Asia Travel || Myanmar

HOTELS RESORTS TRAVEL LEISURE TOURS MYANMAR Myanmar Country and Travel Information Map of Myanmar Nationalities of Myanmar || Historical and Cultural Heritage || Arts and Crafts Highlights on Scenic Beauty || Special events IN GENERAL Myanmar is one of the largest country in South East Asia, stretching over 2,000 km from North to South. It is twice the size of Vietnam, over a quarter larger than Thailand, and Myanmar is bigger than England and France combined. Ethnically diverse, Myanmar is a nation of many races - some 130 ethnic groups make up its population of nearly 45 million. The majority of Myanmar's people are Bamars (from which the British coined the name Burma), but the Shan, Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine and others are also prominent throughout the country. Myanmar's climate is tropical: during the cool season from late November through February, temperatures are pleasantly mild ranging from 21C to 28 C; the hot season from March to April can see the mercury reach as high as 45 C; and during the months of the rainy season, from May to October short rainstorms are frequent in the late afternoons. The Nationalities of Myanmar Myanmar's ethnically diverse population is a result of three major migrations from Tibet and Central Asia, the cradle of humanity. The people of Myanmar are descendants of three main branches: The Mon-Khmer, the Tibeto-Burman, and the Thai-Chinese. The Kaya, Mon, Wa, La, Palaung, Pale, Yao, Riang, Padaung, Ylnbaw, Zayein, and others originated from the Mon-Khmer group, while the Shan, Kayin and Taungthu, etc., find their roots in the Thai-Chinese community. The Bamar, Chin, Kachin, Lolo, Rahkine, Kadu, Hpon, Maru, Lashi, Rawang, Azi, Nung, Daru, Yaw, Mro, Inthat, Naga, Gauri, Lisu, Lahu, among others, evolved from the Tibeto-Burman group. Historical and Cultural Heritage Kuthodaw Pagoda, in Mandalay, which houses the entire Buddhist scriptures carved onto 729 marble slabs is "The world's largest book". Built by King Mindon, it is indeed a rare and splendid sight. Myanmar's unique historical and cultural heritage dates back over 5,000 years. Evidence confirming the existence of stone age people has been found throughout the country. Early Myanmars were said to be Mons, and the first politically important inhabitants were the Pyu who date back to the early period of the Christian era. It was Bagan, however, which was founded in the 11th century, that gave rise to the dominant culture and civilization in Myanmar's history. Arts and Crafts of Myanmar Myanmar is an enchanting country with a rich history in arts and crafts. Mandalay, the ancient capital and the glory of Myanmar Kings, represents the largest repository of Myanmar arts and crafts. Visitors can observe carvers of ivory, wood and stone, in addition to makers fo gold leaf, silk weavers, silversmiths and bronze-casters, as they ply their respective trades according to the time-honored traditions of their forefathers. The pagodas, religious monuments, and major Buddhist sculptures seen all over Myanmar are authentic examples of the rich tradition of Bagan arts andcrafts and of prior eras of craftmanship so evident throughout Myanmar's history. Highlights on Scenic Beauty Myanmar is blessed with natural scenic beauty making for landscapes that are incredibly picturesque. The country's great lakes, snowcapped mountains and unspoiled beaches are undoubtedly some of the most stunning, idyllic, and mystical places to be found anywhere on earth. Myanmar's physical beauty is enhanced by the spectacular pagodas and temples that can be found all over the country. These venues for contemplation and prayer radiate the obvious spirituality of the people. Special Events Around The Year Myanmar is popularly known as The Land of Festivals because of the countless religious and cultural festivals that take place all ycar round. Some are nation-wide festivities while others are popular solely around the city of Yangon or in the District Areas. JANUARY On January 4th, Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar is celebrated across the country. Countless parades and fairs mark this important day and everyone joins in the festivities. The Myanmar Traditional Equestrian Festival or Myin-Khin-Thabin is a national festival which is held annually in Yangon In ancient times, this festival provided the Myanmar Kings with the opportunity to demonstrate their military might, but today its main purpose is for the perpetuation of Myanmar patriotism. It is a fantastic occasion and tourists