Burma
Burma, also known as Myanmar, is a diverse country located in Southeast Asia. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, golden pagodas, and beautiful landscapes. The country has a complex history, including periods of colonial rule and military dictatorship.
Today, Burma is transitioning towards democracy and opening up to the world, attracting tourists and investors alike.
- "Mingalaba" - Hello
- "Kyaikhtiyo" - Thank you
- "Nehn hma kyi" - How are you?
- "Nya naing" - Goodbye
- "Pyan nar" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.20 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $30
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Bagan Exploration
morning
:Start your day with sunrise at Bagan's ancient temples, witnessing the stunning hot air balloons fill the sky. Afterward, explore the spectacular Ananda Temple and its intricate architecture.
afternoon
:Visit the Bagan Archaeological Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the area. Enjoy a traditional Burmese lunch at a nearby local restaurant.
evening
:Conclude your day by watching the sunset from the top of a temple, capturing breathtaking views over the plains. Dine at a riverside restaurant while enjoying local delicacies.
Inle Lake Wonders
morning
:Begin your day with a boat tour of Inle Lake, marveling at the stilted villages and unique leg-rowing fishermen. Stop by the floating gardens to witness the local agricultural practices.
afternoon
:Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, home to five sacred Buddha images. Explore the local handicraft workshops, including silk weaving and cigar making.
evening
:As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant with views of the water. Experience traditional dance performances that reflect the culture of the Shan people.
Highlights
Good
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Diverse ethnic groups and languages
- Stunning natural landscapes, including mountains and beaches
- Buddhist temples and pagodas, such as Shwedagon Pagoda
- Opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure travel
- Emerging market with potential for economic growth
Bad
- Political instability and unrest
- Human rights issues and lack of freedom
- Economic challenges and poverty
- Inadequate infrastructure and public services
- Limited access to education and healthcare
- Environmental issues, including deforestation and pollution
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking in Hsipaw
Explore the beautiful countryside and meet local hill-tribe villagers.
Hot air balloon ride over Bagan
Experience the breathtaking sunrise or sunset views of the ancient temples.
Inle Lake boat tour
Discover the floating gardens, stilted villages, and unique fishing techniques of the Intha people.
Rock climbing at Waterfall Hill
Challenge yourself with excellent limestone cliffs and stunning views of Hpa-An.
Cycling in Mandalay countryside
Pedal through rural landscapes and visit traditional villages and ancient ruins.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Burma with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Bagan
Known for its ancient temples and stunning sunrise hot air balloon rides.
Inle Lake
Famous for its picturesque floating gardens and unique leg-rowing fishermen.
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon
Offers a panoramic view of the city and a dazzling sight when illuminated at night.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Mohinga
A comforting fish and lemongrass soup, enriched with chickpea flour, and served over rice vermicelli. Best enjoyed for breakfast and can be found at local teahouses and street food stalls.
Must-Try!
Shan Noodles
Egg noodles in a savory, slightly spicy broth, topped with slices of tender pork or chicken. Look for authentic versions in family-run eateries across the country.
Laphet Thoke
A zesty salad made with pickled tea leaves, assorted nuts, and fried garlic. It's a beloved Burmese snack or side dish available in teahouses and traditional food markets.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Burma better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market)
This bustling market in Yangon offers a wide array of street food stalls, serving everything from grilled skewers to traditional sweets. The atmosphere is vibrant, and it's a great place to sample local flavors.
Night Markets in Mandalay
Mandalay comes alive at night with food stalls offering grilled meats, stir-fries, and a variety of traditional Burmese dishes. One can also find fresh fruit smoothies and regional snacks at these markets.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect for elders
In Burma, it is important to show respect for elders by using proper language and gestures, such as bowing or placing the hands together in a prayer-like gesture, known as "wai".
Customary greetings
Greet others with a slight bow and a smile, and use a friendly tone of voice. It's also common to address people with honorific titles such as U (for men) and Daw (for women).
Bare feet indoors
When entering someone's home or a temple, it is customary to remove your shoes as a sign of respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Burma with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
Tipping is not a common practice in Burma, and it is not expected in most situations. However, in tourist areas or upscale establishments, a small tip may be appreciated.
