No matter where you visit in Myanmar, you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities. The country’s rich history, Buddhist traditions, and thousands of golden temples make for excellent pictures – including panoramic shots of landscapes, aerial and architectural views, and unique street photography. No matter if you’re a professional or amateur, and whether you prefer digital or film, Myanmar offers the inspiring, one-of-a-kind shots that you’ll cherish for many years to come. Trust All Asia Tours to bring Myanmar’s most beautiful sites to you. Just bring your camera, and we’ll take care of the rest.

For an unforgettable experience from unique vantage points, take to the skies in a hot air balloon journey over Bagan. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of this ancient city’s 2,000 temples and pagodas that are sprinkled across Myanmar’s vast plains and surrounded by lush, emerald green foliage. All Asia Tours can even take you on a sunrise ‘Balloons over Bagan’ tour. You’ll be captivated by the site of countless temples in silhouette as the sun begins to rise, and the moment when sunlight hits the temples and bathes each pagoda in a brilliant golden glow is truly unforgettable. You can also climb to the summit of Mount Popa and gaze out at seemingly infinite panoramas of the verdant, jade-green landscape below.

Try a picturesque trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake, and you’ll find a photogenic site (and excellent landscape photography opportunities) just about every step of the way. Kalaw, Myanmar’s iconic hill station during the British colonization, is home to natural wonders that are truly stunning. In this scenic region, you’ll find everything from soaring foliage-covered hills to stately pine forests that stretch across the land. Kalaw is also home to Thein Taung Pagoda Monastery, and from here, you can enjoy an excellent view of the colorful town below. At Inle Lake, catch stunning images of the jewel-blue waters, as well as rows upon rows of charming stilt-house villages. Inle Lake is home to Myanmar’s famous Intha rowers, who as masters of balance. These fishermen expertly balance on one foot while holding their conical fishing net in one hand and rowing with the other. For especially beautiful images, try visiting the lake at sunset as vibrant shades of rose and indigo shimmer across the waters.

In addition to natural wonders, a photography tour of Myanmar would not be complete without gazing in wonder at the country’s most iconic temples. Mount Kyaiktiyo is one of the world’s most fascinating Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and it’s not difficult to see why. This glittering gold pagoda is perched on the top of a cliff and looks like it could fall at any moment. Whether you visit during day or night, this striking pagoda looks lovely against the backdrop of the vast sky. 2,500-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda is another impressive site; try a variety of architectural shots as well as close-ups of the building’s thousands of priceless diamonds. Shwezigon and Mahamuni Pagodas are more must-sees; like Shwedagon, they’re radiant in golden splendor.

If you’re looking for picture-postcard beaches that offer sublime relaxation, look no further than Myanmar’s gorgeous southern coastline, which stretches over 1,240 miles (2,000 km). If you’re familiar with Thailand’s bustling, party-filled beaches, you’ll be refreshed to know that Myanmar’s tranquil shores still remain fairly undiscovered. Whether you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon getaway or if you prefer a relaxing end to your busy Myanmar travel itinerary, All Asia Tours will whisk you away to the country’s best beach destinations.

Myanmar’s Ngapali Beach stands as the country’s premier seaside destination. This beach, located on the Bay of Bengal, boasts long stretches of powdery, white sands dotted with a thick border of palm trees. For a truly relaxing experience, stretch out on one of the beach chairs and watch the heavy green palm fronds gently sway in the sea breeze while you soak in the warm sunshine. This area also boasts an array of bars, restaurants, and world- class resorts including luxurious beachfront hotels and villas. Many of these lovely accommodations include deluxe spas and top-tier restaurants -- perfect ways to pamper yourself at the end of the day.

Once you’ve had your fill of sunbathing, there are plenty of other activities to do along Ngapali’s pristine shores. You can try snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, or even kayaking through the crystal-clear aquamarine waters. For an unforgettable, atmospheric experience, step out onto the sand during sunrise or sunset. As the sky shifts into rich hues of rose-gold, bronze, or indigo, you’ll find yourself captivated by the spectrum of colors that illuminate the water’s shimmering surface.

