The time is ripe to visit Myanmar. Accommodations and experiences in this nature- and culture-rich country vary from high-end hotels to small, rural countryside excursions. Indeed, Myanmar is a country that is transitioning into an up-and-coming tourist destination while still maintaining its unique charm. With almost 100 different cultures, a high concentration of Buddhist temples and a diverse array of landscapes, Myanmar boasts a wealth of experiences that will delight the mind, refresh the spirit and challenge the body.
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Delighting the Mind
Previously known as Burma, Myanmar has an interesting history and is home to a broad diversity of cultures. It was at one point part of the British Empire, and the prevalence of tea houses is one of the lasting impacts of Western influence on this area.
Myanmar’s food, architecture and way of life is heavily influenced by India, Thailand and China, and the country is home to cultural descendants of each of these countries. A trip to Myanmar is a treasure trove of cultural and historical lessons for the mind to absorb.
One of the urban hubs, Yangon, is a fascinating place for those interested in experiencing the melting pot that is Myanmar. It’s a unique city that blends the historical, older way of life with more modern influences against a backdrop of majestic golden temples and colonial-era buildings.
For a more-immersive experience into the cultures and ways of life in Myanmar, take the time to attend a Shin Pyu (a Buddhist novitiation ceremony) or, if you’re visiting at the right time, a pagoda festival. Nothing can help you understand the complexities of a culture and its traditions better than witnessing them first hand.
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Refreshing the Spirit
The dominant religion throughout the whole country is Buddhism, and the temples and spirituality of this landscape are a popular reason visitors come to this area. Bagan, a holy area within Myanmar, is one of the main tourism hubs that draws people looking to connect with the spiritual history of this area.
Bagan is located about 430 miles north of Yangon and is an impressive 26-square-mile area, featuring about 4,000 sacred stupas — Buddhist shrines that contain relics and are used as places of meditation. Stupas are common in Buddhist countries, but travelers to Myanmar will notice distinct architectural characteristics that are unique to this country.
To breathe in the spirit of Myanmar, one does not have to go far — it is simply all around you. Walk around Shwedagon Pagoda, a gilded stupa located in the heart of Yangon; pop into a monastery and join in a meditation; or witness the evening chants of the monks in a monastery near Mandalay, a unique Buddhist ritual.
It’s a common phrase among travelers to Southeast Asia to start to feel “templed out.” In Myanmar, however, you can easily break up the temple visits with boat or bike rides, interesting interactions with the friendly locals or culinary experiences. While the spiritual side of Myanmar definitely draws in many visitors, travelers are finding that there are many other equally valuable and rewarding ways to get out and enjoy this unique country.
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Challenging the Body
Myanmar only recently opened its borders to tourism, but its travel infrastructure is surprisingly robust for being so recently developed. Travelers might find getting around a little more challenging here than in other countries in the region, but the relatively untouched landscape and engaging culture are well worth exercising a little more patience, and a good excuse to exercise the body as well.
Renting bicycles and walking are common methods of getting around. It is also fairly easy to rent taxis, rickshaws and boats, but there’s nothing quite like exploring a new land with the power of your own two feet.
Inle Lake is a particularly fun region and a great place to get out and tour by bicycle. It’s an adventure-inspiring village resort where you can cycle through hills and grasslands, watch the world-famous fishermen row canoes with their feet, and go for a boat ride at sunrise or sunset.
For a more intense physical adventure, climb the 1,129 steps of Mandalay Hill, the 777 steps of Mount Popa or the 725-meter high Mount Zwegabin. Your legs may be screaming, but your mind and spirit will thank you for it. For a complete mind-body experience, spend the night at a monastery after a challenging trek — the mesmerizing Shan Hills are not to be missed.
The most comfortable time of year to visit is during the peak tourist season of November through February. While it may be more crowded with tourists during this cooler season, the rest of the year is much less popular thanks to extremely hot temperatures. Keep this in mind when planning outdoor adventures.
A Myanmar vacation offers a truly holistic experience that has something to offer the mind, body and soul. It’s hard not to fall in love with this exuberant and interesting country.
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How a Trip to Myanmar Can Help the Mind, Body and Spirit originally appeared on usnews.com
