Myanmar physical map. Myanmar on the map - where is Myanmar (Burma) located on the world map. Where is Myanmar

Burma is a country in Southeast Asia located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. This state is little known to the residents of our country, since for a long time it was in forced isolation from the entire civilized world. Now the situation in the country is changing for the better, access is opening up for tourists from all over the world. Before traveling to a little-explored state, it is advisable to become more familiar with the location of Burma, its brief history, attractions and features in order to be fully prepared.

Where is Burma?

The country is located on the western part of the island of Indochina, adjacent to many countries. These are Bangladesh, India, China and Laos, Thailand. From the south and the coast, with a length of 2000 km, is washed by the waters of the bays of Begalsky and Moutama. It also comes into contact with the warm waters of the Andaman Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean.

Burma (country) occupies an area of 678.5 thousand square kilometers on land and several other ocean islands. This is the largest area in all of Indochina. Although two-thirds of the land is occupied by high impassable mountain ranges and dense jungle.

On the geographical map of the planet you may not see Burma, since the country has been renamed Myanmar since 2010. So be careful, first look on the map for it to be located next to the Indian Peninsula, and then you can easily find the country, since it is the largest on the map of the peninsula.

Before traveling to such a distant land, you need not only to know where Burma is, but also to become familiar with its historical past, then many controversial issues and misunderstandings will be clear.

History of the state

The first mention of this country dates back to the 3rd century BC. Many different nationalities inhabited this territory, but most of them were Mons. The ancient Chinese called the inhabitants of these places "Western Qiang". The history of Burma is very closely intertwined with neighboring countries. There were frequent wars with China and Thailand. Power passed from hand to hand. The Mon civilization existed for a significant period of time, bringing together Buddhist and Indian cultures.

Changes of kings and constant wars continued throughout the history of the country, as, indeed, of many other states. However, things calmed down a bit with the seizure of the territory by British troops in 1824, when a very cruel and bloodthirsty tyrant, King Thibaut Min, was removed. Therefore, the subjects of the English queen were greeted with joyful exclamations from the local residents. Quiet life continued for more than a hundred years, right up until the outbreak of World War II.

In May 1942, Japanese troops captured Burma. The occupiers were cruel, and local residents organized a partisan movement against the invaders. When in 1945 Japan announced complete surrender and abandoned its soldiers to the mercy of fate, the partisans continued to finish them off in dense forests.

Gaining independence

In 1948, the British decided to leave a foreign country and gave power to local residents, removing all powers from themselves. But this did not benefit the long-suffering people. The struggle for power in individual regions led to a civil war that raged for many years in Myanmar (Burma).

The U Nu government failed to manage the state. Oil production fell to a minimum, the country was exhausted by constant confrontations. At that time, only the Burmese army was able to cope with the problems. And in March 1962, the General Staff of the Army, led by General Ne Win, took power into its own hands and immediately announced the chosen socialist path of development.

As in all socialist countries, they followed the same path to prosperity. There has been a global nationalization of all private property of both local residents and foreigners. All foreign trade was taken over by the country's military leaders.

The inhabitants of Burma suffered from hunger, the shops were empty, food was given out at a price. Many rulers were engaged in active trade with Thailand, selling off the “people's goods,” and ordinary citizens became poor every day.

Military dictatorship

Since 1987, there have been serious unrest in the country related to the withdrawal of banknotes from circulation. People were already leading a miserable lifestyle, but suddenly they became 80% poorer. University students went out to protest demonstrations. The authorities came into conflict with the people, brutally suppressing the uprising, many were killed and arrested, some universities were closed altogether.

In the country, all power was concentrated in the SLORC committee, the so-called State Council for the Restoration of Law and Order. This authority consisted of generals. In 1989, the geographical names of cities and the country as a whole began to change. Now it was called Myanmar. However, most civilized countries did not recognize this renaming. Sanctions were announced against dictatorial power.

All opposition parties and the daughter of the main democrat, Aung San, were placed under house arrest. They were prohibited from taking part in the 1989 elections.

Control Features

Despite the totalitarian regime of governance and cruel means of maintaining Buddhist morality in society, a number of positive aspects can be noted. The authorities obliged the monks to teach literacy to peasant children, and every month mobile military hospitals came to the villages, carried out medical procedures and vaccinated the population.

The sex industry has come under the strictest ban; the country has no problems with AIDS. Very low level of drunkenness and drug addiction among local residents. Only women smoke, and then only domestic tobacco.

Work has begun in the country to restore cultural and architectural values. This is how the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon was restored.

But the tyranny of the authorities continued to punish people for the slightest crimes, widely using the death penalty. People were still isolated from the whole world. No information was received, since only senior officials had the Internet, there were very few cars, and telephone connections were not available everywhere.

For the most part, the main means of transportation remained carts drawn by oxen. People lived below the poverty line.

Changes

In the early autumn of 2007, a peaceful protest by Buddhist monks develops into mass riots against the government. About a hundred people were killed.