If you select custom travel with All Asia Tours, you can choose from a range of Myanmar’s best beaches, including Ngapali. Other prime destinations include Kanthaya Beach. Situated about 62 miles (100 km) south of Ngapali, this is one of the country’s most tranquil beaches. Here, you’ll find long stretches of golden sands, pristine nature, and chances to sail to offshore islands. Laidback Nqwe Saung (Silver Beach) is also worth exploring and offers plenty of watersports, as well as some of the freshest (and most delicious) seafood you’ll find almost anywhere. Sittwe, a port city perched by the Bay of Bengal, is another charming site with a lovely beach, charming markets, and a handful of pagodas.

Myanmar’s best beach season is approximately from December to April before the monsoon rains arrive. It’s important to note that during the monsoon season (from May to October), many resorts close, making your travel options more limited. If you prefer a quieter, less- touristed atmosphere, you can still visit some areas during the monsoon season -- rest assured that the rains typically last for a few hours, rather than all day. If you’re unsure when to visit or which Myanmar beach destination is best for you, speak with an All Asia Tours travel professional today. We’ll help you design your dream Myanmar beach vacation; all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the country’s incredible natural beauty.

Experience Myanmar’s enchanting countryside -- from waters to land -- with All Asia Tours’ travel offerings. Whether you wish to see some of the country’s most celebrated sights, such as Bagan’s thousands of temples scattered across the vast plains or fascinating off-the- beaten-track destinations, we’ll make sure enjoy plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Myanmar’s natural beauty.

Inle Lake, Myanmar is always a must-see destination. The Inle Lake region offers some of Myanmar’s most stunning landscapes -- from the tranquil lake itself which stretches over 13 miles long and 7 miles wide (approximately 22 x 11 km) to lush floating gardens and marshes. You’ll also see clusters of charming stilt-house villages that stand proudly above the gentle waters, as well as locals going about their daily tasks. Yet, the showpiece of Inle Lake is the amazing Intha rowers who row their boats with one foot. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, you may wish to spend a few days near the lake. The region offers a few trails that are good for biking, as well as perfect terrain for hiking and trekking.

Kalaw, an old hill station founded during the British colonial days and located in western Shan State, remains as one of Myanmar’s most lovely countryside sites. This region is perfect for hiking and trekking. As you climb higher and higher in altitude, you’ll enjoy the cool temperatures and pleasant climate, serene atmosphere, and stunning mist- shrouded vistas. Here, you can explore a host of natural wonders including sweeping hills covered in a thick blanket of emerald green foliage, as well as hilltribe communities that continue centuries-old traditions.

A trip to spectacular Mount Kyaiktiyo, one of Myanmar’s most iconic religious sites, is unforgettable. Mount Kyaiktiyo, also known as ‘Golden Rock’ stands proudly at 3,600 feet (1,100 m) above sea level on Yoma Mountain. The pagoda itself, a shimmering gilded spire perched atop a granite rock, is almost 25 feet (7.5 m) tall. You can take a day trip from Yangon to this stunning temple -- a shimmering golden stupa that balances perfectly on the edge of a cliff. According to legend, Mount Kyaiktiyo stays in place with a strand of the Buddha’s hair. Each year, countless Buddhist devotees and international tourists flock to this important pilgrimage site to experience the sacred surroundings. Please note that, according to local practice and traditions, only men are allowed to approach the golden boulder and apply additional sheets of gold leaf.

Stunning Myanmar offers so much for everyone -- from charming villages to outdoor adventures. With All Asia Tours, you can select from one of our signature Myanmar itineraries. We can also provide you with a tailormade trip that includes time in the countryside, visits to Inle Lake and Kalaw, and pilgrimages to remote pagodas tucked away in some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Let us reveal to you Myanmar’s rural beauty to you -- an experience you will treasure for many years to come.

