Myanmar
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General Travel Guide: The Golden Soul of Asia
Traveling to Myanmar is like opening a treasure chest forgotten by time. It is a journey to a land where spirituality permeates the air, visible in the thousands of golden pagodas rising into the sky and in the devotion of its saffron-robed monks. Here, traditional rhythms of life endure: Inle Lake fishermen continue their ancestral rowing technique, Mandalay artisans work with centuries-old techniques and people smile with their faces covered in 'thanaka'. From the magical plain of Bagan, which seems like a dream at dawn, to the bustle of the markets of Yangon and the serenity of its beaches, Myanmar offers an authentic and profound experience that connects the traveler with the purest essence of Southeast Asia.
Capital
Naypyidaw
Population
54.409.800
Langue
MY
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
0
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de Myanmar
Expériences uniques
Watch the Sunrise in Bagan from a Balloon or a Temple
One of the most iconic experiences in the world. Watching the first rays of sunlight illuminate thousands of temples and stupas emerging from the morning fog is an unforgettable spectacle. It can be enjoyed from the top of a converted temple or, for an even more spectacular view, from a hot air balloon floating over the plain.
Sailing on Inle Lake
Exploring the lake in a motorized canoe is like entering an aquatic world. You can visit villages built on stilts, see the famous floating gardens, watch lotus silk weavers and, of course, photograph the 'Intha' fishermen with their unique style of paddling with one leg while casting their conical nets.
Crossing the U Bein Bridge at Sunset
This 1.2 kilometer pedestrian bridge, built entirely of teak wood, comes to life at the end of the day. Walking along it alongside monks, locals and tourists, or renting a small boat to see the silhouette of the bridge against the orange sunset sky, is a photogenic and deeply atmospheric experience.
Apply Thanaka
You will see many women and children with a yellowish paste on their faces. It is 'thanaka', a traditional cosmetic paste made from the bark of a tree. It acts as a sunscreen, refresher and skin treatment. Trying to have it applied at a local market is a fun way to connect with the culture.
Attend a Puppet Show
'Yoke thé' is the traditional art of Burmese puppetry, a centuries-old form of entertainment. To attend a show, especially in Mandalay or Bagan, is to appreciate a delicate and colorful art form that tells stories of Burmese mythology and royalty.
Travel on the Yangon Circular Train
For a total immersion in the daily life of the city, there is nothing like getting on the slow and chugging circular train. The three-hour trip takes you through suburbs and countryside, passing bustling trackside markets. It is a fascinating and authentic window into the lives of the people of Yangon.
A Crossing of Salty, Sour and Aromatic Flavors
Myanmar cuisine is a treasure to be discovered, with strong influences from its neighbors China, India and Thailand, but with a unique personality. It is characterized by the use of fermented products, a wide variety of salads ('thoke') and a love of predominantly salty and sour flavours. Eating in Myanmar is a culinary adventure, from street stalls to curry feasts.
Myanmar cuisine is a treasure to be discovered, with strong influences from its neighbors China, India and Thailand, but with a unique personality. It is characterized by the use of fermented products, a wide variety of salads ('thoke') and a love of predominantly salty and sour flavours. Eating in Myanmar is a culinary adventure, from street stalls to curry feasts.
The Art of the Salad (Thoke)
In Myanmar, a 'salad' or 'thoke' does not refer to lettuce and tomato. It is a mixture of a variety of ingredients (noodles, ginger, samosas, tea leaves) seasoned with lime, fried onion, tamarind, toasted chickpea flour and oil. They are an explosion of textures and flavors.
Laphet (Tea Leaves)
Myanmar is one of the few places in the world where tea leaves are eaten. 'Laphet' are fermented tea leaves that play a crucial role both in cooking, such as in the famous tea leaf salad, and in social life, offering themselves as a symbol of hospitality and to close deals.
Plats Iconiques
Mohinga
Considered the national dish par excellence, it is a fish and rice noodle soup that is usually eaten for breakfast. The broth is thick and aromatic, cooked with lemongrass, ginger and banana, and served with crunchy toppings.
Laphet Thoke (Tea Leaf Salad)
The most famous dish in Myanmar. It consists of fermented tea leaves mixed with shredded cabbage, tomatoes, a variety of crispy fried beans and peas, peanuts, sesame and a splash of garlic-lime oil.
Burmese Curry (Hin)
A feast in itself. When ordering a curry (pork, chicken, lamb or fish), you not only receive the main course, but also a multitude of accompaniments: soup, rice, fresh and cooked vegetables, and various sauces and condiments, including the ubiquitous 'ngapi' fish paste.
Shan Noodles (Shan Khauk Swe)
A dish originating from Shan State, but popular throughout the country. They are thin rice noodles served in a light, spicy broth with marinated chicken or pork, and seasoned with toasted sesame. There is also a 'dry' version with the broth separate.
Nangyi Thoke
Often called the 'Myanmar spaghetti salad'. They are thick, round rice noodles mixed with a chicken curry, chickpea flour, sliced hard-boiled egg, onion and lime. It is a strong and tasty dish.
Ohn No Khauk Swe
Wheat noodles in a creamy and rich chicken broth and coconut milk, seasoned with chickpea flour, onion and chili. It is a comforting soup and one of the country's favorites.
Boissons typiques
Laphet Yay (Burmese Tea)
Tea is the center of social life. Served in small cups, it is strong, sweet and milky, prepared with black tea and condensed milk. Tea houses ('teashops') are institutions where people meet to chat, eat and do business.
Sugarcane Juice
An incredibly refreshing street drink. The juice is freshly extracted from the sugar cane stalks and served with ice and sometimes a squeeze of lime.
Myanmar Beer
The local lager beer and the most popular in the country. It is a light and refreshing drink, perfect to accompany spicy food or to relax after a day of exploring.
Htan Yay (Palm Wine or Toddy)
A traditional alcoholic beverage obtained from the fermented sap of palm trees. It has a slightly sweet and tart flavor, and can be drunk fresh (sweeter) or further fermented (stronger).
Desserts traditionnels
Mont Lone Yay Paw
They are glutinous rice balls filled with palm sugar and sprinkled with grated coconut. They are usually prepared during the Thingyan (Burmese New Year) festival and are a sweet and chewy snack.
Shwe Yin Aye
A refreshing dessert perfect for the heat. It's a mix of gelatin pieces, tapioca pearls and glutinous rice, served in chilled sweetened coconut milk.
Sanwin Makin
A dense, moist cake or pudding made from semolina, coconut milk, eggs, clarified butter and poppy seeds. It is a sweet and aromatic dessert, often cut into a diamond shape.
Kyauk Kyaw
A two-layer jelly. The bottom layer is white and made of coconut milk, while the top layer is transparent and made of agar-agar. It is a light dessert and not too sweet.
Que voir par thème
Myanmar is a country of astonishing diversity, with experiences ranging from exploring archaeological wonders to relaxing on remote beaches and coming into contact with ancient cultures.
Spiritual and Archaeological Heart
The essence of Myanmar lies in its faith. Bagan is the archaeological epicenter, a vast plain with thousands of temples. Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda is the holiest pilgrimage site. Mandalay Hill offers panoramic views, and the Kyaiktiyo Golden Rock is a phenomenon of gravity-defying devotion.
Floating Life and Legendary Rivers
Life in Myanmar revolves around water. Inle Lake is a microcosm of aquatic life, with its villages, markets and floating gardens. A cruise on the Irrawaddy River, the country's lifeblood, is a leisurely way to travel between Mandalay and Bagan, observing riverside life.
Colonial Heritage and Vibrant Cities
The British influence is visible in the architecture of its cities. Yangon preserves magnificent colonial buildings around the Sule Pagoda. Mandalay, the last royal capital, is the cultural center of the country. And Pyin Oo Lwin, a former British hill station, retains its charm with its cottages and horse-drawn carriages.
Virgin Beaches and Remote Coasts
Myanmar has an extensive coastline on the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Ngapali is the most developed beach, with white sand and palm trees. Ngwe Saung (Silver Beach) is another popular option. For the more adventurous, the Mergui Archipelago offers hundreds of deserted islands, ideal for diving and exploration.
Trekking and Ethnic Cultures
The hills of Shan State are the ideal place for trekking. The most popular route is the two or three-day trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake, which allows you to spend the night in villages of the Pa'O and Danu ethnic groups. Hsipaw, further north, offers walks through rural landscapes and contact with Shan culture.
Conseils de voyage
Dress and Respect
Burmese society is conservative. When visiting pagodas and temples, it is mandatory to cover your shoulders and knees. You should always take off your shoes before entering sacred spaces and private homes. The 'longyi' (traditional sarong) is comfortable and an excellent option for respectful dressing.
Social Etiquette
The traditional greeting is 'Mingalabar'. It is considered disrespectful to touch someone's head, as it is the most sacred part of the body. Likewise, you should not point at anyone or any Buddha image with your feet, the lowest part of the body.
Money
The local currency is the Kyat (MMK). Although ATMs are becoming more common in cities, it is advisable to carry enough cash, especially in rural areas. U.S. dollars in mint condition (no wrinkles or marks) are often accepted in hotels and for large purchases.
Health and Safety
Always drink bottled water. It is advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance. Due to the complex political situation in the country, always inform yourself about safe areas to travel and avoid regions with active conflicts or access restrictions for tourists.
This guide gives you a window into the magic of Myanmar, a country of unmatched beauty and spiritual depth. Its greatest treasure is the warmth and resilience of its people. We encourage you to travel with an open mind and a respectful heart, to immerse yourself in its traditions and to be surprised by the treasures that await you in every corner of the Golden Land. Have a good trip!
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