Myanmar’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.Thus who looking for an Asian vacation destination far from the crowds that sound well known tourists locales should consider a vacation to Myanmar. 

 

Places to Visit in Myanmar Many guests visit Myanmar to see its religious sites such as Bagan, a world-heritage site along the Irrawaddy River that holds over 2,000 temples and pagodas pointing to ancient Burma's religious history. Mount Popa, an extinct volcano rimmed with pagodas and temples, also draws guests. Others visit the country to experience the culture of its people. Inle Lake, a shallow lake near the Shan Mountain, is home to the Inle people, who live in homes balanced on stilts over the water. The giant reclining Buddha in Bago also appeals to travelers.

Bagan, Myanmar The main tourist destination in Myanmar is Bagan, capital of the first Myanmar Empire; one of the richest archaeological sites in South-east Asia.  Bagan is situated in the hot and dry zone, 100 m above sea level. The place is known as the birthplace of Theravada Buddhism. More than 2,000 temples and stupas, built in the era between 11th and 13th Centuries, still exist today as national Heritage on the banks of the Ayeyarwady river. Architectural features of vaults and arches, sculptures and mural paintings can be observed in Bagan Pagodas. The use of form and space in building these Pagodas, structural concepts and lighting giving are unique.It is impossible to see all the Pagodas and therefore it is necessary to select a few outstanding Pagodas to see those in detail. Highlights are Ananda Temple, Manuha, Nanphaya, Wet Gyi In Gu Pyauk Gyi, Shwezigone Stupa, Mingalar Zedi, Damayangyi Temple, Sulamani Temple and Damarazika Stupa.Shwe San Daw, Bupaya, Lawkananda and Mingalar Stupas are famous for good sunset views.   Inle lake The Inle lake is situated 900 m above sea level and surrounded by blue and hazy mountain ranges. Some visitors to Myanmar referred to Inle lake as the “Venice of the East” when going through the canals and villages by boat. There are about 100,000 people inhibiting Inle lake and it’s shores. It is 22 km in length and 10 km in the widest place. Various tribal (e.g. Intha, Pa-O and Shan) people’s daily life and markets in the lake area are an attraction. Arts and crafts of Intha people can also be seen at Inle lake. Leg rowing is practiced among all the Intha people. One may be curious why the Intha people row their boats with legs. It is more powerful, and more suitable to use their traditional fishing method by putting a conical shaped fishing trap into the lake. In addition they can see ahead by standing in reedy area. Intha is the only tribe who row their boat with legs.  The better hotels are either directly on the lake or on its shores. Many of these hotels can only be reached by boat.

 

 

Ecotourism Myanmar is a land full of richness in nature and the diversity of species. The ecosystems in this country constitute one of the biological reservoirs in Asia.  There are over 7,000 plants and over 1,000 endemic species. Also, there are about 1,000 bird species, 300 mammals, 350 reptiles are recorded.Myanmar's tropical jungles, waterways and wildlife draw adventurous travelers looking for an ecotourism vacation destination. The country has a strict policy of protecting its natural forests, with 50 percent of the natural forestland currently protected. Guests can hike to the top of Mt. Hkakaborazi, the tallest peak in the country, or explore Kakaborazi National Park in search of the Black Barking Deer. Myanmar has 16 wildlife sanctuaries and a zoological park. These locations give guests a chance to get close to some of Myanmar's wildlife, including Asian elephants and tigers. Here are some of the Natural Gardens, Parks, and Sanctuaries National Kandawgyi Garden National Kandawgyi Garden is located in Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay. The Area is about 344.81 acres and was established in 1915. This Garden before was known as National Botanical Garden. It serves as a recreation centre for the public and as an ecotourism site for the tourists. Moeyingyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary Moeyingyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Waw Township, Bago Division. It is a land of 40 square miles. This sanctuary was established in 1986. This sanctuary is to conserve resident and migratory water birds and their habitats. Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Minbu, Setote-taya, Saku and Ngapeh Townships of Magwe Division. The total area is 213.4 square miles. It was established in 1940. This sanctuary is to conserve the deer of Myanmar and the dry zone. Khakaborazi National Park is located in Naungmung Township of Kachin State and it covers an area of 1,472 square miles. This park is to conserve natural forests and wildlife in the northern part of Myanmar. Inle Lake Sanctuary Inle Lake Sanctuary is a wetland sanctuary and located in Naung Shwe, Pinlaung and Peh Kon Townships of Southern Shan State. It covers an area of 642.32 square miles and was established in 1985. This sanctuary is to conserve and protect natural vegetation, wetland birds and fresh water fishes in Inlay sanctuary. Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mohnyin Township of Kachin State. It covers an area of 299.32 square miles and was established in 1999. The sanctuary determines to conserve the largest inland lake in Southeast Asia and to protect it’s the dwelling birds.

When to Visit Myanmar
Climate wise, the best season for visiting Myanmar is November to February, when it rains least and isn't too hot. If you're hitting the hill stations or the Rakhine coast, try March to May - on the other hand, Bagan and Mandalay are intolerable during these months. Myanmar is least crowded in May, June and September.Myanmar can be visited all year round.


What to Wear
Light, casual wear preferably made of cotton is suitable for all climates. Some warm clothes are necessary if you plan to visit northern Myanmar or other hilly regions in the cold season. Sandals or slippers are convenient as the dress code for Buddhist religious buildings prescribe decent apparel and no footwear including socks.


Time
Myanmar Standard Time (MST) is six hours and 30 minutes ahead of greenish MeanTime (GMT/UTC)
 

Myanmar Currency   The national currency is called Kyat (pronounced ‘chat’) and K1000, K500, K200, K100, K50, K20, K10, K5 and K1 denomination banknotes are in use. The Central Bank of Myanmar also issues K100, K50, K10, K5 and K1 coins though they are not widely used. Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC) are also in use in denominations equivalent to $20, $10, $5 and $1 and are widely used by visitors. They are accepted by hotels, airlines, travel agencies, taxies, restaurants and as entrance fees to pagodas, museums and parks. Apart from US dollars other foreign currencies might be hard to convert to Kyat or FEC. It is advisable to bring sufficient US dollars in cash as credit cards are not accepted apart from some outlets in major cities. Travellers’ cheques are not widely used. Some big hotels and restaurants accept credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa.