Myanmar

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Mingalarbar, is Myanmar's national language, it means "good fortune to you." This greeting, which can be seen on people's faces and can be seen in the uncontrollable cordialities of Myanmar people, demonstrates Myanmar's calm, friendly, and warm hospitality.

Myanmar is a country where the landscape is dotted with ornate pagodas as well as the authentic ways of Asian resilience, marking the beginning of a more democratic age in a strange land. Given that the speed of change in this South Asian country is not too quick, you can enjoy the simple pleasures of a trip there.

Visitors will see Myanmar's first parliament, the flagpole where the Myanmar flag was raised for the first time on Myanmar Independence Day (1948), and the Martyrs' bed, where General Aung San and other martyrs were assassinated.

The Myanmar Ministry of Hotel and Tourism has also contributed to the destination's tourism boost by reopening permits for overland travel from Inle Lake to KengTung via Highway No 4, which is known for being one of Myanmar's most scenic drives and for providing travellers with opportunities for overland road trips to China, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

Traditions & Culture :-

Myanmar's long and rich cultural heritage is expressed in its architecture, with Buddhist architecture serving as the most dazzling example of the country's inventiveness. Beautiful gold and silver work, lotus silk scarves, and pretty lacquerware bowls and cups are examples of more modest cultural expressions that are still commonly used and crafted by hand as part of an artisan tradition.

The Mon people are thought to be the founders of Myanmar culture. Intermarriage with Siamese, Burmese, and other peoples gradually created a hybrid society dominated by kings and despots. Despite conquests by the notorious Kublai Khan, neighbouring nations, and the British Empire, Myanmar's way of life was dominated by myths and superstitions. Myanmar's name has changed over time, but many of the cultural backgrounds have remained the same.

The Pyu are thought to be the first major civilisation in Myanmar, and they are credited with bringing Theravada Buddhism, Myanmar's major religion, to the region.

The Bamar ethnic community, which includes today's Burmese, migrated to the Upper Irrawaddy Valley in the 9th century. Myanmar's cultural mainstream has been profoundly entwined with the Bamar ethnic majority's customs and influenced by teachings of Buddhism.

Myanmarese people, on the whole, have a humble and relaxed demeanour. Women in Myanmar culture have historically requested a high degree of respect. When it comes to family life in Burma, men and women's roles are less well defined and equal. The importance of and respect for the social hierarchy of age is especially high. Burmese people are supposed to always honour their elders.

Theravada is a Buddhist religion. More than 90% of the population practises Buddhism, a more traditional branch of the religion. Thousands of golden pagodas can be found in Myanmar, the most prominent of which is the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Religious sites are kept immaculately clean, and you must remove your shoes before entering. There are strict dress codes in effect, which all guests must adhere to.

Myanmar's arts are also closely linked to the country's conservative Buddhist culture. Paintings and sculptures depicting Gautama's life and teachings abound, especially in Bagan's ancient temples. Clay and wood puppets are the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship. Myanmar brides wear family heirlooms, while her groom dons a “gaung baung” headdress, “taung shay longyi” jacket, and velvet slippers for a traditional ceremony in which the newlyweds are presented with floral garlands. The most important ancient ritual a parent may perform is committing sons to the service of Lord Buddha.

The longyi is the most common form of traditional dress worn on a daily basis. This is a large fabric that is worn by both men and women and looks like a sarong.

Any time of year, you can visit Myanmar and find festivals on the calendar. These events are marked by centuries-old pageants, parades, and celebrations.

Main Attractions
Shopping
Things To Do
Getting There
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Main Attractions

Must Visit Places :- Myanmar is a nation steeped in tradition, culture, and history. It's in the middle of urbanisation, so when you visit, you'll see an amazing blend of old and new. Pagodas seem to be strewn about the countryside, and nowhere is this more evident than in Bagan. They also adorn balancing rocks and city centres.

