You probably know that watching the sunrise over the temples is Bagan is a ‘must-do’ and that you can’t miss visiting Inle Lake. You may even know that a lot of the architecture is British Colonial style, but did you know these things?
As Myanmar has opened its doors to tourism we’ve been able to get a glimpse at the life of the Burmese people.
Traditional clothing
Men and women wear traditional Burmese dresses called a Longyi which is essentially a long piece of fabric. Learn how to tie your own and fit in with the locals!
Kalaw shouldn’t be missed
Kalaw is a town that shouldn’t be missed! This crossroads town is a fascinating place where many different ethnic minorities come to trade and it’s a great place to go trekking because of all these different cultures. There are more than 135 distinct ethnic groups in Myanmar and over 100 languages spoken!
It still hasn’t changed
Despite the steady increase in tourism since Myanmar opened its borders in 1992, the effects still remain to be seen. The number of tourists remains minimal and is still much less than in neighbouring countries, including Laos. Tourists have been respectful of the Burmese culture and way of life and it still maintains its magic.
“Have an auspicious day”
The common greeting “Mingalaba” loosely translates to “Have an auspicious day”. For those who’re not sure what ‘auspicious’ means, it means ‘optimistic’, ‘successful’, ‘prosperous’ and ‘full of promise’. How nice is that!
Religious people
The Myanmar people are very religious. Buddhism is the main religion and about 90% of Burmese people are Buddhist. As part of Buddhism in Myanmar, people worship ‘nats’, or spirits. The most important nat pilgrimage site in Burma is Mount Popa, an extinct volcano near Bagan. The people of Myanmar hold festivals to honour the nats.
Family is very important
In Myanmar, most homes will have three generations living together under one roof. Children stay at home to help support the family and look after older family members, or if they leave home they will send money home to support their parents.
Chinlone is the traditional sport
Chinlone is the traditional sport of Myanmar. To the foreign eye, it could look like football training – any number of players form a circle and keep the chinlone (small ball made of woven bamboo) in the air for as long as possible by kicking it soccer-style from player to player, using any body part except the hands. However, there are no opposing teams – instead the focus of the sport is on how beautifully one plays the game so it is a combination of sport and dance.
Kissing sound to get attention
When the locals in Myanmar want to get a waiter’s attention, they make a kissing sound, usually two or three short kisses. It’s the sort of sound you might make if calling a cat.
Chewing betel nut is a national pastime
Small street stalls sell the palm-sized green leaves filled with betel nut, spices and sometimes a pinch of tobacco, then folded and popped in the mouth and chewed. There is a lot of spitting involved, turning the pavement a dark red colour.
Fascination all around
The locals are just as fascinated by you as you are by them and would love to learn more about your world! Myanmar’s borders were closed for decades and few have had the chance to travel. You’re there to experience how the Burmese live, but the locals are equally as curious to see what your world looks like. Carry a picture of where you live with you – they’d love to see it.