An Introduction to Burma

Thailand's northern neighbour, the ancient country of Burma, renamed Myanmar by the military government, has been virtually cut off from the outside world since the overthrow of the government in 1962. As a result a visit to Burma is like opening a time capsule and remains one of the truly original and captivating experiences of the world.

The Buddhist faith permeates many aspects of the country's life and can be seen in some of the extraordinary sights, including the spectacular pagoda in the capital Yangon (Rangoon), and the awesome spectacle of the 2.000 temples in the Irrawaddy floodplain of Bagan. However, most people who visit Burma come away with more than just images of the country's sights.

Despite their persecution, the Burmese are the kindest, friendliest people and will always extend a hospitable hand towards the foreign visitor.

New Horizons Travels & Tours Ltd. can take you to Burma to experience this extraordinary country for yourself. Burma is a land for travelers who want to give back in their journey as much as they take out.

The land

Burma is also known as the Golden Land because of its richness in natural resources. Geographically, it is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. It has a total area of 676,577 square kilometres, and is twice the size of Vietnam and approximately the size of Great Britain and France combined.

Climate

Burma enjoys a tropical climate with three general seasons. The hot season from mid-February to mid-May, the rainy season during the south-west monsoons from mid-May to mid-October and the dry cool season from mid-October to mid-February.

The people

Burma is a union of many nationalities. There are as many as 135 groups, with their own languages and dialects. The main 8 nationalities being the Burman, the Chin, the Kachin, the Karen, the Kayah, the Mon, the Rakhine and the Shan. Of the total population of over 43 million, the Burmans make up 69 percent.

Religion

Theravada Buddhism is the predominant religion, and there are approximately 80-85 percent Buddhists.

Historical background

Burma's history dates back to 11th Century when King Anawrahta consolidated the whole country into the first Burmese Empire in Bagan.

The Bagan Empire encompassed the entire Menam valley in Thailand and lasted two centuries. The Bagan Dynasty collapsed with the invasion of the Mongols under Kublai Khan in the 13th Century. King Alaungpaya founded the Third Burmese Empire in 1752. It was during the zenith of the Konbaung Dynasty that the British moved into Burma. Burma became a British Colony after three Anglo-Burmese Wars in the period of 1824 to 1885.

During World War II, Burma was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 till the return of the Allied Forces in 1945.

Burma became a sovereign independent state on the 4th January 1948, after more than 100 years of British colonial administration.

In recent years Burma has been virtually cut off from the outside world since the overthrow of the Government by the military in 1962. As a result a visit to Burma is like opening a time capsule and remains one of the truly original and captivating experiences of the world.

Culture

Burma lies between two of the world's great civilisations, China and India. Its culture however is neither that of India or China exclusively, but a blend of both interspersed with Burmese native traits and characteristics. Earlier civilisations have left a legacy of rich cultural heritage and numerous historical and archaeological sites.

Tourist attractions

Burma is endowed with a rich variety of historic and cultural sites and natural beauties, all of which provide an endless array of attractions for tourists. The pagodas, temples, arts and crafts and lifestyle of the people are a part of the charm that is Burma. The untainted beauty of its mountains, tropical forests, cool clear lakes and unspoilt beaches are unforgettable. But above all, the warmth and hospitality of its people are what visitors remember most.

New Horizons Travels & Tours Ltd. recently had the pleasure of assisting the Tankavaaran kultamuseo in its exhibition of "Gold in Myanmar" which is on display at present. You can visit their site at Tankavaaran kultamuseo.

Travel information

Visas: 28-day visas issued
Health risks: cholera, dysentery, hepatitis, malaria, rabies, typhoid
Currency: Kyat
Time: UTC plus 6.5 hours
Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz (when it's working)
Weights & Measures: Imperial with local variations
Tourism: 65,000 visitors in 1994