An AAT vacation to Myanmar offers you endless possibilities for picturesque cruises. In addition to Myanmar’s miles and miles of pristine coastline, you also have options to venture inland and set sail on the legendary Irrawaddy River and picturesque Inle Lake. There are few better ways to learn about Burmese culture and local life, as well as glimpse some of Myanmar’s most stunning landscapes, than by taking a tranquil cruise. Whether you choose group, private, or custom travel, All Asia Tours will take you on an unforgettable voyage across shimmering waters into a beautiful world that seems to spill from the pages of a fantasy story.

The impressive Irrawaddy stretches over 1,300 miles (almost 2,100 km) through Myanmar’s center. While this famous river has been the focal point of poems and literature, it’s also the major lifeline of the country. The Irrawaddy River provides countless resources including hydroelectric power from its dams, and this fertile region is rich in diverse animal and plant life. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin leaping from the waters or the rare Irrawaddy shark. For passionate bird-watchers, the region is also a habitat for a wide variety of water birds such as the ruddy shelduck. This stunning duck has russet-red feathers accented with dashes of bright white, carbon black, and shimmering green-gold.

As you gently cruise through the Irrawaddy’s waters, you’ll also have the chance to see locals going about their daily tasks along the riverside. You’ll pass by quaint clusters of villages scattered along the shore. You’re also likely to see a handful of locals in fishing boats searching for the day’s fresh catch, as well as children hurrying off the village school. An Irrawaddy River cruise offers excellent photo opportunities, especially if you love natural landscapes. In this region of Myanmar, you’ll find everything from dense jungles thick with jade-green foliage to sun-soaked plains that seem to stretch into infinity.

An Inle Lake cruise is another quintessential Myanmar experience. This vast lake -- a true Burmese natural wonder -- is especially popular with international travelers. You’ll enjoy striking mountain scenery, charming stilt- house villages, and the chance to see Intha rowers’ traditional fishing methods. From day to day, Intha rowers perform seemingly impossible feats of balance. These skilled fishermen stand on one foot at the edge of their small, wooden boat and paddle with the other foot -- all while wielding a large, cone-shaped net to scoop up fish. Another must-see is Inle Lake’s unique floating gardens, where rows upon rows of vegetables and fruit flourish atop the lake’s nutrient-rich waters. Once you’ve had your fill of cruising, step off the boat and go exploring on land. Or, if you wish to try a different cruising experience, hop into a kayak or canoe for quick jaunts to the region’s best natural and historical sites.

Cruise tours through incredible Inle Lake and Irrawaddy Rivers are sure to be the highlight of your Myanmar vacation. Speak with an All Asia Tours travel professional today. Before you know it, you’ll be setting sail!

In Myanmar, you’ll find a wide spectrum of color almost everywhere you go -- from shimmering golden temples and landscapes with hunter green foliage to the country’s charming markets. A Burmese market is not only a bright, multi-colored spectrum of fresh produce and unique handicrafts, but it’s a feast for all of your senses. You’ll be charmed by the stunning sights, sounds of lively chatter, and the fragrant aromas and tastes of delicious food. With All Asia Tours group and private tours, as well as our signature custom travel, you can explore Myanmar’s rich culture at the country’s most popular markets, shopping centers, and more.

If you’re searching for unique souvenirs in Yangon, you’ll want to visit Bogyoke Aung San Market. Bogyoke was known as Scott Market by the British, and it was constructed toward the end of British colonial rule in the 1920s. This sprawling market is home to over 2,000 individual shops, and here you’ll find the country’s most extensive selection of local handicrafts such as puppets and lacquerware, as well as fashionable clothing. As you stroll through the array of shops, you’ll be amazed by the sheer variety of items available for purchase: Burmese jade and rubies, handcrafted purses, local artwork, goods imported from neighboring countries, and more. Rest assured, it won’t take long to find a few one-of-a-kind souvenirs that will become cherished mementos of your Myanmar trip.

