Myanmar sits at the crossroads of Asia’s great civilisations
of India and China, and looks out onto the vast Indian Ocean next to Thailand.
One of South East 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 Himalayan mountain range.
To this day Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and
undiscovered destinations in the world. A land of breathtaking beauty and charm
yet only recently emerging 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 the major
centers, as well as stunning mountain and beach resorts. Myanmar also boasts
one of the lowest tourist crime records in the world, so visitors can rest
assured their holiday will be carefree from start to finish.
Wherever you go in Myanmar, whether it be 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. But
above all, Myanmar offers the warmest welcome in Asia.
YANGON
Yangon is the cosmopolitan and the main business city of
Myanmar. Also known as “The green city of the East”. Yangon has been in
existence for a long time, founded by King “Alaungpaya” in 1755. Yangon means
“End of strife”. Population is over five millions and the city is beautiful
with colonial buildings, wide tree-lined streets and tranquil lanes. The
Shwedagon is the most conspicuous landmark visible from miles around and it is
the most sacred of all Buddhist sites in the country for Buddhist people. Other
places of interest are Sule pagoda “The heart of city”, Bogyoke Aung San Market
also called Scott Market and China Town.
KYAIK-HTI-YO
Kyaik-hti-yo “Golden Rock” is a sacred, massive gold –leafed
boulder delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff at the top of Mount
Kyaik-hti-yo. It was built in the year 574 BC more than 2500 years ago and now
well know as Miracle Golden Rock and which starting at pilgrim-village and
first we take the truck and then walk for one hour up the hill are
unforgettable experience in your trip to Myanmar.
BAGO
Bago, formerly call Pegu is a city and the capital of Bago
Division in Myanmar It is located 50 miles (80 km) from Yangon. It is just
about an hour drive from Yangon. Bago is accessible easily from Yangon,
Mandalay, Pyay and other cities. According to legend, two Mon princess from
Thaton founded Bago in 573 AD. Most interested places are Shwethalyaung
Reclining Buddha (55 meters long), Shwemawdaw Pagoda, and 28 meter high huge
Buddha Image of Kyaikpun Pagoda with its four huge Buddha Images facing the
cardinal points and the one interest place is Kanbawzathardi Palace.
THANLYIN / KYAUKTAN
Thanlyin (Syriam) is located across the Bago River from the
city of Yangon. It’s across the Yangon River via Thanlyn Bridge built by
Chinese engineers. Thanlyin Township comprises 17 quarters and 28 village
tracts. It is home to the largest port (Thilawa) in the country. In the 15th
century as the main port city of the Hanthawaddy Kingdom In 1599, the city fell
to the Rakhine forces led by the Portuguese mercenary Felipe, who was made
governor of the city. Thanlyin became part of the British Empire in 1852 after
the Second Anglo-Burmese War. The city's population has increased from 43,000
in 1983 to 123,000 in 1996.Interested places are Ancient Portuguese Church (AD
1749 – 1750).Kyauk Tan (Yele Pagoda-A floating Pagoda which is Pagoda on a
small island in the middle of the river).
HTAUKKYANT CEMETERY
The Htaukkyant World War II Cemetery, also called the
British War Cemetery, is one of the biggest cemeteries in Myanmar. In the
cemetery are the graves of some 27,000 Allied troops killed in the World War II
campaign in Burma. Htaukkyant Cemetery is located slightly outside the town of
Htaukkyant (also written Taukkyan) about 15km north of Yangon, on the way to
Bago. In the Htaukkyant World War II Cemetery is Today the Imperial War Graves
Commission maintains the grounds. The neatness of the manicured grass and
well-planted flowering shrubs seems to set the cemetery apart from the rest of
Myanmar. It is a place for contemplation, to discover silence and solitude.
