After three decades of self-imposed isolation, the unspoiled beauty and tranquility of Myanmar
are to be treasured. We think it is one of our most interesting destinations, not only because of the remarkable things to do and see there, but because the country's cultural integrity has remained largely intact. Unlike neighboring Thailand, foreign fast food outlets and mini-marts are conspicuously absent, and most Burmese still wear traditional dress. Burmese are devoutly Buddhist and spectacular pagodas seem to dot every landscape. High quality handicrafts are still inexpensive in Myanmar, so shoppers always go away happy. With our expert guides and insider knowledge, our Myanmar travel programs are nothing short of extraordinary.
To Go, or Not To GoAnyone contemplating a trip to Myanmar is probably well aware of the country’s troubled political history. There are some who argue that it is wrong to visit Myanmar because this might be interpreted as support for the government and indifference about the fate of the non-violent resistance there.
We obviously have a much different opinion about visiting Myanmar. We have long been on the "dirty list" of the Burma Project and other well-meaning groups that also hope for the best of the Burmese people.
However, we have seen what trade and tourism have done to change other countries where we work, and strongly believe that visitors and the money they spend make a significant and positive impact on the lives of people there. We are
also sad to see how the current international embargo has forced the junta to seek the friendship of countries like Libya and North Korea.
We believe that prospective visitors should seek to inform themselves about
Myanmar's political situation, and arrive at their own educated decision as to
whether they should visit or not. You can read more about our opinions regarding travel to Myanmar in
our MD's blog of
October '07 and in our newsletters of November '07, May '08 and September '08.
While we respect alternative opinions, ours will not be influenced by any amount of hate mail, so please do not waste
your time and postage. Incidentally, we do not deal with government-owned airlines, hotels or transportation companies.
Planning Your Holiday
Whether you are a first time visitor to Myanmar or return guest. Purple Dragon offers all-inclusive travel programs
to Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake and beyond. Our Classic Yangon package is
great for guests who have limited time but want a taste of Myanmar. These four packages, Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle
lake, plus numerous optional side trips and other options. A luxury cruise
between Mandalay and Bagan? Some down time at one of Myanmar's spectacular but
nearly-deserted beaches? Absolutely!
With our experience and inside
knowledge, our attention to all of the details, and Myanmar's best local guides,
you are sure to have a much more rewarding experience in Burma than if you spend
your time there dealing with transportation, language and other logistics on
your own.
Convenient Modular Programs
We offer four different single-destination programs plus two extended custom tours especially designed to help first-time visitors get acquainted with fascinating Burma. While Yangon (Rangoon) is an interesting side trip from Bangkok, you will be disappointed if you do not
see more of the country. Typically, our guests combine all of the programs below to make one classic journey through Burma.
Classic Yangon  Our two-night introduction to Burma's colorful capital. In addition to the famous Schwedagon Pagoda, you will see traditional markets, the National Museum and some of Indochina's loveliest colonial architecture. If you make advance arrangements you can even visit the country's School of Fine Arts.
Royal Mandalay A three-day, two-night tour of an exotic ancient kingdom. Mandalay is probably Myanmar's most colorful, most interesting city. We take you to monasteries, pagoda's and a magnificent palace as well as Amarapura, which was twice the capital when Burma was a kingdom. Or you may want to see Mingun, a massive, abandoned pagoda.
Bagan, Wonder of Asia
One, two or three days in a breathtaking lost city. You can see Bagan as a one-day side trip from Yangon. However, there is so much to see that you will want to spend at least two days there. This ancient, abandoned metropolis of massive temples is vast and on the scale of Angkor Wat, Borobudur and Khajuraho.
Shimmering Inle Lake
Take a three-day dip into the Shan States' great lake. Inle Lake's shores are dotted with ancient and colorful villages.
Grand Burma Tour This grand tour of Myanmar
merely illustrates how you can combine the packages above to create a longer
tour. We can customize this itinerary just about any way you like by adding
other destinations and activities. To see the most you should plan to spend ten to fourteen days.
Custom Tour Options Choose from many options to make your visit to Myanmar everything you hoped for. Look here for many additional places to visit and transportation options.
Optional Side Trips
Purple Dragon has designed unique Fresh Idea side trips that fit easily into your Myanmar itinerary:
Mingun and Amarapura and Inwa are offered as optional add-ons in Mandalay.
Mount Popa A day trip to one of Myanmar's
most sacred sites can be added to your Bagan adventure
Also see our Custom Tour Options page for additional suggestions.
Gay Life in Myanmar
Gay and trans-gendered people in Myanmar are rarely openly apparent, except for spirit mediums who channel the energies of revered and feared nat spirits. You will likely not see people expressing their sexuality through dress or behavior. Ladyboys, commonly seen and tolerated across the border in Thailand, are virtually absent here. The government works hard to prevent the rise of a sex industry and to control nightlife which encourages this. It is common to see men holding hands as they stroll. Charming, yes, but they are probably not sisters.
There are no specifically gay nightlife venues in Myanmar. Cruising does take place and some nightlife venues provide social opportunities for gays and lesbians. Myanmar is not a place to visit with the expectation of a romantic encounter. That said, a cheerful smile and good humored flirtation are a great way to make new friends
anywhere.
Getting There
Flyng to Yangon is easy. Some of the airlines serving Myanmar are: Thai Airways, Silkair,
MAS, Air China, and Indian Airlines.
Visas
A visa is required to enter Myanmar. You can read details on our
Visas page. In most cases we
are able to get our guests a visa on arrival if we have sufficient notice.
Weather
Myanmar has three seasons: rainy, cool hot. The rainy season is from May to mid-October,
with temperatures 25-30 C. The cool season is from November to January. Average temperature
swill be 20-24 C. The hot season is February through April, and average temperatures
are 30-35 C.
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