5 things to know before you go to Myanmar

While Myanmar had been closed off to the world for 40 years, it’s easy to see why people are hesitant and unsure about whether to travel there. It is a country seeped into the past without any modern technologies. Yet, that is what makes Myanmar so spectacular. Located on the edge of Southeast Asia, Myanmar is home to delicious food, wonderful people and an experience of a lifetime.  

1/ They have no technology
When we say there is no technology, we mean there is no technology. You have to pay for everything in cash because your credit card won’t work. Why? Because there is no credit card machines. Because Myanmar was cut off from the rest of the world for so long, they are pretty far behind when it comes to technology. That phone that’s permanently attached to your hand? Won’t work. The standard chain hotels and restaurants that you find all over the world? They’re not here. It is truly one of the last untouched countries in the world, which makes it one of our top favorite places.

2/ They have an interesting, rich history
British rule brought several enduring social, economic, cultural and administrative changes that completely transformed the once-agrarian society. The country then became independent in 1948 and has been in one of the longest running civil wars involving insurgent groups representing political and ethnic minority groups and successive central governments. The country was under military rule under various guises from 1962 to 2010, and in the process has become one of the least developed nations in the world. However, this shouldn’t stop you from wanting to visit. The areas that tourists are allowed to visit are very safe and you’ll experience a type of travel you’ve never had before. If you’d like to know more about traveling to Myanmar with the ongoing conflict and why it’s important to travel there now, click here.

3/ It’s a place for extreme adventure travelers
If you’re looking to travel somewhere that will take you completely outside of your comfort zone, Myanmar is the place. As mentioned before, this place is stuck in the past with no technology and if you’re used to the life of a chip card, you’ll feel very out of place in this country. There are a number of things to do if you’re up for adventure: hiking, biking, riding in hot air balloons over the city, and U Bein Bridge—a bridge built in the 1800s on stilts that is still operational. Seriously.

4/ It has delicious, cheap food
One of the best things about Myanmar is the prices. Everything is cheap, so if you’re on a serious budget, this place will accomodate. Located in Southeast Asia, Myanmar has a fusion of flavors from all of its local neighbors and you’ll want to try them all. Trust us.

5/ The locals are so friendly
There’s not a lot of places in the world where locals will walk up to you while you try desperately to find where you need to go with your map and show you exactly how to get there because they ‘want to practice their English.’ Myanmar is full of locals that are willing to go out of their way to help tourists. No scams. No tricks. Just wonderful people being wonderful.