TWANTE
Twante canal is connects the Irrawaddy River and the Yangon
river in Myanmar. The 35-km (22-mile) canal is a heavily used short cut between
the city of Yangon and the Irrawaddy Division. The canal is named after the
town of Twante, located near the canal's mid-way point. The town of Twante is
located on the banks of the Twante Canal. It is mainly known for the pottery
that it produces. The quaint and decidedly rustic city has a very 'frontier
town' feel to it, particularly given the two-wheel horse carts that can be seen
ferrying passengers along its dusty streets, and the numerous stilted wood and
thatched bamboo huts that surround (and are sometimes interspersed in between)
the older stucco building of the city. It is possible to reach the city from
Rangoon by boat, taking the Twante Canal from the Rangoon River downstream from
the main jetty.
MAWLAMYINE
The capital of Mon State is the third largest city in
Myanmar. Mawlamyine is situated 165 kilometers east of the nation's capital
across the Gulf of Mottama at the mouth of the Thanlwin River with a population
of almost 300,000 people. Kyaik-Than-Lan Pagoda, Kyaikkami Yele Pagoda. Setse
Beach, Thanbyuzayat "death railway", making it a fascinating place to
visit!
HPA-AN
Hpa-An is the capital of Kayin State. Recently removed from
the restricted list of travel destinations. Possible to reach it by road from
Yangon across a new Bridge (Thanlwin) over the Thanlwin River. Hpa-an is small
town but busy commerce center you can see farmer coming to town in horse carts
or trishaws stacked with baskets to sell in the market. The population is about
50,000 people are most of are Kayin.
BAGAN
Bagan is the richest archaeological sites in Asia. The ruins
of Bagan city cover an area of 42 sq. km embracing over 2000 ancient pagodas
and temples. The enchanting city is located in the tropical zone of the
country, on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River about 193 kilometers south
east of Mandalay. Bagan shows Myanmar architectural heritages from the 11th to
mid 14th centuries.
Getting here: It
is a 1 hour 10min direct flight from Yangon; 30 mins direct flight from
Mandalay; and 1 hour, usually via Mandalay from Heho.
MT. POPA
Mt. Popa is an extinct volcano which 1518 meters (4981 feet)
above sea level, and a day trip from Bagan, set amid lovely hill and forest
scenery. The Popa Taungkalat Shrine is home to 37 Mahagiri Nats, or spirits.
Statues depicting the Nats are at the base of the Shrine. From the top of Taung
Kalat, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city of Bagan.
PYIN OO LWIN (MAY MYO)
Pyin Oo Lwin offers visitors cool days and nights, peaceful
rural roads and tracks for walkers and cyclists, trekking in the fruit and
flower producing countryside, and interesting shopping. Old times can be
re-lived with coach rides, and many historical and beautiful places are within
easy reach. Just over an hour's drive from Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin is an ideal
and refreshing destination for visitors to Upper Myanmar. Lashio which is
trading town in Northern Shan State , accessible by road from Mandalay-Pyin Oo
Lwin. From Lashio, the famous Burma Road, built by the British before the War,
intersects with Ledo Road leading into the Yunnan Province. Crossing over
historic Gokehtaik Bridge, it’s a fascinating journey to Lashio and its famous
for Natural Hot- Spring.
MONYWA
Monywa, about 136 km to the west of Mandalay, a major center
for trade and commerce for agricultural product from surrounding Chindwin
Velly. Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya, it dates from 1303, although it was
reconstructed in 1939. It is said to contain over 500,000 images of Buddha.
Giant reclining Buddha at Bodhi Tahtaung (one thousand Bo Tree) Shwezigon-Paya,
Aung Setkya Paya, and Phowintaung are major places for the visitors.
MANDALAY
The second largest city and the capital of the last Myanmar
Kingdom is in central of Myanmar, 688 km north of Yangon on the bank of the
Irrawaddy River. The city remains many monasteries and pagoda with conservative
tradition and the lifestyle of own culture. Also well know for its traditional
arts and crafts, ivory, wood, marble, and stone carvings, gold and silver ware,
hand woven silk and tapestry called (shwe chi htoe).
Getting here: It
is a 1 hour 15min direct flight from Yangon; 30 mins direct flight from Bagan;
and 25 mins direct flight from Heho.
AMARAPURA
The name means City of Deathlessness, but its period as
capital was brief. It was founded by Bodawpaya as his new capital in 1783.
