Destination: Myanmar (Burma)

MYAN" means "quick" and "MAR" means "strong", so "MYANMAR" means the country of quick and strong people. In contrast, when humorously speaking, Myanmar and its people habitually might have chosen the option of "slow" and "easy" actions, one may well observe that there has never been quick and strong economically, politically taking place in the country in history. So, it is quite alright to take things easy while traveling in Myanmar. .Myanmar  : Myanmar has a lot to offer mainly based on Cultural tourism known as a repository of archaeological regions, ancient edifices and artistic handicrafts. Myanmar has a variety of tourist attractions such as protected natural areas of impressive geographical features such as snow-capped mountains, rivers, valleys, islands and beach resorts. Myanmar’s rich natural resources including wildlife and rare species of flora and fauna also attract tourists. On top of Cultural Tourism, Myanmar also has great potential in promoting eco-tourism, recreational and leisure tourism, health and sport tourism. The other attractions Myanmar has are local festivals all the year round in various parts of Myanmar. It provides enormous opportunities for tourist and travellers to interaction with friendly local people and to participate in villages' events, to observe locals’ believes and customs. Myanmar will always remain one of the truly authentic Asian experiences with Unmatched beauty of its nature, Uncommon kindness its people, and Unique traditions of their culture.

Geographical Facts and Figure : The country's official full name is the "Republic of the Union of Myanmar". With its total area of 676,578 sq.km/ 678,500 sq. kilometers, Myanmar is the second largest in the whole region of South-east Asia, behind Indonesia. However, it is the largest among the countries of the main-land South East Asia and the 40th largest country in the world. Myanmar is wedged between the country with the world's largest standing army, China and India, the most populous democracy in the world. It also share borders with Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh. The coastline stretches out 2832 km, with the Bay of Bengal on the south-west coast and the Andaman Sea to the south. The country is divided by three parallel mountain ranges namely Arakan (Yakine Yoma), Pegu (Bago Yoma) and Shan Plateau (Shan Yoma). All these mountain ranges commence in the north at the eastern extremity of Himalayas. Myanmar possesses the highest mountain peak in South-east Asia, Kakabo-Razi (at 5881 meters) located in the northernmost part of the country in Kachin state. The mountain ranges partition the country into three river system such as the Ayeyarwaddy (the Irrawaddy), The Sittang and the Thanlwin (the Salween). The Ayeyarwaddy is the longest river in Myanmar, extending over 2170 km, and it flows from north to south originating in the Himalayas glaciers and ending in the Andaman Sea. With its Chindwin River as its largest tributaries, both the Ayeyarwady and the Chindwin are crucial sources of life in the dry central low lands of the country.

If you wish to have any further information, please feel free to contact us.  (Contact to KSM Travels Myanmar)

 

More Places in North

Northern Myanmar, the Kachin state offers a fascinating mist of ethnic minorities and the prospect of the least-visited areas of Myanmar. Although most of the Kachin state remains off-limits due to poor accessibility and regional instability, one can explore certain area of the region by flying to Myitkyina either from Yangon and Mandalay. The following places are well-known for unique attraction in the northern region of Myanmar.

• Putao
• Myitkyina
• the confluence of Irrawaddy River
• Bhamaw
• Khatha

If you wish to plan a trip to places in the Northern Myanmar, please let us know.  (Contact to KSM Travels Myanmar)

Putao:

Very few of travellers organized trekking and river rafting in the vicinity of Putao but, the area is almost entire cut off from the rest of Myanmar. In the vicinity of Putao has sparse population of Kachin Rawang, Lisu, and a handful of Taron, the only known pigmy group in Asia. 

Myitkyina:

It is a Kachin market town. Although it can be reached by train from Mandalay being the northern most railway terminus, the almost-24-hour-train-ride can be really challenging. Domestic flights operate some two to three days a week from Yangon and Mandalay. A common reason for going to Myitkyina for a lot of travelers is to enjoy long river travel on the Ayerwaddy. Visiting Myitkyina and proceeding the journey down the river to Bhamaw and then onto Mandalay needs a great spirit of adventure and requires some seven flexible days to spare to comfortably overcome the possible unexpected limitation of nature and logistics. Just 27 miles (43 kilometers) north of Myitkyina, the Ayerwaddy River emerges from the foothills by Maykha and Malikha Rivers. It is known as Myit Sone confluence and is one of the most beautiful places in Myanmar with crystal-clear water rushing over the river stones. From the confluence, the Ayerwaddy then spreads out and adopts the calm, noble personality that it will maintain for the most of its 1600 kilometer (1000 miles) journey till the coast. Although Bhamaw can be reached from Myitkyina by public buses or private cars less than seven hours, travelers tend to try taking a fast river ferry passing jungles on the banks and the narrow, dangerous and beautiful First Defile. If you happened to travel on a slow boat, you would need to spend a night in a mid-way village called Sinbo. Most of the time, travelers end up travel by road due to two extremes: the current too rough (from June to October) or the water level too low (from December to May). 

