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Some Things To See And Do In Myanmar |
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Boat Trips
Eco-tourism is encouraged by Myanmar Travels & Tours and one location,
Lamip Island, is a good boat trip that includes eco-tourism. The island can be
reached by boat trips from Myeik and Kawthaung.
Buddhist
Festivals
A large number of Buddhist festivals are held annually in Myanmar and
provide an interesting way for visitors to experience local traditions and
culture. Check the "Special Events" section for additional
information.
Buddhist Retreats
For serious practitioners of Buddhism, there are several centers for the study and practice
of Theravada Buddhism, the most famous of which is the Mahasi Meditation Center in
Yangon. The
center was founded in 1947 by Mahasi Sayadaw, one of
Myanmar's greatest meditation teachers. Visitors wishing to participate in
Buddhist retreats need to obtain a special, long-stay entry visa
(allowing stays of up to 12 weeks). The application procedure takes up to ten
weeks.
Burmese Boxing
Burmese
boxing is a popular sport and one you are sure to enjoy, if you are into boxing.
However, it can appear extremely vicious to the
uninitiated spectator.
Chinglone
The
national game is Chinglone. The object of the game is to keep a cane ball in the air
for as long as possible using only feet and knees with teams of six players.
Dance
Burmese dances are performances of
traditional dance forms, called "nat pwes", which pay homage to the spirit
world.
Eco-tourism
Eco-tourism, which has recently begun to be encouraged by Myanmar Travels & Tours,
is becoming popular in Myanmar and there are a number of national
parks and wildlife sanctuaries which offer eco-tourism along with trekking and safaris.
The best parks are the Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (located northwest
of Monywa); Hlawga National Park (near Yangon, good for birdwatching); Popa
Mountain Park (extinct volcano covered in forests in the desert area of
central Myanmar); Lampi Island (Myeik Archipelago) (which can be reached
by boat trips from Myeik and Kawthaung); and Shwesettaw Wildlife
Sanctuary (located in Minbu).
Football
Football can be seen at Aung San Stadium in Yangon and on small fields throughout the
country.
Marionette
Theatre
The Burmese enjoy marionette theatre (yok-thei pwe) as it was once widely practiced
during the late 18th century. It is still one of the most characteristic forms
of national cultural expression.
Nightlife
Although Western-style
nightlife is almost non-existent, there are occasional performances in
Yangon's three theatres as well as a number of rock and pop groups gaining in
popularity. Cinemas are popular and seven of Yangon's 50 cinemas regularly show
English-language films.
Safaris
Eco-tourism, which has recently begun to be
encouraged by Myanmar Travels & Tours, is becoming popular in Myanmar and there are a number of national
parks and wildlife sanctuaries which offer eco-tourism along with trekking and safaris.
The best parks are the Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (located northwest
of Monywa); Hlawga National Park (near Yangon, good for birdwatching); Popa
Mountain Park (extinct volcano covered in forests in the desert area of
central Myanmar); Lampi Island (Myeik Archipelago) (which can be reached
by boat trips from Myeik and Kawthaung); and Shwesettaw Wildlife
Sanctuary (located in Minbu).
Shopping
Souvenirs
include handicrafts and jewelry. In Yangon a good place to shop is Bogyoke
Aung San Market which sells luxury items, handicrafts, food stuffs, clothing, jewelry
and consumer goods. It is open from 0800-1800 (except Sunday and
public holidays) but the best time to visit is around 1000. Mandalay is a good
place for traditional handicrafts which can be purchased at Zegyo Market.
Phatahe Bazaar sells Buddhist articles of worship. Normal shopping hours are Mon-Sun 0800-2200.
Special
Events
The
Buddhist calendar is full of festivals, many timed to coincide with the full
moon. Any visitor would be unlucky not to be able to enjoy at least one during
their stay. The Myanmar New Year, Maha Thingyan, takes place in mid-April
and celebrations last for at least three days. Two other major festivals are
Thadingyut,
at the October full moon, and Tazaungdaing, in early November. The
Buddhist Lent (July to October) is marked by three months' fasting and other
religious observances. Other events are: the annual Gems Emporium in February;
the Cultural Performances Festival in March; the International Machinery Expo in
May and the Trade Fair in Sept/Oct.
Swimming
Swimming and
other types of water sports are possible on the following beaches: Kanthaya
Beach (located on the Rakhine coast); Maung-ma-gan Beach (located on
the Taninthayi coast in the south and reached from Dawei); Ngapali Beach (located
on the Rakhine coast); and Chaung-tha Beach (located west of Pathein).
Theatre
Visitors can also attend performances of Myanmar's traditional popular theatre,
known as pwe (or show). Performances take place in a variety of contexts,
including religious festivals, weddings, sporting events or even funerals, and
sometimes last for an entire night.
Trekking
Eco-tourism, which has recently begun to be
encouraged by Myanmar Travels & Tours, is becoming popular in Myanmar and there are a number of national
parks and wildlife sanctuaries which offer eco-tourism along with trekking and safaris.
The best parks are the Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (located northwest
of Monywa); Hlawga National Park (near Yangon, good for birdwatching); Popa
Mountain Park (extinct volcano covered in forests in the desert area of
central Myanmar); Lampi Island (Myeik Archipelago) (which can be reached
by boat trips from Myeik and Kawthaung); and Shwesettaw Wildlife
Sanctuary (located in Minbu).
