Melo Villareal
Reasons to Visit Myanmar
If you’re looking for a new, exotic, and beautiful place to visit, consider visiting Myanmar. Myanmar, formerly Burma, has a rich history, incredible historic temples, amazing culture, and a coastline that offers everything you would want in a tropical vacation. Here are the top 8 reasons why Myanmar should be on your bucket list.
1. Sunrise and Sunset
Every day, the sun rises and sets over Myanmar’s glorious settings. During my last visit, I witnessed the beautiful sunset in Old Bagan where thousands of people gather in huge temples to wait and take photos of the beautiful sunset. Beachside or Lakeside sunsets? Check. The sun rising over the green, lush jungle as you climb to the rim of the extinct volcano Mount Popa? Check.
2. Visit Thousands of Beautiful Temples
Relatively unknown in the world of temple visiting, Myanmar has a disproportionate number of incredible temples you can visit. Shwedagon Pagoda – the oldest historical pagoda in the world, dominates the skyline of Yangon, making it one of the most visited Pagodas in Myanmar. Between the 11th and 13th centuries, more than 10,000 temples were built in Bagan. Old Bagan temples are also picture perfect during sunrise.
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3. The Buddhist Monks
You will see Monks in the streets, inside the temples, and in almost everywhere in Myanmar. They are friendly and love to talk to foreigners to practice their English skills. Buddhist monks of Myanmar wear the dark ochre robes that distinguish them from the crowds, and you can hear their prayers from the temples. Monks have venerated members of Burmese society.
Tip: They will allow you to take photos of them, but always ask politely before pressing your camera’s shutter button.
4. Culture
The history of the country is complex and dramatic. Burma’s culture has been heavily influenced by Buddhism and the Mon people. Burmese culture has also been influenced by its neighbors, India, Thailand, and China. Burmese People are still applying Thanaka to the face and sometimes the arms of women and girls and, to a lesser extent, men and boys. Thanaka is a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark. Thanaka gives a cooling sensation and provides sun protection.
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5. Burmese Food
Influenced by the surrounding flavors from China, Thailand, and India, Myanmar’s cuisine is rich in flavor from the strong spices and the ngapi, fermented seafood, and fish sauce. You’ll eat fresh fish dishes on the coast in various techniques and spice combinations. Inland you can rely on the flavorful salads that often include glass or rice noodles alongside potatoes, ginger, tomatoes, lime, and pickled tea leaves (lahpet).
6. The People
Again, because of the location, you’ll find that the people of Myanmar are somewhat of a blend of the nationalities from the surrounding countries. But you’ll also find that they’ve taken the best from the neighboring cultures. The friendly smiles of the Thai, the diligence and economy of the Chinese, plus a bit of humility that must come from India.
7. Shopping
Surprise! You can also go shopping in this country full of wonders to explore. But you’ll find that instead of the typical shopping malls full of items you can find anywhere, you’ll find incredible local markets full of inexpensive and beautiful locally made items and products. Bogyoke Aung San Market in Yangoon is the most popular place to shop for souvenir items and jewelry like Jade and other precious stones.
8. The Adventure
And, of course, the best part of visiting Myanmar is the sense of adventure that comes with going to a country that the world doesn’t know that much about. You will discover things that other travelers don’t yet know about, and you’ll find that connecting with the people is easier because they’re not as wrapped up in tourism as many other countries in the region.
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You can’t go wrong when visiting Myanmar to see natural wonders and wonderful man-made structures. If you’re a traveler who likes a new adventure to embark on, plan a trip to Myanmar. You won’t be disappointed.
Also Read:
- 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Myanmar Now
- The Magnificent Adventures Of Myanmar
- Magnificent Myanmar: Discover The Cuisine, Culture, And Everything Else
- Visit To The Golden Land – Myanmar