Since 2011, changes have been felt in the country. Events in Burma changed the attitude of other states towards the country. Since 2012, the European Union has abolished visa sanctions that were previously in force for all senior officials of the country.

In the same year, elections were held in the country, which changed the balance of forces in Parliament towards the democratic forces led by Aung San Suu Kyi. And already in 2015, the National League for Democracy party received a majority in this government body. The country's president, Thin Kyaw, was also democratically elected. Now travelers from all over the world want to see with their own eyes where Burma is. After all, the leading countries of the world have restored relations with the country, investors have directed their money into the development of the economy, so that its rapid growth is foreshadowed.

Relief

The geographical location of the country has the most diverse terrain. These include beautiful mountains in the west of the country, the Shan Highlands in the eastern part of the territory, a large fertile plain in the center, and the Rakhine Plain on the coast of the Bay of Bengal.

The country's highest point is located on the border with China. This is Mount Khakaborazi (Hakabo-Razi), whose height is 5881 meters. And the mountain peaks of the Shan Highlands in the southwest of the country are not very high, but difficult to pass. Their height is from 1600 to 2600 m above sea level.

Numerous mountains give rise to rivers, the largest of which are the Irrawaddy, Chindwin and Seatown. They spread across the valleys and make the lands fertile and suitable for agriculture. The rivers of Myanmar carry their waters to the Indian Ocean. Most of the lakes are located in the northern part of the country. The largest and deepest is Indoji.

But now the world is mostly familiar with Inle Lake. It is located on the Shan Highlands. It is not very large in size, only 100 sq. m, and the depth reaches 6 meters. You ask why the lake is so famous? The answer is simple. On the shores of the reservoir there are piled villages, whose residents live on the water, eat what they catch while fishing, and grow vegetables for themselves and for sale in floating gardens.

There are also artificial reservoirs and reservoirs that were built near major cities and the capital of Burma, the city of Naypyitaw.

A large number of mountains are located in seismically active areas. The country has several mud volcanoes. The most famous of the extinct giants is Pope, 1518 m high. It is located in the Pegu ridge. According to local beliefs, nata spirits live at the top of the volcano. They are called upon to defend the country. Buddhist monks built the Tuyin Town Pagoda on the mountain, which has since become a place of pilgrimage.

Climate

When choosing the time of year to travel to a country, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the climate in that area. Let's remember where Burma is? Surrounded by mountain peaks. Therefore, the climate here is tropical and subtropical. The mountains protect the area from strong and cold air masses from the north.

If our weather corresponds to the seasons, then in Myanmar three different types of climate can be distinguished:

humid (May to October), when it rains frequently;
cool (late October to February);
hot (rest of the year).

But the cooling in Burma is relative, that is, it will not be 40 degrees, but 20. In mountainous areas, the temperature is significantly different. In winter, the thermometer can drop to 0 degrees. Also in the cool season you can often witness dust storms.

Attractions

Before traveling to countries, you need to do your research in advance so that you know where to go first. The star of all commercials is the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. But on the territory of the country there are countless ancient monasteries, pagodas, temple complexes, statues of Buddha in a standing and lying position of enormous size. Not to mention the mythical ancient city of Bagan. This is an entire architectural complex that attracts tourists from all over the world.

In addition to the capital of Burma, Naypyitaw, it is also worth going to Mandalay. Here is the cultural center of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. This is the full and more correct name of the country. Since its construction in 1857, the royal palace of the ruler of Mindon has become a forbidden place where no one was allowed. Although the city of kings, hidden from prying eyes, is large, it is surrounded by 4 km of fortress walls, the height of which is 9 meters.

Many travel agents recommend visiting Inle Lake. In the middle of the water surface there is a monastery built, which has a very strange name - Jumping Cats. This is due to the fact that all six monks living in this remote monastery teach cats to perform tricks. Also try to visit the floating market, where you can buy various goods, including souvenirs, directly from the boats.

In addition to architectural beauty, the country is full of natural attractions.

Wonders of nature

Myanmar is a wonderful land with beautiful mountainous regions that abound with rivers and beautiful majestic waterfalls. Not far from Mandalay are the most famous of them - Anisikan. Mighty avalanches of water rush into a small natural pool at the foot. The roar of the water stream can be heard from afar. Tourists also love this place for its comfortable conditions. A narrow path with gazebos and benches for people who are tired from the climb leads to the waterfalls. Like all waterfalls in the world, these waterfalls are at their fullest after the rainy season.

The famous limestone caves under the general name Pandalin will also amaze travelers with their beauty. They are located in the south of the country, in Shan State. These are two huge caves, inside of which you can also admire pagodas. On the walls of the cave halls you can see rock paintings of animals and people left by ancient settlers. The underground passages are well equipped for visitors. Convenient stairs and bridges have been made. All rooms have artificial lighting.

