travel to myanmar – ONE of the world’s most mysterious destinations has finally opened doors to tourists, and they’ve responded in record numbers.
According to Myanmar’s tourism authority, there were 816,000 international arrivals in the final year – an increase of 30 per cent on figures from 2011. In the ultimate nine months of 2012, international arrivals doubled.
Flight Centre has listed burma as one of its top 10 countries to travel in 2013. A spokesperson said demand for adventure to burma has been overwhelming.
But you better get in quick. This unspoilt land will only stay secret for so long.
“Myanmar , or myanmar remains one of the world’s most mysterious and untouched destinations. The country is now on people’s adventure radars as a holiday destination, next the encouraging actions of President Thein Sein, who has put the country on the path to democracy.”
“Tour companies in Australia are reporting an overwhelming interest in travel to myanmar already, following the release of new journey in the region, so predictions are that 2013 is going to be broad.”
“Luxury hotels have started to pop up and remote areas are now accessible to travellers, however even the most populated burma silent feels authentic.”
One company offering adventure to burma is Intrepid get to.
Global Managing Director James Thornton said the company has witnessed a significant rise in the number of people booking their myanmar tour.
“There’s been an incredible response to Aung San Suu Kyi’s call for tourists to return to burma ,” Mr Thornton said.
“It’s a attractive and fascinating country, reminiscent of what much of South East Asia was such as more than thirty years ago. The sense of excitement is palpable and the Burmese are overwhelmingly friendly and polite. Spiritual sites rarely visited by Westerners and incredible architecture makes this a magical site.”
The two biggest highlights of burma according to Mr Thornton are Bagan – myanmar ’s crowning glory, comprised of more than 2000 brick and gold-gilded stupas – timeworn remnants of burma ’s ‘golden period’ and Shwedagon Paya, a dazzling pagoda in Yangon.
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Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, burma. Picture: Supplied Source: National Features
The county offers a mixed and colourful culture, with up to 135 different ethnicities. It’s location between India, China and Thailand makes it the perfect an add-on for those wanting to find out all of Indochina.
Singapore Airlines took over flights to myanmar from Silk Air ultimate year. By doing so they increased the seat capacity by 55 per cent.
SIA Executive Vice President Commercial, Mr Mak Swee Wah said demand has been growing strongly for both business and leisure travel to myanmar .
clever traveller, the government’s adventure tips website calm says tourists should exercise a high degree of caution when travelling in burma.
So is myanmar on your 2013 adventure radar? Probably you should plan a trip before it gets too crowded.
How to get there:
Singapore Airlines, return airfares priced from $1322* per person twin share. Price is based on adventure between April 25 and June 26, 2013.
Thai Airways, return airfares priced from $1047* per person twin share. Price is based on go to between can 6 and be able to 3, 2013.
Malaysian Airlines, return airfares priced from $1099* per person twin share. Price is based on go to between April 25 and June 26, 2013.
* Prices are subject to change and availability, book at flightcentre.com.au.
Once you have arrived:
Intrepid travel’s 15 day Best of burma tours $2675
“Travel to myanmar and discover a country of mythical landscapes, ancient treasures and some of the friendliest folk you’ll ever encounter. From golden-gilded Buddha’s in Yangon and the magical temples of Bagan to the tranquillity of Inle Lake, myanmar will excite, impress and intrigue you. A adventure to burma is to experience the South-East Asia of twenty years ago, full of rarely seen sights and generations of stories just waiting to be told. Come and discover a little bit of myanmar magic with us.”
