By Sasha Selkirk
Myanmar, or Burma, is one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most diverse countries. Stretching between the sparkling islands of the Andaman Sea and the Eastern Himalayan Mountains, this land offers an abundance of activities, from mountain trekking and rafting to sunbathing and world-class diving. Unlike Southeast Asian neighbors like Thailand and Vietnam, Myanmar is unique in that it remains relatively untouched by tourism and as such maintains an air of mystery.
With its wild jungle, pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage, this comparatively undiscovered country is just begging to be explored. Despite a late emergence onto the tourist scene, Myanmar offers a surprisingly stress-free travel experience: expect a warm welcome and to find English widely spoken. But do not expect to sit still long in this captivating country.
Fly into Yangon, the cosmopolitan capital city and global gateway to Myanmar. With astounding architecture, the city is any sightseer’s seventh heaven, and the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, arguably the most magnificent of its features, cannot be missed (literally – it’s huge!) After the spiritual sedation of Shwedagon, give into the kids’ restless inclinations by jolting yourself back into the city’s hustle and bustle and losing yourself in the lively labyrinth of street-stalls downtown. When the city chaos catches up to you, soak up some sun on the Southern sands or cruise up the Irrawaddy River to Mandalay.
A plethora of pagodas abound the latter, highlights of which include the world's largest 87 ton bronze bell and the world’s largest 700-marble-slab-long book. And this is but the tip of the iceberg; the most famous relics reside in the ancient city of Bagan, home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins. This jaw-dropping site provides abundant photo opportunities and is the perfect playground for kids to take on a hide-and-seek tournament of epic proportions!
Explore the area by bike or ascend to the skies and balloon over Bagan for breathtaking aerial views. If this panorama isn’t enough then Mount Popa, an extinct volcano, is only a short drive away. Finally, no trip could be complete without an excursion to Inle Lake. Here, fishermen will row you (with their legs!) past floating gardens, fruit farms and villages. And if that isn’t bizarre enough then head to Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery for the ‘jumping cats.’
Classic Travel Package Myanmar Classic Tour:
8 days/7 nights private tour package daily departure.
Price from RMB15,780.
For more details visit classictravel.net.cn or call 400 820 6113.