Near the city of Yangon there is a large national park where animal lovers will have their needs completely satisfied. The recreational zone covers an area of 630 hectares. The park begins from the shore of Lake Khloga. Tourists can look at the life of wild animals in their natural habitat. Deer, monkeys, storks and other non-dangerous animals roam freely in the park.

But the predators are placed separately; in the fenced enclosures of the zoo you can look at tigers, lions, and leopards. If a tourist has courage and determination, then there is the opportunity to ride an elephant.

For lovers of the plant world, we suggest going to the Kendouji Botanical Garden. It received the status of a nature reserve and a government garden. The park occupies a vast territory and has many rare and exotic plants found only in Burma. Even people who are far from botany, walking through the park, will receive extraordinary pleasure from contemplating such natural beauty.

Population of Burma

Since ancient times, the country was inhabited by people from different countries - India, China, Bangladesh, and there were many Europeans. But constant wars and revolutionary events in Burma scared away many newcomers, who for the most part left the country.

Now, after the opening of borders to citizens, many are illegally leaving the country in search of a better life and work in the more developed Thailand and Malaysia.

The country is inhabited by more than 135 different nationalities that have their own culture and language. The Burmese make up the bulk of the population and oppress minorities of other nationalities. This often leads to controversial issues between different parts of the country. However, Burmese is still considered the official language.

The main share of foreign citizens living in Burma are emigrants from China. Their number is almost 2 million. Both English and Chinese are used as a business language.

Main ethnic groups: Burmese, Shans, Karens, Arakanese, Chinese, Indians, Mons, Kachins and others.

Religious preferences

Myanmar is a country with many different faiths. Most of Burma's population professes Buddhism. This is almost 90% of the entire ethnic composition. There is a small percentage of Islamists, the rest are Christians, of which one third are Catholics.

There are many Baptists, Protestants, Anglicans, Methodists, 7 Day Adventists, etc.

Confessions do not always coexist peacefully. Confrontations often arise that end in tears. In 2012, conflict broke out between Buddhists and Muslims. The country declared a state of emergency as thousands of homes of Muslims who sought refuge in Thailand in fear were burned.

The story did not end there, and in 2013, anti-Muslim pogroms flared up again with renewed vigor in the city of Meithila.

What else do tourists need to know?

Country holidays:

January 4 is Independence Day from the British.
from April 13 to 16 - a water festival (it will be interesting for tourists to watch the traditions of pouring water on New Year's Eve).
July 19 - Martyrs' Day (commemorate Aung San, a fighter for freedom and democracy);
November 11 is also an interesting holiday for travelers - a holiday of paper lanterns and burning flying kites.
December 25 is traditional Christmas.

Many other holidays are related to peasants and Buddhists; each nation celebrates the New Year according to its own calendar.

The money of Burma is kyat. One kyat contains 100 pya. Architectural monuments are depicted on banknotes. Upon entering the country, tourists must exchange 300 dollars at the most unfavorable rate at the national bank. This is a must. Bank cards are absolutely not useful to tourists in Myanmar. Exchanging cash is very problematic, but travelers will be pleased with the prices in the country.

Southeast Asia is a real treasure trove of surprises even for experienced tourists. It would seem that many different small neighboring states should be similar, but the beauty is that they have much more tempting differences. And modern history is experienced by each state in its own special way. We will tell you about a colorful and little-known country where many Buddhist stupas and small resorts have been built.

A little about the Republic of Myanmar

To begin with, modern Myanmar was previously known to the world as Burma. The current state is called the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and occupies an area of 678.5 thousand square meters. km, the population of Myanmar is about 60 million people. Most of the country's inhabitants, approximately 68%, are Burmese, the remaining ethnic groups represent small proportions: Shans, Karens, Arakanese, Chinese, Indians and other nationalities. Although the official religion of Myanmar is Buddhism, Muslims and Christians also live in the country, these faiths account for 4% of each religion. The currency of Myanmar is the Myanmar Kyat.

Officially, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is a federation consisting of seven national and seven administrative regions. The country is governed by a president and an elected parliament. The modern capital of Myanmar is a new city that has grown up instead of a small settlement. The former and more famous capital of Myanmar is, which was previously called Rangoon.

The official language of Myanmar is Burmese, but English and Chinese are also spoken, and in some areas local dialects are also spoken. Interestingly, the word “Myanmar” is translated as “fast” or “strong”, and also has a consonance with the word “emerald”. Astrology is very popular in the Republic; it is this science that determines the origin of names, various titles and important actions. By the way, the date and time of the capital transfer were chosen by astrologers.

Where is Myanmar?

