This fabled but troubled Buddhist land was isolated from the outside world from 1962 to 2011; enjoyed a decade or so of political, social, and economic reform including opening to foreign tourists; and since February 2021 has again fallen under a harsh military dictatorship, which has moreover been responsible for severe human rights abuses in various areas. 

There's still extraordinary history and nature on display in capital Rangoon (now renamed Yangon) and places like Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake, and various beaches. But in our judgment, Myanmar's violent recent history should give visitors pause for the time being.

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Burmese, if you please: 6 musts in Myanmar/Burma

  pxfuel After spending nearly a half century walled off under military rule from the rest of the world, from 2011 to 2021 Burma (renamed Myanmar) experienced a decade of progress in its political system, economy, and society – including finally opening up to tourism. Sadly, though, just over a year and a half ago the military took control again and the ruling junta has since then been cracking down – sometimes brutally – on all of that progress. Yet the same time tourists have continued to…

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Started by José Balido
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Burmese junta aims to reopen country to tourism in 2022 - but who will go?

An interesting piece from CNN: "Visiting Myanmar, which has previously spent decades under military rule, has always presented dilemmas for travelers weighing up whether their trip will support what has in the past been labeled an oppressive regime, or will help locals who need outside lifelines. The question is now, with Covid still an issue across the region and the wider world of travel, plus the turmoil currently gripping the country, will anyone come?" Click here.          

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Started by David Paul Appell
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Exploring the new Rangoon

“I have a robe for you,’ a passing monk said to us near the mighty Shwedagon Pagoda, which gleams and beams across the city of Yangon. We had been wandering around the centre of town being dazzled by the temples, buildings, animal statues and Buddha images – cleaned to within an inch of their many karmic lives. Lift your eyes and golden spires swirl above you, lower your eyes and small, feet are padding across the tiled outdoor floors – small feet belonging to many maroon-robed monks. Anyway,…

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Started by Tripatini
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  • Shwe Ei March 25, 2010 at 5:41am
    I studied and worked in Tourism Industry as soon as I finished high school. I love travel a lot. When I prepare a travel arrangement, I put all my heart and also thinking what if I am travel myself. I want the best value from my trip, so I should get the same for my clients and friends.

    But economic situation was not allow me to work in Myanmar Tourism. Prior to raising my family, I had to leave for another country. Now I am thinking back to Myanmar and to serve for my country.

    This time every single grain is my hope.
    I am really do hope a better tourism situation for Myanmar.
  • Rick Green March 13, 2010 at 11:55pm
    If there is little to no people-to-people contact between locals and foreigners, how are Burmese to know about the outside? Learn about other cultures and what other people think of them? Realize that what their government is telling them is false? Do we not then give the regime total control over the information disseminated to its citizens, making it easier to keep the people under their thumb?

    If there were a complete boycott of travel to Burma, I would venture that it wouldn't place the junta in serious jeopardy. They have no trouble making a lot more money by selling the country's natural resources, which is where the main impact lies. When speaking of sanctions, however, people should be aware that this isn't a clean way of forcing political change. While we don't have to invade, the consequences can be harsh and are borne mostly by the everyday people. Consider the sanctions applied against Iraq after Saddam Hussein was expelled from Kuwait. Hundreds of thousands of children died as a result and Iraq was invaded anyway.

    I agree with Shwe that people should go and make every attempt to meet and befriend the local people.

    BTW, Shwe, I've had Burmese food in San Francisco and loved it. I would be delighted if you would share some recipes with us.
  • Karin Leperi March 13, 2010 at 10:42pm
    One of the many rules of diplomacy is to have an open line of communication. By severing ties, we do just the opposite. According to some very dear friends of mine from Burma, many local people have been financially devastated by the drying up of tourism.
  • José Balido February 18, 2010 at 4:44am
    I agree with you, Shwe. Shutting down communication is never the answer. Whether it's Cuba, or Iran, or North Korea, or anywhere, regular people meeting regular people is the best hope we have for the future. Call me an idealist, but isolation doesn't seem to work either.
  • Shwe Ei February 18, 2010 at 4:38am
    Should or Shouldn't?
    Its depend on the individual decision.
    Besides this, the tourism of the country is a great source of development and generates jobs for the locals.
    On top of this the local people wants you to visit and share their culture.
    Is it enough reason to visit Myanmar? just one time! Just only one time - try!
    If you never been to Myanmar and sayings 'not to go' – this is NOT fair.
  • David Paul Appell February 16, 2010 at 4:05pm
    Should Tourists Travel to Burma?

    By Jonathan Steele | Feb 15, 2010

    (eTN) Ruled by the world's last military junta, Burma is shunned by both governments and tourists. Yet its people are crying out for contact. So what's the ethical traveller to do?

    Keep reading...
  • Shwe Ei February 5, 2010 at 7:27am
    Did you ever try a Myanmar food?

    Let me know if you want some recipe how to cook a basic Myanmar food.
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