Being 7 miles (11km) sough of Mandalay, Maha Gadayon Monastery, Bagaya Kyaung
Monastery and U Bein’s wooden bridge are the famous destination for traveler.
Ava: Innwa (Ava) located on an island between the Irrawaddy and Myitnge Rivers.
We visited Ava by horse cart (bullock cart).The ruins of a brick and stucco
monastery called Maha Aungmye Bonzan (Okkyaung) is the main site.
SAGAING
The hilltops, each crested with a pagoda, the banners
proclaiming the Buddha's teaching, the refuge from all ills and tribulations
where over 600 monasteries for monks and nuns are located for Buddhist studies
and meditation. Its side by Irrawaddy River and across the Inn-wa Bridge which
is British-engendered 16 span bridges that dates to 1934, as was the only
structure crossing the Irrawaddy River until 1998.
MINGUN
Mingun is located on the western bank of the river Irrawaddy
River about 7 miles north of Mandalay. The main attraction is the Mya Theindan
Pagoda and ruined Pathodawgyi, a Buddhist temple with the remains of a massive
stupa begun by King Bodawpaya in 1790. The temple was not completed, because an
astronomer claimed that the King would die when the temple was finished. Mingun
Bell, A gigantic bell weighs 90 tons, and is today the third largest bell in
the world. Mingun is famous for many Buddhist shrines, monasteries, meditation
centers and monuments of historical and cultural importance.
INLE LAKE
Inle Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes of Southeast
Asia. Lush, green and fertile, remote Inle Lake is a picture of rural
tranquility. As it lying 875 km above sea level at Shan State. The lake is
nearly 100 km north to South but only 5 km wide and there are more than200
village on or around it, surrounding a population of about 150,000 most is
Intha People. Sagar (Sankar) the second lake: you can observe of local rice
mill factory, making bullock cart wheels. Pristine culture and traditional
life-style of the ethnic groups of Pa-O and Intha inhabited around Sankar
Getting here: A
1 hour 15 min direct flight from Yangon; 1 hour flight usually via Mandalay
from Bagan; and a 25 mins direct flight from Mandalay.
KALAW
Kalaw is a former colonial British hill station on the
western edge of the Shan Plateau in Myanmar. Kalaw is located 70 km west of
Taungyi, about halfway along the Thazi-Taungyi road and sits at 1,300 meters
elevation. Kalaw is cool during the day and cold at night. There are many
hiking trails amid gnarled pines and bamboo groves. Palaung Tribe Village is
famous for trekking. At first a steep track leads down into a narrow valley
where the Palaung cultivate cheroot, tea, damsons and mangoes on the
hill.
PINDAYA
Pindaya is situated at 1164-m above sea level and is 40-km
from Kalaw. Its famous for its extensive limestone caves which overlooking the
Pindaya Lake and Shwe U Min Paya which is full of Buddha images of about 8000
and picturesque Boutaloke Lake. Pindaya. There are many big banyan trees lined
up at the base of the Pindaya hill, Hgnatpyawtaw, a Danu village, is at the end
of these trees and it is most attraction of visitors.
KYAING TONG
Kyaing Tong lies in the valley between the high misty
mountains of the Shan Plateau and the Mekong and the Thanlwin Rivers. It is the
home of the Gon, Lwe, Li, Wa, Lah Hu, Thai Nay, Shan, Li Shaw, Li Su, Palaung,
Akha, and we can only differentiate the tribes by colorful dresses which is
different to one another. As Thai-Myanmar border, visitors are allowed to cross
into this border town with Border Passes. Kyaing Tong is fomous for eco-tourism
activities like trekking, mountain-biking and adventure tours.
PUTAO
Northern part of Myanmar and famous for snow-capped
mountain. Around year are cold and pleasant weather. Flora and Fauna can be
seen in the forest around Putao. Mt. Khakhaborazi (5889 metres), which is the
highest mountain in Myanmar and in Southeast Asia. It’s attractive for
adventure trekking, mountain-climbing and hiking around PutaO and some tribe’s
village.