As already mentioned, Myanmar is one of the countries in Southeast Asia. It is located in the western part of the Indochina Peninsula and also occupies some coastal islands. The geographical position of Myanmar is such that it borders on many countries. The western border is shared with Bangladesh, the northwest with India, the northeast with China, and the eastern side is shared with Laos and Thailand. The southern and southwestern borders go under the waters of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

Weather and climate in Myanmar

Due to its interesting geographical location, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is located in the tropical and subequatorial monsoon climate zone. If we talk about the weather in Myanmar, we can distinguish three main seasons: the hot season, which lasts from mid-February to the end of May, followed by the wet season, and the cool season begins from the end of October, at which time dust storms often occur. Average temperatures in January reach +21+24 degrees, but in summer the maximum values can jump to +41 degrees. The mountainous regions of the country are always much cooler. In winter, in these places the temperature often drops below zero degrees, and in the valleys it fluctuates around +15.

As for precipitation, the maximum rainy period occurs in July, but the amount of rain directly depends on the height of the slopes, since all the winds in Myanmar blow in the direction from the southwest. Therefore, the wettest place in the country is the coast, where an average of 4600-5100 mm of precipitation falls, but in the interior of the mainland it is much drier: about 640 mm of precipitation reaches the ground. In the capital region it is rainier – 2510 mm.

Nature of the country

Myanmar has mountains, real jungles, and coastlines. Most of the country's territory is mountain ranges and spurs of the Himalayas. Mount Hakabo Razi is the highest peak not only in Myanmar, but throughout Southeast Asia - its height is 5881 meters. The favorable climate and varying geographical altitudes create excellent conditions for the lush growth of diverse vegetation, which covers more than 60% of the entire country.

The country's deepest rivers begin in the mountains and run along their slopes to the coast of the Indian Ocean. During the wet season, all rivers overflow their banks and floods occur; at this time it is better to postpone traveling to Myanmar. In other months, rivers become shallow, and some even dry up. The country's largest arteries are the Irrawaddy and Salween rivers; their basins are united by several large national parks. It is worth noting that the coastline is marshy in many places, so sea tides can occur even 100 km from the sea coast. There are very few lakes in the country, the largest and most popular of which is in the Shan Highlands.

Sights of Myanmar

It is believed that the most famous is the golden one in the city. Here you can see the pagoda, the only one in the country, and the most beautiful one. One cannot fail to mention the monument of ancient Myanmar, a mythical archaeological complex that will undoubtedly fascinate every tourist.

Recreation and entertainment in Myanmar

As for entertainment, first of all tourists fell in love with gentle ones. The best place is considered to be the beach area with snow-white sand and first-class hotels along the entire coast. Affordable holidays and excellent service, excellent restaurants attract more and more holidaymakers every year. The second most popular place is, it differs from all other beaches with tall, beautiful palm trees that attract tourists to this paradise from all over the world.

Active recreation is developed unevenly and, of course, not in the same way as in the famous and developed resorts of the world, but gradually new directions are being opened here too. Many tour companies and hotels are happy to offer cycling trips around the area and nearby attractions. Hiking and stunning safari tours through the country's national parks and reserves are always held in high esteem by tourists.

Myanmar authorities note an annual increase in interest in fishing, incl. underwater and big fish, this type of recreation and entertainment is especially popular in the coastal area of Ngapali. Don’t forget about riding real Indian elephants; the already famous “Elephant Camp” has been formed near the Ngwe Saung resort. And not far from the capital of Myanmar - the city of Naypyidaw - an excellent water park Ngalaik was built, where many vacationers, especially those with children, flock. Lovers of antiquity and architecture will always be interested in excursions to local pagodas and temples, which are located literally everywhere.

Cafes and restaurants in the country

What differs from the culinary habits of the rest of East Asia is the universal predilection for very hot spices. Chefs and ordinary people add them to everything. Among the unusual combinations of products, this is a classic dressing for fish with ginger, and rice is always combined with garlic and onions. Of course, many dishes contain coconut milk and a lot of seafood.

In almost all restaurants and catering establishments in Myanmar you will find a menu of national dishes. The most popular among tourists are moinga (fish soup with noodles) and letok son (spicy vegetable salad with rice). The best establishments in the country are 999 Shan Noodle House in Yangon, La Terrazza in Bagan, Mingalabar Myanmar Restaurant in Mandalay, etc.

Myanmar Hotels

When purchasing a trip to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, you must be informed that there is simply no generally accepted official classification of local hotels here. Therefore, the star rating of a particular hotel complex is determined by the tour operators themselves. Don't panic, in coastal resorts, of course, most of the hotels are excellent places to stay that meet global standards. But it would be a good idea to study the list of services offered in detail. We recommend paying attention to the hotels Kon Zay Dan Street, Okinawa Guesthouse and Daddy's Home Hotel.

Shopping in Myanmar

As for shopping, Myanmar is simply replete with markets with all kinds of goods. The most popular: various sculptures, crafts made of wood and shells, clay products, national clothes. Gem lovers will also find attractive options, but be careful not to buy a piece of jewelry. And like in many Asian countries, people here like to bargain for any reason; don’t miss the chance to buy a good thing at an adequate price. Moreover, you can pay both in the national currency of Myanmar and in US dollars.

