Myanmar (Burma) tours & travel

Myanmar has three distinct seasons, with the hottest and driest running from February to May. During this time, temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees celsius, although relief can be found in the highland areas which, on average, clock cooler temperatures. The monsoon season runs from May to October, while milder and drier weather usually prevails from October to February.

With 135 distinct ethnic groups calling Myanmar home (though many still refer to it as Burma), this historically volatile nation comprises a patchwork of customs, traditions and languages. Ethnic groups fall under Bamar, Shan, Mon, Kayin, Kayan, Chin, Kachin and Rakhine.

The majority of people in Myanmar are Buddhist, which has a unifying effect on this diverse country as religion plays an important role in daily life. Buddhist men are expected to take the robe twice in their life, monks are revered and the dress is expected to be modest. Shorts, if worn, should reach the knee and shoulders should be covered. Though Millennials are starting to challenge this standard of dress, everyone still covers up when visiting religious sites. The rest of the population is Hindu, Muslim, Christian or animist.

Regardless of religion, many Burmese mixes their religious beliefs with nat (spirit) worship and are deeply superstitious. Most villages have a nat sin, or shrine, to honour the village’s guardian nat, and you’ll likely see car mirrors adorned with red and white cloths, which are believed to offer nat protection. Astrology is commonly used to find a partner and choose important dates, like weddings, funerals and celebratory events.

About three-quarters of the population live in the country, where poverty is still common and labour is arduous. Families are large and tend to live in thatched huts that lack running water and electricity. Despite these hardships, many country-dwelling Burmese are hospitable, content and quick to call new friends ‘brother’ and ‘sister’.

Burmese cuisine shares many similarities with neighbouring southeast Asian countries. Like in Thailand, India and China, rice is the cornerstone of most meals and curries are common, though typically more oily and less spicy. Burmese food generally features more sesame, nuts and beans in the north, and fish paste and sour flavours in the south. Pickled vegetables, bamboo shoots and tea leaves feature prominently in Burmese dishes, as well as fish and seafood from the country’s numerous lakes and extensive coastline.

Historically, the people of Myanmar are not big drinkers and, although this is changing, teahouses are still the go-to place for social gatherings. Recognizable by their small plastic tables and stools that spill onto the street, in addition to tea (which is strong and served with a dollop of condensed milk), many teahouses also offer noodles, snacks and sweets. 

Those wanting a stiff drink can visit a beer station at an open-air barbeque restaurant found in Myanmar’s larger cities. Indian restaurants serving all-you-can-eat vegetarian thali (a selection of Indian dishes served in small bowls, along with roti, rice, chutney and dessert) are also common in large cities, like Yangon and Mandalay, whereas Chinese restaurants can be found throughout the country.

Things to try in Myanmar

1. Laphet (tea leaf salad)

In Myanmar, tea is not just for drinking. Fermented green tea leaves are mixed with sesame seeds, fried peas, fried garlic and peanuts to make this sour snack. Some variations have shredded cabbage and sliced tomato as well.

2.  Mohinga

A fish soup made with vermicelli noodle. Find this popular breakfast choice at teahouses or street vendors in Yangon.

3.  Burmese curry

Milder and oilier than those found in other countries, Myanmar’s version of curry is typically centred on pork, fish, beef or mutton. For the proper experience, order this at a traditional Myanmar restaurant to receive a wide array of side dishes (such as rice, salad, fried and parboiled vegetables, soup and spices) along with your curry.

Wedged between India and China, this southeast Asian nation also shares its border with Laos, Thailand, and Bangladesh and juts out into the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal to the south. Mountain ranges can be found to the extreme north, west and east in a horseshoe shape. Rivers run from north to south, ending at coastal plains. The Shan Plateau, characterised by numerous lakes and canyons, covers the eastern portion of Myanmar, and is where intensive irrigated farming is practiced. Fruit, vegetables and citrus crops thrive in this region, whereas rice paddies are extensive in the south. Much of Myanmar used to be covered in subtropical rainforests, but unfortunately less than half of the country is still forested due to logging.

Early History

It has been estimated that the land now known as Myanmar has been inhabited since 11,000 BC. Archaeological evidence garnered from burial sites indicates early settlements were largely concentrated near the Ayeyarwaddy River, with agriculture and animal husbandry prevailing by 1500 BC. Later, larger settlements or city states were created by the peaceful Pyu people, who migrated from the north sometime around 1 BC, bringing Buddhism to Myanmar. With the Mon people entering from the south during the 6th century, and sustained attacks from the north occurring up to the 9th century, the Pyu people became absorbed into the general population to shape the face of future Burmese ethnicity. The Bagan Empire ruled Myanmar from 1044 to 1287 and with a burgeoning agriculture and trade economy, was able to build thousands of Buddhist temples, many of which are still present today. By the 13th century, the Bagan Empire had begun to decline due to economic mismanagement and foreign invasion from the Mongols and the Mon people. Myanmar's seesawing fortunes continued for centuries, with war, invasion and changes in rule commonplace over the years.

