Myanmar
A heartbreakingly beautiful and spiritual land, whose proud and brave people have lived through decades of fear and authoritarianism. Their humor and optimism are astounding. Tragically, since Feb 1, 2021, it is again a dictatorship and the country is unsafe for visitors. It’s also important not to give tourist dollars to the many military enterprises that dominate the economy. A multi-religious society, but also a devout Theravada Buddhist country, the Sangha (monkhood) is the premier moral authority. Village life revolves around age groups, agricultural rituals, nat (animist spiritism), and annual religious cycles. Dark humor, puppetry, lacquerware, literature, and tapestry are some of the enduring cultural products of this magical country.
EXPLORE ALL myanmar ARTICLES
Everything you need to choose the best ways and places to experience a magical sunrise (or sunset) over the Temples of Bagan in Myanmar.
Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda: the best pagoda in Myanmar. A cultural anthropologist’s expert’s guide on what and how to see it, when, and what it all means
History & culture of Myanmar cuisine, main dishes, street food & variety of ingredients; importance of food in traditional Burmese culture
How to choose and book the best Bagan hot air balloon experiences over the Bagan Temples. Pros and cons of each operator and all your questions answered.
Detailed guide to the best Bagan Myanmar hotels by village and proximity to Bagan Temples. Luxury, mid-range & budget & best hotel swimming pools in Bagan
Detailed guide: Best Yangon Myanmar hotels by neighborhood. Luxury, mid-range & budget, best hotel swimming pools, bars & restaurants.
Essential everyday Burmese phrases for travelers to Myanmar. Greet people, order food, pay bills, get directions and medical help, shop in Myanmar and more!
A Myanmar anthropologist’s guide to the best things to do in Yangon: 1-3 day itineraries – best pagodas, culture, markets, colonial architecture, & museums
Guide to all the essential things to do in Bagan in 103 days: the best Bagan temples (pagodas), experiences & Bagan tours by a Myanmar anthropologist