Budget & Tips
Trekking is part of the Burmese adventure. Around Kalaw, Inle Lake, Hsipaw, in the Shan Plateau, trekking is more and more organized. In Myanmar, you don't venture off the beaten track by yourself. For several days, the accommodation is with local families or monasteries, through an agency or an independent guide. If you leave as a couple with a private guide, you have to count about 45 000 kyat, that is to say a little more than 30 € per person for three days and two nights, all included. This price is degressive if you include a small group of walkers, from 6 to 8 people
The divers will head towards the Andaman Sea. Expensive leisure, scuba diving is very famous in the archipelago of the Merguis Islands. The coral reefs are in good condition, the water is transparent, multicoloured fish... If the depths are less impressive, one can also dive on the west coast of the country, at Ngwe Saung or Ngapali where a few clubs remain of good quality
For a big budget too, you can treat yourself to a unique moment above the site of Bagan: a hot-air balloon flight at sunrise, a fabulous show that costs around 300 €
What's very local
It won't necessarily be easy to join local athletes like the Burmese boxers or wrestlers from Arakan State, but the show may be worth watching! Less violent and pleasant to watch: the Chinlon. It involves hitting the ball, woven from rattan, with the foot or knees, without it ever falling to the ground. The most acrobatic passes score points. It is very common to see the Burmese trying pirouettes at the bend in the street or on the beach. The chinlon ball is a beautiful object that you can get your hands on. Another very local practice is meditation. It is part of the Burmese way of life. It is an excellent way to blend into the Burmese state of mind and understand their very relaxed side. Why not try your hand at meditation? There are several centers and the ways of practicing are different.
Main events
At certain festivals, the best rowers gather together and perform sumptuous water ballets. On the Inle Lake, in particular, the Phaungdaw U festival is a magnificent boat jousting match, putting the traditional rowers of the region in competition with each other. The rowers demonstrate admirable dexterity. Not to be missed if you are around in October. In June-July, the big Chinlon festival which sees several teams dancing and playing with their Chinlon takes place in Mandalay. But the real national delight, the one that concerns the whole family, everywhere in Burma, is the pwe. Especially the pwe given during a pagoda festival. The whole village then gathers for a night of variety on more or less religious themes, which often coincides with the beginning of Burmese Lent and the rainy season.
To be booked