Inle Lake - Inle Lake, with its floating villages and vegetable gardens, is a place that will transport you to another era. On a boat tour of the lake, you can stop at some fascinating locations. For starters, you'll see Intha fishermen who balance themselves on the front of their boat with one leg while rowing with the other. Another stop is the Five Day Market, which moves from one day to the next day by day.
Mount Popa - Make a point of visiting Mount Popa if you're in Mandalay. It's one of the best Myanmar tourist attractions, particularly for hikers. The extinct volcano is not only beautiful in its own right, but it is also topped by the Popa Taungkalat Monastery, which is perched on a rocky outcrop. A total of 777 steps will take you to the summit, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the plains.
Mandalay - Myanmar's second-largest city, Mandalay, is a charming yet perplexing place situated at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Formerly the old royal capital, it is now home to busy markets, monasteries, Indian temples, mosques, and hilltop pagodas, making it the cultural heart of Burma.
The Shwedagon or Greater Dragon Pagoda - The Shwedagon, or Greater Dragon Pagoda, is regarded as Myanmar's most sacred Buddhist site, as it houses a strand of Buddha's hair as well as other religious artefacts. This 2,500-year-old pagoda is located on Yangon's Singuttara Hill. This stupa is covered in 4, 531 diamonds, and this pagoda is covered in gold leaf. Visitors to the pagoda are required to dress appropriately covering knees and shoulders.
Bagan - It's easy to see why Bagan is one of Myanmar's most popular tourist destinations. It's a fascinating location with a long history. The Bagan Archeological Zone, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2019, contains over 2,000 ruins. These are all active Buddhist temples that tourists are welcome to visit.
Yangon - Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is Myanmar's capital and largest city. From Buddhist temples to beautiful parks and lakes, there's plenty to see and do in this thrilling and vibrant metropolis. Take a walk down the streets and you'll discover a wealth of history. Every corner of the city is adorned with colonial houses, museums, art galleries, and markets.
Ayeyarwady River - The Ayeyarwady River is best known for its world-class cruise tours. It flows from north to south across Myanmar and is also known as the Irrawaddy River. It is not only the country's biggest river, but it is also the country's most important commercial waterway. The Ayeyarwady River is a relatively straight North-South river that originates at the confluence of the N'mai and Mali rivers and ends at Andaman Sea.
Golden Rock - A visit to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as Golden Rock, is considered a pilgrimage by the locals. This is one of Myanmar's holiest sites, and Burmese pilgrims come from all over the world to pay their respects. The rock, which is perched on the edge of a mountain, is said to be balanced on a strand of the Buddha's hair, according to legend. The only thing keeping it from dropping is this.

Places to visit :-

Bagan - Bagan, Myanmar's ancient capital, is one of the country's most fascinating destinations. The Bagan Archaeological Zone, which spans 26 square miles, is home to over 2,000 Buddhist monuments. Jumping into a hot air balloon and flying over the city is the perfect way to take in the entirety of this beautiful city. The drives take place in the early morning hours. Bring a decent camera with you so you can catch the moment.
Inle Lake - The Lake Inle area is known for its picturesque floating villages, lovely parks, and magnificent temples. You'll get around by wooden boat because there are no roads here. Staying in Lake Inle is a wonderful way to completely immerse yourself in the local culture. Over 200 monasteries are spread across the lake, including the Jumping Cat Monastery. Stay in over-water villas perched on stilts above the water, visit thousand-year-old pagodas, and see over 200 monasteries. The floating market in Ywama village and the beautiful floating gardens of Nampan village are two other Lake Inle attractions worth seeing.
Mount Popa - Mount Popa, also known as Taung Kalat, is a monastery perched atop a dormant volcano. It is one of Myanmar's holiest sites and a worship centre for Nat Spirits, which are mainly the spirits of people who died violently. These spirits are revered throughout Myanmar, as evidenced by the locals' offerings of food, money, and flowers at the Mingaladon Gate.
Golden Rock - Despite its small size, Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as Golden Rock, is one of Mon State's most striking pagodas due to its location. It's sitting on top of a gold-leaf-covered boulder. As it perfectly balances itself on another rock atop Mt. Kyaiktiyo, the boulder appears to defy gravity. The hair relic enshrined in the boulder is thought to be the reason for its odd location. According to legend, the boulder is supported by a strand of Buddha's hair.
Yangon - Take your time visiting many of Yangon's religious sites to get a sense of the capital city's essence. Seeing the Shwedagon Pagoda – a colossal golden steeple – at sunset is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At Botataung Pagoda, see Buddha hairs, go to a fresh local market, and buy souvenirs at Bogyoke Aung San Market. Regardless of how you spend your time in Yangon, you must sample the city's delectable Burmese street food!
Pindaya Caves - Pindaya Caves are a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site and a major tourist attraction located near the town of Pindaya in Shan State, Myanmar. It is situated on the Myelat region's limestone ridge. The ridge runs north-south and has three caves, but only the southern caves are accessible to tourists. It's also unclear if the other two caves can be explored.
Mandalay - Mandalay is one of those towns in Myanmar that is known all over the world for its rich culture and heritage, thanks to the contributions of some of the dynasties that once ruled the country. The location celebrates the accomplishments of the mighty Shwenandaw Monastery and is known for its abundance of not only prose but also poetry pieces. The Royal Palace is also known as Maha Myat Muni is also a great place to see here.
Ngapali - Myanmar's most popular beach destination is Ngapali. This stretch of coastline, which runs along the magnificent Bay of Bengal, features three bays dotted with fishing villages, beaches, and coconut palms. In Ngapali, it's all about the slow life: swim, sunbathe, sleep, repeat. You can go fishing, kayaking, snorkelling, or scuba diving after you've had your fill of relaxation.
The Mergui Archipelago - The Mergui Archipelago is well-known around the world for the variety of destinations it offers. The Myeik Archipelago and the Pashu Islands are common names for some of its scattered sections in the Andaman Islands. Each of these locations has its own distinct personality that distinguishes it from the others.

