Travelling in Burma (Myanmar) feels like stepping into a parallel world – like the rest of the world went one way and Burma took a different turn somewhere along the road.
That may slowly be changing as the country opens up, but for now it still feels very different from the rest of Southeast Asia. Combine that with a series of genuinely world-class sights, and it makes Burma an excellent destination for a 2-week trip.
For most first-time visitors, Burma is about four main highlights: Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake. These form the core of almost any trip and can comfortably be combined into a two-week itinerary.
I’ve written below some further travel tips for travelling around Burma, but my 2 biggest tips are:
#1 Is it safe?
You will naturally have seen in the news Burma very often flaring up with the latest crisis and the story of the country is truly a sad one considering the repression in particular of the ethic minorities and continued belligerence of the military junta.
But, from a tourist point of view, such changes haven’t really stopped the country as it opens up more and more to overseas visitors. Whilst it may sound like a country to avoid based on headlines, thousands more come to the country each year than the last and flare ups occur only in the remote areas foreigners are not allowed in. There are far more countries in the world with far more dangers that receive far more tourists on a regular basis.
#2 A feeling of real Burma
The classic itinerary is great fun – very much wow. But for the truly mega wow, consider wandering off the beaten track.
One of the best adventures I’ve experienced was the 6 day trip down the Irrawaddy River by ferry in Northern Burma from Myitkyina (or you can start in Bhamo / Katha to reduce the time) to Mandalay.
Breathtaking mountainous jungle vistas, the chance to see the real local villages along the mighty Irrawaddy River, and the old echoes of the former colonial past. A truly great travel experience and I’ve included the details in the travel entry – Exploring Northern Burma by train and ferry from Myitkyina, via Bhamo and Katha to Mandalay. Just a thought.