myanmar
FEATURE 55
diverse collection of peoples (more than 50% of whom come from tribal groups) who are delighted to see visitors, and a glimpse of mystical, unspoiled southeast Asia as it used to be, with monks in the streets and oxen ploughing the fi elds.
Get to know Burma
Most visitors still do the main circuit around Yangon (Rangoon), Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle. Yangon remains the key international gateway (although upcountry Nyapyitaw is the new capital) and is famous for its old colonial districts and its huge Schwedagon pagoda, the most outstanding single monument in the whole country; Bagan is known for its never-ending plain of 2,000 plus stupas and temples; Mandalay for relaxed craft shopping, monasteries and great day trips to the likes of former royal capital Saigang; Inle for its serendipitous hill-surrounded lake, fl oating gardens and leg-rowing fi shermen. Roads are bad and slow, so travel between these places is, for the most
“If trekking is not your thing but you still fancy experiencing some countryside then look out for packages that visit Kalaw. Surrounding rural villages are very accessible and walks vary
from two to eight hours” EMMA GARRICK, BURMA MANAGER, EXODUS
part, by hopping on and off domestic airlines like Air Bagan, Air Mandalay and Asian Wings, which go round roughly the same circuit. More adventurous travellers are taking the train, particularly the overnight service between Yangon and Mandalay; Burmese railways are narrow-gauge and bumpy, but a good way to experience the country. There’s also the choice of jumping on a ferry up the Irrawaddy for the day-long journey between Bagan and Mandalay, although it is diffi cult to make advance bookings on these services. River cruising is expanding rapidly, largely
because the Irrawaddy conveniently links Mandalay, Bagan and Yangon and because of the convenience of not having to change hotels whilst still seeing most of the sights. Operators like Orient Express with their vessel Orcaella are branching off the main river to run itineraries up the more remote Chindwin tributary into northwestern Burma.
Facing page: ballooning over Myanmar This page, clockwise from top left: U Bein Bridge, Mandalay; Buddha; Inlay’s traditional fi shermen; Bagan
There’s more adventure afoot, too, with walking, cycling and trekking holidays to newly-opened areas coming on stream. The cycling and walking tends to be backroads itineraries through peaceful, rural Burma, largely around Bagan, Mandalay and Inle. The trekking, however, goes deeper and rougher, either west towards the border with Bangladesh into the remote Chin Hills, staying with tribal people in village houses, or east into the Shan States, visiting the Akha and Lahu who are also present in northern Thailand. Combining both destinations is increasingly possible, with the opening of the land border with Thailand at Myawaddy for the fi rst time in a hundred years. In addition to all this up-country stuff, Myanmar does of course have a long seaboard, with beaches and untouched archipelagos. The principle resort, Ngapali, is on the country’s western fl ank and has excellent sand and sea. Hotel accommodation is still fairly rustic, and most visitors come as an optional add-on after upcountry touring. And then fi nally there’s all the untapped
potential of the offshore islands down south, where Myanmar reaches down almost to Phuket. Here, the port town of Kawthaung is the stepping- off point for the Mergui Archipelago, home to sea gypsies. Some yacht charters are already active, and it will only be a matter of time before this business becomes more mainstream.
Where to book it TRAVELSPHERE – 0844 334 8296
The 11-day Images of Burma trip includes the
www.sellinglonghaul.com
key sites of Yangon and the Schwedagon, Bagan, Mandalay, a river cruise on the Irrawaddy, and Inle Lake. The price of £2,999pp includes all fl ights, nine nights’ accommodation with breakfast, eight lunches, fi ve dinners and a tour manager.
Travelsphere.co.uk TRAVEL INDOCHINA – 01865 268 940 This 13-day Burma Revealed journey takes in Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Pindaya Caves and Kalaw Hill Station, with cycles and trains for local exploration. Prices from £2,295pp including hotels, domestic fl ights, some meals and guides.
Travelindochina.co.uk AMAWATERWAYS – 0808 223 5009 A 14-night Golden Treasures of Myanmar cruise itinerary along the Irrawaddy on the new 56-passenger all-suite AmaPura is from £4,999pp including fl ights.
amawaterways.co.uk
RENETTE HARTRIDGE
VLADIMIR FOFANOV
SXC / ZANUDA
RENETTE HARTRIDGE
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