Myanmar Travel, Myanmar History, Myanmar Culture

Closed to the outside world, Myanmar seems to be an outcast from the world history book. One Myanmar vacation, however, is what it takes for a discerning Indochina tours fan like you to learn about the history and culture of the country.

No country has changed its capital so frequently as Myanmar, which is a reflection of Myanmar's restless history. During early kingdom era, capital city has been changing from Beikthano, Hanlin to Bagan and Yangon. Upheaval never stops. Despite of British 3 waves attempting to take over the country in 19th century, Myanmar and her people never caved. They did so even when faced the destroying currency devaluation in 1970s and 80s. Things seemed to pick up when Aung San Suu Kyi came along, to whom, however, the military never handed over the government. Anybody understands a little bit about what the country has been withstanding is believed to be wondering what Myanmar is like and how the folks are doing nowadays. And if you are one of these people, now here's an opportunity for you to read deeper into this country during the enjoyable and memorable Myanmar tours.

Myanmar history dates back to the early 11th century when King Anawrahta unified the country and founded the First Myanmar Empire in Bagan more than 20 years before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

The Bagan Empire encompassed the areas of the present day Myanmar and the entire Menam Valley in Thailand and lasted two centuries. The second Myanmar Empire was founded in mid 16th century by King Bayinnaung. King Alaungpaya founded the last Myanmar Dynasty in 1751 and it was during the zenith of this Empire that the British moved into Myanmar. Like India, Myanmar became a British colony but only after three Anglo-Myanmar Wars in 1825,1852 and 1885.

During the WWII, Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese and had become the independent state since 4th January 1948 after 62 years under the colonial administration. It is remarkable to note that Myanmar is the country that regained her independence first though she was the last country occupied by the British in this region.

Throughout your Myanmar tours, Buddhism sites enjoy the majority but some historian ruins are also telling you the grey stories of this country and its people. Pay attention to every whisper from every brick in the old palace in Mandalay, every first light in Yangon, something is going to change your viewpoint on Myanmar's yesterdays as well as todays.

Myanmar vacation is colorful, culture wisely.Myanmar lies on crossroads of two of the world's greatest civilization – China and India. Myanmar's culture is a blend of both interspersed with Myanmar native traits and characteristics. Buddhism has great influence on daily life of the Myanmar. The people have preserved the traditions of close family ties, respect for the elders, reverence for Buddhism and simple native dress. Burmese are known for their simple hospitality and friendliness.

"Burmese are the only Asian people that are living a fully contented life." That's truly what you see in Myanmar tours, not just a statement from Mr. Hoover said so.

As the coexisting dominion religions, Theravada Buddhism and the 37 nat worship might be the one evidence of the saying above. For Theravada, individual achieving his own salvation, or nibbana (nirvana), is undisputedly above all, even above nibbana for all humankind. The 37 nat worship lives vigorously in Myanmar, religion-related conversation is ubiquitous and reverence as well as worship are highly commanded. Such a combined religionary leads to keening to an austere and ascetic life, which is evident in the fact that loudly vocalized complaints are rare in the country, neither are the flocking encroach upon market sales. That's what it is in your Myanmar tours. Self imposed Burmese have been living in hope for a better hereafter in their thatched huts for centuries, and they are still going to.

Theravada and nat worship co-activate culture and other aspects in Myanmar's life, revealed from the following aspects in your Myanmar tours:

Dancing is a big deal to Burmese, not just something to do when you get boozed. Taking and codifying the essence from Thailand, Burmese dance to pay homage for nat, which is believed to be a sacred event but looks somehow twisted and surreal to westerners.

Traditional Myanmar music is akin to U2 or Metallica, but without yelling of course. The harsh and loudly percussive play is supposed to strike nat's fancy, optionally recommended by your guide during your Myanmar tours.

Don't feel confused if you see more pieces of originally traditional Myanmar sculptures and paintings at the antique stores in Bangkok, Tokyo or London than in Yangon or Mandalay. Quite a few art pieces, anyway, scatteringly remain ragged and faded in temples, stupas and monasteries in the country.

Springing stupas, temples and monasteries push Myanmar to the very position of country of zedis (pagodas in English.). By your river boating and plain ballooning during Myanmar tours, however, is this reputation proved well earned. It is in every corner where the stupas stand, and it is at every stupa where the Gods loll their mind.

Culture equates religion, same the other way around. That is, in Myanmar, every piece of culture details a certain aspect of its Buddhism religion. And brief understanding and appropriate respect would.

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History & Culture