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Burma

5

Reasons To
Visit Burma

  • Boat trips

    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.

    Boat trips

  • Hill tribes

    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.

    Hill tribes

  • History

    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.

    History

  • Local markets

    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.

    Local markets

  • Temples

    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.

    Temples

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Excursions in Burma: Ancient Capitals Excursion

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.

U Bein's Bridge, Amarapura, near Mandalay, Burma
Nearly a mile in length, a walk on the U Bein teak bridge is one of the highlights of ancient AmarapuraU Bein's teak bridge is the longest of it's kind in the world, MandalayU Bein's Bridge, Amarapura, near Mandalay, BurmaThe beautifully crafted doors of the Shwenandaw monastery, MandalayOrnate carvings adorn the Shwenandaw monastery in MandalayNearly a mile in length a walk on the U Bein teak bridge is one of the highlights of ancient AmarapuraU Bein's Bridge, Amarapura, Near MandalayThe intricate architecture of the Shwenandaw monastery in MandalayAva has a multitude of ancient places of worshipA handful of the thousands of temples in Sagaing, Mandalay, BurmaSagaing is home to over 10,000 practicing monks and nuns, BurmaInn Wa (Ava), MandalayInn Wa (Ava), MandalayUmin Thounzeh, Sagaing, MandalayViews from Ponya Shin pagoda, Sagaing, Mandalay

Ancient Capitals Excursion

Mandalay, Burma
  • Culture & History

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.

If you arrive at around 10am you can visit the nearby monastery to see the monks having their lunch. There is also a nearby weaving workshop where you can watch the girls at work before browsing in the shop that sells ready made clothes at very reasonable prices.

On the western bank of the Irrawaddy River lie the Sagaing Hills, one of the most beautiful places in Asia with many magical and peaceful pagodas to explore. Sagaing was a former capital of an autonomous Shan kingdom during the 14th Century and again in the 18th Century albeit for a short time.

Today this tranquil area is an important centre for Buddhism with numerous monasteries and nunneries scattered all over the hill. The winding lanes are a treasure to explore with many old buildings and flowering bougainvillea. One of the most interesting temples at the top of the hill is the Ponnyashin Pagoda - the views over Mandalay and the Irrawaddy from here are stunning.

The ancient city of Inwa (Ava) was capital of a Burmese kingdom for nearly 400 years until power shifted to Amarapura in 1841. The best way to explore this 'lost city' is by pony and trap which will take you along dusty paths to the brick and stucco monastery of Aungmye Bonzan, built in 1818, the impressive teak monastery of Bagaya Kyaung which is supported by 267 teak posts and the former dilapidated watchtower known locally as the 'leaning tower of Ava'.

Scattered amongst this dry and arid landscape are numerous crumbling zedi and other reminders of a former royal city such as the swimming baths and the vast entrance gates, one remains in particularly good condition.

Depending on the time it is worth stopping again at the U-Bein bridge for magical views at sunset.

Further reading:
BurmaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout BurmaCountry Guides

Other countries in Southeast Asia:
BorneoCambodiaIndonesiaLaosMalaysiaPapua New GuineaThailandThe PhilippinesVietnam

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