8 Reasons to Fall in Love with Burma

For decades, Burma (officially renamed Myanmar by its military government, the Junta) isolated itself from western eyes.  It began to open to tourism in 1996, but its use of forced labor and the imprisonment of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi led to international economic sanctions and an unofficial tourism boycott.

Now though, things are changing for the better.  Aung San Suu Kyi is free, the country’s opening up to the west, and an official visit by Hilary Clinton recognizes the Junta’s efforts to bring Burma into the modern world.  Burma is finally ready for its moment in the spotlight.  Here are eight reasons why you should visit Burma now.

1. Freedom from the beaten backpacker path

Thailand may be called the country of smiles, but compared to Burma it is positively miserable.  In spite of Burma’s reputation, it seems to be among the happiest countries you will ever visit.  On every side street, in every village, every town, and every city you’ll be greeted by smiling faces.  Everyone is friendly beyond measure, eager to talk to you about your trip in Burma and hear your stories of home.  It is such a friendly place, and everyone’s English is so good, that you could easily talk away your entire day.

Perhaps this friendliness, like the lack of a tourist price, stem from Burma’s devout buddhist populace and their belief that everyone should be treated as a friend.  Perhaps it is a form of passive defiance against the aggression of the Junta.  Whatever the reason for it, few places in the world will make you feel as welcome as Burma.

Ready to go? Find flights to Yangon,  book a 15 day tour of Burma, check out our Myanmar travel guide, or read more about travel in Myanmar and Asia: 

• Indie Travel in Myanmar for $45 Per Day
• 12 Less Visited Countries
• How to Plan an Extended Trip in Southeast Asia
• How to Travel Like a Local in Indonesia