Luxury Burma Holidays
Overview
One of the largest countries in Southeast Asia, Burma is a place with rich cultural traditions. In Yangon, the city centres around the Shwedagon Pagoda, a breathtaking Buddhist monument coated in gold plate. The streets are lined with historic colonial buildings, whilst parks and lakes provide a retreat from the lively city thoroughfares. Downtown you'll find the Bogyoke Market, a splendid bazaar with a variety of stalls that sell hand carved statues, jewellery, and clothes. The second largest city behind Yangon, Mandalay is nestled below a colourful hill dotted with temples. At the foot of the hill, rests the beautiful Kuthodaw Pagoda. Wander a wealth of bazaars and markets, discover gold workshops, and admire Mandalay Palace with its perfectly square moat and decorative buildings. The city rests on the east bank of the Irrawaddy River making it a great place to enjoy riverboat cruises, where you can spot the native wildlife that live along its shores. In Bagan, you'll find an ancient city flowing with mystery and awe-inspiring beauty. It's home to the Bagan Archaeological Zone, where over 2,000 temples rise from the ground to touch the sky. The nearby jungle offers a natural haven with exotic fauna too. Keep an eye out for buffalo, elephants, leopards, monkeys, rhinos and tigers.
When To Visit
With a tropical climate, Burma sees temperatures around 25 to 35 degrees Celsius all year round. There are three main seasons, dry, hot and wet. The dry season, from November to early March, has little rainfall with average highs about 25 degrees Celsius. From March to April, the hot period brings temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees. The wet cycle stretches from May to October, and whilst rainfall is common, it's characteristically short-lived leaving behind blue sunny skies. During these months, temperatures linger around 30 degrees.
Food & Drink
You can expect fine dining during stay in Burma, as you'll get to try dishes prepared by experienced chefs who understand the careful balance of local flavours and the importance of visual flair. Enjoy traditional Burmese cuisine and try specialities like Myanmar smoked catfish and grilled prawns with pineapple puree. Sample lots of European favourites and sumptuous desserts, such as mango and passion fruit parfait, made with tropical fruits from the region. Dine in luscious environments like a romantic, lantern lit garden or by a lake-side flowing with lotus leaves.
Passport & Visas
As with any holiday, it's a good idea to carry some identification with you, and to keep a photocopy of your passport on your person. You need to get a visa before you travel to Burma by applying to the nearest Burmese Embassy or Consulate. Visit GOV.UK for more advice.
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