Myanmar
Myanmar remains as one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. It is a country rich in tradition and heritage, and is well-known for its many pagodas, temples and unspoilt natural terrains. Myanmar shares borders with Thailand, Laos, China, India and Bangladesh. Along the entire scenic western and southern shoreline, lies the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Martaban.
Yangon
Yangon, is one of the international gateways to Myanmar. Filled with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of "Garden City of the East". It is also a city filled with ancient places and golden pagodas.
Yangon was founded by King Alaungphaya on the site of a small village called Dagon when he conquered lower Myanmar in 1755. The name Yangon, means "end of strife" which was anglicized to Rangoon by the British. Yangon today has many modern living conveniences and facilities, with a population of over 5 million.
Bagan
Bagan is known as the birthplace of Myanmar civilization. This ancient religious city is one of the most important archaeological sites in Asia, constructed at the same time as Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It has been calculated that between Anawrahta's conquest of Thaton in 1057 and Kublai Khan's forces overrunning Bagan in 1287, some 13,000 temples, pagodas, monasteries and other religious structures were built on this vast plain. Situated on the eastern bank of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River was the first Myanmar Empire.
Today, Bagan is famous for its over 2,000 pagodas and temples. Views from atop any temple offer visitors a panoramic bird's-eye view of Bagan, and leisurely walks between its ancient temples and pagodas are unforgettable experiences. Bagan lacquer ware is a famous local handicraft.
Mandalay
Mandalay, the last capital city of the Myanmar kings, is located in the center of Myanmar, about 668 km north of Yangon. Mandalay was founded in 1859 by King Mindon and was the capital city of the Konboung dynasty.
In the present day, Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar for its monasteries and pagodas, and is a renowned Myanmar arts and architecture resource hub. Hence, it is known as the center of Myanmar culture.
Inlay Lake
Located in Shan State and nestled amidst misty blue mountains, is the beautiful Inlay Lake. Inlay Lake is 22 km long and 11 km wide, and about 900 meters above sea level.
This picturesque lake has very calm waters dotted with floating vegetation and busy fishing canoes. Hills lined the lake and are mostly inhabited by the Intha people, who build their villages on stilts. The hard working Intha people are famous for propelling their flat bottomed boats by standing at the stern with only one leg around the oar. This unique leg-rowing technique offers relief to the arms which are also used for rowing the long paddles from one end of the lake to another.
Local produce is grown in unique floating gardens by the villagers and sold at the spectacular floating market. The cooler climate of Inlay Lake makes it a highly popular summer resort destination.
Language
The official language is Burmese.
Climate
Myanmar has three seasons:
The cold season – October through February with average temperatures of between 20ºC - 24ºC.
The hot season – March to May with average temperatures of between 30ºC-35ºC.
The wet season June to September with average temperatures between 25ºC-30ºC.
Dressing
Cotton clothing and a light wrap for the evenings during the cool season are recommended. Do not wear shorts, inappropriate wear or sleeveless blouses when visiting temples. To remove any footwear before entering a temple.
Currency
It is recommended that visitors bring US dollars in cash. Authorised money changers throughout Myanmar accept US Dollars. The FEC (Foreign Exchange Currency) used in Myanmar is equal to the US Dollar (1=1) and can easily been used for payment of purchases throughout the country. Myanmar currency is Kyat (pronounced "Chat")
