Travel : Myanmar - Best places to travel & other details

 

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are some of the best places to visit in detail:

1. **Bagan**: Known for its thousands of ancient temples and pagodas dating back to the 9th to 13th centuries, Bagan is a must-visit destination. Watching the sunrise or sunset over the temple-studded plains is a mesmerizing experience.

2. **Yangon (Rangoon)**: The former capital city is home to the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar. Explore the colonial architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant street food scene.

3. **Inle Lake**: This picturesque lake in Shan State is famous for its unique floating gardens, stilted villages, and leg-rowing fishermen. Visitors can take boat trips to explore the lake, visit local markets, and observe traditional crafts like silk weaving and silverware making.

4. **Mandalay**: Myanmar's cultural capital offers a blend of ancient and modern attractions. Visit the Mandalay Palace, Mahamuni Pagoda, and U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world. Don't miss the chance to watch traditional puppet shows and visit nearby ancient capitals like Amarapura, Ava, and Sagaing.

5. **Bagan Archaeological Zone**: Explore the vast archaeological site dotted with over 2,000 ancient temples and pagodas. Rent a bicycle or hire a horse cart to explore the temples at your own pace, or take a hot air balloon ride for a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscape.

6. **Ngapali Beach**: If you're looking for relaxation, head to Ngapali Beach on the Bay of Bengal. With its palm-fringed white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, it's the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying fresh seafood.

7. **Hpa An**: Located in southeastern Myanmar, Hpa An is known for its dramatic limestone karst landscapes, caves, and pagodas. Highlights include Mount Zwegabin, Saddan Cave, and Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda.

8. **Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo)**: This sacred Buddhist site features a golden boulder perched precariously on the edge of a cliff, seemingly defying gravity. It's a popular pilgrimage destination for locals and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

These are just a few highlights of Myanmar's diverse attractions. Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, Myanmar has something to offer every traveller.

Best seasons 

The best time to visit Myanmar is during the cool and dry season, which typically runs from November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the country's attractions.

Cuisines

As for cuisines, Myanmar offers a diverse range of delicious dishes influenced by its geographical location and cultural heritage. Some of the best cuisines to try include:

1. **Mohinga**: Considered Myanmar's national dish, Mohinga is a flavorful rice noodle soup served with a fish-based broth flavored with lemongrass, ginger, and fish sauce. It's often eaten for breakfast and can be found at street food stalls and restaurants throughout the country.

2. **Laphet Thohk (Tea Leaf Salad)**: This popular Burmese salad is made with fermented tea leaves mixed with various ingredients such as roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, fried garlic, tomatoes, and green chilies. It offers a unique combination of flavors and textures.

3. **Shan Noodles**: Originating from the Shan State in eastern Myanmar, Shan noodles are a beloved dish made with thin rice noodles served in a savory broth, topped with slices of meat (usually pork or chicken), vegetables, and herbs. It's a comforting and satisfying meal.

4. **Burmese Curry**: Burmese curry is known for its rich and aromatic flavors, often featuring a variety of meats or vegetables cooked in a fragrant curry sauce made with ingredients like onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and chili. It's typically served with rice or noodles.

5. **Mandalay Mee Shay**: This popular dish from Mandalay consists of thin rice noodles served in a savory broth made with pork or chicken, garnished with crispy fried onions, garlic, and various condiments. It's a hearty and flavorful meal enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

6. **Nan Gyi Thoke (Noodle Salad)**: Nan Gyi Thoke is a unique Burmese dish made with thick rice noodles mixed with a spicy chicken or fish curry sauce, garnished with boiled eggs, cilantro, and lime. It's a flavorful and filling dish often enjoyed as a light meal or snack.

7. **Mont Hin Khar (Burmese Tofu Noodle Soup)**: This traditional dish features a creamy soup made with chickpea flour, served with rice noodles, crispy fried tofu, and various toppings such as chili flakes, cilantro, and lime. It's a comforting and nutritious dish enjoyed by locals.

These are just a few examples of the delicious cuisines you can enjoy while visiting Myanmar. Don't hesitate to explore the local markets, street food stalls, and restaurants to discover even more culinary delights during your trip.

Connectivity 

Myanmar has several airlines that operate both domestic and international flights. Some of the prominent airlines in Myanmar include:

1. **Myanmar National Airlines (MNA)**: The flag carrier of Myanmar, Myanmar National Airlines, operates domestic and international flights to destinations across Asia.

2. **Air KBZ**: Air KBZ is a private airline based in Yangon that operates domestic flights to various destinations within Myanmar.

3. **Golden Myanmar Airlines**: Golden Myanmar Airlines is another private airline that offers domestic and international flights, primarily to destinations in Southeast Asia.

4. **Asian Wings Airways**: Asian Wings Airways is a domestic airline based in Yangon that operates flights to various cities and tourist destinations within Myanmar.

5. **Yangon Airways**: Yangon Airways is a domestic airline that serves several destinations within Myanmar, including popular tourist spots like Bagan and Inle Lake.

6. **Mann Yadanarpon Airlines**: Mann Yadanarpon Airlines is a domestic airline based in Mandalay that offers flights to multiple destinations within Myanmar.

7. **APEX Airlines**: APEX Airlines is a domestic airline based in Yangon that operates flights to various cities within Myanmar.

These are some of the main airlines operating in Myanmar. Travelers can choose from these options when planning their domestic or international flights within the country.