For a truly unique shopping experience, you’ll want to visit Myanmar’s iconic 5-Day Market, located in the Inle Lake region. True to its name, 5-Day Market takes place over a period of five days and at five different locations throughout the lake area including Heho, Taunggyi, Mine Thauk, Shwe Nyaung, and Nyaung Shwe. 5-Day Market is frequented by Myanmar’s indigenous hilltribe communities, where locals come from their villages, often dressed in beautiful, traditional garments. At 5-Day Market, you’ll enjoy a wonderful opportunity to meet members of hilltribe communities and gain a glimpse into their everyday lives, which drawn upon time-honored traditions that span generations. At the market, you’ll find an amazing assortment of exceptionally fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as Burmese textiles and fiber goods like Shan bags and longyis -- a long, skirt-like garment that wraps around the waist and extends all the way down to the ankles. Any of these items will not only help support the livelihood of local merchants but provide a cheerful splash of color to your home.

In addition to Myanmar’s most popular markets, you may wish to take some time to browse through the local shops in major centers like Yangon and Mandalay and search for quintessential Burmese goods such as lacquerware, wooden carvings, and local pottery. Burmese lacquerware is especially beautiful; you’ll find high-quality items in deep, jewel-tone shades like cobalt and crimson that boast intricate paintwork and ornate carvings. If you have the chance, definitely make time to visit the Yandabo Pottery Village, tucked away alongside the picturesque Irrawaddy River. Here, you can find hundreds and hundreds of expertly crafted ceramic vessels both inside and outside of the studio.

Myanmar’s history is a fascinating and almost never- ending subject. Whether you’re curious about exploring the Burma of centuries ago, the country’s colonial past, or Myanmar’s recent reappearance on the world stage, All Asia Tours will take you on an in-depth journey to some of the country’s most important historic sites.

Explore Myanmar’s history at Pyu Ancient Cities -- the country’s current UNESCO World Heritage Site. Burma’s Pyu kingdoms were a longstanding civilization that lasted for 1,000 years (approximately 200 B.C. – 900 A.D.). Pyu Ancient Cities is perhaps best known for bringing Buddhist- centered civilization to Southeast Asia. As you tour this archeological site, you’ll feel like an explorer discovering remains of palace citadels, burial grounds, stupas, and more.

When you venture to Bagan, Myanmar, you’ll find yourself transported centuries into the past as you surround yourself in a mythical landscape of ancient temples. The sheer scale of this site -- with over 2,000 stunning pagodas spread across the plains -- is a clear testament to the Burmese people’s devotion to Buddhism. You may be surprised to learn that centuries ago, the Bagan temples numbered in the 10,000s! The city of Bagan, once the capital of a powerful kingdom, flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries. During this time period, Burmese culture (as it is known today), as well as Theravada Buddhism, began to take firm holds in the region.

British rule in Burma lasted over a century -- from 1824 to 1948. During this time period, the British built a number of colonial buildings, and many can still be seen in Yangon. You may wish to tour some of the most iconic sites like the Strand Hotel, the Belmond Governor’s Residence, Bogyoke (Scott) Market, the Central Post Office, and more. Each of these buildings features European-style architectural designs, and you can even enjoy high tea at the Strand Café in Yangon for a fusion of Burmese and British flavors. If you’re up for a little bit of a trek, venture to Kalaw, Myanmar. This was once a British hill station where people would go to escape the sweltering summer temperatures.

Myanmar’s recent history was marked with long periods of isolation. In fact, in 2011, the country recently opened its doors to the outside world after 60 years. Aung San Suu Kyi has and continues to be a pivotal figure in Myanmar’s history. In 1989, she was placed under house arrest as the Burmese military government saw her political popularity as a threat to her power. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 but remained confined to her home until her final release in 2010. At All Asia Tours, we offer signature Myanmar travel packages that can give you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak with Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi’s personal assistant; don’t miss this incredible way to learn more about Myanmar’s recent history, as well as one of the country’s most well-known political figures.

Let AAT take you on an unforgettable trip to Myanmar’s fascinating historical treasures that have been hidden from the world for far too long.

