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With over 100 languages and diverse cultures, Myanmar has become a fascinating destination for tourists in recent years. Visiting this country, learning about its history, experiencing the lives of the locals, or sampling the local cuisine... these are all memorable experiences to cherish during your trip. Below is a sharing from Bessie, a popular travel blogger, about her exciting and memorable experiences in the beautiful and mysterious country of Myanmar.
1. Try wearing a traditional dress.
The traditional clothing of Myanmar consists of skirts, known as longyi (for men) and tamain (for women). On your first day in Myanmar, you should visit small markets or traditional clothing shops in the city center to buy a traditional skirt. These skirts often feature intricate patterns and vibrant colors. Both longyi and tamain skirts are quite simple to wear; you just wrap the fabric tightly around your hips. The way men and women tie them differs, so you can ask a shop assistant to help you.
2. Beauty treatments in the local style.
Thanaka is a traditional makeup powder with a sweet fragrance that cools and protects the skin from the sun. It's made from the powder of the Thanaka tree, a plant widely cultivated in the country. Women and children alike use this powder. Students, in particular, often apply Thanaka powder to their faces and arms daily for beauty purposes. Using it is simple: just mix a small amount of Thanaka powder with water until it forms a slightly thick paste, then apply it to the skin. Children often draw adorable animal shapes on their cheeks or arms.
3. Drink tea
Drinking tea is a habit of the people of Myanmar, so you can see many people sitting and drinking tea in roadside shops in the late afternoon. There are many types of tea to choose from, including sweet or bitter milk teas, or mixed teas. Typically, people in Myanmar will eat steamed buns or parata while enjoying their delicious cups of tea.
4. Sitting for hours in temples
Visiting temples in Myanmar is one of the best ways to explore the culture of this Buddhist country. While visiting temples, you'll see Buddhists meditating or chanting for hours on end. If you want to learn more about the worship rituals, you should prepare some snacks and drinks as this often takes a long time. Some temples in Myanmar you can visit include the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Maha Muni Pagoda in Mandalay, and others.
5. Climb to the top of Mandalay and chat with the monks in English.
Climbing to the top of Mandalay and enjoying panoramic views of the area below at sunrise or sunset is a fantastic experience. Besides that, you can also chat with the monks in English to learn more about Myanmar's culture and people. The monks here are very willing to guide you around and help you improve your English. Many of them are studying at Buddhist universities in West Mandalay, hoping to pursue further studies in Buddhism in Thailand or India, so they are very focused on improving their English skills.
6. Watch the crowds move across the world's longest wooden bridge.
Named U Bein Bridge, this 2-kilometer-long wooden teak bridge is the world's longest, connecting the small towns of Mandalay. Monks and locals often transport goods by bicycle across it. Walking across the bridge to admire the turquoise lake with schools of fish swimming below, or taking a boat ride on the lake and watching the people passing by on the bridge, is a memorable experience.
7. Discover a country with over 2,000 temples and pagodas.
Known as the land of temples, Myanmar is a fascinating destination for travelers who enjoy exploring religious and cultural sites. With over 2,000 temples and pagodas scattered throughout the country, visitors can cycle from one to another within their permitted travel time. It's important to remember to bring your own water and food, as there are generally few shops or restaurants around the temples.
8. Explore the villages surrounding Inle Lake by bicycle or boat.
In the minds of the people of Myanmar, Inle Lake is the most beautiful place in the world. The lake isn't very deep, but its wide, calm surface reflects the surrounding mountains, hills, clouds, and sky like a mirror. Best of all, you can cycle to visit the small villages around the lake or take a boat ride to admire its beauty and visit nearby temples.
9. Make a pilgrimage to the land of Buddha and breathe in the fresh air.
When visiting Myanmar, don't miss the opportunity to climb to the top of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (also known as the Golden Rock Pagoda) to admire the stunning views from the mountaintop. This pagoda is famous for its precarious position and its gold-plated surface. Legend says that the pagoda remains firmly standing on the cliff because it is held in place by a strand of the Buddha's hair. It's important to note that you should wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when climbing, both to show respect and to keep warm, as the temperature here is quite low.
10. Eating and drinking
The food in Myanmar is very rich and diverse. A typical daily meal here often includes many different dishes. Each person will have a bowl of soup. In addition, there are dishes like lephet-do, also known as tea leaf salad, made from fresh tea leaves mixed with cabbage, onions, garlic, peanuts, and other vegetables. Shan noodles, made with eggs and various vegetables and sauce, are also worth trying. Parata, made from flour, eggs, sugar, etc., is also a must-try when enjoyed with a cup of tea.