Bhamaw:

It is smaller than Myitkyina, but set prettily amid rolling hills. Colourfully dressed members of the Lisu, Rawan, Kachin, Shan and Palaung races can be seen in town on festival days. Some street bazaars open at 4am, with flickering candles dimly showing fruits, flowers and vegetables

Katha:
It is a lively port town along Irrawaddy River. It is famous for the setting for the book "Burmese Days" written by George Orwell. The major places of interest are those of old colonial days buildings including the former British Club House, the 1924's Tennis Club, the 1928's DC's House, the two-storied Police Commissioner's House and the St. Paul's Anglican Church, etc.

More Place in East

Eastern Myanmar is considered the country's most generous cross-roads the culture, nature and adventure. The hill-tribes areas around Kyain Tong are still harder to reach and remained distinctly detouristy. Eastern Myanmar is the ethnological paradise and the visit to a tribal village comprises of visiting the traditional long houses, different handicraft centres, and different vegetation farms in the villages of many a tribes including Lahu, Akha, Khun, Palaung, Loi and Wa ethnic tribes. The following place is the major place of interest located in the Eastern part of Myanmar.

• Kyaing Tong

If you wish to plan a trip to places in the Eastern Myanmar, please let us know. (Contact to KSM Travels Myanmar)

Kyaing Tong (Keng Tong):

Kyaing Tong is an interesting town with a busy morning market. The real draw of Kyaing Tong is the tribal people from the surrounding areas. One can visit many tribal villages and can enjoy the opportunity of short and long treks at the altitude of 4000 feet above sea level. There are treks in these areas to suit all levels of age and fitness. The surrounding villages are located within a day trek and are populated by the Loi, Akha, Lahu, Akhu, Palaung and Eng tribal races. Among the total 135 races of Myanmar, almost half of them lives in Shan state especially on the hills around the Kyaing Tong area. 

More Places in West

In the west region of the Rakhine state, the famous Ngapali Beach belong to the southern region of the state and is considered as part of the regular tourist destinations such as Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inkle Lake. Ngapali is a well-known unspoilt beach resort in Myanmar can be seen at the end of the itinerary of most travelers to Myanmar. There are daily fright to Ngapli from Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake.

• Ngapali Beach and its vicinity

The off the beaten track of the ancient temples contemporary to Bagan and the tribal river villages along the Laymyo River and their vicinities can be explored via flying to Sittwe only from Yangon. Flying is almost the only option as the boat and road transport can be from extremely difficult to impossible. It has almost everyday flight connection with Yangon during the peak season. A journey with a minimum stay of 4 nights is required to explore the highlights of the following places of interest located in the Rakhine state.

• Sittwe
• Mrauk-Oo (Mrauk-U)
• Chin River Villages

If you wish to plan a trip to places in the Western Myanmar, please let us know.  (Contact to KSM Travels Myanmar)

Sittwe:

It is advisable to spend the night in Sittwe, after your arrival in the early afternoon. This will benefit the travelers to enjoy the highlights of Sittwe and the start of the 5~6 hours long boat ride first thing the next day under the pleasant morning sun. Taking the boat is the only way to reach Mrauk Oo. You will enjoy the boat, scenery along the Kaladan River and the river villages along the journey.

Mrauk Oo:

Apart from the archeologically rich 14th-century-temples, the countryside in and around Mrauk Oo are filled with fascinating sites, friendly people and simple village life.

Chin River Trip:

The Chins are the least known of Myanmar’s major ethnic groups and the least affected by foreign influence. Excursion to Chin tribal village can be made from Mrauk Oo by a 2-hour boat ride cruising toward north along the Laymyo River right into the Chin state. Travellers can also enjoy a light trekking as part of the excursion before arriving the villages. This is the great opportunity to observe the way of life of the Chin ethnic people whose women traditionally wear tattoos on their faces. Along the river you would encounters many a fishermen’s boats and enjoy picturesque scenery. You will return to Mrauk Oo in the mid afternoon.
Ngapali Beach:
Burma’s premier beach resort, Ngapali Beach rewards travellers with solitude in the Bay of Bengal. There is also the option of exploring the hills behind the Strand Beach Hotel. The area is also home to skilled craftsmen; with Kinmaw village famous for its clay pottery; and Thandwe famous for its hand weaving of the traditional Rakhine longyi. For those seeking more active pursuits, there is an 18-hole golf course close by to the Ngapali Beach Hotel. Ngapali is accessible by a one-hour flight from Yangon to Thandwe before transferring to Ngapali by coach.

More Places in South

Home of the some of the most gorgeous –and untouched – coastline in Southeast Asia is the Myeik Archipelago. The coastline consists of bridal-white beaches fronting a vast archipelago of more than 800 largely uninhabited islands.

If you wish to plan a trip to places in the Southern Myanmar, please let us know.  (Contact to KSM Travels Myanmar)

Dawei:

Despite being the capital of southern coastal region, Dawei remains a sleepy, tropical seaside town, only relatively recently connected to the rest of Myanmar by air, road, and rail

Myeik:

The town Myeik sits on a peninsula that juts out into the Andaman sea. Myeik is also known to the colonials as Mergui and locally pronounced as Beik. Myeik's vast harbor is worth a stroll to watch stevedores loading and offloading cargo from ships big and small.

