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With over 100 languages and diverse cultures, Myanmar stands out as a fascinating country in the eyes of foreign travelers. Exploring Myanmar to delve into its rich history, the local way of life, and other intriguing experiences is something anyone can readily accomplish.
Planning your activities for Myanmar travel may lead to surprises vastly different from your expectations. Here are 10 exciting experiences in Myanmar shared by travel blogger Bessie.
1. Embrace Traditional Attire
No matter where you travel, engaging with local people will undoubtedly offer you incredible experiences. On your first day exploring Myanmar, visit the markets or stroll into the city center to find stores selling traditional attire, known as longyi for men and tamain for women. You'll find a plethora of colors and patterns to choose from, including designs exclusive to ethnic minorities. Wearing a longyi or tamain involves wrapping fabric into multiple layers around your hips, ensuring a snug fit for safety. Unlike other countries in the region, Myanmar locals don this attire daily.
2. Appreciate Local Beauty
Thanaka serves as a traditional makeup powder in Myanmar, emitting a sweet natural fragrance. It's used by locals to cool the skin and shield it from the sun's rays. Made from ground Thanaka tree bark found across the country, both women and children apply Thanaka. University students I met mentioned using Thanaka daily, applying it to their faces and arms. Typically, people mix a bit of water into the powder, then use a brush or sponge to apply it to their faces. You'll find it fascinating to see young girls adorned with rabbit and animal shapes on their cheeks.
3. Indulge in Tea
As you traverse the streets of Myanmar, you're sure to come across bustling roadside tea stalls in the late afternoon. Locals sip tea and engage in lively conversations. There's milk tea with its sweet or bitter taste, or mixed tea varieties, often accompanied by steamed buns and paratha.
4. Spend Hours in Temples
You can visit temples, interact with Buddhists, and explore Myanmar's culture, as temples are where many local families spend significant time together. You'll encounter monks and nuns meditating or reciting scriptures for hours. Bring along some snacks and drinks, sit, and observe the traditional rituals here. Myanmar boasts numerous temples; tourists can choose to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Maha Muni in Mandalay, and many others.
5. Climb Mandalay Hill and Engage with Monks in English
The majority of monks here pursue higher education in Buddhist universities in western Mandalay, aspiring to study abroad in Thailand or India. Consequently, young monks are eager to accompany you on tours and engage in conversations beyond their English language practice purposes.
6. Witness the Bustling Crowd Walking on the World's Longest Teak Wood Bridge
U Bein Bridge holds the title of the world's longest teak wood bridge, connecting several small towns in Mandalay. Local residents and monks often transport goods by bicycles across the bridge. Taking a stroll along this 2km-long bridge will not disappoint. You'll encounter a full reservoir during the rainy season, and during the dry season, you may spot fish and various other animals wandering around the lake. You can also take a boat ride on the lake and admire the bustling crowd on the bridge.
7. Explore the Land of Over 2,000 Temples
As one of the countries with the most temples in the region, Myanmar is a favorite destination for travelers interested in exploring religious cultures. With over 2,000 temples scattered throughout the country, you can cycle from one temple to another. Bring along a map, mark the places you'll visit, and embark on a journey to discover the beautiful scenery around. Remember to bring water and snacks, as there are often few eateries around the temples.
8. Explore the Villages around Inle Lake by Bicycle and Boat
To some Myanmar locals, Inle Lake is considered the most beautiful place in the world. Although not very deep, the lake's surface acts like a mirror reflecting the surrounding hills and mountains. You can explore nearby small towns by bicycle, take a boat ride on the lake to enjoy the scenery, visit local eateries, and nearby temples.
9. Pilgrimage and Fresh Air
Ascending Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (also known as Golden Rock) and marveling at the breathtaking scenery from atop the mountain is a unique experience. Golden Rock is renowned for its precariousness and gold-plated surface. Legend has it that despite only touching the surface of the mountain, Golden Rock remains steadfast due to a strand of Buddha's hair holding it in place. Buddhists from all over come here to pay homage and meditate while overlooking the valley below. A small note, you should wear attire that covers your shoulders and knees to adhere to the solemnity of the place, while also keeping warm as the weather here can be quite chilly.
10. Dining Experience
Similar to its over 100 different languages and cultures, Myanmar offers a rich and diverse cuisine. A typical family meal here consists of various dishes served with rice. Each member has their own bowl of soup. Lephet-do (tea leaf salad) is quite famous in Myanmar, made with fresh tea leaves mixed with cabbage, onions, garlic, peanuts, and various other vegetables. Its flavor can vary depending on the region's preparation. You won't be disappointed with the taste of Shan noodles. The noodle dish comes with eggs and various vegetables, sometimes with just tomato sauce, meat, and tofu. Parata bread is often enjoyed as a light snack with tea, originating from India. It's a type of bread, containing lentils, eggs, sugar, bananas, and more.
According to Onourownpath.com
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourSeptember 30, 2015
