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Myanmar or Burma as it used to be - and often still is - known, is the westernmost country of the Mekong region, with China lying to the north, Thailand to the east and the tip of Laos also bordering the country in the Golden Triangle region in the north. Myanmar also borders Bangladesh to the northwest, and the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea form the coastline to the south and west of the country.
In 1989, the former British colony of Burma was renamed Myanmar by the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). A year later, elections were held and the suppressed pro-democracy movement led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi swept the boards on polling day.
Today, almost 20 years years on, the military Junta (renamed the State Peace and Reconciliation Council - SPRC) still holds power, and Suu Kyi is still often under house arrest. With freedom of movement highly regulated and quite often restricted, Myanmar might not appear at first glance to be everyone's ideal travel destination. But this is to overlook the wealth of cultural history the country has to offer, and the diverse ethnicity of the people of Myanmar, who retain an incredibly friendly and hospitable demeanour in the face of adversity and unrelieved poverty. Their rich and vibrant Buddhist culture is thriving and devoutly followed. And the sights, smells and sounds of the country conspire to overwhelm the senses of even the most seasoned traveller. The evidence of slow but determined development is apparent in the capital Yangon (Rangoon), although this attractive city remains lush and green, with beautiful temples lovingly maintained, and the jungle just a short journey from town. Mandalay to the north stirs the senses of sentimental old colonialists, and the city is the gateway to the mountainous region of the Shan States. The sheer splendour of the temples, the cultural wealth of the Bagan plains and the colour of everyday life combine to amaze and inspire. Having isolated itself from the rest of the world for so long, life in Burma continues much as it has for centuries. However, the country is slowly emerging into the modern world, and is keen to encourage visitors to the "Golden Land" as it continues to develop. That said, potential travellers should remain aware that Aung San Suu Kyi and several other members of the NLD have requested foreigners not to travel to the country until democracy is restored. The choice is yours. Now simply select your destination in Burma and let ElephantGuide.com inform and entertain you.
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Burma 
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