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Top 7 Tips for Visiting Myanmar (Burma)

Tip #1:  Splurge to See Bagan From the Sky

Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over thousands of ancient temples in Bagan, with top-notch operator Balloons Over Bagan.  The unparalleled views are worth the early morning start time — plus they serve champagne and croissants when you land!  You won’t regret this view of a lifetime.

Tip #3:  Smile for the Camera!

The Burmese locals are the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.  In general, they don’t mind if you take their picture — but be ready for them to take your picture too.  At most temples in Myanmar (but particularly in Mandalay and Yangon), you’ll encounter groups of Burmese who have travelled from small towns, often many hours away.  They are as fascinated with you as you will be with them.  Even with a language barrier, exchanging a simple smile will give them the confidence to ask with hand motions if they can take a picture with you.  After all, what’s good for the goose….!

Tip #2: Step Back in Time with Your Personal Driver, Horse, & Buggy

While some will opt to get a little exercise and go temple-hopping in Bagan by bicycle, keep in mind the majority of the roads you’ll travel will be rocky dust and dirt.  Plus, the rental bikes in Bagan are generally of low quality.  A much more practical and romantic way to see the glorious temples is to hire a horse & buggy with a driver.  You won’t have to book in advance, as the drivers (and horses) hang out near every hotel.  Negotiate early in the morning for the full day, and plan to come back to your hotel mid-day for lunch, a dip in the pool, and possibly a siesta.  The drivers understand that most tourists can’t handle the strong mid-day heat and they should take this lunch break into account with their pricing.

Tip #4:  Cross the Yangon River to Dallah on the Local Ferry

Once you’ve “ticked the boxes” in Yangon (Rangoon), take a ferry ride with the locals across the river to Dallah. The ferry jetty is just steps from The Strand Hotel and will be your introduction to a new kind of floating market.  A host of goods are for sale on the ferry, as you cross the Yangon river: cut fruit, ice cream, hats, plastic trinkets for the kids, bird seed to feed the gulls, even live chickens.  Upon arrival you’ll be swarmed by locals offering trishaw (bicycle rickshaw) tours of the town’s local attractions.  Negotiate as you walk; they will follow and the prices will drop.  Be specific about how much or little you wish to see and the drivers will oblige.  A tour of the fishing village is peaceful and offers some shade away from the main road.  If you don’t want to visit orphanages or “factories” for shopping, just be clear with your driver upfront so they aren’t disappointed later when they lose the opportunity for a commission.  You’re in for a lovely tour, away from the hustle and bustle of central Yangon.

Tip #5:  Take Afternoon Tea With the Cats at Inthar Heritage House, Inle Lake

To be blunt, you don’t go to Burma for the cuisine.  More often than not, the chicken is tough, the meat is full of grizzle, and you’re rightfully scared to eat the salad.  But while you’re enjoying the stunning floating villages on Inle Lake, stop by Inthar Heritage House for a snack.  This beautiful Restaurant-Museum-Art-Gallery-Cat-Sanctuary also happens to have the most delicious tapas.  A beautiful wooden veranda covered in flowered vines wraps around the 2nd floor and offers glorious views and yummy treats like flourless chocolate cake.  Beat the heat and grab a table in the shade; you might end up staying for hours!

Tip #6:  A Boat Ride to Indein is about the Journey ~and~ the Destination

There are plenty of temples and villages one can visit while staying on Inle Lake, but one of the best half-day journeys you can take is a trip to Idein.  In a private long-tailled boat you’ll wind through narrow “rivers” on the lake, watching young monks have their morning bath, and farmers taking their buffalo for a dip to cool off.  Along the riverbanks, mothers walk with their children on the way to market to peddle their goods; often those goods are balanced atop their heads. Arriving in Indein you might think there is nothing that can impress you after seeing Bagan’s temples, but never fear, this is an unusual crop of pagodas.  As you climb up to the top of the shallow hill, make sure you venture off the path to wander amongst the pagodas, many of which are little more than ruins that appear untouched for centuries.

Tip #7: Let an Local Expert Help you Plan

Burma is still getting up to speed with the rest of the modern world.  It is not unusual to encounter unresponsive hotels and airlines when trying to make bookings. Alleviate some of your stress and reach out to SunBird Tours, located in Yangon.  Recommended by friends, we found that ZarNi will take good care of you, arranging reservations and even local transportation and guides — she even picked us up at the airport personally.  As of 2013, SunBird Tours required payments to be sent before arrival via wire transfer, but rest assured, they are a legitimate tour operator.  If that’s not enough to convince you, the New York Times also raved about SunBird Tours!  Contact ZarNi at sunbirdtours@gmail.com and enjoy your visit to Myanmar!

Enjoy your trip to the Myanmar!

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