Let's start with the fact that in the cities and Mandalay there are equipped international airports, and there are even more domestic airports. Wealthy tourists and business visitors usually use this type. Land transport is represented by literally all travel options. In big cities, tourists prefer taxis or car rental services. If you choose the latter option, remember that the roads in Myanmar are far from perfect.

It is customary to travel between major cities in the Republic by rail, but more often this is still the choice of local residents. It is difficult for a European to understand the lack of acceptable passenger service, train delays and inaccurate timetables. And the cost for railways is higher compared to intercity buses. We should not forget about navigation on large rivers on motor ships and steamships. The age and equipment of different ships vary greatly, so the same distance can be covered 3-4 hours faster, more comfortable, but also about 40-50% more expensive.

Security in Myanmar

The most important thing that every tourist should know: there are certain cities and areas in the country to which tourists are not allowed. All prohibited areas are marked on the map, which all travelers without exception are required to use. Some territories have semi-closed status, which means that you can only visit them accompanied by a special person from the national travel company.

From the point of view of the criminal code, Myanmar can be called a safe country; it is believed that there is a very low crime rate. Of course, petty pickpocketing happens in large shopping centers or stores, just like anywhere else. In this case, hotels everywhere offer the use of safes, which are also available in some rooms.

Remember that for violating national and state rights, for example, by photographing military installations or people in uniform, you can be deported without explanation, having both the film and your camera taken away. Usually the guide informs you about all the prohibitions. Also, since 2003, bank cards have been officially banned in Myanmar, so be careful.

How to get to Myanmar?

It is easier and more convenient for tourists from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan to get to Myanmar with a transfer in the countries of Southeast Asia. As a rule, these are Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, and from here you fly to Myanmar. There are 6-7 flights daily from Bangkok to Yangon by different companies. There are also daily flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, but they are somewhat smaller.

Do I need a visa to enter Myanmar?

Travelers from Russia and the CIS countries should be aware that when visiting Myanmar they will be asked for a special one, which can be ordered in advance at the Myanmar Embassy. To do this, it is necessary that your international passport is valid for at least another six months at the time of submitting documents, two color photographs on a white background and a visa application form in English. A copy of the child's birth certificate will be required. The consular fee is charged when obtaining a visa at the consulate itself. You can also apply for a visa in states bordering Myanmar or at Yangon airport upon arrival.

This is a question worth clearing up before you travel to the Golden Country, as Myanmar (formerly Burma) is commonly referred to in travel guides. The mysterious country of Myanmar, rich in attractions, has only recently opened to everyone, and today invites tourists from all over the world to visit it. Travelers from Russia have already fallen in love with the unknown Myanmar and enjoy going there on vacation.

We, too, did not put it off for later and decided to quickly go to Myanmar before it changed much and lost its charm. True, since we lived in Thailand for a long time and traveled around this country, we had already been to the state border of Myanmar several times, and therefore knew exactly where Burma was. But before, it was useful to study its maps and find out where the main cities and attractions to be visited are located.

Myanmar is located in Southeast Asia in the Western Hemisphere, bordered by Bangladesh and India to the west, China to the northeast, Laos to the east, and Thailand to the east and southeast. The south of Myanmar is washed by the Indian Ocean - the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

The geographical position of Myanmar on the map between India, China and Thailand, as we found out during our trip, did not greatly affect the characteristics of the country and its inhabitants, especially in comparison with. Only in the north, closer to the border with China, can one clearly understand that the Chinese live and trade here and their culture flourishes. But overall, Myanmar's long isolation has made it a unique country with its own flavor. Rather, on the contrary, the north of Thailand turned out to be exposed to the culture of Myanmar (more precisely, the Shan territories). We saw this especially clearly in the provincial capital of Thailand.

Climate and weather in Myanmar

Since Myanmar on the map lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the equator, it is in the Asian monsoon zone, as well as. The peculiarities of the monsoon climate, as well as the geographical location of the region, should be taken into account by all tourists when traveling to Myanmar.

Myanmar's northern (Sagaing and Kachin) and northeastern (Shan) areas are the coolest in the country. The average air temperature here is about +24 degrees.
And in the delta and valley of the Irrawaddy River it is usually very hot, about +32..35 °C.
The extreme south of Myanmar is also quite hot, but a fresh wind from the sea makes the weather more pleasant.

In general, it is worth remembering that best months to travel to Myanmar- this is December and January. But even then, don’t forget: it’s cold in the morning and you need to dress warmer.

There are 3 seasons in Myanmar:

Dry cool season- from December to February;
Hot season - from March to May;
The rainy season is from June to November.

