Asia + The Middle East

Myanmar

The mystical gem of south-east Asia

The main cultural draws of Myanmar are the Buddhist temples and pagodas around Bagan and Mandalay and the extraordinary gold Shwedagon Paya in Yangon and they do not disappoint but the further off the beaten track, the more the country surprises: hill tribes and cultures spill over as they have for centuries from neighbouring India, China, Laos and Thailand.

In the south west, Myanmar enjoys the same beaches and Andaman Sea which have made its neighbour Thailand so popular – but it has a fraction of the visitors. It boasts the majestic Irrawaddy River which starts in the Himalayas, cuts through richly wooded hills and down into a wide fertile valley which possesses some of the most extraordinary and extensive temples and pagodas in the world. As it spills via a delta into the Andaman Sea, it is extraordinary that the journey of a river of its size and celebrity has taken place in one country.

Tourism is still in its infancy. The years of isolation and the concentration of wealth in a ruling elite have meant that the economy and infrastructure has been only partially developed despite the rich natural resources of teak, oil, gold and many other minerals. But the people you meet are amazingly open, friendly and proud.

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An online magazine by the experts at cazenove+loyd

Read our curated collection of travel notes and stories from our experts, clients and friends on the ground who will give you the inside track on our thrilling destinations.

Cooking with the locals in Myanmar

Just as cross border influence is inevitable in economics and politics, it is clearly visible in Burmese cooking. China, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and India all play their part. Any visitor to Myanmar cannot fail to come across food production and that locally produced food can be enjoyed in local restaurants and hotels throughout the country.

The Highlights of Myanmar

We take great care in hand crafting itineraries that include the classic highlights of Myanmar, as well as the less explored areas, so that you leave with a true sense of this magical country. Here are just some of the places we adore, why they are so special and how best to experience them.

The most exclusive sailing holidays in Asia

Chartering a private yacht to explore stunning areas of the Far East can make for the most inspiring holiday. Below, we have highlighted just some of our favourite areas for chartering yachts in Asia.

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Discover Myanmar

The majestic Irrawaddy is Myanmar’s principal river and runs all the way through the centre of the country. It is the arteries and the veins of Myanmar and in our minds travelling along it on a private charter or larger luxury boat is one of the best ways to get to know this fascinating country.

Testimonials

Stories from Myanmar

"Time has passed, yet the memories are even stronger. It has been over one month since Annabel and I returned from Myanmar and we are still thinking back nearly everyday to the best holiday either of us have ever been on."

Hamish Blair and Annabel Wilcken

"As we sit here in Belmond Governor's Residence on our last night in Burma - we just wanted to write and say thank you for organising such a divine and special holiday. Truly - it was out of this world and utterly seemless. We were met with smiles at every turn in this country of breathtaking beauty - I can't think of a single moment that we would have wanted to change in any way... You organised it to perfection!"

Lucinda Torrance

"Suffice it to say, we are sitting here feel rather miserable to be leaving but return with memories that will last a lifetime! And thank you for the champagne...a perfect touch"

Lucinda Torrance

"We also just wanted to mention that our guide was in a league of his own. From inviting us to his home Bagan to his captivating stories of life in Burma we tried hard - but were unable - to catch him out on any topic. He was a powerhouse of knowledge and great fun to be with. Indeed, the only addition we were able to add to his repertoire, was introducing him (curtesy my daughter) to a Burmese cookery course by Lake Inle at the completely enchanting Bamboo Hut (we have brought you back their card for you)....other than that he is clearly revered wherever he goes and we felt thoroughly spoilt and blessed to be in his company - again, thank you!"

Lucinda Torrance

"Thank you very much for organising our holiday. We had a ball! It was, for us, the trip of a lifetime and it all worked wonderfully. What a truly lovely and interesting place Burma is. I am so glad we have seen it, if but just for 10 days before it changes. How interesting for you to be involved in such a fascinating place. We were also there for the elections which was exciting."

Trish Collins

"We want to thank you so much for putting together such a memorable Myanmar experience. Everything went so smoothly, a reflection of your careful organising and attention to detail. We were welcomed warmly by the local people everywhere we went but especially in the villages we visited along the Chindwin River where few tourists venture and access is limited. The river trip was an undoubted highlight."

Andrea and Ian Baster

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Our snapshots of Myanmar

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