I took a trip recently to Yangon, Myanmar which was rather like traveling back in time… What I would imagine Thailand was like fifty years ago. While I was there, I had a chance to check out some of the sites. Find out in this post What To Do in Yangon Myanmar!
To begin – Myanmar is a rather weird place. It has been a closed country for a long while and it shows. Actually, I really like weird. So in this post I tried to capture some of the weirdness that you will see, and do my best to explain the reasons behind the weird, too 🙂
Why Myanmar is weird
Weird #1:
The Men Wear Skirts
The first thing I noticed is that the men were pretty much all wearing skirts. They are not shorties, they are “longyis”, which are tube like skirts tied up in a variety of ways by the local men. I became rather obsessed looking at the various ways they tied them up and there is a lot of tying and untying and retying going on at any given moment as the men walk around and readjust themselves everywhere in the streets.
Weird #2:
Don’t Expect Men to Do Business With You if You are a Woman
I arrived to the country on a business trip and it didn’t take me too long to discover that I would be doing hardly any talking, and mostly stare at the back of men’s heads, as clearly business is not a woman’s world. At least not there. After shaking hands with me, they immediately turned their backs, and I was told later I was “Lucky” to have received a handshake at all.
Weird #3:
Iron Your Money
One weird fact I came to learn is that they really like US Dollars – but only if they are clean, have no creases, and are freshly ironed. The dollar is actually worth LESS in this country if it is not perfect, and if it is dirty, forget it, they won’t take it at all. I don’t know why this is, nor could I find the answer online, so it just is that way because it is. Bring an iron, folks.
Weird #4:
Cars Have Steering Wheels on Both Sides
Don’t worry, they drive on the same side, but the cars are from everywhere, and the wheels are wherever. I got really confused by this when I first arrived, but then you just learn to look before you get into the car or taxi. Also, just so you know, the traffic barely moves anywhere, so make sure you find one and request that they put the aircon ON for your slow journey ahead.
Weird #5:
People Might Follow You and Fan You
It is common in Asia to be followed way-too-closely by the store attendants that want to sell things to you–this is meant to be a courtesy–in case there is anything you need. I hate this but have usually been able to get some personal space, or leave the shops altogether. However, in Myanmar, you have people actually following you and FANNING you at the same time. While it is rather nice, you can’t actually ignore someone that is fanning you and trying to sell something to you at the same time. Interesting sales tactic 🙂
Weird #6:
You Are Going to the City With No Name
Yangon was founded as “Dagon” but is also known as “Rangoon”, which is in Myanmar, which is also known as Burma. At any given point in this country, you might not know where you are.
Ok Enough Weird!
What To Do In Yangon Myanmar
Best…
Places To Eat
Monsoon
85-87 Thein Byu Rd Yangon
Maw Shwe Li Restaurant
316 Anawrahta Rd Lanmadaw Township
Best Shopping
Bogyoke Aung San Market
Bogyoke Aung San Rd Yangon
Attractions
Meditation Center
Chanmyay Myaing Meditation Centre
16 Thathana Yeiktha Rd Bahan Township
by Ven. Ariya Ñani, Stand August 2007
Address: Chanmyay Myaing Meditation Centre, Shwe U Min Street, No. 3 Highway,
Laydaungkan, Mingaladon Township, Pale PO 11022, Yangon
Tel: 0095 (0)980 23 507
16/2 Inya Road, Yangon (Rangoon) kamayut township, Myanmar
Going Out of Town… Other Destinations:
Myanmar’s attractions lie largely in the area of the spiritual. Temples, pagodas and historical sites abound with some areas such as Bagan boasting so many attractions that it would be impossible to take them in during a single visit. With landscapes, a tropical climate, beaches, cheap transportation and truly awesome sights, Myanmar is a fascinating and bewitching destination.
The main tourist destination in Myanmar is Bagan, capital of the first Myanmar Empire; one of the richest archaeological sites in South-east Asia. Situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyawaddy River. The Magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to Myanmar for nearly 1000 years.
Inle is a vast lake located in the heart of Shan State which shares borders with Thai & Laos. And it climbs up to over 900 metres above sea level and outrageously beautiful. Inle Lake is located in the mountains so it is cooler than other areas. More than 30 hill tribes are living in the mountains.
Ngapali Beach – The beach stretches nearly 3 km with soft white sand fringed by coconut palms.
Mrauk U – Largely unknown to the Western world for much of its turbulent history, Rakhine played a pivotal role in the exchange of cultures and religions between India and Southeast Asia. For over a thousand years the region which now forms the Rakhine State, Myanmar was an independent state whose rich history is only slowly being paid the attention it deserves.
Ngwe Saung Beach Resort opened in the year 2,000, is one of the loveliest and most pleasant beach resorts in Myanmar. Located in the Ayeyarwady Division, some 48 kilometers from the town of Pathein, Ngwe Saung, with a beach frontage on the Bay of Bengal with its clear blue waters, its white crested waves, sandy beaches and unspoiled and pollution-free natural surroundings, is indeed one of the best places to select for a holiday interlude of rest and relaxation.
Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock) – This mystical pagoda built in the enshrinement of Buddha relic stands on a gold gilded boulder, precariously perched on the edge of the hill over 1100 km above sea-level.
Additional Helpful Links:
Yangon / Rangoon Lonely Planet
Hope this info is helpful — and add your thoughts/ comments / travel tips below!