Let All Asia Tours take you on an unforgettable journey to Myanmar’s architectural masterworks, where you can marvel at each building’s beauty and rich layers of history. Myanmar, like much of Southeast Asia, boasts a blend of Buddhist architecture with well-preserved European-style colonial buildings. While Myanmar’s many thousands of temples would take more than one lifetime to visit, All Asia Tours can take you to the country’s most iconic pagodas, as well as any off-the-beaten-track destinations you wish to see. In Yangon, discover remnants of Myanmar’s British colonial past at iconic sites like the Strand Hotel, Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) Market, and the Yangon Post Office. No matter which attractions you choose, you’ll uncover fascinating stories and years of history etched into the façade of each stunning structure.

Once you set foot in enchanting Myanmar, you’ll soon see just how much Buddhist temples and pagodas define the landscape, as well as the Burmese people’s deep devotion to this ancient faith. The sheer number of religious sites leaves the longest-lasting impression on visitors; Myanmar today is home to thousands of temples scattered throughout the cities and countryside. Centuries ago, Bagan alone was home to over 10,000 temples, and today, over 2,000 original buildings remain. These russet-colored pagodas are almost the same hue as the soil scattered across Bagan’s sweeping plains, and many display an anthill or pyramid-style shape.

You won’t want to miss Yangon’s iconic Buddhist temples, resplendent in shimmering gold, diamonds, and other precious gems. Shwedagon and Sule Pagodas are definite must-sees, as well as the Chaukhtatgyi Temple and its massive Reclining Buddha statue. Compared to Yangon’s bell-shaped pagodas, Mandalay’s temples feature a wider variety of architectural styles. Multi-leveled Mahamuni Pagoda’s exterior is punctuated by arched doorways. Shwenandaw Kyaung Temple (Golden Palace Monastery), the only surviving building of the long-lost Royal Palace, is a quintessential example of Burmese teak buildings.

To see examples of early Burmese architecture, venture to Pyu Ancient Cities -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This complex flourished over a millennium ago during the Pyu Kingdoms. In the compound, you’ll find a scattering of impressive fortress-like structures including remains of palaces, burial grounds, and Buddhist stupas made from brick. Look closer, and you’ll also discover a number of artworks that adorn the site such as statues and low-relief carvings of the Buddha.

In all of Southeast Asia, Yangon boasts the most colonial buildings. The Strand Hotel, one of the city’s best- preserved structures, is a must-see for any architecture enthusiast. This Victorian-style building first opened at the beginning of the twentieth century and stands as one of Yangon’s iconic landmarks. This hotel is truly stunning with its perfect symmetry, cream-colored molding, and rows of butter-colored Doric-style columns. The city’s Central Post Office is another lovely colonial building. This towering edifice was constructed from pale, garnet-colored brick, and the front entrance is framed by a crescent- shaped awning. Like the Strand, the Post Office displays rows of windows bisected by half columns.

Myanmar’s delicious cuisine remains one of Asia’s best- kept secrets. While Burmese dishes have yet to gain popularity on the world stage, there’s not to be missed. Like many types of Southeast Asian food, Burmese cuisine is a unique blend of local ingredients and traditions, as well as outside influences. India, China, and England (during the British colonization) brought a host of unique foods and flavors to Myanmar, such as Indian curries and samosas, Chinese-style dumplings, and British-inspired teas with quintessential Burmese twists. Without a doubt, Myanmar boasts its own unique culinary traditions including its quintessential tea leaf salad, mild curries, sticky rice with shredded coconut, and more.

Rice is the major staple to Burmese cuisine and central to many dishes. This satisfying grain comes in many forms – as noodles or cakes and even part of delicious desserts. Burmese food features scores of salads made from just about every ingredient under the sun, as well as complex blends of strong, sour, and aromatic flavors. Myanmar also enjoys a thriving tea culture, and you can find plenty of charming tea shops scattered through major centers such as Yangon. Local Burmese flock here to sip (or even eat) tea; typically, you’ll receive a steaming cup of black tea, sweetened with thick and creamy condensed milk.

