Expatriate Forums in Myanmar

Myanmar tourism · Guest Home Country: countryx

TOURISM IN MYANMAR GUIDE

REGIONS OF MYANMAR

The South of Myanmar

YANGON

Yangon (or Rangoon), the capital, is a city of Buddhist temples, open-air markets, food stalls and ill-repaired colonial architecture. It has a population of over two million. Although most of the city has been built in the last hundred years, and although it suffered considerable damage during World War II, there are still several examples of a more ancient culture. These include the golden Shwedragon Pagoda, one of the most spectacular Buddhist shrines in Asia and reputedly 2500 years old (although rebuilt in 1769); the Sule Pagoda, also over 2000 years old; the Botataung Pagoda, hollow inside with a mirrored maze; and the Maha Pasan Guha or ‘Great Cave’.

EXCURSIONS in Yangon

Outside the capital, places worth visiting include the Naga-Yone enclosure near Myinkaba, with a Buddha figure entwined and protected by a huge cobra – a combination of Buddhism and Brahman astrology; Kyaik Tyo and its ‘Golden Rock Pagoda’, a 5.5m (18ft) shrine built on a gold-plated boulder atop a cliff; and Pegu, founded in 1573, with its golden Shwemawdaw Pagoda and market. Just northeast of Pegu is the Shwethalyaung Buddha, revered as one of the most beautiful and lifelike of reclining Buddhas, which was lost and totally overgrown by jungle after the destruction of Pegu in 1757. It was rediscovered in the British era, during the construction of the railway line.

Central Myanmar

PAGAN

Pagan is one of the greatest historical areas in the country. It is best seen at sunrise or sunset. More than 13,000 pagodas were once spread over this dry plain during the golden age of the 11 great kings (roughly 1044-1287); this came to an end with the threat of invasion by Kublai Khan from China, and this extraordinary area was abandoned. Now there are fewer than 3000 pagodas. The actual village of Pagan has a museum, market and places to eat and stay; within walking distance of Bagan, there are lacquerware workshops and an attractive temple. There are dozens of open temples in the Pagan area (about 40 sq km/15 sq miles), but places of special interest include the Shwegugyi Temple, built in 1311 and noted for its fine stucco carvings; the Gawdawpalin Temple, badly damaged in the 1975 earthquake, but still one of the most impressive of the Pagan temples; and the Thatbyinnyu Temple, which is the highest in Bagan.

MANDALAY

This old royal city is rich in palaces, stupas, temples and pagodas (although the city has suffered several bad fires which have destroyed some buildings), and is the main centre of Buddhism and Burmese arts. There are some excellent craft markets and there are thriving stone-carving workshops and gold-leaf industries. Taking its name from Mandalay Hill (rising about 240m/787ft to the northeast of the palace), the city was founded by King Mindon in 1857, the old wooden palace buildings at Amarapura being moved and reconstructed. Sights of interest include the huge Shweyattaw Buddha, close to the hill, with its outstretched finger pointing towards the city; the Eindawya Pagoda, built in 1847 and covered in gold leaf; the Shwekyimyint Pagoda containing the original Buddha image consecrated by Prince Minshinzaw during the Pagan period; and the Mahumuni Pagoda or ‘Great Pagoda’, housing the famous and revered Mahumuni image. Covered in gold leaf over the years by devout Buddhists, this image was brought from Arakan in 1784, although it is thought to be much older. The base, moat and huge walls are virtually all that remain of the once stupendous Mandalay Palace, which was an immense walled city (mostly of timber construction) rather than a palace. It was burnt down in 1942. A large-scale model gives an indication of what it must have been like. The Shwenandaw Kyaung Monastery was at one time part of the palace complex and was used as an apartment by King Mindon and his chief queen. Like the palace, the wooden building was once beautifully gilded. There are some extraordinary carved panels inside and also a photograph of the Atumashi Kyaung Monastery, destroyed by fire in 1890. The ruins can be seen to the south of the Kuthodaw Pagoda, called ‘the world’s biggest book’ because of the 729 marble slabs that surround the central pagoda – they are inscribed with the entire Buddhist canon.