Myeik Archipelago:

The beautiful islands of the Myeik Archipelago is located in the extremely south of Myanmar where Myanmar and Thailand share a narrow peninsula. Most of the islands in the Archipelago are uninhabited, though a few are home to tiny villagers with mixed population of Burmese and "sea gypsies", also known as the Moken, a nomadic seafaring tribe who sail from island to island. 

Kaw Thaung:

Kaw Thaung also known as Victoria Point, the southernmost end of the country is one of Myanmar's new "open" borders for foreign tourist. It is also a jumping-off point for boating and diving excursions into the Myeik Archipelago.

Bagan & its Vicinity

It is one of the world’s most splendid archaeological sites. The pagodas recall an age of former greatness. Visiting selected major monuments which possess unique architecture, colourful murals and the finest stucco would save visitors from the possible temple-and-pagoda-sickness. Apart from the temples in Bagan, there are several tiny villages like Thiripyitsaya, Myinkaba, Wetkyiin, and Pwasaw. Strolling around, bicycling through or riding a horse- cart round one of the villages will be a great experience. However, morning before 10 AM and afternoon after 4 PM are good time to avoid the desert-like temperature of the mid-day sun. The airport is situated in Nyaung U, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) to the north of old Bagan. Nyaung U is an economic center of the Bagan plain today.

It is advisable to spend two solid days with leisurely exploring the ancient monuments and the villages of Bagan and acquire good pictures of Bagan at sunrise and sunsets. Among the many a major temples the followings are special.

• Landmark Anada temple,
• Manuha and Nanpaya temples,
• Sulamani temple
• Shwezigone pagoda,
• Farmer's market of Nyaung Oo,
• Gubyaukgyi temple

If you have an extra day or two to explore in the neighbourhood of Bagan, the following places are advisable to add in your itinerary.

• Mount Popa
• Salay

If you are interested in tribal way of life, bird watching and some medium to hard trek, 5-day journey to all of the following places can be organized by initiating and return back to Bagan. When to organize the journey to these places is very important as coinciding with the New Year celebration of the major tribe of the region and to observe their way of life during the New Year is indeed fascinating.

• Kanpetlet
• Mindat
• Mount Victoria
• Chin Hills

If you wish to plan a trip to Bagan, please let us know.  (Contact to KSM Travels Myanmar)

Mount Popa:

About 30 miles (50km) from Bagan is Mount Popa. Mount Popa is often described as Mount Olympus of Myanmar and it is considered the abode of Myanmar’s most powerful spirit, the Popa Goddess. A strong believes of spirit worship and the influence of animism can be witnessed in and around Mount Popa. The drive from Bagan to Popa takes less than two hours and passes through toddy palm groves. Long Bamboo ladders are tied to tree trunks. Look up at the crown of the tree where there will be black buckets suspended. You will see agile young men shinning up the trees with empty buckets and down with toddy juice filled ones as part of the daily toddy juice collecting process. Sugar is made from the juice, as is rather potent liquor. Although it is a short distance away for mere day-return excursion from Bagan, overnight is also possible due to the very relaxing atmosphere in the green tropical forest with decent lodging in a resort type of accommodation.

Salay:

It can be made on the same day of the day-return visit to Mount Popa, or can be made as a totally separate day-return excursion from Bagan. The highlight in Salay is to see the all-teak monastery, Salay Yok Sone Kyaung, sumptuous with curving featuring traditional motifs, scene from the jataka stories and ordinary people going about their lives.

Chin Hills (Mount Victoria):

An organized tour to Chin Hills (Mount Victoria) can be arranged by applying for a special permission from the authority. The application for the permission will take approximately three to four weeks. If you are interested in this, we can be contacted for more information. Minimum time frame of 5 days is needed to conduct an organized tour of the Chin Hills and their vicinity. The journey will start from Bagan and will come back after a big journey through the Chin Hills. As all travel through the Chin Hills is pretty rough mountain roads, it can only be made by a four-wheel-drive vehicle (or) locally available mountain jeep. On the very first day, a long drive of 7 to 8 hours will be made to the small town of Kanpetlet, where we spend the first night. Visitors will be able to witness the changes of scenery as you gradually approached to Kanpatlet after passing small town of Chauk, Seik Phyu and Saw along the way. Kanpetlet is 5-hour-walk to away from the peak of Mount Victoria. One can enjoy trekking and bird watching. However, an alternative to the long trek is to visit some Chin Villages in the vicinity of Kanpetlet. On day three, a drive of 4 to 5 hours will be made from Kanpetlet to another small town called Mindat, where you overnight. On day four, you will be guided in the vicinity of Mindat to the tribal villages around by light trekking. Overnight in Mindat. On day five, a long drive of 7 to 8 hours will be made from Mindat to Bagan.