Getting here: Air
Bagan flies to Putao during the cool dry season from October to April. It is a
4 hour connecting flight from Yangon to Mandalay then stop over at Myitkina and
then to Putao.
MYITKYINA
As the capital of Northern Part of Myanmar and border trade
canter with China. It is the extreme northern terminus of a railroad line from
Yangon, and formerly an important town on the Ledo Road. In Myitkyina Myanmar’s
great Irrawaddy River is combining of Maikha and Malikha Streams at Myitsone.
The water over there is crystal clear. Myitkyina is famous for Jade mine which
is about 148 km west of Myitkyina, there is a place called “Hpa Kant”, which is
home to the best jade mine in the world.
BHAMO
Bhamo is a city in Kachin State in Myanmar, located 186 km
south from the capital city of Myitkyina. It lies on the Irrawady River, and is
the nearest river port to the Chinese border. The district covers an area of
4146 sq. m., and the population in 1901 was 79,515. It is mainly composed of
Shan-Burmese and Kachins. It is an offshoot from the latter of these ridges
that forms the third defile of the Irrawaddy between Bhamo and Sinbo. The
serenity of it self is pleasant to cruise along Irrawaddy River.
NAT MA TAUNG (MT. VICTORIA)
Nat Ma Taung, also known as Mount Victoria. It’s located in
Kanpalet Township, Mindat District, is part of the Chin Hills range, and rises
to 3,053 metres (10,016 ft) above sea level. Which can observe the traditional
and cultural heritage of Chin people and their living systems, the natural
forest flora, bird watching and wildlife tours, hiking, mountain-climbing,
observe of 159 bird species including 5 indigenous species, a very rare species
of rare birds which can be found only in Myanmar Forest. Also observe of
Mammals such as tiger, bear, wild boar, leopard, guar, gibbon, etc. and 159
bird species, reptiles and butterfly are present. It covers an area of 279
square miles and forests include hill evergreen, moist upper mixed deciduous ,
pine forests (above 9000 feet), and hill savannah.
SITTWE
Sittwe is the capital of Rakhine State and the port city of
Sittwe sit at the month of the Kaladan River emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
The 2006 population 181,000 and it is the provincial capital. Viewpoint is
perhaps the most well known attraction in Sittwe. It is at the end of the
Strand Road and looks out into the Bay of Bengal and the mouth of the Kaladan
River. Shwe Zaydi Kyaung, Pyay-lone-chan-thar Payagyi (Atulamarazein), is one
of the most sacred Buddhist pagodas, believed to have built in the days of
Emperor Asoka (r. 269-232 BCE). Rakhine Cultural Museum which contains exhibits
on Rakhine culture and history.
MRAUK U
Mrauk U is an archaeologically important town in northern
Rakhine, Myanmar. It lies east of the Kaladan River, and is surrounded by hills
in the north and south. In 1431, King Min Saw Mon established Mrauk U as the
capital of the last unified Arakanese Kingdom. An important trading port with
links to Portugal, the Netherlands, Arabia, Persia and India. The city
eventually reached a size of 120,000 in the mid sixteenth century. There are
five temple and five pagoda are worthy religious buildings in and around the
town. Mrauk U can rightfully be claimed as the "Open-air Museum" of
the arts and culture of the people of Rakhine.
BEACHES
Ngapali Beach: Lies
on the Bay of Bangle and south west of Myanmar on the Rakhine coast. It’s only
seven kilometers stretch of coconut palm lined, soft sandy meeting of the land
and sea. It is half and hour flight from Yangon.For those who love the 5 star
sea, sand, sun, swim and snorkeling, visit to Ngapali is must.
Ngwe Saung Beach: Ngwe
Saung Beach, the newest beach destination in Myanmar is situated 48 km from
Pathein in the Ayeyarwaddy Division, about 190 km from Yangon on the western
seaboard of the country, facing the Bay of Bengal. The beach stretches 15 km of
white sand, blue sea, untouched surrounding and you can enjoy the pristine sea.
