Myanmar (also known as Burma) is one of Southeast Asia's largest and most culturally diverse countries. It borders Thailand, China, India, Bangladesh, and Laos, giving it a strategic location between South Asia and Southeast Asia. From the early 9th century until 1824, it was an independent kingdom. In 1824, the British fought three Anglo-Burmese Wars and gradually annexed the country. By 1886, Burma became part of British India and later a separate British colony. During World War II, Burma was occupied by Japan before being retaken by Allied forces. Myanmar gained independence from Britain on January 4, 1948.
In 1962, the military seized power and established decades of authoritarian rule. Beginning in 2011, Myanmar opened up politically and economically. Elections were held, tourism increased dramatically, and foreign investment increased, but the military seized power again in February 2021, overturning the elected government. The country remains under military control and is experiencing political unrest. For most tourists, the country is closed.
December 2011
Colonial British luxury
This is the Shwedagon Pagoda (also called the Golden Pagoda), the most famous and sacred Buddhist site in Myanmar.
We visited the country in December 2011, just as the country was starting to open. There were very few tourists, and Myanmar had no banking system open to the outside world. We had to bring in crisp, new US $100 bills and convert our money into the local currency. We enjoyed every minute of our two weeks there. I literally had over 1,500 pictures and had to cull them down to about 140. Anyone could be a master photographer in this beautiful country. Just point and click, and you have a National Geographic level picture. We feel so lucky to have been able to make this trip.
The capital of Myanmar is Naypyidaw. We spent most of our time in Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake, and Ngapali Beach. Myanmar has a population of just over 55 million. The people speak Burmese, and 90% of the population practices Theravada Buddhism.
When we arrived in Myanmar, we stayed at The Governor’s Residence in Yangon. A wonderful old wooden mansion from the 1920’s
Street life in the city, A little lunch restaurant
Selling anything they can to survive
Vestiges of old British colonial architecture in Yangon
No matter how nice the hotel, we didn’t come to Myanmar to lounge.
The Immanuel Baptist Church in Yangon
The vender is preparing and selling betel leaves.
