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An update from Evaneos

Best places to visit in Burma

Governed by civilian rule since 2011, Burma, officially called the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, is a countryunspoilt by mass tourism, which can't be ignored. Unfortunately, the government still restricts relations with the Burmese, but that doesn't prevent exchanges with a smiling and extremely generous population, open to the world and eager to meet people. Predominantly Buddhist, the country also welcomes other religious and ethnic minorities which sometimes have to assert themselves to survive.

Everywhere you go, it's the Buddhist devotion which strikes you. Upon arrival in Rangoon (now called Yangon), admire the Shwedagon Pagoda, a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture, before taking a stroll in the Kyauktada district on the banks of the Irrawaddy river. Don't miss the sanctuary town of Bago (Pegu), near the capital.

Nicknamed the city of jewels because of the extraordinary delicacy of its jade, Mandalay is for exploring by bicycle or in a tuk-tuk for climbing the hill and admiring the sunset. But perhaps you'll prefer Amarapura, the city of immortality for the Burmese, where the famous teak bridge is located, which is crossed by hundreds of Buddhist monks all day long?

Or perhaps it's a cruise from another era on the Irrawaddy, to reach the city of Bagan (formerly Pagan), which will tempt you. Hundreds of temples rise up on a vast plain, as testament to the magnificence of a past civilisation

On the west coast, stroll on the beach at Ngapali or Ngwe Saung which has the reputation of being more chic. Immerse yourself in Buddhist devotion in front of the Golden Rock near Hpa An, then make your way to Moulmein (renamed Mawlamyine) and theisland of Bilu Gyun, completely off the beaten track. Finally, treat yourself to the untamed South and its wild coasts, which are again difficult to access.

Gaëtan MOLENE
Nyaung Shwe is a town and tourist destination on the shores of Lake Inle. It's the point of departure for your trips in its magnificent surroundings.
Pakokku is a charming traditional village located on the banks of the Irrawaddy, about twenty kilometres north of Bagan (or Pagan).
Pindaya is well worth visiting for its natural caves that house hundreds of Buddha statues.
5 km to the east of Mandalay, the hill scattered with pagodas is not as spectacular as the other sites that you can see during your stay in Burma (today known as Myanmar), but the site has the immense advantage of not being invaded by tourists.
Mount Popa is an important place of worship. According to Buddhists, it is the home of "nats", Burmese spirits.
Situated at 30km from Nyaung Shwe, Heho has nothing special on offer other than an airport that was constructed to make access to Lake Inle easier. It's cattle market is worth a quick visit, but that's all there is to do.
Naypyitaw is Burma's new capital. It may be the capital by name, but in reality it's bland and undynamic. It's a ghost town.