|
|
" We felt very safe and comfortable the whole trip. Go to Myanmar if you get a chance. "
Nelson Kelley
|
| |
|
| |
| |
|
MYANMAR (formerly Burma) is pronounced "Mee-an-mar" and is known for:
" The best teak in the world "
" The best ruby in the world "
" The best jade in the world "
The History
Truly, Myanmar is one of the most magical and beautiful places in the world. It has more historic religious temples than anywhere on earth, and the oldest archaeological site in southeast asia.
Myanmar is a land that has aroused the curiosity and the imagination of explorers and travelers throughout the centuries. It is an ancient land of legends, golden pagodas and golden temples. Marco Polo was here in 1277 and described the amazing golden pagodas of Myanmar in his writings and dubbed this place "The Golden Land."
|
|
An Ancient Civilization
Early civilization dates back to the 1st Century.
In the 11th Century, King Anawrahta unified the country and created the first Myanmar Empire with its capital at Bagan. This empire lasted until the 13th Century and produced a glorious civilization whose monuments endure today.
The second Myanmar Empire (with its Capital at Bago) was created in the middle of the 16th Century by King Bayintnaung; and the last Myanmar Empire was founded by King Alaungpaya in 1752 with its last capital at Mandalay.
|
|
The British in Burma
In the 19th Century, Myanmar became a colony of Britain and the name changed by the British to Burma. Through the British the magic of Myanmar became known to the western world? teak, pigeon blood rubies, jade, temples of pure gold dotting the landscape, but mainly the charming welcoming people. During World War II the Japanese occupied Myanmar and a bloody fight between the Japanese and the British & Americans ensued. Post World War II brought an independence movement, and Myanmar attained independence on January 4, 1948. |
|
Myanmar Today
Today even as in the days of Marco Polo, Myanmar is still a place of speculation and wonder. It is at a crossroads politically, economically and socially. The country has received a lot of negative reports, but remember there are always two sides to a story, so please, come visit and make up your own mind! |
|
Politically
The present government is a military regime that is committed to the evolution to a multi-party democracy . The country is peaceful, stable, and quite safe. See our Travelers Feedback page. |
|
Economically
The economy is in transition after changing from many years of a centrally-planned socialist economy to a market-oriented open economy. The private sector is encouraged to develop both domestic and foreign trade. Foreign investment is encouraged with generous incentives for investors. Agriculture remains the main sector in a country that is rich in natural and human resources. |
|
Socially
Social change is taking place and runs parallel with economic development. But the changes remain gradual in order to preserve the rich culture and tradition of Myanmar.
The people consist of some 136 different ethnic groups. The largest are the Bamars (indigenous Myanmar or Burmese) at about 65% of the population of over 50 million. Other ethnic groups include the Chin, Kachin, Kayin, Kayas, Shan, Rakhine, and Mon.
|
|
Culture & Religion
Myanmar lies between two of the world?s great civilizations?China and India, yet Myanmar culture is neither, but a blend of both.
89% of the population embrace Theravada Buddhism as their religion, which greatly influences their daily and social lives. You will find a people with a tradition of strong family ties, respect for their elders, kindness and hospitality. It is also a country with freedom of religion, so there are also Christians, Muslims, Hindus and others.
|
|
An Unspoiled Destination
Due to the previous socialist regime, Myanmar has remained basically isolated for the last 50 years. You will discover a country that is totally unspoiled by the modern world. It is like stepping back in time to another era. As one recent visitor remarked, "It?s the way southeast asia should be !" The clip-clop of horse carriages, traditional marketplaces with a sensory overload of spices and exotic vegetables, long lines of monks with their alms bowls early in the morning, more golden temples than you ever dreamed possible, jungles and forests that have been protected, and the largest number of wild elephants in the world ! Myanmar is truly a gem waiting to be discovered. Herbert Hoover once said, "The Burmese are the only genuinely happy people in all of Asia." Come visit and you will say the same thing today. |
|
The Land
The land itself is 676,577 square km and is the largest country in southeast Asia, it is larger than Spain & Portugal combined. It is nestled between Thailand, Laos, China, India, and Bangladesh. It has a coastline of more than 2500 km fronting on the Bay of Bengal on the west and the Andaman Sea on the Southeast. The mighty Ayarwaddy River is the heart and lifeblood of the country traveling from the Himalayas in the north, it flows south some 1100 miles to the sea. It is one of the worlds great highways and so appropriately coined as "The Road to Mandalay" by Rudyard Kipling.
It also boasts Mt. Hkakabo Razi, right on the border between Tibet and Myanmar, the highest peak in southeast asia at over 19,000 feet. The country consists of islands, plains, river valleys, and forested mountains. It holds three-quarters of the world?s teak forests.
|
|
| Read a recent article about Myanmar .... Click Here |
| |
|
Specify VHS or DVD format
See the Award Winning Documentary "Myanmar, The Golden Land" .... an over view of the entire country.... the scenery, the culture, the charming people....truly a land of golden temples.
You can order it directly from us for $9.95 + shipping Just click below on the "Buy it Now" button. (This amount will be refunded to you when you travel to Myanmar with us)
|
| This documentary has won the following awards: Cine Golden Eagle Award, Aurora Award, Omni Award, and the New York Film Festival.
|
|
|
|
|
See this 15 min video of one of the happiest fun-loving events you can imagine! Held every year in mid-April, this festival ushers in the New Year. See this video and you'll want to attend the next Water Festival yourself!
$7.00 + shipping Specify VHS or DVD.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