Mohinga, widely regarded as Myanmar’s national dish, is a must-try and easy to find throughout the entire country. This satisfying noodle soup is typically eaten for breakfast and features chunks of perfectly-cooked catfish, floating in a fragrant lemongrass broth. The broth is also thickened with a powder made from toasted, ground rice that adds a rich nutty taste to the dish. For an extra kick of flavor, traditional accompaniments often include hard- boiled eggs, lime, and fresh herbs. Mohinga is not the only Burmese food that features fish. Many dishes are seasoned with ngapi, a sauce often made from fermented fish or shrimp. Burmese fish curry is another local favorite, and for those who are averse to heavy spices, you’ll be relieved to know that the curries in Myanmar tend to be much milder than in neighboring Thailand.

In Myanmar, you’ll find a range of salads (also known as thoke) brimming with creative combinations of colorful vegetables and fruits, sesame seeds, fresh herbs, peanuts, and more. When in Myanmar, you must try the tea leaf (laphet thoke) salad, a unique blend of fried garlic, split peas, sunflower and sesame seeds, and fermented tea leaves that add a fortifying kick of caffeine. Finish your meal with one of Myanmar’s favorite treats -- tart fermented tea leaves are even eaten sometimes for dessert! Treat your taste buds to the uniquely delicious shwe yin aye, a rich and creamy sherbet made from coconut. Locals often dip slices of white bread into their dishes, soaking up all of the delicious coconut cream. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try ais kacang, traditional Burmese shaved ice.

Let All Asia Tours take you on a culinary adventure through undiscovered Myanmar. You’ll enjoy a feast of foods and flavors you’re unlikely to forget!

Let All Asia Tours take you on the spiritual journey of a lifetime to enchanting Myanmar, the land of golden temples. In this devoutly Theravada Buddhist country, you’ll find thousands of sacred sites from north to south.

In the vibrant city of Yangon, you’ll have the chance to see Shwedagon Pagoda -- one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in all of Southeast Asia. This glittering gold spire, adorned with tons of gold leaf and precious gems, towers an impressive 325 feet (almost 100 m) over the city. Yangon is also home to the octagonal-shaped Sule Pagoda, which sits in the center of a busy traffic circle. According to Burmese history and lore, this iconic spire is well over 2,500 years old! While you’re in the city, also make sure to visit Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple’s iconic Reclining Buddha image.

The temple town of Bagan, once an ancient capital, is a must-see destination on any sacred tour of Myanmar. Once you spend a little time in this archaeological site, which only stretches across 20 square miles (about 52 sq. km), you’ll be enchanted by the thousands of temples and stupas scattered across the vast plains. As you meander through this atmospheric setting, you’ll soon discover that each individual stupa offers its own history and design. For a truly moving experience, visit Bagan at sunrise or sunset -- few experiences are as memorable than seeing scores of silhouetted temples, framed by a golden sky and mist-shrouded mountains.

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda on Inle Lake is another must-see. This stunning Buddhist site, which can only be accessed by boat, holds one of the most important annual festivals in Shan state each year. The Pagoda itself also houses five golden Buddha statues, which have been covered with so much gold leaf that they’re practically unrecognizable. During the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, which typically takes place sometime in September and/or October, four of the five Buddha images are transported via royal barge across the lake. If you wish to experience Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda for yourself, All Asia Tours offers a signature tour that takes you to this iconic religious site to see the festival. During this dynamic celebration, you’ll see thrilling boat races, hundreds of people rowing long boats with their feet, colorful costumes, and more.

Head northeast from Yangon to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda -- a small stupa perched on top of a granite boulder. Both the spire and the rock itself are encrusted with countless layers of gold leaf. Even though Mt. Kyaiktiyo balances precariously on the edge of a cliff, it has never fallen -- not for centuries. According to legend, the rock stays securely in place by a strand of the Buddha’s hair. When making a pilgrimage to this iconic religious site, you can either hike or take a vehicle all the way up to the summit. You’ll be highly rewarded for your efforts; at the top, take in a stunning 360-degree panorama of rolling hills covered in emerald-green foliage.

