Interlachen Travelers:Step Back in Time with Visit to Myanmar

In August 2010, Interlachen’s travel agents Ann Gray and Lynn Schaefer visited Myanmar. “It is one of the last great travel destinations still relatively undiscovered and provides a glimpse of how life must have been for much of Asia decades ago,” says Ann.

Once called Burma, this country is slightly smaller than Texas and is bordered by Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, India and China. Because of government sanctions, Myanmar was closed to tourists for a long time and has seen little influence from Western cultures. Consequently, it is the only Southeast Asia country where the majority of the population continues to wear traditional clothes as part of their everyday dress. 

Experienced travelers, especially those who love Asian architecture and religion, will love this travel destination. Ann and Lynn always felt safe and the people are friendly, incredibly warm and gentle. Accommodations in 4- and 5-star resorts are available. There are no ATM machines and credit cards are not accepted. The kyat is the country’s currency and new, not folded or wrinkled, U.S. dollars are accepted.   

The country is a land of many temples, pagoda, and stupas given the culture is largely a result of Indian influences as well as some Chinese influences and local traditions. Says Lynn, “One must go barefoot when entering a temple or pagoda, so timing your trip to Myanmar based on what heat your feet can stand on dirt and tile will be a factor.”

Today, 80% of Myanmar’s population is Buddist. Each male in Myanmar is expected to spend some time in a monastery at least twice in his lifetime. And, with 500,000 monks living in 50,000 monasteries, visiting a monastery is a highlight. 

Another ‘must see’ of Myanmar is Inle Lake, which is 13 miles long and seven miles wide. “This freshwater lake in the Shan Hills is outrageously picturesque,” says Ann. “It is known for its floating vegetable gardens and unique leg-rowing of the In-thars.”

Be sure to plan a few days in Singapore on your way to Myanmar. There is now one casino in Singapore owned by the Sands (of Las Vegas). It is so popular, that in about one year, the gambling volume has surpassed Macao or Las Vegas to have the #1 biggest gambling revenue.

Want to know more about traveling to Myanmar and Southeast Asia? Contact Ann Gray at 952-925-2940 or at ann@interlachentravel.com.

Interesting Myanmar Trivia

  • The government changed the name from Burma to Myanmar in 1989.
  • Buddist monks wear different colored robes dependent on their age.
  • Preceding Buddhism, “nats” or spirits of trees, rivers, rocks and ancestors were worshiped; offerings are still made on important occasions.
  • Local women commonly apply a white/yellow rice-paste to the cheeks and forehead; this is a traditional symbol of Myanmar and a natural sunscreen.
  • The ‘longyi’ is a traditional wrap skirt worn by both women and men.
  • It is better to order their local beer instead of their local wine.
  • On Inle Lake native lake-dwellers live on floating islands made of piled and hardened floating weed and water hyacinth.
  • One of the richest archeological sites in Asia is in the old part of Bagan, where 3,000 temples dot the landscape.
  • A Paduang woman can have up to 25 half-pound brass rings around her neck; this practice is now outlawed.
  • Women make up 48.5% of the population. Women do not change any portion of their names when they marry. If divorced, they get 50% of accumulated property and wealth.
  • Women outnumber men in university and college enrollment.
  • With religion women take a back seat.
  • Gas is officially rationed to 2 gallons per week; beyond that requires the black market.
  • If you’re blind you can send mail for free.