Bali -
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India -
Indonesia -
Japan -
Laos -
Macau -
Malaysia -
Myanmar -
Nepal -
Singapore -
Thailand -
Vietnam -
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Myanmar - introduction
But for its brutal military regime, the beautiful country of Myanmar (previously known as Burma) would be a popular tourist destination tempting visitors from across the globe to explore its dense forests, abundant wildlife, friendly people, rich culture and underdeveloped coastal resorts.
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History
After the First Burmese War, the Ava kingdom ceded the provinces of Manipur, Tenassarim, and Arakan to the British. Rangoon and southern Burma were incorporated into British India in 1853. All of Burma came directly or indirectly under British India in 1886 after the Third Burmese War and the fall of Mandalay.
Burma was administered as a province of British India until 1937 when it became a separate, self-governing colony. The country became independent from the United Kingdom on 4 January 1948, as the "Union of Burma". It became the "Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma" on 4 January 1974, before reverting to the "Union of Burma" on 23 September 1988.
On 18 June 1989, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) adopted the name "Union of Myanmar" for English transliteration. This controversial name change in English, while accepted in the UN and in many countries, is not recognized by opposition groups and by nations such as the United Kingdom and the United State.
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Cities
Naypyidaw (formerly Pyinmana) - newly designated (Nov.2005) administrative capital, in Mandalay Division
Yangon (formerly Rangoon) - the commercial capital, known for its pagodas and colonial architecture
Bago (formerly Pegu)
Mandalay - former capital of the Konbaung Dynasty built around the Mandalay Royal Palace
Mawlamyine (Moulmein)
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Weather
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Cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September). Less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April).
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To do
Attend performances of Myanmar's traditional popular theatre, known as pwe (show). Performances take place in religious festivals, weddings, sporting events or even funerals, and sometimes last for an entire night.
• See traditional dance forms (nat pwes), which pay homage to the spirit world, and catch some marionette theatre (yok-thei pwe), widely practised during the late 18th century in Mandalay.
• Explore Myanmar's rich opportunities for ecotourism, trekking and safaris. The best parks include the Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (northwest of Monywa); Hlawga National Park (near Yangon); Popa Mountain Park (central Myanmar); Lampi Island (Myeik Archipelago); and Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary (located in Minbu).
• Enjoy watersports on Myanmar's lovely beaches. Popular spots include: Kanthaya Beach (Rakhine coast); Maung-ma-gan Beach (Taninthayi coast in the south); Ngapali Beach (Rakhine coast); and Chaung-tha Beach (west of Pathein).
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Map
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Photo gallery
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