Myanmar
Myanmar (mjɑːnˌmɑr / Myan mar) is a delightful country, where eternal landscapes and ancient civilizations fill its vast land. Over half of the country is covered by thick tropical forests, beautifully golden pagodas and preserved temples fill the countryside. The temples are 2000 years old and covered in gold. Local people wear skirt-like “longyi” and women decorate with Thanaka (a yellowish-white cosmetic paste having fragrant scent made from ground bark.). Running north to south, the huge Irrawaddy River dissects the country in two. For those on the lookout for adventurous travels in an extraordinary land, look no further than Myanmar. No-one argues Myanmar isn’t one of the world’s most exciting destinations.
In Myanmar there is so much beauty to see and experience. You can visit the gold-laden Buddha in the country’s former royal capital, Madalay. You can see the city from the vantage point of one of the many stunning pagodas. You will be enchanted by the beauty of the temples in Bagan as the sun rises high in the sky, illuminating them with rich golden light. You can watch the leg-rowers go by as you sit next to beautiful Inle Lake. You can stroll through the colourful and sprawling street markets which sell wares you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Even the water-buffalo carts in the countryside are a wonder to behold. A visit to Myanmar is a truly enchanting experience that is unlike anything you have ever experienced.
There are awe-inspiring, white sandy beaches awaiting you in Myanmar and along the coastline of the Bay of Bengal. The best time to visit these pristine and virtually untouched beaches of Ngapali and Ngwe Saung is between November and May. In the summer months from June to October, it is Myanmar’s monsoon season and the area experiences rain and thunderstorms, During monsoon season, there are no flights available to take you to the country’s beaches and most of the beach hotels and surround restaurants remain closed during this time of year.
Country | Myanmar, South East Asia Region |
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Visa requirements | When you visit Myanmar, it is necessary to have at least six months remaining on your passport before it expires. You will need a tourist visa which you can obtain at the Myanmar Embassy, consulate or you can apply for an online E-Visa. Tourist visas cost around USD $30 and are valid for 28 days. |
Languages spoken | The official language of Myanmar is also called Myanmar, formerly it was called Burmese. There are about 100 different dialects of Burmese spoken throughout different regions of the country. Don’t worry though, the country’s official “business language” is English. |
Currency used | MMK (Myanmar Kyat). There are ample authorized money exchangers where you can exchange your money for the local currency. In most areas of Myanmar, traveller’s cheques cannot be cashed and there are few places, outside of major hotels, that accept visa. Master Card and American Express are simply not accepted. If you plan to visit Myanmar, it’s advisable to bring cash in American dollars with you. |
Area (km2) | 676,578 km² |