EXCURSIONS in this region

The area around Mandalay contains several older, abandoned capital cities. Sagaing is easily accessible to the visitor, and contains interesting pagodas at Tupayon, Aungmyelawka and Kaunghmudaw. Sagaing was for a time the capital of an independent Shan Kingdom. In the 15th century, Ava was chosen as the kingdom’s new capital and it remained so until well into the 19th century, when the kingdom vanished; the old city walls can still be traced. Mingun (a pleasant river trip from Mandalay) possesses the famous Mingun Bell, supposedly the largest uncracked, hung bell in the world. It was cast in 1790 by King Bodawpaya to be hung in his giant pagoda, which was never finished, due to the king’s death in 1819. The base of the pagoda alone is about 50m (165ft) high. Amarapura, south of Mandalay, was founded by Bodawpaya in 1783 and the city is famous for its cotton and silk weaving.

The East & the Northwest of Myanmar

This region of the country offers the visitor opportunities for walking and rock-climbing, and the various hill stations, such as Kalaw, provide a pine-forested escape from the heat and humidity of Yangon. The caves and lake at Pindaya are famous; the caves contain thousands of Buddha images. Near the village of Yengan are the Padah-Lin Caves, containing prehistoric paintings. Inlay Lake on the Shan Plateau is famous for its floating gardens and leg-rowing fishermen. Maymyo is a charming British hill station further north, with attractive waterfalls and a pleasant climate because of its high altitude.

Difficult communications usually prevent tourists from visiting the largely tribal Northwest. Many of Myanmar’s minority peoples live here.

TOURIST TRANSPORTATION IN MYANMAR

Travel - Internal

AIR

Air travel is the most efficient way of moving within Myanmar and the only permissable means of transport for independent travellers, but there is a rather limited schedule of flights, and a rather less than perfect safety record. Air Mandalay and Air Yangon operate internal flights. Internal security can restrict ease of movement. There are daily flights to most towns; charter flights are also available. There are over 60 airstrips in the country. For tickets and information, contact Myanmar Travel and Tours (see Contact Addresses section).

Air Mandalay (Head Quarters)
146 Dhammazedi Road, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
Tel: (+95.1) 525 344, 525 488, 527 618, 534 144
Fax: (+95.1) 525 353, 525 937
E-mail: aml@mptmail.net.mm, info@airmandalay.com
Internet: http://airmandalay.com

Myanmar Airways International
08-02 Sakura Tower
339 Bogyoke Aung San Road
Yangon, Myanmar
Management /Admin
Tel : (951) 255-260
Fax : (951) 255-305
Email: management@maiair.com.mm
Reservations
Tel : (951) 255-440
Fax : (951) 255-434
Email: resvn@maiair.com.mm

Internal flight times: From Yangon to Mandalay is 2 hours 10 minutes; to Pagan is 1 hour 30 minutes; and to Heho is 1 hour 25 minutes.

SEA/RIVER

The best way of seeing Myanmar is by boat, particularly between Bhamo–Mandalay and Mandalay–Pagan. Myanmar has about 8000km (5000 miles) of navigable rivers. Trips can only be arranged as part of an organised tour group. It is generally necessary to provide one’s own food.

RAIL

Myanmar Railways provide services on several routes, the principal line being Yangon to Mandalay (travel time – 12-14 hours). Overnight trains have sleeping cars. There is also a good service from Mandalay–Lashio–Myitkyina. The state-run railway has 4300km (2700 miles) of track and serves most of Myanmar. First class is available but, with the exception of the Yangon to Mandalay line, services are regularly afflicted with delays caused by climatic, technical and bureaucratic difficulties. Tickets must be purchased through Myanmar Travel and Tours as part of an organised tour group. There are regular services from Yangon to Mandalay and from Yangon to Thazi.

ROAD

Traffic drives on the right. There has been some modernisation of Myanmar’s once antiquated vehicles. Bus: Buses are generally operated by the state-owned Road Transport Enterprise. Public bus services tend to be unreliable and uncomfortable; visitors may pay using the Kyat currency on certain lines only. Owing to the ongoing privatisation programme of the transport industry, a fleet of privately operated buses is also available. The main lines are from Yangon to Meiktila, Pyay, Mandalay and Taunggyi. Private buses are air conditioned and accept payment in Kyat, US Dollars or FECs. Bicycles are available for hire. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required. This must be presented to the police, who will endorse it or issue a visitor’s licence.

URBAN

Yangon has a circular rail service. There are also antiquated and overcrowded bus services in all cities. Yangon has blue government taxis with set fares. Unmetered three- and four-wheel taxis are available in cities, as are rickshaws; it is wise to pre-arrange fares.

