Burma, also known as Myanmar is one of the larger countries of South East Asia and also one of the poorest. It borders Thailand, Laos, China, Bangladesh and India and has a very long coastline on the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
The country’s largest city is Yangon (formerly named Rangoon), which is the entry point to Burma for most foreign tourists. It was until very recently the capital city, until the newly built city Naypyidaw was made the new capital of Myanmar.
Burma is a country large undiscovered by foreign tourists mainly due to the isolation the country has been in for decades and the restrictions that were imposed on foreigners.
A step back in time
A visit to Burma is a step back in time in many ways. It is a country where men still wear traditional clothes like the longyi, horse carts serve as taxi in rural areas and until very recently ATM’s were an unknown thing.
Burma is a mostly Buddhist country, the temple and ancient traditions still play an important role in society, especially in rural areas. It is also a country where superstition and ancient spirit worshipping are a common thing. Mount Popa, not far from Bagan is the home of the 37 most highly venerated Nat spirits.
Since the country has moved more towards democracy, the number of foreign tourists visiting Myanmar is growing. Tourism infrastructure however is not at the same level as neighboring Thailand and during high season it can be hard to find accommodation. In the more remote areas roads can be in a poor state of repair and travel can be slow and uncomfortable.
Bagan, one of Burma’s best sites