Myanmar or Burma is a country in Southeast Asia. Myanmar is bordered by India and Bangladesh to its west, Thailand and Laos to its east and China to its north and northeast. To its south, about one-third of Myanmar's total perimeter of 5,876 km (3,651 mi) forms an uninterrupted coastline of 1,930 km (1,200 mi) along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The capital city of Myanmar is Naypyidaw. Its largest city and former capital are Yangon (Rangoon). Myanmar has been a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) since 1997.

Early civilisations in Myanmar included the Tibeto-Burman-speaking Pyu city-states in Upper Burma and the Mon kingdoms in Lower Burma. In the 9th century, the Bamar people entered the upper Irrawaddy valley and, following the establishment of the Pagan Kingdom in the 1050s, the Burmese language, culture and Theravada Buddhism slowly became dominant in the country. The Pagan Kingdom fell due to the Mongol invasions and several warring states emerged. In the 16th century, reunified by the Taungoo dynasty, the country was for a brief period the largest empire in the history of Mainland Southeast Asia. The early 19th-century Konbaung Dynasty ruled over an area that included modern Myanmar and briefly controlled Manipur and Assam as well. The British took over the administration of Myanmar after three Anglo-Burmese Wars in the 19th century, and the country became a British colony. Myanmar was granted independence in 1948, as a democratic nation.

For most of its independent years, the country has been engrossed in rampant ethnic strife, and its myriad ethnic groups have been involved in one of the world's longest-running ongoing civil wars. During this time, the United Nations and several other organisations have reported consistent and systematic human rights violations in the country. In 2011, the military junta was officially dissolved following a 2010 general election, and a nominally civilian government was installed. This, along with the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and political prisoners, has improved the country's human rights record and foreign relations and has led to the easing of trade and other economic sanctions. However, there is a continuing criticism of the government's treatment of ethnic minorities, its response to the ethnic insurgency, and religious clashes. In the landmark 2015 election, Aung San Suu Kyi's party won a majority in both houses. However, the Burmese military remains a powerful force in politics.

Myanmar is a country rich in jade and gems, oil, natural gas and other mineral resources. Typical jungle animals, particularly tigers, occur sparsely in Myanmar. In upper Myanmar, there are rhinoceros, wild water buffalo, clouded leopard, wild boars, deer, antelope, and elephants, which are also tamed or bred in captivity for use as work animals, particularly in the lumber industry. Smaller mammals are also numerous, ranging from gibbons and monkeys to flying foxes. The abundance of birds is notable with over 800 species, including parrots, myna, peafowl, red jungle fowl, weaverbirds, crows, herons and barn owl. Among reptile species, there are crocodiles, geckos, cobras, Burmese pythons, and turtles. Hundreds of species of freshwater fish are wide-ranging, plentiful and are very important food sources.

However, there are some places has been warned to travel to, such as parts of Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, where clashes between local authorities and the minority Muslim (Rohingya) communities has led to the mass displacement of thousands of people. Some other parts of the country remain closed to foreigners due to the conflict between the government and various ethnic armies clustered in eastern and northern Myanmar. These areas are mostly in Kachin and Shan States, close to the frontier with China and Thailand, and far from the major tourist destinations.

How to Get There

By Flight

You are from Singapore and want to travel to Myanmar; you need to travel there by plane. You need to take a flight from Changi Airport and can choose for transit flights or straight flights to Myanmar. The ticket price per person will be around SGD270 to SGD450 depends on your chosen airlines. However, the price of the ticket will be increased at the peak season, which is during the public holiday and school holiday season. Travel from Changi Airport to Yangon International Airport will be around 7 hours depends on your flight. Once you arrive, you can grab a taxi and go straight to your staying place. Before that, you must ensure that you have an e-visa by applying through Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration and Population website before visiting Myanmar.

What to Do There?

Shwedagon Pagoda

The most important temple in Myanmar, Shwedagon Pagoda is huge and visible from many places in the city. It is also well known as the most beautiful Buddha temple in Myanmar. This temple is huge and monumental. The main pagoda is 99 metres tall (325 ft). Also, Burmese people believe that it was built more than 2,600 years ago, but has not been confirmed by historians. Archaeological investigations showed that Shwedagon Pagoda is 1,000- 1,500 years old. Over the centuries, the temple was damaged many times. But it was always rebuilt bigger and stronger. Burmese people believe that this temple contains relics of the four previous Buddhas, it is the most sacred place in the whole of Myanmar. This temple is open to the public every day from 4 am until 10 pm. The ticket price is 8000 Kyat (SGD7) per person.

Sule Pagoda

This temple is much smaller than Shwedagon Pagoda. You as the visitors can see local people praying and spending time in a pagoda. The Burmese people believe that Sule Pagoda was built Shwedagon Pagoda. This temple is so beautiful, and it is worth visiting. This temple is open every day from 6 am until 10 pm. You have to pay 3000 Kyat (SGD3) per person to enter this temple.

Kandawgyi Lake

Kandawgyi Lake and Nature Park is the most peaceful area of Yangon. The Great Royal Lake is one of the biggest lakes in Yangon, and it is situated close to the Shwedagon Pagoda and Yangon zoo. So after visiting the pagoda, you can walk to Kandawgyi Lake and then to the zoo. There are a lot of activities when you are here, in fact, you can have lunch or dinner at this place. It is such a good place to do so.

Bogyoke Aung San Market

This is the best place to go shopping. It is a big market at really low prices. Don’t forget to bargain when you are here. They always give you the first price that is too high. This market is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am until 5 pm.

Where to Stay?

Pan Pacific Yangon

The Pan Pacific Yangon is located at Yangon Region, Myanmar. This hotel is situated 50-minutes away from the Yangon International Airport. This hotel offers a top class and very quality accommodation in the city of Yangon. The in-room facilities are well equipped with luxurious amenities such as flat-screen television with cable channels, a coffee or tea maker, hypo-allergic bedding, bathrobes, slippers, a private bathroom, and a tub. Besides that, they also provide a place with an air-conditioner and also sofa beds. Even, you as the guests can request extra beds or infant beds.

Moreover, you can enjoy free international calls, and also a free Wi-Fi. The hotel has always kept the rooms clean since they offer a daily housekeeping service. If you have any questions to ask, their 24-hour front desk will always assist you in any related matter. After a long day trip to a few places in Yangon, you can relax your mind and body by swimming at the provided pool. There is also a restaurant that serves different types of dishes which can meet the taste of most guests in this place.

Merchant Art Boutique Hotel

As it is located 40-minutes away from the Yangon International Airport, the Merchant Art Boutique Hotel provides affordable accommodation in Yangon. Every room in this hotel is well equipped with basic amenities. Besides that, the hotel provides the best facilities and services to make their guests feel more comfortable and convenient during their stays at this hotel. You also can access a free Wi-Fi from their room and also in the public area of the hotel. For those wanting to keep fit, there is a fitness centre available in this hotel. Other than that, the guests can go to the restaurant provided by the hotel.

Airport Inn

It is a perfect accommodation for a big family and also for those who want to stay a bit longer in Yangon. The guests can freely use a few facilities that provided by the hotel.  Every room in this hotel is equipped with amazing amenities such as a hairdryer, a television, tea or coffee maker and also an air conditioner. There will be a 24-hour front desk to handle the process of check-in and out of the rooms. They are also available to help the guests in case if the guests need any assistance from them. They also can stay connected with their families and friends because there is a free Wi-Fi available in public area.