Burma is on a lot of travellers’ bucket lists. But why? Is it the draw of exploring new frontiers, on the cusp of a new democratic future? Is the beautiful countryside and lakes? Or is it the temples and mystical stupas punctuating the skyline?
Keeping true to our motto, “have kids, will travel”, we packed a few backpacks to find out.
Here’s a peak at our top four places to see: Yangon, Kalaw, Inle and Bagan.
Keeping true to our motto, “have kids, will travel”, we packed a few backpacks to find out.
Here’s a peak at our top four places to see: Yangon, Kalaw, Inle and Bagan.
From a peak of the past to monkey poo...
and everything inbetween
I think I have just stepped barefoot in monkey poo, and someone is asking me if I’d like to make a donation towards cleaning, his hand outstretched with filthy bank notes in his palm as if to demonstrate his point.
Myanmar is a country where you make money where you can. But instead of trying to blank out the peddlers and hawkers, the respectful nature of the Burmese means you admire the ingenuity of entrepreneurship.
In a country still getting to grips with how tourism can help them, it’s the people that make the nation what it is. International exposure to the holidaying hoards has led to a change in the way of life. Admirably, the adage “adapt or die” has been taken to heart. Not all change is good, especially if there is a huge impact on your culture, but if your culture won’t survive without change you need to see the opportunities.
We were exploring Mount Popa, an extinct volcano 48 km south of Bagan, topped with a golden pagoda, and crawling with mischievous monkeys, who stole my water bottle. One word of advice: don’t wear lace up shoes – and take some wet wipes. Leaving your footwear at the entrance, you show your respect barefoot. Hence, my encounter with an excreted landmine.
In ten days we managed to get a tantalising flavour of the country: Travelling with two young girls, we were welcomed and attracted intrigue and interest.
Part 1: Yangon and Kalaw
Part 2: Inle and Bagan
Myanmar is a country where you make money where you can. But instead of trying to blank out the peddlers and hawkers, the respectful nature of the Burmese means you admire the ingenuity of entrepreneurship.
In a country still getting to grips with how tourism can help them, it’s the people that make the nation what it is. International exposure to the holidaying hoards has led to a change in the way of life. Admirably, the adage “adapt or die” has been taken to heart. Not all change is good, especially if there is a huge impact on your culture, but if your culture won’t survive without change you need to see the opportunities.
We were exploring Mount Popa, an extinct volcano 48 km south of Bagan, topped with a golden pagoda, and crawling with mischievous monkeys, who stole my water bottle. One word of advice: don’t wear lace up shoes – and take some wet wipes. Leaving your footwear at the entrance, you show your respect barefoot. Hence, my encounter with an excreted landmine.
In ten days we managed to get a tantalising flavour of the country: Travelling with two young girls, we were welcomed and attracted intrigue and interest.
Part 1: Yangon and Kalaw
Part 2: Inle and Bagan
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