Central Myanmar is dominated by plains. And in the north, west and east there are mountains.
The capital of Myanmar, Naypyitaw, is located in the center of the country. Until recently, the largest city in the country was the capital of Myanmar. It deserved its fortunate position due to its access to the Gulf of Martaban.
The main artery of Myanmar is the Ayeyarwaddy River. All the major and great cities of Burma stand on it. This is the ancient kingdom of Magwe, Pyi.
In the south of Myanmar there is a long coastline of almost 2 thousand kilometers along the Bay of Bengal, where the most popular beach resorts like Ngapali are located.
And in the extreme south, on the Malay Peninsula, there is the Andaman Sea. There is an excellent place for a beach holiday both in Myanmar itself and in neighboring Thailand (this is where the famous Phuket, islands and). All this is the Indian Ocean.

There are a lot of attractions in Myanmar. If you look at the map, you can see that they are all located in different states of Myanmar. To get the most complete picture of the country, you need to travel through all the main cities of Myanmar. Now I will tell you how to do this more conveniently, taking into account the geographical features of the country.

Main attractions on the map of Myanmar

Historically, Myanmar was divided into two parts:

To Upper Burma, where the Tibetan-Burman people appeared I drink, (see the ruins of Sri Ksetra near the city of Pyi), and then bama(Burmese), the crown of civilization of which were states such as Bagan and.
To Lower Burma, where the people lived mon with centers in the cities of Pegu, Thaton and Yangon.

Sights of Myanmar are located on the united territory of the ancient states, which was formed by the union of the Bama and the Mons (belligerence came from the Burmese, and culture from the Mons). , which all tourists come to see, are one of the main attractions of Myanmar and are a good example of the combination of Bam and Mon syncretism. They are located in Upper Burma on the Irrawaddy River.

Open on a large Google map →

Symbols of attractions on the map of Myanmar:

Blue markers - attractions and transport in Yangon
Violet - attractions and transport in Bago
Turquoise - attractions and transport near Inle Lake
Reds - attractions and transport in Mandalay
Pink - attractions and transport in Bagan
Yellow - attractions and transport in Ngapali
Greens - attractions and transport in Sipo
Browns - attractions and transport in Pyi
Grays - attractions and transport in Mrauk U

Irrawaddy River Valley

Judging by the map, most Myanmar attractions located on the plains of Upper and Lower Burma, in the valley of the Irrawaddy River:

Monwa
Bagan
Mount Popa
Pegu (Bago)
Yangon
golden stone

You can fly between these attractions on local airlines. These are the most popular flights: from Yangon to Mandalay, from Mandalay to Bagan, and from Bagan to Yangon. It is not recommended to travel by bus or train here, except for short distances (for example, from Mandalay to Bagan).

The former capitals of Sagaing, Amarapura, Yinwa and Mingun are clustered around Mandalay. where you can get there as part of an excursion or on your own, by hiring transport or even by public transport.
It is more convenient to travel to Pegu and the Golden Stone from Yangon by public transport or order a personal transfer.
The most convenient way to go to Mount Popu is from Bagan by excursion or by taxi.

Northern Myanmar

Also, the map of Myanmar shows that in the north of the country there are hills that turn into the Tibetan Plateau. The highest mountain in Myanmar is Kakabo Razi, its height is 5889 meters. The main city in northern Myanmar is Myitkyina. Traveling here in the Kachin region is difficult due to living conditions, and not all territories are yet open to foreigners.

Northeast Myanmar

The northeastern part of Myanmar, separated by high mountains called the Shan Hills, is represented by the Shan Territories and Kayah. These are special regions of the Union of Myanmar that periodically advocate secession. And the Karen Army constantly harasses either Burmese soldiers or their own compatriots in an endless guerrilla war. And they run away to Thailand and live there on reservations, like... For this reason, the Shan States are only partially open to foreign travelers. We went to the city and saw the beauty of these places, and also bought local tea.

Sights of the Shan Territories:

Goteyk Viaduct
Inle Lake
Chiang Tung

Due to the Shan Hills separating the Ayeyarwaddy and Mandalay plains from the Shan territories, traveling there is difficult. Mountain roads. But the air connections are good. You can fly from Mandalay, Yagnon to Lashio, Chiang Tung or Heho.

It is wise to travel to Sipo by train and take the Goteyk Viaduct across the canyon. But trains in Myanmar are quite often late, and sometimes they are canceled altogether, unlike. Buses are also often delayed due to breakdowns and congestion on mountain serpentines. You can fly to the city of Lashi by plane, and from there it is about 80 km to Sipo. Here's the story about...
You can fly to Inle Lake from Mandalay, Yangon and Bagan by plane to Heho Airport. There are also buses and trains to Nyaung Shwe.
You can only fly to Chiang Tung (Kyaing Tung), and the roads are closed to foreigners, but you can also get by bus from Tachilek, getting to this border town from Thailand and the city of Mae Sai.

The Arakan Mountains are located in western Myanmar and separate the central part of the country from the Rakhine regions, located on the border with Bangladesh, and the Chin regions, bordering India. Here are located in the city of Mrauk-U.

