Myanmar
Summary
Magnificent and still largely undiscovered, this glorious country is slowly unfolding its secrets – its ancient palaces, elegant pagodas, legendary rivers, tranquil lakes and pristine beaches which open out onto either the Bay of Bengal or the Andaman Sea. Wonder at the floating villages and gardens as well as the golden stupas and Buddha's, and fall under the spell of some of the gentlest people. It’s a country which seduces all who visit.
Experiences
- Explore the floating gardens of the magnificent Inle Lake
- Relax on the pristine beaches of Ngapali
- Take a cruise on the Irrawaddy River
- Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
- Soar above Bagan in a hot air balloon
- Experience local life on Yangon's Circular Railway
- Meet the locals in cultural Hsipaw
- Delve into the pine forests of Kalaw
- Meditate with Burmese monks
- Explore the range of craft workshops and arts performances in Mandalay
Seasons
Myanmar experiences a tropical monsoon climate and only three seasons:
Summer: March to May is very hot, with temperatures reaching 43°C, and high humidity.
Monsoon: May to October is wet and humid, raining almost daily with the occasional typhoon. The average temperature is 30°C, with slightly cooler evenings.
Winter: Cool and dry winters run from November to February, with temperatures ranging from 15°C at night to about 25°C in the day.
Best time to go
November to April are the recommended months to visit Myanmar, missing the monsoon season and the worst of the heat. Most hotels in the Ngapali Beach area are closed during the low season which is from May to October.
Fast Facts
- Capital – Naypyidaw
- Currency – kyat
- Point of Entry – Yangon
- Airlines – Thai Airways. Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines
- Flying Time – 14 hrs 30 mins
- Visa – Required, must be obtained in advance
Insider tips
- Burmese food can be every bit as delicious as its Thai and Vietnamese cousins. But eating meat here can be a chastening experience. The meat is hardly succulent and tender but thanks to the huge Buddhist population, vegetarian options are plentiful.
Events & Festivals:
• January: Ananda Pagoda Festival, Bagan
• February: Mahamuni Pagoda Festival, Mandalay
• April: Thingyan Water Festival (Burmese New Year)
• September: Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda Festival, Inle Lake
• October: The Thadingyut (Festival of Lights)
• November: Robe Weaving Contest