Myanmar boasts virgin jungle, snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches as well as embraces 135 ethnic group, rich heritage linking about two thousand years of ancient cities and unique Buddhist temples.
Myanmar has some similarities with Thailand because Buddhist culture such as Buddhist Golden temple and it also been influenced by China and India. Strong families bonding is its unique culture such as respect for elders
Majority of Burmese are Buddhist devotees. Buddhism has strongly instilled into the their minds which are reflected in their languages and arts as well as daily life such as their simple native dress and lifestyles, harmonious living. Burmese traditional festivals are based on the calendar and date is determined by moon's phase Burmese. Pagoda festival is the most important one.Participated 10 days Myanmar Familiarization Tour from 05 Aug-03 Sep 2017 with a group of 21 international travel industry players from USA, Germany ,Vietnam, Poland, Singapore, India and Canada on guided tour to the following highlighted historical, cultural, religious and natural sites
YANGON CITY
Nay Pyi Taw, a new capital but Yangon is still the largest, fascinating and commercial city, exotic sites such as British colonial architecture, the Indian and Chinese Quarter, Wonder of Shwedagan, sacred Pagoda as well as characteristic designed temple have lured international Buddhist pilgrims. With its green, hot tree and shapely park, vibrant Chinatown, Chinese temple and wonderful local foods and handmade crafts as well as shopping at Scottmarket, sightseeing and experiencing the local lifestyle or river life by boat drive. In addition, you can enjoy a wonderful night-life with drink and pop music in Pubs and Bars along streets in an exciting city
BAGAN
Situated on the band of the Irrawaddy River about 145 km southwest of Mandalay. There are over 3000 Buddhist temples (Myanmar style such as gold-plated) in Bagan. The most popular temples are Ananda Temple. Dhammayangyi Temple, Shwezigon Pagoda and Thatbyinnyu Temple. The best travelling period is May –January due to cooler climate. Meanwhile, you can opt for tour such as biking, mountain Popa, Balloon sightseeing or visiting mountain village.
MANDALAY
Mandalay is the second largest city and last royal capital, situated in the central dry zone by Irrawaddy River. It was found in 1857 by King Mindon. A cultural and religious center of Buddhism with more than 700 pagodas, such as Buddha's Replica Tooth Relic Pagoda and Hills etc,. Mandalay Palace (Mya Nan San Kyaw) was damaged during World War II but refurbished in 1990. U Bein Bridge-1.2 km long teakwood bridge built in 1850 and it is one of the oldest teakwood bridges, Weirawsana pagoda is a pure jade constructed and costed USD15million. Kuthodaw Pagoda, -a Buddhist stupa contains the world largest book.
HELO (INLE LAKE)
Sit on 900 meters above sea level, the second large lake in Myanmar. Visitors are attracted by one leg row technique of boatman while in motorboat drive. Understand the real sense of traditional local (Intha) life if you visit cotton and lotus weaving factories. Meanwhile, you will more or less be able to understand the lifestyle of tribe through their colorful clothes and crowed, busy market ambience during market tour. You can go up the hill of temple of Indein overlooking the lake and viewing the beautiful picturesque
How to go
2 ways international flights from respective own countries and 4 domestic flights operated and based in Myanmar.
What to see
Characteristic of Buddhist Golden temple, unique natural beauty and cultural heritage, traditional festival and experience the lifestyle of Burmese living in cities and those tribes living incountryside or highland
What to eat
International delicious Cuisines ie Chinese, Western seafood and local food favorites are available in the cities and attractions. You can enjoy your dinning in above 4 destinations. Street food are not recommended.
Where to stay
3, 4 5 star hotels and resorts with amenity ie TV, complementary drink, towels, soap, shampoo,kettle and safe box are available in the above 4 destinations
OBSERVATIONS AND VIEWS
Myanmar is a developing country, one of members of Asean countries, an emerging market for tourism and related services. Tourist sites are generally safe and secure though there is a political uncertainty in certain areas which will not affect so much the visitors coming. The new government administration has positively improved its infrastructure and tourism facilities such as airport terminal and custom clearance as well as Immigration office for a wavier of visa for Singapore visitors and also catered the increasing needs and wants of international visitors. Tourism planners and policy makers have been working closely with industry partners to promote tourism-Road Show and MICE Seminar. Burmese are happy now that they can speak openly as compared to my previous visit 10 years ago, Myanmar has progressed well in many aspects.
Burmese are generally kind, helpful, and courteous to welcome visitors. Most of staff in tourism, hospitality industry are trained and able to speak an English to communicate quite well. Some of tribes ie boatmen, villagers, farmers have maintained their traditional cultures, customs, festival celebration and simple lifestyles as well as social value.
Some visitors opted out to visit the temples as they were not comfortable to take off their shoes and socks each time before entering for one or another valid reasons, such as dangerously walking on wet, slip or hot floor during raining and hot season
Young Burmese are dynamic, keen to learn and upgrade their new skills and knowledge. They have passions to advance their careers. They are deeply concerned over the country. With more transplant tourism policies, together with political stability and improvement in security and environment. Myanmar will attract more potential oversea investors in joint-investment in tourism and hospitality industry ie hotel, F&B, retail outlets ,entertainment, shopping facilities, attractions and other related sectors and international visitors as well.
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