Attractions of Rakhine and Chin in Myanmar:

Chin tribe (tattooed grandmothers)
Ngapali Beach Resort

To get to Mrauk-U and the village of tattooed grandmothers by air, you need to fly to the city of Sittwe, and from there take a ferry or bus to the provincial town. Direct buses go to Mrauk U from Mandalay and Yangon. You can also hop on them along the entire route - in Magwe, Pyi.
To travel to Ngapali, you need to fly to the city of Thandwe. Buses also run from Yangon, Pyi, and Mrauk-U.

Southern Myanmar

In the far south there are the cities of Myeik (Miyek) and Kawthaung (Kawthaung), from where you can go on an excursion to the islands of the Myeik archipelago in the Andaman Sea. These are white beaches and pristine nature, similar to the Similan Islands in Thailand. But there is almost no tourist accommodation there and you can only stay overnight in hotels on the islands - MacLeod and Boulder.

There are really a lot of islands in the south of Myanmar, and there is also something to do there: snorkeling, diving, exploring caves, and so on. But everything is just part of the tour. You can only come to the Myeik Islands from November to April. It's easier to get there from Kotong Airport.

Where are the beach resorts in Myanmar?

The most famous - Ngapali in the West;
Chongta(Chaung Thar) and Nway Saung(Ngwe Saung) near the town of Basin (Pathein) in the south;
Maungmagan(Maungmagan) near the city of Dawei;
Myeik Islands in the far south.

The beach resort towns in Myanmar are well connected by both a bus network and nearby small regional airports that can be reached by plane. And this is very important, because the beaches are located far from the main attractions of Myanmar. Ngapali is separated by mountains, and the southern beaches are located so far away that traveling there by bus is both tiring and time-consuming.

You can get to Ngapali by plane from Yangon, arriving at Thandwe airport.
To get to Chong Tha and Nway Saung beaches you need to travel from Yangon from the Hlaing Thar Yar bus station by bus through the city of Patthein (or Basin) for about 6-8 hours. You can also get to Basin by train, but it takes a very long time, so I don’t recommend it. The most exotic way to get to the Basin is by boat on the Irrawaddy Delta. Also long - about 20 hours - but unusual.
You can fly to Dawei from Yangon, Myei or Kotong, and from there go to Maungmagan Beach. It's about 12 km. You can also travel by bus and train from Yangon.
You can fly or take a bus to Myeik and Kothong and book a tour to the islands of the Myeik archipelago there. And you can still get to Kotong from Thailand, through the border crossing in Ranong.

Also, when traveling to Myanmar, it is better to understand that the country is called the Union of Myanmar for a reason. This is truly a union of many ethnic groups.

The titular nation, the Burmese, the Bama, live in the Irrawaddy Valley in the center of the country;
In northern Myanmar live the Kachin;
In the Shan territories, the Shan and Wa, the Karen and Karenni (Kaya) live in the east (by the way, it is the Kaya or Karenni who are the famous women with rings on their necks), and the Karen are visited on Lake Inle;
The Rakhines and Chin live in the west of the state.

Myanmar states map

Many people are still confused about the correct way to say: Myanmar or Burma. The country is now officially called the Republic of the Union of Myanmar or simply Myanmar. But many countries that do not recognize the military government of Myanmar continue to call it Burma (or the Union of Burma), as was customary under the British.

Many Myanmar people take offense to the name Burma because it reminds them of its colonial past, when the country was in the hands of the British Empire. However, the word “Burma” itself comes from the self-name of the country’s titular nation - the people were called Bama.

Myanmar Prime Minister Aung San Suu Kyi has clarified that foreigners are free to call the country whatever they like: Myanmar or Burma. Since the country’s constitution does not say anything specific about this. However, official documents still contain the name Myanmar. And on the maps you will also most likely find Myanmar, not Burma. But on old maps you can see exactly Burma. So knowledge of history will help you figure out when which name of the country is appropriate, and will also help you independently create a travel route around the Golden Country.

(Union of Myanmar)

General information

Geographical position. Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia. It borders on China in the north and east, Thailand and Laos in the east, and Bangladesh and India in the west. It is washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea (in the south). The Western Arakan Yoma Range, up to 2,740 m high, forms a natural barrier between Burma and the Indian subcontinent. The Bilaukthong Range lies along the border with Thailand. The country also contains part of the Shan Plateau, the average height of which is about 910 m. The valley of the Irrawaddy-Sitang river system - the most fertile lands - occupies about 46,620 square meters. km.

Square. The territory of Myanmar covers 676,552 square meters. km.

Main cities, administrative divisions. The capital is Yangon. Largest cities: Yangon (3,851 thousand people), Mandalay (533 thousand people), Mawlamyine (220 thousand people), Sittwe (108 thousand people). Myanmar is a federation consisting of 7 national regions and 7 administrative regions.

Political system

Myanmar is under military rule. The head of state and government is the chairman of the State Council for the restoration of law and order. The constitution has been suspended.

Relief. In the east of the country there is the Shan Highlands, in the west there is the Arakan-Yoma mountain range, and between the mountains there is the hilly Irrawaddy Plain.

