Burma Holidays
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Cruise along the backbone of Burma, the Irrawaddy River
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Soar in a balloon over the majestic temples of Bagan
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Visit colonial hill stations in pine forest retreats at Loimwe and Maymyo
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Travel to the remote Putao Valley in search of flora and fauna
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Trek up into the hills to visit Myanmar’s tribal villages
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Watch the traditional fishing methods on Inle lake
Consultant Paul Craven, has extensive knowledge of Burma, having travelled there on his most recent trip with his wife and children in June 2010. He loves the country because it is laid back and peaceful and has not got the energetic modernisation of other Asian countries. Paul seeks out new and off the beaten track adventures and takes enormous pleasure in sharing his in-depth knowledge of unique destinations with fellow travellers.
Myanmar, or Burma as it was formerly known, is a land of golden pagodas, lush vegetation, white sand beaches, remote hill tribes and a gentle, kind and smiling people. Each year more and more of the country opens up to visitors and the undiscovered gems are revealed.
By virtue of the limited infrastructure, travel around Burma is somewhat unpredictable. However, better roads and shallow draft river boats up the Irrawaddy now allow excursions deeper into tribal areas. Frequently, far too little time is devoted to Burma and it is rushed instead of savoured. In the north there are interesting gem mining areas, in the south elephants still work in the logging camps while in the east travellers can visit old colonial towns and stroll through the villages of minority tribes.
Temples are everywhere although none quite so strange as the Golden Rock pagoda, whose centre piece is a huge circular boulder which balances precariously threatening to roll away as each piece of gold foil is stuck to it by devoted followers. There is a weekly buffalo market in Kyaintong while on the Bay of Bengal is the wonderful hidden city of Mrauk-U, reached after travelling for several hours on a private boat and along the coast there are a few small private beach hotels.
Once the richest country in south East Asia, economically Burma is a shadow of its former self, nevertheless, the culture and pride of the people lives on and it remains a fascinating and remarkable country to visit.
Watch the video below taken by Paul on his lastest holiday to Burma.
Journey Ideas For Burma
Classic Burma with Mrauk U
A 17 day journey taking in many of Burma's highlights.
Irrawaddy River
A journey exploring the mighty Irrawaddy River is an unmissable experience.
View more Journey Ideas for Burma