EditorsBy Susan Noel
After emerging from half a century of oppressive government policies and isolation, Myanmar gradually turned into a darling of the tourism industry. Formerly called Burma, this was the least-visited country in South East Asia that later on went on to be called one of the hottest new destinations in the year 2016. Soon, tour operators integrated and created the best itineraries, ATMs started mushrooming in and around Myanmar, cruise lines dropped their anchors and the first Burmese KFC opened its inaugural batch of Colonel’s chicken.
Visitors went berserk about an exotic location that they previously never found to change in the last 5 decades. The beaches and Buddhist temples started calling tourists from all over the world. Tourists went chasing sunsets along the Irrawaddy River and inspired generations of poets. This way Myanmar made it to the headlines for valid reasons!
Is it easy to travel to Burma (Myanmar)?
We usually imagine Myanmar to be similar to traveling to the other regions of Southeast Asia but this place is not as developed as others. After the resurgence of this destination as a tourist hot-spot, obtaining a Myanmar visa online also became much easier than before. But if you spend a week in this country, you’ll be amused to see the present tourism infrastructure that lets you travel conveniently and freely around the hot spots of the country.
Tourists also feel that Myanmar is an affordable destination where the daily budget can be $35 each day. With this kind of a budget, it is possible to take first-class VIP overnight buses, enjoy some nice cocktails at the local bars and also stay in well-decorated private rooms.
Are there any prevalent scams in Bagan?
When you’re in Bagan, you have to be careful about the renting an e-bike. There will be people who will spot you as a tourist and commit you to take you to your destination. They will take you to the best sunset spots that you could have never found on your own but at last, they take out paintings from their bags with the intention of selling them to you.
If you don’t mind buying the nice portraits that they show you, you may take this route. Nevertheless this is a trick adopted by these people to illegitimately sell their portraits to tourists.
Inle Lake Leg Rowers. Photo: yeowatzup via Flickr
Can you leave your shoes outside while visiting Burmese temples?
The best form of shoes that you should wear in Myanmar is a strong and light sandal like Birkenstocks. This will help you slide them easily before entering temples. However, while you take off your sandals or shoes, stay wary about keeping your shoes away from the bins. If anyone commits to keep a watch on your shoes, she will demand money in lieu of that service.
Staying a few weeks in Myanmar – Where to go?
No matter how many days you stay in Myanmar, there are several itineraries and there is actually no bad way of visiting Myanmar. You can go from Yangon to Bagan Inle Lake and back. Since you have few days at hand, you can fly out of Mandalay too so that you don’t return to Yangon in case the hefty price of flights don’t allow you.
Shan Noodles. Photo: Anne Dirkse via Flickr
Food in Myanmar
If you’re someone who’s never been to Myanmar before, it is most likely that you’ve never tried Burmese food! The tea leaf salad and the curry are worth trying. However, keep in mind that Burmese food can be really heavy as they’re mostly fried and oily stuff. Hence, don’t forget to balance your diet with fresh fruits to stay healthy.
So, before you visit the land of beaches and Buddhist temples, make sure you are aware of all the above mentioned details so that you don’t fall in trouble after reaching the spot.
Author Bio:
Susan Noel is an experienced content writer. She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her valuable travel tips with the audience.
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