Getting here: Currently
there are no flights from Yangon to Ngwe Saung. The town is only accessible by
road from Yangon which takes about 5- 6 hours depending on size of vehicle and
road conditions. But there is also a 25 mins flight from Yangon to the city of
Pathein and then a 1 hour transfer to the beach.
MERGUI
Mergui Archipelago, is far southern Myanmar (Burma),
comprises over 800 beautiful islands. It consists of more than 800 islands,
varying in size from very small to hundreds of square kilometers, all lying in
the Andaman Sea with an amazing diversity of flora & fauna and very
beautiful underwater scenes and marine life. This makes Mergui Archipelago very
famous for the best Diving in Myanmar. The only human inhabitants in the area
are sea gypsies, namely Salone in Myanmar. They are main attraction for
international tourists as well as to operate marine eco-tourism around the
islands in Myeik (Burma) Archipelago.
VISITORS INFORMATION
LOCATION: Myanmr,
also known as Burma, is the largest country by geographical area in Indochina
is bordered by China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, India and the Bay of Bengal
to the south-west with the Andaman Sea defining its southern periphery.
One-third of Burma's total perimeter, 1,930 kilometers (1,199 mi), forms an
uninterrupted coastline.
GEOGRAPHY: Myanmar,
which has a total area of 678,500 square kilometers (262,000 sq mi), is the
largest country in mainland Southeast Asia, and the 40th-largest in the world.
It is bordered to the northwest by Cittagong Division of Bangladesh, Manipura,
Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh of India to the northwest. It shares its longest
borders with Tibet to the north and Yunnan of China to the northeast for a
total of 2,185 kilometers (1,358 mi). It is bounded by Laos and Thailand to the
southeast. Burma has 1,930 kilometers (1,200 mi) of contiguous coastline along
the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea to the southwest and the south, which forms
one quarter of its total perimeter.
CLIMATE: Myanmar
has a largely tropical climate with three seasons: the monsoon or rainy season,
from May to October; the cool season, from November to February; and the hot
season, generally from March to April. Rainfall during the monsoon season
totals more than 500 cm in upper Myanmar and over 250 cm in lower Myanmar and
Yangon (formerly Rangoon). Central Myanmar, called the dry zone, and Mandalay,
the chief city in the area, each receive about 76 cm (30 in). The climate in
upper Myanmar, particularly at altitudes ranging from about 300 to 1,220 m, is
the most temperate throughout the year, while lower Myanmar, especially in the
delta and coastal regions, is the most humid.
PEOPLE: Myanmar
is a union of 135 ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects. The
major races are Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Bamar, Rakhine, and Shan. The
name Myanmar embraces all the ethnic groups.
POPULATION: Population
of the country is estimated at 52.4 million (July, 2003) and it is going to be
60 million soon. The population growth rate is 1.84 percent. Roughly three
quarters of the population are rural inhabitants, with the remaining population
living in urban Yangon, Mandalay and Moulmein. About two thirds of Myanmar's
population is Burman (ethnically close to Tibetans and Chinese) with other
minorities making up the other third.
RELIGION: Myanmar
is a predominantly Buddhist country with Buddhism of the Theravada school being
practiced by nearly 90 per cent of the population. Other religions practiced in
Myanmar are Christianity (6 per cent), Islam (4 per cent), and Hinduism (nearly
1 per cent).
TIME ZONE: Myanmar’s
Standard time is UTC+0630 of GMT.
CURRENCY: The
Myanmar Kyat is the currency in Myanmar (Burma, MM, and MMR). The symbol for
MMK can be written K. The Myanmar Kyat is divided into 100 pyas.
VISA & PASSPORTS: A
valid Passport with Entry Visa is required of all visitors. A Tourist Visa
allows a stay of 28 days, extendible for an additional 14 days. Visa
application can also be submitted at Myanmar Embassy nearest to your location
or can be obtained for Visa-On-Arrival.
AIRPORT TAX: Airport
Tax is levied on all passengers leaving Myanmar on international flights: USD
10 payable at the Yangon International Airport. There is no airport tax on
Domestic flights.