Recent History

By 1886, Britain claimed Myanmar (formerly Burma) as a province of India, with Rangoon (now Yangon) being named capital. This period of British rule impacted on Burmese society greatly, with the culture, religion, economy and society vastly changing at the hands of the British. The local population saw little of the economic benefits flowing from increased trade and agriculture cultivation, and with many villages being destroyed, this period of history marks a difficult time for the Burmese. World War II saw Burma's movements towards independence grow, and by 1948 Burma was granted independence. Decades of change and political instability followed, with an unstable parliament and several military coups creating uncertainty around the newly Socialist country. Burma seemingly lurched from crisis to crisis, plagued by corruption, inflation and volatility from the 1960s to 1990s. With increasing trade embargoes, protests, sanctions and international pressure, the military government was forced to cease the imprisonment of democratically elected Aung San Suu Kyi and instate democracy to the country once again. 

1. Shwedagon Paya

As one of the most sacred sites in Myanmar, this glittering pagoda located in Yangon is a must-see for travellers wishing to learn about the Buddhist faith and culture in Myanmar. The bell-shaped golden stupa is stunning, while the surrounding statues and satellite shrines provide insight into Burmese culture and mysticism.

2. Dhammayangyi

The largest temple in the impressive Bagan complex, centuries-old Dhammayangyi, features elaborate brickwork, dark passages filled with shrines and serene figures of Buddha. With its construction shrouded in historical mystery, the identity of the architect/builder of this unfinished temple is still unknown.

3. Shwezigon

One of Bagan's most popular pilgrimage spots, Shwezigon is a significant place of worship for many Burmese people. With elaborate, gilded stupas, decorated staircases and golden, ornamental trees, this is one of Myanmar’s most beautiful temples.

4. Mahamuni

Grand columns, bright frescoes, peaceful pavilions, reflective pools and a massive golden Buddha statue combine to make this one of Myanmar’s most visually appealing and interesting spiritual sites. As an active monastery, school for monks and place of worship, expect Bagan's Mahamuni to be busy with daily rituals and yearly religious festivals.

5. Ananda

While not the largest or most elaborate temple, Bagan's symmetrical Ananda rises majestically into the sky with a certain sense of grace. Damaged by an earthquake in the 1970s, Ananda has been lovingly restored to former glory and continues to elicit admiration and wonder from both locals and visitors.

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

Thingyan (Water Festival): For three or four days each April, Myanmar rings in the Burmese New Year by washing away the old year with a water fight of epic proportions. Join in the fun as people across the country use whatever means they have – water gun, bucket, hose, whatever – to douse each other. Come evening, the drenching is replaced with feasting and partying.

Independence Day: The end of British colonial rule is celebrated each January 4th with nationwide fairs, such as the week-long fair at Kandawgyi Lake in Yagon, and sporting competitions.

Thadingyut (Festival of Lights): As Buddhist Lent comes to an end, people across Myanmar commemorate Buddha’s return from heaven to earth with a dazzling three-day treat for the senses. Towns are transformed as homes and pagodas light up with colourful lanterns and candles. The aroma of fried snacks fills the air as fairs featuring street food and games take over the streets. Fireworks also light up the night sky.

Bagan Ananda Temple Festival: Almost every Buddhist temple throws its own annual festival, but the one thrown by the Ananda temple is particularly large. Part thriving bazaar, part religious ceremony, this two-week event held each December or January includes street food, market stalls, festival games and comedy routines, along with the occasional religious sermon.

Though shopping opportunities aren’t as numerous in Myanmar as they are in nearby countries, most towns have at least one market at its centre. Regional specialities to look out for at markets include lacquerware from Bagan, tapestries and puppets from Mandalay and painted parasols from Pathein.

If you are looking to take home a piece of Myanmar, consider purchasing one of these regional specialties – this supports both the tradition and low-income artisans. Keep in mind that bargaining is the norm at markets and cash is the usual form of payment.

Like most countries, shopping opportunities are more numerous in larger cities. Find a glitzy six-story shopping centre called Diamond Plaza alongside gold-leaf workshops and stores selling traditional handicrafts in Mandalay, Myanmar’s cultural capital. Visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market in Yangon for a large selection of luxury items, handicrafts, gourmet goods, clothing and jewellery.

Myanmar is renowned for its jade production, but a keen eye is needed in order to avoid getting ripped off. You also need an official certificate when passing customs, so it’s safest to buy these at more established stores to get a receipt.