Around the World: Myanmar

Mingalaba! 

Myanmar proved to be even more fascinating than we had hoped for. From temples as far as the eye can see in Bagan, to the truly impressive Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and beyond, Myanmar's interesting culture and storied political past is a curious traveler's dream destination. Having only opened to tourism relatively recently, they are a culture rich in history that provides a warm welcome to tourists.

Hiring a good guide is key and we were very happy with our knowlegable guide Khi Khi who shared a wealth of information with us. She was also a lot of fun to travel with which is key for our family.

Our expectations for Yangon were not very high as we truthfully didn't spend any time researching the city. We had viewed it as a stop along the way and wow, we were wrong. I would recommend you spend at least two nights as you will want to visit the Pagodas and explore this bustling city.

Temples of Bagan

Bagan was beautiful and a contrast to the busy city that Yangon is. It feels like you take a step back in time and that you could wander this land of temples for days in a story like setting.

To be completely honest, before we had arrived I started to worry about visiting Myanmar as the news was often discussing the troubling situation in Rohingya. I spoke with John about it and we had decided to travel anyway as we were not visiting the areas in or around the conflict zones. Our guide and the hotel owners shared that tourism had taken a hit as a result. Needless to say, they were happy we made the journey and we were rewarded as a result. We were welcomed warmly everywhere we went and found the people to be extremely kind. A smile met us at every turn even when our kids were not the easiest. In this way, traveling Myanmar was easy for us. In Yangon and Bagan we felt very safe.

During our stay in Yangon I had the pleasure of meeting up with two Myanmar women who are on the Tirzah team in Myanmar. Tirzah is a charitable organization that focuses on empowering women and children. Two women from the team in Myanmar picked me up at the hotel and took me to Dalah Village where they run a charitable medical clinic from time to time with the help of a retired Doctor and some nurses. The clinic takes place in the home of a man and woman who are sick with HIV. The village is extremely poor and there is a large garbage dump nearby. They run these clinics in three different villages and rotate each month. The area in which they run the clinic in Dalah has been impacted by HIV and many suffer as a result. We were able to fix the roof for about the cost of a one night stay in a luxury hotel room.

Visiting Dalah Village with a Charitable Organization

Home for a family of five in Dalah

Yangon 
Where to Stay: Belmond Governor's Residence. It has a wonderful sense of place, great service and relaxing environment. They do not offer interconnecting rooms so book the two bedroom suite if traveling as a family. The general manager, Eddie, is fantastic and will make sure you are well looked after.

The Belmond Governor's Residence

The Strand is another top end luxury hotel in Yangon. It boasts a great location if you want to be in the heart of the city. The hotel was recently renovated with beautiful, large rooms and a truly elegant feel. Perhaps better suited for a trip without the kids!

Where to eat in Yangon: We did not experience many restaurants but those we did I would recommend. We ate at Padonmar and Rangon Tea House. The Rangon Tead House was a wonderful surprise as it had a trendy atmostphere and delicious tea as well as food. Make sure to try Myanamr tea and don't worry about how to order as they provide you with a handy chart to help with your decision in choosing the right amount of sweetness and strength.

What to do in Yangon:

Shwedagon Pagoda

Visit the Reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi Temple and the Shwedagon Pagoda. These two are must visits! Explore the bustling city of Yangon with a lunch or tea stop at Rangon Tea House and if you have time, take a ferry to Dalah village.

Impressively large reclining Buddha

Bagan:

The Grounds at the Hotel at Tharabar Gate 

Where to Stay in Bagan:
The Hotel at Tharabar Gate. It is in a great location in the old town and has a nice sense of place. They have four suites which have a living room and are the best option for families. The General Manager is a trained chef and can accommodate for various dietary restrictions and even write a card for you to carry around to other restaurants which state your needs in the Myanmar language. He and his wife are incredibly friendly and attentive. 

Where to eat in Bagan: Sharkys. A large establishment that has their own gardens out back. They focus on farm to table and bake their own bread and make their own gelato. We sadly did not try any other restaurants as it was off season and many were closed.

A Visit to The Market

What to do in Bagan: As we travelled during the off season, the balloons were not in operation but I could tell that experiencing Bagan in a hot air balloon would be amazing!

Tour the temples and hire a guide to do so. We had a driver and car but if we were without kids, we would have perhaps hired a motorbike. It can get very hot and dusty so keep this in mind when making the decision of how you travel. Other popular activities are a sunset boat cruise, visiting the market, taking a ride on the horse cart and a visit to a lacquerware workshop.

Bamboo for the lacquerware

Learning about how they make the Lacquerware in Bagan

We did not make it to Inle lake but if we had the time and could plan it again, I would have two nights Yangon, two nights Bagan and two nights Inle lake with perhaps one additional night in Yangon before flying out. Alternatively and without kids, I would recommend one of the river cruises that the Belmond and Strand offer. 

Travel Tips:

1.     Prices are almost always listed in USD. Make sure to bring some USD if you have any and get some Myanmar Kyat (pronounced chee-at)upon arrival at any of the ATMs or banks. We experienced some difficulties with the cash points (ATMs) and would highly recommend you inform your bank of your travels to help avoid any problems. It is always a good idea to bring some currency from home with you in case you need to exchange.

2.     You can obtain an electronic visa ahead of time.

3.     Taxis are cheap in Yangon and we found our drivers to be very friendly.

4.     Pack trousers and long skirts as you are required to cover your knees in the temples.

5.     The culture is very friendly and especially so with children. We were often asked for photographs and many tried to hold the kids or touch them.

6.     Both the kids and myself were nearly eaten alive by mosquitos! Make sure to pack plenty of mosquito spray or buy some upon arrival.

River cruise in Bagan

  Learn these words in Myanmar and you will be sure to make the locals smile:

1.     Hello is Mingalaba

2.     Thank you is pronounced "chay-tzoo-beh"

3.     Good bye is basically Tata.