Nature of Myanmar-Burma - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Myanmar (ex-Burma) is a country that has a lifestyle which is very different from not only European one but also from the lifestyle of other Asian countries. To enjoy a rewarding vacation in this country, it is better to plan all aspects of it in detail, taking into consideration such aspects as, for example, unplanned stops in areas where no one understands your language. Spontaneous decisions can be very costly, making a vacation even more expensive than full tours by travel agencies. It is better to estimate prudently what areas you can reach and what areas are hard to access. For example, it is not easy to reach the ancient city of Mrauk U that belonged to the Rakhine Kingdom and was founded in 1431. The bus ride takes place in the mountain region and lasts roughly 24 hours.

Local national parks try to preserve natural landmarks of Myanmar – mountains, volcano slopes, forests, jungles, coral reefs, and gardens. The Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park – the most visited national park in the country – is located not far from Monywa. This area is famous for its gorgeous forests that are home to many wild animals including bears, elephants, bulls, and tigers. In the Mandalay area, tourists can visit gorgeous botanic gardens with orchids and exotic birds. Each park has a system of trails, and some parks like Mount Victoria offer safari tours. Excursions to Victoria start in Bagan and last three days (2 nights in the mountain camp). They include a river adventure, safari, a visit to Kanpetlet, a small excursion to a tobacco factory, hiking in pine and oak woods.

Myanmar is a country of mountains and jungles. Tropical forests cover more than 60% of the country’s territory. This is also the location of the highest peak in South East Asia - Hkakabo Razi (5,881 meters). The mountain gave the name to a national park that has become famous for numerous colorful butterflies that look like flowers. This is where rivers start in the mountains to cross the country’s territory until the Indian Ocean. These rivers can overflow during the rainy season. The Ayeyarwady River is the biggest. Its flat and muddy delta is the location of the first nature reserve in Myanmar - Pitaung Wildlife Reserve founded in 1913. This protected area is home to elephants, sambar deer, peacocks, and leopards. In Naypyidaw, there is a park with thousands of herbs that grow in the territory of the country. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Myanmar is a relatively big country – its territory is the 39th largest in the world. It is not possible to explore all parts of Myanmar on foot. Moreover, some areas are closed to visitors. Tourists can enter them only if they have a special permit and only together with a guide. Riding from one town to another can take much time. Intercity bus rides of 5-10 and more hours are typical in Myanmar, but many tourists cannot waste so much time, especially if their vacation in Myanmar is short. Also, the country is so rich in interesting landmarks that it is hard to see them all. The airplane is the optimal way of moving between cities. For moving within city borders, taxi is the best choice. In natural reserves, tourists can often only walk. Upon arriving in a certain town, it is a good idea to buy a map of that town as it will be easier to navigate with it.

Don’t forget about hygiene rules. Drink only bottled water. Never ever drink unboiled tap water, even in 5-star hotels. Do not touch food with dirty hands and stock up on wet wipes. Try not to eat in sideroad cafes, buffets, and at bus stations – they often have less strict sanitary requirements than restaurants targeted at tourists.

Insurance. Individual tourists can visit Myanmar without medical insurance. It is possible to get a visa without it, but do count even on first aid without insurance. Don’t forget about mosquitos that can be less or more active in different areas. Hotels usually use repellents in their territory and use mosquito nets. Tourists cannot always get the same level of protection by themselves. When planning a backpack vacation, it is better to refrain from sleeping in tents everywhere. Ask local guides first to make sure that the area is safe for camping. It is always a good idea to sleep at a hotel. Do not try to save on insurance, this is reckless.

The period from December to May is the most suitable time to visit Myanmar. These are “dry” months without rains. The temperature is comfortable in winter (December – February) and hot in spring (March – May). The weather in June can be unexpected, and July marks the start of the rain season. Many hotels close until December, the start of the dry season. Myanmar is a hot tropical country, nevertheless, don’t forget to take warm clothes – nights in the Inle Lake area can be cool and the temperature can fall below 10°C.

What language do Burmese (Bama) people use to talk to foreigners? Myanmar was a British colony for a long time, so English was the official language. When the country became independent, Burmese became the official language. There are also many local dialects. Only people in big cities can speak English, people in the countryside often do not understand a word in it. People working in the tourism industry can always speak English. If you travel without a guide, you may encounter certain communication problems. That is why it is a good idea to learn several phrases in Burmese such as greeting and at least a request for a translator.