Travelling Myanmar: travel guide and advice

6 reasons to travel to Burma

Burma has only recently opened up to tourism and remains a country little known to Westerners. It is new as a travel destination, and is attracting more and more visitors every year. An extraordinary country, unusually welcoming and with the wonderful things it has to offer spread across its whole territory, Burma is definitely worth visiting. Here's some of the very good reasons why.

Head off on a spiritual journey
Visiting and exploring Pindaya
Experience the marvel of Inle Lake
Take a trip back in time
The experience of being welcomed with open arms by the Burmese people
Temples are everywhere to be seen in Bagan

Culture and Discovery

François Vioud

Travel on the waters of the Irrawaddy and its secrets

Going from the north of Tibet to the south east of Myanmar, with one of its branches feeding the Yangon region, the Irrawaddy River plays a more than important role in economic and social life, as well as in an environmental framework. The Burmese people feed from it, they see their dreams quiver on its wasters, they sometimes suffer because of it but they live from it.

Silvia Garcia & François Vioud20 November 2015

Travel story

shutterstock/Tyshchenko Photography

The art of eating in Myanmar

Myanmar's cuisine is perhaps less sophisticated than that of its neighbours but it is full of flavour and more consistent. You need to find the place where the locals eat - on the street - to admire the variety of meals made with rice and 5-10 sides. Feasts are savoured tepid in Myanmar so you need to come with a large appetite!

Silvia Garcia & François Vioud20 November 2015

Travel story

All articles

Is this the destination for you?

If seeing unusual landscapes/scenery and meeting genuine local people are things you dream of doing, a trip to Burma may be just what you're looking for!

You should go if

You like experiencing a genuine change of scenery
You're prepared to experience a culture shock
You enjoy meeting people
You find the name of Shampoo Island intriguing
You like Buddhist temples and archaeological sites
You dream of climbing the 777 steps up Mount Popa

You shouldn't go if

It's your first trip to Asia
You want a destination where you can quickly find your bearings
You like to be able to travel around quickly
You like comfort
You enjoy large cities
You don't like noise

Myanmar Travel Guide

Best time to visit Myanmar