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Burma / Myanmar Holidays

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Burma is a fascinating country. Pagodas dot the landscape, farmers tend to their emerald green rice paddies and the pace of life mirrors the slowly changing seasons. Home to friendly, welcoming people, the ancient golden spires and scarlet robed priests of Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda are a memorable introduction to the country. Central Burma, the country’s cultural heart, is dominated by the mighty Irrawaddy River, source of a number of delightful cruises. Here, Mandalay gives way to the spectacular ruins of Bagan whilst the stilted homes of Inle Lake and minority villages of Keng Tung highlight the diversity of peoples and cultures. To the south is the Golden Rock of Kyaiktiyo and old British capital of Mawlamyaing whilst the beaches at Ngapali and Ngwe Saung provide a relaxing end to a holiday. All of our holidays and tours to Burma are unique and fully personalised.

Places to visit in Burma / Myanmar

A dynamic and energetic country, Burma is an intoxicating mix of peoples, landscapes and traditions. Southern Burma is centred on capital Yangon which is home to shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda. Further south Mawlamyaing and spectacular Golden Rock pagoda are key places of interest. Dominated by the Irrawaddy, central Burma is the setting for the country’s main historical sites. Explore breathtaking Bagan and climb Mt Popa then travel north to Mandalay, the Sagaing temples, Inwa and Amarapura – site of U Bein’s Bridge. From Mandalay you can travel by rail to Maymyo and Hsipaw, crossing the Goitek Viaduct, or head to Pindaya, Kalaw and Inle Lake with its stilt villages and floating farms. Remote northern Burma is best accessed by river, whether the upper reaches of the Irrawaddy or the little-explored Chindwin, whilst Keng Tung, close to the Thai border, is home to scenic minority settlements. The beaches of Ngapali and Ngwe Saung offer relaxation and excellent hotels.

MAP OF BURMA / MYANMAR

When to Visit burma

There are three main seasons in Burma. The hottest and driest period is between February and May whilst the monsoon rains can stretch from late May right into September with Mandalay and the centre of the country receiving half the rainfall of Yangon and the south which has more of a tropical climate. The period between November and February is generally considered to be the best time to travel when temperatures are cooler, around 25°C, and the weather dry. This is also peak season and a popular time to travel especially Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake. Ngapali and the beaches of the west coast are at their best between October and May.

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This is a general overview suggesting when to travel in the country. Please note that this may not directly apply to any specific itinerary or region.

Essential Information

flag of Burma Capital: Naypyitaw

Main Language: Burmese

Time Zone: GMT + 6.30

Currency: Kyat (MMK)

Burma / Myanmar Holiday Review

Our itinerary was varied and interesting at all times; the logistics were impeccable. We found the people of Myanmar to be kind and considerate. What we most enjoyed was the authenticity of all we did and saw. Once again, many thanks to the team for a truly great experience.

PB & MT - Burma / Myanmar - February 2018

Accommodation in Burma / Myanmar

Since opening to the wider world, there has been a notable increase in accommodation throughout the country. The main centres of Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake and Ngapali Beach now offer an excellent selection of hotels, the majority with fine facilities and a full range of amenities. In rural areas and less visited destinations accommodation is varied but tends to be much simpler in style. In general, properties in Burma are smaller, locally owned and independently run although in Yangon there are a few international hotels. Nearly all accommodation has a distinct Burmese character. River cruises on both the Irrawaddy and Chindwin are a popular way to travel around the country and there is a vast range of options available from traditional shallow-draft teak river vessels to more modern cruisers.

Common Burma / Myanmar Travel Questions

A1 - The best time to visit Burma / Myanmar is generally considered to be between November and February, however, any time during the dry season which runs from October to May is good. During this period the weather is warm and the risk of rain low although towards the end of the dry season temperatures increase considerably. The monsoon arrives in Burma / Myanmar at the end of May and can last until the middle of September.
A2 - British nationals must apply for a visa in advance of their holiday. The visa is applied for online and, once processed, the visa approval is presented on arrival in the country. Traditional paper visas can also be obtained prior to travel.
A3 - There are no direct flights to Burma / Myanmar from the UK. Generally, the most convenient route is via Bangkok with flights taking approximately 14 to 16 hours.
A4 - One of the very best ways to experience Burma / Myanmar is by boat and there are many different river cruises of varying routes and durations. The most popular river cruises travel the Irrawaddy from Prome, north of Yangon, to Bagan, Mandalay and the upper reaches of the river as far as Katha. For the more adventurous, the remote and little-explored Chindwin River can be navigated as far as isolated Homalin.
A5 - You should speak to a medical practitioner for advice on health requirements for Burma / Myanmar. Current recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria with malaria medication a consideration if travelling to certain areas of the country.
A6 - Although Kyat is the official currency of Burma / Myanmar and used for smaller everyday purchases, US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country and used particularly for larger purchases. Credit cards are only accepted in luxury hotels. There are also an increasing number of ATM machines across the country.
A7 - The official language of Burma / Myanmar is Burmese although there are a large number of regional and minority languages. English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country.

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS WITH PETTITTS TRAVEL

With over 30 years’ experience, Pettitts Travel specialises in creating memorable holidays around the globe. As an independent tour operator and travel agency, we can help to both craft or source your perfect holiday and pride ourselves in providing the very highest level of service and advice.

Whether you are looking to travel closer to home or further afield, on a short break or a longer adventure, looking to simply relax beside the beach or undertake a once in a lifetime cultural tour, our experienced team will be delighted to assist you.
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