Understanding Burma... past to present
Ever wondered what Burma is like, or why so few people you know have been there? Here we offer insights into a country that is being added to more and more travellers’ wish lists.

Hidden Burma
South-east Asian destinations are incredibly popular with tourists, yet Burma has, until recently, remained somewhat far from most tourists' radars. The reason can be largely found in the country's troubled political history, with approximately 50 years of military/junta rule creating critical problems. During the 1990s and early 2000s, this was particularly in the public eye owing to acts such as the displacement of locals and even forced labour – something that, of course, had a direct impact on travellers' willingness to travel, believing that any money they spent would simply fuel a corrupt regime. Supporting travellers' fears was Aung San Suu Kyi, an immensely popular and powerful political figure both in Burma and internationally, who called for a complete boycott of tourism to the country. To a lesser extent, its lack of tourism infrastructure impacted the level of travel to the nation, simply because it made travelling here difficult.A catalyst for change
After approximately 50 years of relative isolation from the rest of the world, Burma is becoming a destination on the tip of everyone's tongue. A major catalyst for change has been the end of military rule and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, who went on to announce that she would welcome responsible tourism.A time of transition
Having undergone significant transformation over the past four years, Burma has made great political and economic strides. However, it is important to recognise that this country is still very much in transition, and has some way to go before it can truly say it is a democratic nation.The magic of Burma
So what is behind Burma's seemingly irresistible appeal as a travel destination? Perhaps it is its utter uniqueness and its mystery, the latter of which stems from it having being virtually cut off from the West for almost five decades – people want to see this hidden country for themselves.Destinations
Burma possesses a wonderful selection of destinations to choose from, each of which has a unique character. Among the most fascinating and captivating is Pagan, which is one of the country's ancient capitals. Centuries ago, during a period of religious fervour, this city was filled with temples and stupas of all shapes and sizes – and today it is a remarkable experience simply to stroll among them, drinking in the different structural styles and decor, and imagining what it was like in its heyday.Experiences
Of all the wonderful experiences it is possible to have in Pagan, perhaps one of the most memorable is taking a hot air balloon ride over the spectacular spires of Pagan – something that you can do either at sunrise or sunset. And if this appeals to you, be mindful that this type of activity is usually available between November and February, so you may need to time your visit accordingly. A sunset cruise just off Mandalay's famous U Bein Bridge is another memorable way to see the country from a different perspective - and, of course, to admire this famous landmark.- Tags: Burma, Cox & Kings Staff, Far East
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