Known as Burma until June 19, 1989, the official name of Myanmar is the Union of Myanmar (or Myanma Naingngandaw). Though this name is recognized by the United Nations, not all world governments choose to do so.
Located in Southeast Asia, Myanmar is bordered by India and Bangladesh to the north and by China, Laos and Thailand in the east. To the west and south of the country is the Indian Ocean. Roughly diamond shaped, Myanmar extends 925 kilometers (573.5 miles) east to west and 2,100 kilometers (1302 miles) north to south. Approximately 676,500 square kilometers (419,430 sq. mi.) in area, the country is divided into two regions: the coastal region known as Lower Myanmar and the interior region is known as Upper Myanmar. Yangon is the capital and largest city in the country.
Myanmar is divided into 18 provinces and 3 municipalities which include: Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy, Bulgan, Darhan, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan, Erdenet, Govi-Altay, Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov and Ulaanbaatar.
Running through the center of the country is the Irrawaddy River that flows from north to south to form a delta on the southern coast. North of the delta is the Irrawaddy Basin and Central Myanmar. In the west is the Arakan, Chin and Naga mountains and the Patkai Hills and to the north are the Kachin Hills. In the eastern part of the country is the Shan Plateau, which extends all the way to the Tenasserim coastal ranges. Though much of the country is covered in subtropical forests, extensive irrigation and farming is done on the Shan Plateau.
Weather-wise, the best time to visit Myanmar is from November to February because it is not too hot. However, if you plan on going to the hill stations or to the Rakhine coast, the period from March to May is the best. From March to May the weather in Bagan and Mandalay is quite intolerable. Myanmar is least crowded during the months of May, June and September.
Getting Around
Although Myanmar is the official language of the country, English is widely spoken and understood in the big cities like Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan. Cantonese, Flukiness and Mandarin are also widely understood in many places of the country. The best and most comfortable way to travel around Myanmar is by air. Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways and Myanmar Airways operate daily flights to various cities, however if you prefer a more local experience there are plenty of trains, ferry boats, buses and taxis to get around. A great way to see Yangon and Mandalay is by bus which is both cheap and convenient. There are also horse carts and trishaws rides available, however the fare must be negotiated in advance.
Places of Interest
Yangon
Formerly known as Rangoon, Yangon is the capital of Myanmar and is located in the southern region of the country on the Yangon River. A growing metropolis, this city provides some amazing sights and sounds that are totally unique to Myanmar. With its distinct colonial architecture Yangon is unlike most capital cities as it has plenty of shady trees and wide bustling boulevards.
Bagan
Located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, this deserted city houses some of the most magnificent pagodas and temples in Asia. The city, which has some 5,000 temples, was ransacked by Kublai Khan in 1287 and never rebuilt.
Bago (Pega)
A spectacular city during the Mon dynasty, Bago was a major seaport and capitol of Lower Myanmar. Destroyed by the Burman in 1757 and partially restored in the early 19th century, this city has some famous sights including the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, the Hintha Gone Pagoda and the 180 ft reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha.
Mandalay
The capitol of Myanmar before the British rule, Mandalay is country’s second largest city. Some places of interest here include: Shwenandaw Kyaung (a former palace), Mandalay Hill (with its spiraling stairways and temples) and the ancient Rakhine Buddha image at Mahamuni Paya.
If you prefer a more offbeat holiday, Kengtung (Kyaingtong), Mawlamyine (Moulmein), Mrauk U (Myohaung), Pathein (Bassein), Pyay (Prome) and Thaton are great places to visit because they offer tourists a different view of this vast and exotic country.
