You cannot travel the path until you have become the path itself ~ Buddha

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard all the buzz surrounding travel to Myanmar in the past couple of years.  Well, let us tell you, Myanmar is worthy of the buzz!  But, if you like to be the one whose “discovered” a place, or you want to be ahead of the game… you best go soon.  It’s time for Myanmar – NOW!

Once you’ve discovered a place it’s likely that others have as well (and usually with an eye for development).  And, Myanmar is no exception.  It is poised for some big changes in the next few years, both good and bad.  The country is modernizing at a fast pace.  Domestic and foreign investment will inevitably bring more first world comforts to the nation; consistency in electricity and water, better roads… the usual.  With that will come growth and globalization.  In fact while we were in Yangon we heard of six new large luxury hotel projects in works, not to mention several new large scale residential/commercial developments.  Needless to say, it’ll be less likely to see an ox and cart coasting along the side of you on your way to town, and you’ll be sitting in a lot of traffic to get anywhere.  The change is happening beyond Yangon too, we saw the changes creeping into Bagan, Mandalay and beyond.  It’s all going to be good, it’s just going to get busier and be a bit more of the same same.  So, it’s time for Myanmar!

Yangon is big, busy, dusty and okay for a night or two.  It’s your port of entry, so you might as well enjoy a couple nights at Belmond’s Govorner’s Residence (if you want to be in a quieter residential neighborhood) or The Strand Yangon (if you want to be in the center of town).  They’re both great luxury options and both beautiful.  But, beyond the incredible Shwedagon Pagoda, a typical covered market selling chachkies and the crazy night market with it’s human run ferris wheel, there’s not much to hang around for.

Our suggestion is to get on board a fabulous river boat and cruise along the Ayeyarwady River to marvel at the unspoiled countryside of Myanmar!  They’re you will find life as it’s been for millennia.  Witness farming, fishing, weaving, praying and playing as you slowly make your way to ports to uncover the history and cultural wonders the Myanmar people have given all of us.  Highlights will undoubtedly be Bagan, Mandalay (and surrounds) and Mingun.  There are few wonderful options for river cruising and more are coming soon.  But, we would definitely suggest experiencing it with Belmond.  They’ve been there and doing it longer than anyone, and have been doing it really well!  We loved our time aboard the Road to Mandalay.  The ship, the staff, the service, the guests, the excursions… golden, like the pagodas that dot the riverbanks.

This blog is not going to give you political/historical facts, spout off data about the country, or give you an art historians review of the incredible marvels in architecture that you’ll see in Myanmar. The purpose of this blog is to entice you to go now and encounter Myanmar’s lovely people and to experience their beautiful culture, before it changes.  Discover the above mentioned  yourself when you visit.  But, we’d like to offer you a glimpse below through our photos and in our video.  Note:  It’s safe, you are welcome to visit and don’t call it Burma anymore.

Two of our favorite things:

Water bowls or jugs with cups everywhere… you’ll find them in the city on street corners or in front of homes, and you’ll find them in the country along the road or at the market.  They’re thoughtfully placed around by whomever to offer a quench of thirst for anybody passing by.

Tea Leaf Salad. YUM! Here is a link to our recipe: Laphet Thoke

Contact your Eden For Your World advisor to begin planning your visit.  info@edenforyourworld.com

Photos and media are all by Eden For Your World, and are only for us to use. Thank you! #edenfyw