Myanmar

Despite many parts of particularly western Burma being damaged from war, the country has within its landscape a plethora of beautiful, religious architecture. Many visitors arrive dumbfounded by the awe of the intricately detailed structures..

History
Burma has within its history a powerful Burmese kingdom of the Bamar people from the 9 Th Century BC. The British discovered Burma in 1824, and by 1886 the country became a province of India as part of the Commonwealth. The Union of Burma was formed by 1948, after the two World Wars, and by 1962, Burma was under the Communist military regime of General Ne Win, who was then taken over by General Saw Muang in 1988.

The country remains a Communist state, governed by the military, and many tourists are weary about supporting the corrupt government when visiting the country. Pro-democracy advocates have encouraged tourism into Burma for the benefit of bringing funds into their local economy – as long as the funds do reach local hands (usually the five-star hotels and restaurants are partially owned by the government).

Quick Facts

• Capital city: Naypyidaw (administrative capital in the Mandalay Division since 2005)
• Borders: China (north), India & Bangladesh (west), Laos & Thailand (east).
• Time Zone: UTC+6:30
• Population: approx 42 million
• Languages: Burmese (official), English, Shan dialects, Kayin, Mon, Chinese dialects (Hokkien, Cantonese), Hindi, Tamil
• Religions: Buddhism (89%), Christianity (4%), Muslim (4%), Animist (1%), other (2%).
• Currency: Kyat, though US currency is mostly accepted (US$1 = 1350 Kyat).

Hot Spots
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

The most famous of all Burma’s pagodas is the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon ( Rangoon). Kipling couldn’t get enough of it, and the structure remains just as awe-inspiring today as it would have been to the first British explorers. It is often said that there is more gold on the pagoda than ‘in the vaults of the Bank of England.’ The tip of the main structure alone is made of 5,448 diamonds, and 2,317 rubies, sapphires and topaz. Yangon, in the south, is also the commercial capital of Burma, and hosts a variety of colonial architecture from the time of British rule.

Mandalay
In the center of the country, Mandalay was once the capital city of Burma during the Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1853), and is filled with historical sites to visit, particularly the Mandalay Royal Palace.

Bagan
A little further south from Mandalay, Bagan was once the capital of medieval Burma, during the time of Anawrahta’s conquest of Thaton in 1057, and the overrun of Bagan by Kublai Khan’s forces in 1287. What had once been a city of an estimated 13,000 temples and pagodas, now remains with approximately 2000 temples and pagodas standing.

Shopping
Burma has many surprisingly well-kept antiques from its British period, and travelers should keep a look-out for a great bargain at the local markets.

The largest market in Yangon is the Bogyoke Aung San Market (formerly the Scott Market). Whether you are searching for spices, lacquerware, precious stones, textiles or electronics, anything that a local Burmese would need for their daily lives can be found at this market.

Food & Drink
Burmese food has influences of Indian, Chinese and Mon cuisine, ranging from curries to Chinese style noodles, and seafood along coastal towns. Vegetarian options are widely available.

Toddy juice (ta-yei) is a popular drink in central Burma, made out of fermented palm sugar. Local beers are also available, through frowned upon by the more conservative Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims.

Transport
Trains
Trips between Yangon and Mandalay take approximately 16 hours, and will cost between US$15 (ordinary) and US$50 (sleeper).

Ferries
Trips from Mandalay to Bagan takes a full morning; Bagan to Yangon takes several days. Bagan to Mandalay takes 13 hours. Costs are around US $15 to $20.

Bus
Trips between Yangon and Madalay take about 15 hours and cost about 15,000 Kyat.

Pick-Up Trucks
Pick-up trucks are old Toyota pickup trucks which run from city to city (each with a central pickup point), at very low costs – and extremely ‘packed’ conditions. Like sardines, passengers are expected to fill the truck wherever possible, and sometimes drivers go off the routes in hopes of picking up more passengers. A seat at the front next to the driver will cost just that little extra (and would probably be worth it). Get to the pickup point early to reserve.

Cars
Available for hire in Yangon, however night-time driving is dangerous and not recommended.

Other
Hospitals may require bribery for better services, and it is recommended that you bring your own needles, as there remains risk of contracting HIV from unsanitary needles