USEFULL TOURISM CONTACT IN MYANMAR

Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board
c/o Traders Hotel, Level 3, Business Centre, 223 Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel: (1) 242 828 ext. 6462. Fax: (1) 242 800.
E-mail: mtpb@mptmail.net.mm
Website: www.myanmar-tourism.com or www.myanmartourismboard.com

Myanmar Travels and Tours
77-91 Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel: (1) 282 013 or 280 321 or 252 859. Fax: (1) 282 535 or 254 417.
E-mail: mtt.mht@mptmail.net.mm
Website: www.myanmars.net/mtt

TOURISM ACCOMODATION / HOTEL IN MYANMAR

Accommodation in Myanmar

ACCOMMODATION

Since the privatisation of the hotel industry in 1993, a large number of new hotels and guest-houses have been completed or are under construction, particularly in Yangon. Advance booking is advisable, particularly from November to March. There are also hotels at the resorts of Sandoway, Taunggyi and Pagan. For further details, contact Myanmar Travel and Tour (see Contact below). Grading: An increasing number of hotels are divided into three categories: luxury, first class and lower.

INNS IN MYANMAR

These are another option for visitors. Although reserved for state officials in many towns, inns will often accommodate travellers who have been granted official permission. Visitors travelling away from the normal tourist routes should carry sleeping bags or blankets, as pagodas, temples and monasteries will usually only accommodate visitors for a night or two.

Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board
c/o Traders Hotel, Level 3, Business Centre, 223 Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel: (1) 242 828 ext. 6462. Fax: (1) 242 800.
E-mail: mtpb@mptmail.net.mm
Website: www.myanmar-tourism.com or www.myanmartourismboard.com

Myanmar Travels and Tours
77-91 Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel: (1) 282 013 or 280 321 or 252 859. Fax: (1) 282 535 or 254 417.
E-mail: mtt.mht@mptmail.net.mm
Website: www.myanmars.net/mtt

SPORTS & AVTIVITIES IN MYANMAR

Sport & Activities in Myanmar

Traditional sports in Myanmar

The national game is Chinglone; its object is to keep a cane ball in the air for as long as possible using only feet and knees with teams of six players. Burmese boxing is another popular sport; it can appear extremely vicious to the uninitiated spectator. Many Western sports are also played.

A large number of Buddhist festivals are held annually in Myanmar and provide an interesting way for visitors to experience local traditions and culture (see also Special Events in the Social Profile section). For serious practitioners, there are several centres for the study and practice of Theravada Buddhism, the most famous of which is the Mahasi Meditation Centre in Yangon. The centre was founded in 1947 by Mahasi Sayadaw, one of Myanmar’s greatest meditation teachers. Visitors wishing to participate in Buddhist retreats need to obtain a special, long-stay entry visa (allowing stays of up to 12 weeks). The application procedure takes up to 10 weeks. For further details about the necessary application requirements, contact the Embassy or Consular section at the Embassy.

Visitors can also attend performances of Myanmar’s traditional popular theatre, known as pwe (or show). Performances take place in a variety of contexts, including religious festivals, weddings, sporting events or even funerals, and sometimes last for an entire night. Of further interest are performances of traditional dance forms (nat pwes), which pay homage to the spirit world, or marionette theatre (yok-thei pwe), widely practised during the late-18th century in Mandalay and one of the most characteristic forms of national cultural expression.

Ecotourism in Myanmar

This is encouraged by Myanmar Travels and Tours and there are a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries which also offer trekking and safaris. The best parks are the Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (located northwest of Monywa); Hlawga National Park (near Yangon, good for birdwatching); Popa Mountain Park (extinct volcano covered in forests in the desert area of central Myanmar); Lampi Island (Myeik Archipelago) (which can be reached by boat trips from Myeik and Kawthaung); and Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary (located in Minbu).

Other

Swimming and other types of watersports are possible on the following beaches: Kanthaya Beach (located on the Rakhine coast); Maung-ma-gan Beach (located on the Taninthayi coast in the south and reached from Dawei); Ngapali Beach (located on the Rakhine coast); and Chaung-tha Beach (located west of Pathein). Football can be seen at Aung San Stadium in Yangon and on small fields throughout the country.

Source: Columbus guide