The people and culture of Myanmar are the result of centuries of influences from various ethnic minorities and outside foreign influences. Ancient Burmese culture has been heavily influenced by neighboring Buddhist Thailand and China, but also is a product of British colonial rule, Indian cultural influences, and a heritage passed down from the Mon people. The language likewise reflects a mix of origin from various ethnic minorities and outside influences, and the education system has largely been crafted after the British system.
Religion
More than 80% of the Myanmar culture follows Theravada Buddhism. Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is largest and most famous. Many local people take turns to bathe the Buddha and pray here. Kanbawzathardi Palace and the Museum in Bago are also important cultural destinations dating from the 16th century. Other religious beliefs found inMyanamr include Hindu and indigenous animism. Island, while it is present in smaller pockets, has not really taken hold (largely due to political and military oppression experienced during the 20th century).
Dress and Music
Traditional garments worn are the Longyi, which is a sarong type garment worn by both men and women. For Business occasions, men where a Manchu Chinese jacket over an English collared shirt. Many people in the larger cities where more modern ‘western’ clothing.
The musical traditions in Myanmar are one of pride for the Myanmar people. Traditional music typically includes an orchestra (or hsaing waing) and the Mahagita, which is a collection of songs. Pop music also dominates the current music scene. Dance in Myanmar consists of dramatic, folk, and village dances. Dance is heavily influenced by the styles in Thailand, though they do have unique components such as fast-paced and energetic movements with an emphasis on poses. Myanmar literature is heavily influenced y Buddhism, with a main classic being the Jataka Tales.
Cuisine
Myanmar cuisine is heavily influenced by Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisines. Mildly spicy in taste, the Myanmar people use limited amounts of spices. Typical meals are commonly composed of meats and curries, complimented with soups, steamed rice, fermented fish sauce, and vegetables for dipping. Unique ‘sides’ include Indian style pickles and pickled vegetables. Fish sauce and shrimp paste are commonly used in dishes along with chickpeas, lentils, and tamarind sauce. Ethnic cuisines are also prominent, such as Shan cuisine, and Indian and Chinese cuisines are readily available in urban areas. A popular national dish is mohinga, composed of rice noodles in a fish soup. Salad made of pickled tea leaves is also popular. Most people in Myanmar eat with their fingers, although the use of Western utensils and chopsticks is becoming more widespread. Indian breads like paratha, naan, and rice noodles are also common additions along with or instead of rice.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.