Myanmar Hotel Accommodation - Travel and Hotels Guide

Myanmar (formerly Burma), is one of the most exotic countries in the world. It is well known as the Golden Land not only for its ancient cultural and magnificent architectural heritages, but also for its rich natural resources and diversity of beautiful attractions. This, combined with a most gracious and hospitable people, makes Myanmar like no where else on earth.

THE PEOPLE
The term Myanmar embraces over 135 ethnic groups living together and speaking their own dialects. The major ethnic races are Kachin, Kayah, Karin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine & Shan live in seven states and seven divisions in Myanmar.

POPULATION
Myanmar has a population of over 52 million and the Bamars make about 70%. Yangon, the capital and gate way to Myanmar, has a population of nearly 6 million.

RELIGION
Over 89.3% of Myanmar embrace Theravada Buddhism and the rest practice Christianity (5.6%), Islam (3.8%), Hinduism (0.5%) and Animism (0.2%).

LANGUAGE
The official language is Myanmar, the spoken language differs slightly from region to region and the minority ethnic groups have their own languages and dialects. English is spoken by many and is widely understood. Some Myanmar know French, German, and Mandarin.

CULTURE
Myanmar lies between the two great civilizations of the world, India and China, its culture is blend of both with the development of its own distinctive characteristics. Buddhism has a great influence on daily life of the Myanmar who preserve the traditions of close family ties, respect for the elders and devotion to Buddhist teachings. Myanmar People are known for their generosity, simple hospitality and with a blend of serenity And friendliness. Bagan and Mandalay are the seats of Myanmar culture.

CLIMATE
Myanmar enjoys a tropical with three distinct seasons: namely winter, summer, and the rainy season. The winter, the best time to visit, is from October to mid February, the dry season runs from mid February to mid May, when the humidity builds up before the rains begin. The rainy season commences with the Southwest Monsoon, which lasts from middle of May to the middle of October.

CURRENCY
Myanmar currency is Kyat, which is divided into 100 Pyas. The Kyat notes are issued in Denominations of 1,5, 10, 15, 20, 45, 50, 90, 100, 200, 500 and 1000. Foreign Exchanged Certificates, equivalent to US Dollars, are issued in denominations of 1,5,10 and 20.FECs can be purchased with Us Dollars or Pounds Sterling. . It can be accepted by hotels, airlines, admission fees to museums and pagodas, travel agents, taxis and restaurants.

FESTIVALS
Try to arrange your journey to coincide with a festival. These celebrations-such as Ananda Pagoda Festival, Thingyan-Water Festival and Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, etc. offer a perfect chance to join the locals as they celebrate their festivals throughout the year. Contact us for the latest festival calendar.

CLOTHING
Casual and light clothing is recommended for all year round in Myanmar. Raincoat, light sweater or jacket will be useful during the monsoon and cold season. A heavy sweater is also required for traveling in hilly regions like Northern and Eastern areas. Most Myanmar people appreciate the decent dress in the precincts of religious buildings. Ladies should not wear shorts or bra-less shirts or sleeveless blouses in such places. Sandals or slippers are convenient as shoes and socks/stockings must be removed when entering the precincts of Pagodas and monasteries.

DESTINATION :-

- Yangon
Yangon, the capital city, is the main gateway to Myanmar. Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of "Garden City of the East". Yangon was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small village called Dagon when he conquered Lower Myanmar in 1755. The name Yangon means "End of Strike" which was anglicized to Rangoon. The present day Yangon covers over 350 sq.km and has a population of over 5 million. Yangon is located in the southeastern part of Ayeyarwaddy Delta, particularly at the junction of Pan-Hlaing – Yangon River, Ngamoeyeik – Pazundaung creek and Bago River. All these rivers and streams have the sources in the southern part of Bago Yoma with the mixture of the unmistakable cultural structures colonial style buildings and modern vitality among the many shady parks and beautiful lakes which forms its land mark. For a tourist, once in Myanmar it is a must to have an excursion to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, the world famous stupa via Kaba Aye Pagoda and Mahapasana Cave, recently built Buddha Tooth Relic Pagoda, Sasana Thetkatho (Religious University) and Kyauk Taw Gyi Huge marble image. Other sights are Chauk Htat Gyi: Huge Reclining Buddha Image, Karaweik Royal Barge in serene Kandawgyi (Royal Lake), National Museum and Bogyoke Market. One fullday sightseeing completely covers major highlights in Yangon.

- Mandalay
The last capital of Myanmar Kingdom is in Central Myanmar, 416 miles due north of Yangon. Also known as Ratanabon-Napyidaw (meaning Gem City), it was built in 1857 by King Mindon. At present, it is the second capital and the place where one will come closest to the real Myanmar. Being rich in monasteries and pagodas and temple resources of Myanmar arts and architechture, it is known as the center of Myanmar culture. It is also the commercial centre with rail, road, river and air links to all parts of the country.