Payment
Cash is the primary form of payment in Burma, as credit and debit cards are not widely accepted. It is important to carry enough cash when traveling in Burma, especially when visiting rural areas where access to ATMs may be limited.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Burma.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry Season (November to February)
Best time to visit with cool, dry weather and minimal rainfall. Popular for trekking and outdoor activities.
Hot Season (March to May)
Expect hot temperatures and high humidity. Great for beach vacations and water-based activities.
Rainy Season (June to October)
Heavy rainfall, lush landscapes, and lower tourist crowds. Ideal for experiencing greenery and cultural festivals.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hkakabo Razi National Park
Home to the highest peak in Southeast Asia, Hkakabo Razi National Park offers stunning views and diverse wildlife, making it a perfect hiking destination for adventure seekers.
Mount Popa
An extinct volcano and a pilgrimage site, Mount Popa presents a challenging hike with beautiful scenery and a rich cultural experience at its summit.
Inle Lake Region
Surrounding Inle Lake, this area features scenic trails that provide opportunities to explore local villages, rice paddies, and breathtaking views over the lake.
Kalaw to Inle Lake Trek
A popular multi-day trek that spans through the Shan State, offering stunning landscapes, local cultures, and tranquil surroundings as you make your way to Inle Lake.
Aniwat Mountain
Less touristy than other locations, Aniwat Mountain offers serene hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and opportunities to explore lush forests.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Burma through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Burma by plane.
Yangon International Airport (RGN)
The largest international airport in Myanmar, located in Yangon. It serves as a major hub for international flights into and out of the country.
Mandalay International Airport (MDL)
The second-largest international airport in Myanmar, located in Mandalay, providing international connections mainly to neighboring countries.
Naypyidaw International Airport (NYT)
An international airport located in the capital city of Naypyidaw, serving as a growing hub for domestic and international flights.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
One of the largest airports in Southeast Asia, located in Bangkok, Thailand, it serves numerous international routes, including those to Myanmar.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Located in Bangkok, Thailand, this airport mainly serves low-cost carriers and offers many flights to various destinations in Southeast Asia, including Myanmar.
Changi Airport (SIN)
Singapore’s primary airport, recognized for its efficiency and services, providing numerous international flights, including connections to Myanmar.
Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
Located in Kunming, China, it serves as a significant gateway for international flights to Southeast Asia, including Myanmar.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Bamar
The largest ethnic group in Myanmar, making up approximately 68% of the population.
Shan
The second largest ethnic group, primarily residing in the eastern region, constituting about 9% of the population.
Karen (Kayin)
An ethnic group in the southeastern region of Myanmar, accounting for about 7% of the population.
Rakhine (Arakanese)
Residents of the Rakhine state, making up around 4% of the population.
Mon
An ethnic group residing mainly in Mon State, comprising about 2% of the population.
Kachin
An ethnic group primarily in Kachin State, representing approximately 1.5% of the population.
Chin
An ethnic minority located in the Chin State, accounting for around 1% of the population.
Wa
A group in the Shan State comprising about 0.5% of Myanmar’s population.
Other ethnic groups
Includes various smaller ethnic groups such as the Naga, Pa-O, and others, making up the remaining percentage of the population.
The Soul of Burma
Discover the essence of Burma through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football
Football, or soccer, is the most popular sport in Burma, with a strong following at both the professional and grassroots levels.
Sepak Takraw
Sepak Takraw is a traditional sport in Southeast Asia, similar to volleyball but played with a rattan ball and using feet, head, knees, and chest to hit the ball.
Basketball
Basketball has gained popularity especially among the youth, and various local leagues and schools actively promote the sport.
Badminton
Badminton is widely played in Burma, both recreationally and competitively, with many clubs and schools offering training and leagues.
Cricket
Cricket has a presence in Burma, particularly in areas with significant Indian influence, although it is not as widespread as football.
Traditional Sports
Traditional sports such as chinlon (a type of kick volleyball) and natthakut (a form of wrestling) are also held in high regard and are integral to cultural celebrations.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
In major cities, vegetarian and vegan eateries are increasingly available. Traditional Burmese cuisine heavily features vegetables, and it's common to find meat-free alternatives for most local dishes.
Gluten-free Options
While gluten-free awareness is still emerging, some restaurants and cafes offer gluten-free alternatives. Dishes like salads, soups, and rice-based meals can often be adapted to accommodate gluten restrictions.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Burma with these cultural adventures.