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Reasons To Visit Burma
The famous Irrawaddy River flows through the heart of the country for 2,000km to a vast Delta region southwest of Rangoon and provides an important role in everyday life. A journey on this most majestic of rivers is a highlight of any trip.
Burma is home to an astonishing number of ethnicities each with their own traditional dress and customs, and in many cases, language and religion. For the most rewarding encounters we recommend heading to the hills of Shan state where it’s possible to stay in remote villages and receive the most genuine of welcomes and hospitality.
Burma is steeped in history and the legacy of various kingdoms and rule is very much in evidence throughout the country from former ancient capitals and grandiose royal palaces around Mandalay to the faded colonial grandeur of Rangoon’s municipal buildings built by British hands.
Whether you are shopping for gems in Rangoon’s Scott Market, betel nut in Kalaw or intricate lacquerware in Pagan there is no better way to immerse yourself in the way of life than to soak up the atmosphere of a local market.
Wherever you travel in Burma you will only be footsteps away from a temple providing an opportunity to witness the quiet reverence of the Burmese people. Climb up to a viewpoint amongst the ancient stupas of Pagan at sunset, visit stilted temples by boat at Inle Lake or marvel at the shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda.
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The capital of the Burmese kingdom before the colonial era, Mandalay is Burma’s second largest city. Highlights include the Shwenandow pagoda, which has some exquisite woodcarvings adorning its walls.
Driving south from Mandalay, you reach the former capital of Amarapura where you can visit some of the small pagodas that remain and the impressive U Bein's Bridge. Constructed in teak and nearly a mile in length it spans Taungthaman lake.
Mandalay is a city of great religious, cultural and historical significance and is also the handicraft centre of the country. During your time here you can see Buddha statues being sculptured from marble, woodcarving and families who still practice the age old art of Burmese puppetry.
A short distance beyond Maymyo is the Penkchin Mhyan Cave which is filled with many thousands of Buddha images and is a place of pilgrimage for many Burmese. You may wish to try out one of the little horse-drawn stagecoaches which are unique to the town during your time here.
18 days from £3,385pp
23 days from £4,380pp
25 miles away
86 miles away
90 miles away
95 miles away
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