Myanmar enjoys traditional performing arts, including fascinating forms of theater and dance. Burmese puppet shows (also known as yoke the) are a time- honored national tradition. It is thought that this art form began sometime between the 15th and 16th centuries, and originally, these fascinating performances were enjoyed by Burmese royals. In the past twenty years, Burmese puppetry has enjoyed renewed popularity among local and international audiences alike. You’ll be struck by the beauty of these marionettes; each face boasts intricate paintwork, and the puppets sport colorful costumes in eye- catching shades of magenta, hot pink, royal blue, and metallic gold. Let All Asia Tours take you to Mandalay or Bagan to see one of these fascinating performances -- watching these graceful marionettes whirl in circles onstage is an enchanting experience you’re unlikely to forget.

Myanmar’s rich and thriving handicrafts heritage is also ripe for exploration. The country boasts its ‘Ten Flowers,’ - - it’s most cherished traditional arts and crafts. If you’re passionate about fiber and textiles, you’ll want to explore Burmese tapestries, also known as kalaga. Kalaga features intricate embroidery with silver and gold thread, complimented with shimmering sequins and beads. These come together in perfect harmony to create stunning images drawn from centuries-old Burmese legends. The handwoven silk workshop in Amarapura is another must- see. For centuries, Amarapura has been celebrated for its exceptional handmade silk. You’ll have the chance to see masterful weavers at work, crafting one-of-a-kind garments (such as traditional Burmese longyi) for special occasions.

Before long, you’ll discover that Myanmar is home to scores of glistening Buddhist temples, covered in countless layers of gold leaf. If you wish, All Asia Tours can take you on a journey to a gold leaf workshop in Mandalay, where you can watch local artisans transform heavy golden nuggets into razor-thin sheets of shimmering gold leaf. In Bagan, you can also enjoy the unique opportunity to visit a lacquerware workshop and discover the time-honored techniques that create these intricate works of art. In Myanmar, lacquerware is especially prized. Centuries ago, these beautiful vessels were a popular gift among Burmese royals, as well as the showpieces of many Buddhist ceremonies. Today, you’ll find a wide range of vessel styles such as jars, boxes, and even a stupa-shaped design called an hsun-ok. The most precious and high- quality types of lacquerware take many painstaking months to create and feature intricate flora and fauna designs, often accented with cinnabar reds, cobalt blues, and deep carbon black shades.

Let All Asia Tours reveal to you the very best of Myanmar’s fine arts with our custom travel options. If you’re interested in painting, the country offers a range of centuries-old murals that are definitely worth seeing. In addition, Panchi (traditional Burmese painting) first began in Bagan. Artists use colorful pigments to depict scenes from everyday life such as Bagan’s temple and pagoda-strewn landscape, local plants, portraits, and more. Most Burmese sculpture is made from wood or plaster, and you’ll find everything from Buddha images, as well as Asian elephants and mythical creatures.

Burmese Festivals & Rituals Myanmar is a truly enchanting country -- exceptionally rich in culture, history, and Buddhist traditions. If you’re looking for a cultural experience of a lifetime, consider visiting Myanmar during one of the country’s many festivals. You’ll find yourself completely swept away by the lively atmosphere, friendly locals, colorful decorations, and unique costumes. Explore some of Myanmar’s most popular festivals, rituals, and traditions below:

Thingyan (New Year’s)
Thingyan, Myanmar’s festive New Year’s celebrations, lasts for a few days in mid-April and is the country’s most important annual celebration. Thingyan is also known as the ‘Water Festival,’ and during this time of year, Burmese people splash each other with water to wash away the year’s wrongdoings. Similar water festivals have a long history in Southeast Asia and are celebrated at similar times in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. In addition to these festivals’ spiritual significance, these playful water fights are also a lot of fun!