Shopping

Shopping in Myanmar - Myanmar's markets and bazaars are brimming with stalls selling lacquerware, metalwork, brass and marble sculpture, woodcarvings, embroidered textiles, and other native handicrafts.

Bogyoke Market, Yangon - The largest and oldest market in Yangon, it sells a wide range of clothing, household goods, hardware, toys, and other products, while the northern end, opposite the Sri Kali Hindu temple, has a distinctly Indian feel, with stalls full of spices, herbs, and traditional medicines.
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon - Puppets, guitars, masks, toys, brassware, and metal goods, including swords, are among the products often sold in the one near the east entrance. Wood and ivory carvings are common in the bazaar at the pagoda's south entrance; make sure you can take these things home before you purchase, as many countries prohibit the import of ivory.
Golden Cuckoo, Bagan - The village of Myinkaba, which is home to dozens of workshops and showrooms – the Golden Cuckoo is especially fine, with insightful and free guided tours – produces the majority of Myanmar's best lacquerware. Sand Paintings are also a very popular souvenir bought here.
Floating Markets of Inle Lake - The touristy Ywama floating market is the most well-known, but it lacks the authenticity of the markets in Kalaw, Taunggyi, Pindaya, and Nyaungshwe. Shan shoulder bags and textiles made from lotus silk are local specialties.
Zegyo Market, Mandalay - Marionette puppets are a popular form of Burmese art and are used in the puppet show, but they are also available for purchase. Basically, you can spend quality time while on a Myanmar shopping tour by viewing and purchasing various types of art.

Things To Do

Fairs & Festivals :-

Myanmar is known for its Burmese people's festive spirit, and there are festivals held all over the world each year. One thing to keep in mind is that most festivals follow the Burmese calendar, so the dates may change from year to year. To separate festivals, obey this rule of thumb: If the holiday is a pagoda festival, expect a country fair-style celebration. Spirit rituals and holidays are more ritualistic, but there's plenty of food, music, and dance to go around.

Kachin Manaw Festival: This well-known festival in Myanmar celebrates the new year, war victories, tribal reunions, and culture. Men and women dance around manaw poles that have been erected. This festival is one of Myanmar's most enjoyable and well-attended events. Attend this festival if you visit Myanmar in January.

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival: The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival is one of Burma's most important Buddhist festivals. The festivities are spread out over a period of more than 20 days. Four of the five revered Buddha portraits are paraded across the lake in an elaborate, gilded barge pulled by hundreds of rowers. Rowing contests are held during the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, which is a sight to behold.

Thingyan Water Festival: The Thingyan Water Festival, Myanmar's most popular festival, takes place in honour of Myanmar's New Year. This festival is similar to Thailand's popular Songkran Festival, which lasts four days and involves people throwing or splashing water at one another. The festival is held across Yangon, but Mandalay has the distinction of being the most crowded city to celebrate it.

Ananda Pagoda Festival: The festival has been and will continue to be one of Myanmar's most famous celebrations. You will see Buddhist social gathering practises and ceremonies, as well as the pomp of Buddhism. It's also the perfect time to sample the best of the local cuisine.

