Burma is an undiscovered landscape framed by endless green hills that cocoon vast fertile plains and mighty waterways, chief among them the great Irrawaddy River.
Sharing borders to the west with India and Bangladesh, to the north with Tibet and China and to the east with Thailand and Laos, Burma has for millennia bridged cultures from across Asia.
This diversity of regional influences, along with a century of imperial colonialism, has shaped the country into a cultured destination that always captures the hearts of adventurous travellers.
Natural wonders abound throughout Burma. Evocative Mandalay and Rangoon (Yangon) exude faded colonial charm and the people are welcoming and engaging. Buddhist spirituality - always at the heart of Burmese culture - is evident from the abundance of temples and pagodas, including the quite remarkable Kyaiktiyo Golden Rock Pagoda which bears clear testimony to the nation’s devotion.
Holidays in Burma Highlights:
• Golden Rock, Kyaiktiyo
• Contemplate at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon
• Visit the Inle Lake floating market and observe village life
• Celebrate at a full moon or pagoda festival
• Cross the teak U Bein Bridge, near Mandalay, at sunset
• Cruise to Mandalay from Bagan
• Relax on Ngapali’s unspoilt beaches
• Allied war graves near Htauk Kyan
Burma remains an undeveloped and controversial destination to visit (see below). But Burma also offers something unique and authentic, something potentially challenging but always deeply rewarding.
Burma - The Essentials
• Refrain from asking political questions in inappropriate situations
• Don’t point your feet towards people
• Take off shoes and socks and wear long trousers (gentlemen) or long sleeves and a long skirt or trousers (ladies) in temples, monasteries and pagodas
• Tipping is widely acceptable in tourist areas and bargaining is a way of life
Hot Topic - Ethical Travel to Burma
A decision to visit Burma, with its military dictatorship, remains a controversial choice. However, Burma’s main government opposition, The National League for Democracy, now encourages small scale tourism in order to benefit the Burmese people.
Wanting to help the Burmese people and after much deliberation, Kuoni has decided to offer a programme of small group and private tours. These are designed specifically for cultural travellers so that they may discover Burma, its people and way of life.
These tours are run in partnership with local, private sector operators and avoid, wherever possible, government-run companies and organisations.
Read more about Kuoni's policy on travel to Burma.
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holiday in Thailand, Sri Lanka or Malaysia.