Even after 50 years under a military regime, Myanmar’s smiles can’t be suppressed. The people have a resilience and inner joy that cut through their dark past and unstable present. Life’s not easy in former Burma but no matter the conditions–stoking a kiln in 100-degree heat, paving roads in flip-flops, hauling 80-pounds of bamboo on your head–people always stopped to say hello, sometimes even blow us kisses! We were absolutely humbled by the kindness and positivity of the people here. And if that wasn’t enough to make us love Myanmar, this country has some of the most unique architecture, beautiful landscapes, fascinating cultures and plenty of charming quirks. Even though we love you Myanmar, you’re getting a “You Know You’re In” roast, just like everywhere else!
You Know You’re in Myanmar When…
– Brand names don’t matter–or at least the spelling doesn’t.
– This is as close to Uber as you’re gonna get.
– It’s easy to stay hydrated…as long as you don’t mind sharing a cup.
– Every photo looks better with plastic flowers and swing-sets.
– You won’t need your Platinum Amex to access the fanciest lounge in the international airport.
– The local make-up commercials are more likely to have the jingle,”Maybe she’s born with it…maybe it’s Thanakha Tree.”
– Baggies of water and sand are the next best thing to a fire extinguisher.
– The chef puts their own personal “touch” on every meal.
– Kids literally jump for joy when they see you walking down the street.
– Cars look like they were built with a Mr. Potato Head kit.
– Even those doing Buddha’s work need a smoke break every once in a while.
– When a guy can take a three-hour nap in the middle of the aisle, you nearly step on his head to get by, and no one on the train bats an eye.
– Boat captains laugh in the face of “full capacity.”
– You can visit the oldest stupa in the world, made from 53 metric tonnes of gold leaf ($2.5billion USD, in case you were about to do the math yourself), topped with 2,000 precious stones, 5,000 diamonds, and one 75-carat diamond at its pinnacle.
– The temples are so dense you can barely walk between them.
– Buddha has 37 animist co-pilots.
– Formal business attire is a button-down shirt and a floor-length skirt…for females and males. Longyis are awesome!
– A few temples in town is good but 2,200 is better!
– The secrets to success can be found at the second-hand book store.
– Standing up in the boat and rowing with your feet is totally acceptable.
– You don’t have anyone to call, but sitting down with this guy is worth the quarter.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our Myanmar travel blogs. We’d love to hear your thoughts!
he he.. my fav is the airport lounge. Which airport was this?
That was the Mandalay airport and hysterically ridiculous. It was a total street-stall setup in the country’s 2nd biggest airport!
Love this! The kids are adorable. The people in Myanmar seem so warm and friendly, I’d love to get there someday soon.
Oh my goodness they are so cute and everyone is as warm and friendly as they look. You will love it Myanmar, Erin!
Delightful! And OMG, look at that “international” airport… So no point in being a Gold airline flyer 🙂
Nope, the gold membership is not working in Mandalay….though if you flash your card with a smile, it might get you extra chili sauce ; )
You have to tiptoe through the Betel nut split?
Sometimes–but did our share of betel spitting so we didn’t mind too much: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW5RFzZVqY4&list=UUAM7aZDM5EZwlJbH1Cs4rsg
cant wait to go next year! February! any chance you guys are still there?
February…start the countdown! Woohoo! We are actually in Mexico right now 🙂 Have a blast and let us know if you need any more tips!
I’ll be there in February / March !
wow awesome let’s see if we can meet up or at least share ideas and info!
andyjamesb75@gmail.com
We went in 2012, best trip ever! You know you’re in Myanmar when everyone wants to touch your black african hair and invites you in for a conversation on Africa food. Wonderful!
I love that you just added your own YKYAI! I love that people just motion you over to sit and chat…even without sharing a common language but they just want to hang out and smile!
great blog … loved the pictures
Thanks Rohit! There was a photo opp at every turn here!
It seems like brand names don’t matter all over Southeast Asia – not just Myammar.
That is true…though Aerbrcompge P. Fitgh was the best brand butchering we’d ever seen and needed a shout-out.
Holy Moly look at all the ancient temples! Myanmar looks fascinating!
The temples in Myanamar have such a unique style. They were our favorite in Southeast Asia..as was Myanmar as a whole!
You are guys incredibly awesome! Southeast Asia on my bucket list 🙂
TsabiMikio, you are too sweet. Let us know when you go to Southeast Asia…we have tons of tips!
Great to read this. My fiance and I are going to Myanmar as part of our honeymoon next year. I am wondering where this picture was taken? “The temples are so dense you can barely walk between them.”
Magdalena, LOVE that you are honeymooning in Myanmar…we like you guys already 🙂 That photo was taken at Indein Pagoda off Inle Lake, read more here: https://www.honeytrek.com/inle-lake-myanmar/. it’s not on the typical lake tour, so be sure to pre-arrange that stop with your boatman. Where are you planning on heading in Myanmar and/or SEA? We’d love to talk travel plans with you!
Thanks for the tip about Inle Lake. I am not sure we will make it there actually. So far we have flights from NY to Istanbul (spending a few days there), then to Yangon, then we have a flight from Phuket, Thailand back home. We are not sure yet if we will go somewhere else between Myanmar and Thailand (maybe Cambodia). For Myanmar, depending on how many days we decide, we might do Yangon and Bagan only. Wish we had more days to spend!
Oh my goodness, you captured Burma with your fun photos. I liked when the Monk would pull out his cell phone and take a call and then no skip a beat as he offered a blessing, and the sign in the airport said warning selling drugs can result in jail or death.