the minimum of a day to begin to get a feel for the different temples and styles and should think about a balloon ride for a unique view.
Inle Lake is surrounded by small fishing villages with houses on stilts, floating gardens and the unique one-legged rowing style. Explore the lake by boat, visiting a floating market and getting to find out more about the Intha people of the area. Located in Shan state this is probably the best area to encounter some of the many tribal groupings that make up the country.
The mighty Irrawaddy – River cruises
River life dominates in Burma and the Irrawaddy River, flowing for 2000 km from Himalayan glaciers, is the key for transportation, irrigation and fishing. During the British colonial period a large riverboat fleet operated – now it is possible to explore the main rivers on a number of different vessels. As well as the main sights of Pagan and Mandalay you will get to see the vibrant river life of the small towns and markets – at certain times of year, depending on the water-levels, you can explore up the spectacular Chindwin river. There are a good choice of boats from the smaller more-intimate Pandaw vessels to the more luxurious Orient-Express boats – Road to Mandalay and Oracella.
- Book early as there is a real shortage of good accommodation and it can get filled up very early.
- You can visit year round however be aware that the summer can be very hot indeed – this can make getting accommodation easier!
- Most visitors arrive via Bangkok and it is easy to combine Myanmar with a Thai beach holiday if you want to.
- There are now flights from Bangkok to Mandalay which means you can avoid having to visit Yangon (Rangoon) twice.
- The temples of Pagan – awe inspiring
- The immense gold-plated Shwedagon Pagoda – catching it glinting above the Rangoon skyline is special
- A river cruise on the Irrawaddy or Chindwin
- Indigenous tribal areas
- Visa Required: Yes, in advance
- Population: 60 million
- Capital City: Naypyidaw
- Currency: Kyat
- Classic Dishes: mohinga (rice noodle and fish soup)
- Cost of Local Tipple: Myanmar beer (80p)
- Winter – October to March
RECOMMENDED HOLIDAYS
A selection of holidays
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by TMS