Pyin Oo Lwin Balloon Festival: The Balloon Festival in Taunggyi, is popular for its day and night balloon competitions. Pagodas and animals such as elephants, dragons, and ducks are popular themes for day balloons. The balloons are commonly shaped like rugby balls at night, large elongated paper balls with hundreds of tiny lighted multi colored paper lanterns hanging around their edges. The night balloons would be strung together with fireworks and fire sticks, which would be set off in mid-air to create a dazzling display. The ceremony is followed by musicians who perform and dance to lively traditional Shan music, and the celebrations continue until dawn in the festival tents.

Kyaukse Elephant Dance Festival: Kyaukse is about 44 kilometres from Mandalay, and people from upper Myanmar usually visit Kyaukse during the festival in October to see the elephant dance. Typically, two people join the paper-elephant to dance. For the dance to be effective, these dancers must be totally in sync when it comes to rhythm and timing. The Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda in Kyaukse is honoured with this festival.

Naga New Year Festival: Naga New Year is one of Myanmar's most well-known festivals, and the residents of Kham-Ti village celebrate it lavishly. The Naga subtribes come together to celebrate the New Year with competitions and traditional activities. The festival's main attractions are colourful costumes, grilled meat and rice, food, and ancient tribal dances.

Thadingyut Festival Of Lights: The Thadingyut Festival of Lights in Myanmar commemorates the arrival of winter and symbolises Buddha's return to paradise from the mortal realm. You may admire the various lightings or even make your own and donate it to one of the pagodas. The uncountable number of lanterns or lights that can be seen in the sky is the most well-known feature of the Thadingyut Festival in Myanmar.

Cuisine :-

Burma's cuisine is dominated by seafood, thanks to its extensive coastline and proximity to the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. This is the land of dried prawns and fish sauce. Since the food is heavily reliant on locally grown produce, seasonal variations are popular, and traditional dishes often require a delicate balance of texture as well as flavour.

Myanmarese cuisine, though inspired by the culinary practises of neighbouring India and China, retains a distinctive and flamboyant character, much like the country's Buddhist architecture. Rice is the country's staple and main cash crop, so wherever you go in Myanmar, you'll find it in your meals. Complementary dishes are served to add variety and flavour.

Famous and commonly eaten dishes are:

Mohinga: Rice vermicelli in a fish-based broth with onions, garlic, ginger, and lemon grass – topped with sliced banana blossom, boiled eggs, and fritters – is the unofficial national dish (akyaw).

Thoke: When it comes to salads, or thoke, Myanmar’s chefs are especially inventive. Raw vegetables are smothered in dried shrimp paste after being dressed in salty fish or soy sauce. Tamarind is used to add sourness to the juice, which is then soaked up by a mixture of spicy peanuts, roasted chickpea powder, sesame seeds, and soya beans, as well as one or more oils. Crisp fried onions and garlic, roasted chilli, and herbs like mint, kaffir lime leaf, lemongrass, and coriander make up the final garnish.

Myanmar curry is distinct from its regional counterparts in that the sauce is made from a tomato base combined with oil, garlic, and other spices. The curry is served in a small bowl alongside up to a dozen other bowls containing vegetables salads, fish paste, boiled vegetables, pickled vegetables, and other products. When we eat, a transparent broth is served on the side to cleanse the palate.

One can find several variants of noodles here. Kyauk shwe, a Thai-inspired noodle dish, consists of chicken simmered in a spicy coconut milk gravy with onion, garlic, ginger, and chilli. This fragrant sauce is poured over egg noodles and topped with boiled egg slices, crispy-fried onions, chilli flakes, fresh coriander, and a wedge of sour lime. Mandalay ‘Mishee’ is a staple in the country's countless sidewalk cafés. It's made with rice noodles and deep-fried pork and beancurd puffs, as well as a pickle made from fermented mustard greens and crunchy bean sprouts. Finally, a dollop of garlic and chilli sauce, as well as a sprinkle of chopped spring onions for texture, are added.

Don't worry if you have a sweet tooth! Myanmarese people also enjoy sugary treats. Ice cream, as well as small cakes made of semolina, coconut, and/or bananas, can be found almost anywhere.

Getting There

Shown Map