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival
Let AAT take you on an exclusive journey to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and its corresponding festival. This large Buddhist celebration takes place each year for approximately three weeks in September and/or October. You’ll have the chance to glimpse the gilded Kawaweik barge, a stunning boat which looks like a mythical bird as it gracefully glides through the water. This barge holds four out of five iconic Buddha images that belong to the pagoda.

Tazaungdaing (Festival of Lights)
Myanmar’s Tazaungdaing or ‘Festival of Lights’ usually takes place just before the full moon in November and honors the Sulamani Pagoda. During the festival -- a true riot of color -- you can view the iconic hot air balloon competition. The balloons themselves are lovely works of art and feature traditional shapes such as pagodas, elephants, dragons, and other mythical creatures.

Dancing Elephant Festival
The Dancing Elephant Festival is a must-see celebration that dates back centuries and takes place in Kyaukse, near Mandalay. During the festivities, two performers manipulate a brightly-colored and intricately decorated elephant costume, often made from a bamboo frame covered in cloth and paper. You’ll never forget the exciting sight of the performers as they carefully dance in rhythm to music and drumbeats, bringing the elephant to life. Burmese locals and world travelers alike come from all over to witness these spellbinding performances.

Buddhist Lenten Festivals
Myanmar also enjoys celebrations at the beginning and end of the Buddhist Lenten season. The Myanmar Waso Festival, a highly sacred Buddhist celebration, typically takes place in July. During this time, monks begin their Lent-long practice of staying inside their monasteries to study, pray, and meditate. As Lent draws to a close, Thadingyut (‘Full Moon Day’) takes place for three days. After months of fasting, this is a joyful celebration where locals decorate homes and pagodas with sparkling lights, a rainbow of paper lanterns, and glowing candles.

Take a deep dive into Burmese culture with All Asia Tours’ signature pre-designed and custom travel. Let us take you into the heart of Myanmar’s most exciting celebrations and time-honored rituals.

There is something special about being able to enjoy a country like Myanmar as a family. There is plenty of variety with historical and cultural landmarks, a coastline with some lovely beaches and a great natural environment just made for outdoor activities. All you have to do is to decide how many things you can fit in into the time that you have available.

Two of the most popular destinations in Myanmar are the ancient cities of Mandalay and Bagan. At one time, Bagan had well over 10,000 temples and pagodas in an area measuring 13 kilometres by 8 kilometres. There is now over 2,000 in various states of repair with time and earthquakes being responsible for any deterioration. If you have the chance to take to the air in a balloon trip Bagan is the place you should do it. Soaring peacefully over this ancient site is an unforgettable experience and you may well wonder why UNESCO has yet to recognize it.

The Irrawaddy River rises in the north and flows down the whole length of Myanmar before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. The River is of huge commercial importance to the Country’s economy as well as being an important means of transport for the locals. Regular ferries take passengers to destinations throughout the length of the River. You can take a Myanmar boat cruise to enjoy seeing life on its banks. There is a trip between Bagan and Mandalay is a great experience if you have a day to spare.

A Myanmar cultural tour is an education for people of all ages and to take it as a family holiday will leave everyone with great memories. Bagan and Mandalay are certainly two places that should be included in any Myanmar holiday. The former capital of Myanmar is another place on a cultural journey with the Shwedagon Temple in Yangon is the highlight of any city tour. There are some impressive pieces of colonial architecture especially in Yangon which as Rangoon was the capital of Burma.

Myanmar has been fairly isolated until recent years but it has a rich history. It includes well over a century as a British colony as well as being an important theatre of action in the Second World War including occupation by Japan. The museums of Myanmar will reveal much more about the Country and its people. The culture of Myanmar has religion as its core and when you are meeting locals, it is worth being aware of local custom and etiquette, especially as it relates to religious sites and the clothing that is appropriate.

After a busy itinerary, there are few better ways for a family to relax than to visit the lovely beaches and warm waters on the Myanmar Coast. There is the chance to get involved in scuba diving or snorkelling, swim or just top up the suntan before heading for home. The memories of Myanmar that a family will take with them are all the more special because they are shared.