Geological structure and minerals. The country's subsoil contains reserves of oil, tin, tungsten, zinc, copper, lead, coal, natural gas, and precious stones.

Climate. Most of the country is located in the tropical zone. The hot season runs from March to October and the cool season of northeast monsoons runs from November to February. The average temperature in the cool season is + 16°C, and in the hot season it exceeds +38°C. The rainy season, brought by the southwest monsoon, lasts from mid-May to October. The average annual rainfall in Upper Myanmar is about 890 mm and in Lower Myanmar it is about 5,080 mm. Inland waters. Large rivers - Irrawaddy, Salween.

Soils and vegetation. Forests cover about half of Myanmar's territory. In regions that receive large amounts of moisture, tropical forests contain rubber and oil trees, acacia, bamboo, coconut palm, betel nut, ironwood, cinchona, and mangrove. In the northern forests there are oak, pine and various types of rhododendron. Fruit trees such as citrus fruits, bananas, guavas, and mangoes grow in coastal areas.

Animal world. Tigers and leopards are common in the forests of Myanmar. Upper Myanmar is home to a large number of elephants (some of them domesticated), rhinoceroses, wild buffalo and wild boar, several species of deer and antelope. Small mammals include: gibbon, several species of monkeys, wild cat, tapir, flying fox. About 1,200 species of birds live in Myanmar, including parrots, pheasants, peacocks, and herons. Among the reptiles, the most common are crocodile, gecko, cobra, python, and turtle.

Population and language

Myanmar's population is about 47.305 million. The average population density is about 70 people per 1 sq. km. - one of the lowest in the Far East. Ethnic groups: Burmese (related to Tibetans) - 68%, Karens - 7%, Shans - 9%, Mons (Tala-in) - 2%, Chins - 2%, Kachins - 2%; each ethnic group lives in its own state: the Karen in lower Myanmar, the Shan along the Thai border, the Mon in the delta region, the Chin in the northwestern highlands, the Kachin in northern Myanmar along the Chinese border. Languages: Burmese (official), Shan, Karen, Moi, English, Chinese.

Religion

Buddhists (the majority belongs to the Theravada teachings) - 89%, Christians - 4%, Muslims - 4%, Hindus, pagans.

Brief historical sketch

The first known civilization in what is now Myanmar was the Mon civilization, which arose around 3000 BC. e. It existed for more than three thousand years, until 628 AD. e., when it was replaced by the Piu civilization. In the middle of the 9th century. The Burmese appeared on the territory of Myanmar, later the Shans, Karens and Kachins came. The first unified Burmese state was founded by King Anorata in the mid-11th century. in Upper Burma. In 1287, the kingdom of Patan was conquered by the Mongol conqueror Kublai (Sechen Khan). Burma was divided into two states. In the second quarter of the 16th century. With the help of Portuguese mercenaries, the Burmese Tongu dynasty managed to unify the country.

In the 19th century After three wars between the British and French armies, Burma became a British colony. In 1937, it received the right of self-government, and on January 4, 1948, the country's independence was proclaimed. Since 1962, a military regime has been introduced in the country. Under military rule that drove Indians out of government and excluded the Chinese from commerce, Burma became one of the poorest countries in the region. In 1989, the country's name was changed to Myanmar. On May 27, 1990, the first democratic elections in 30 years were held, in which the main opposition party won, but the military refused to transfer power.

Brief Economic Essay

Myanmar is an agricultural country. The main food and export crop is rice; They also cultivate wheat and corn; from technical oilseeds, cotton, jute, sugar cane, tobacco, rubber. Cattle are used as draft animals. Harvesting valuable wood species. Fishing. Extraction of oil, non-ferrous metal ores (lead, zinc, tin, copper), silver, precious stones. Lead-zinc plant, oil refinery and metallurgical plants. Food-flavoring (rice-cleaning, oil-processing, sugar, tea, tobacco) enterprises. Production of silk and cotton fabrics, jute products. Handicrafts. Exports: agricultural products, timber, minerals, precious stones, seafood.

The monetary unit is kyat.

Brief sketch of culture

Art and architecture. Myanmar is one of the most vibrant centers of Buddhist culture in all of Asia, with thousands of temples and pagodas. The country is often called the Land of Golden Pagodas. The most famous is the 100 m high Shwe Dagon Pagoda, completely covered in gold. Among the many museums are the National Museum of Art and Archeology in Yangon and state museums in the cities of Mandalay and Mawlamyine.

Mawlamyine. Several pagodas; ancient caves. Pegu. Kuaikpyen, Shwe-guan, Shwemodo pagodas; a huge statue of a resting Buddha (994); The ancient city of Haltawaddy is nearby. Mandalay. More than 700 pagodas. Myinjan. Not far from the city are the ruins of the city of Pagan - the capital of the first state on the territory of Burma. Yangon. Peace Pagoda, built in 1952 to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the death of Buddha.