are warmly welcomed to participate in the many celebrations. FEBRUARY Traditionally, this is the month of the Harvest Festival when people rejoice in the feast of Htamane. No one should miss this opportunity to sample a delicious Myanmar delicacy consisting of glutinour rice freckle with coconut, sesamum seeds, peanuts, ginger, and oil, which is specially prepared for the feast. The Thingyan festival don't wear your Sunday best! The anniversary of the Union Day falls on February 12. Representatives and cultural troupes of the seven States and seven Divisions of the Union of Myanmar dressed in colourful, traditional costumes gather at venues across the country. Traditional entertainment highlights the beauty of the different ethnic groups found within the Union. MARCH March is the most colorful month of the year as Pagoda Festivals arc in full swing. The Shwedagon Pagoda Festival is held on the day of the full moon of Tabaung and is one of the month s biggest events. During this festival, visitors can get a feel for the spirituality of the people of Myanmar by participating in events at temple fairs or by observing the rituals of the holiday. APRIL Thingyan or the Water Festival is held throughout the country for three days in the month of April. It simultaneously marks the end of the old year and beginning of the new. Young people gather together to sing and dance, and to playfully throw water on each other. Throughout the Thingyan Carnivals decorative floats and water throwing pandals are seen everywhere in both towns and cities alike. If you are not afraid of getting wet, this high spirited festival is one that you won't want to miss! MAY The Kason Festival of watering the Sacred Banyan Tree symbolises the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. It is an important Buddhist holiday and many processions are held at temple grounds throughout the country. JUNE AND JULY The onset of monsoon season makes June and July relatively quiet months in Myanmar. There are, however, various smaller Buddhist festivals to be enjoyed. AUGUST Taungpyone Nat or Spirit Festival is a popular five day festival held in Taungpyone near Mandalay. According to tradition, Nats are spirits that must be appeased or they will wreak havoc in people's lives. The two Nat Brothers honoured during Taungpyone Nat belong to the 37 well-known Myanmar Nats. The story of the two Nat Brothers originated during the rule of King Anawrahta, when it was the duty of every person in the kingdom to contribute a brick and a handful of sand for the construction of a Pagoda. The brothers failed to contribute their share and orders came from the King for them to be mildly punished. Unfortunately, the Nat Brothers were accidentally killed. The King was remorseful and built a big Nat (spirit) shrine by the side of the Pagoda honoring the two brothers. The homage-paying festival is now held annually to appease the spirits as it is believed that the Nat Brothers can fulfill your wishes, protect you from ill-fate and danger, and bring good luck, prosperity and progress. SEPTEMBER The famous Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda Festival is held at Inle Lake once a year. The procession of the Inle leg-rowers in full pageantry and ceremonial splendour is a sight not to be missed by anyone visiting Myanmar. OCTOBER & NOVEMBER The opening ceremony of Visit Myanmar Year 1 1996 will be kicked off on a grand scale. The celebration will be a gloriously festive occasion. The Thadingyut or Light Festival, which ends the Buddhist I Lent, is also one of the most prominent festivals of the year. Another celebration of light is the Tazaungdine festival held in November. Pagodas, houses, buildings, parks, and monuments arc all illuminated and there are various kinds of activities for everyone to enjoy. The other important festival outside Yangon is the exotic Elephant Dance held in Kyaukse, a small town not far from Mandalay. A huge elephant figure is made from bamboo and paper Men take their places inside the figure and dance around the town to the accompaniment of Dobat and Drums. The elephant dancers circle three times at the foot of the hill to pay homage to the Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda. It is a dance that requires precise rhythm and timing in order for the elephant dancers to maintain unity inside the elephant figure. DECEMBER The traditional Boat Regatta Festival is held at Kandawgyi Lake to remind the younger generations of the glory, sovereignty, patriotism and national spirit of Myanmar. Asia Travel || Myanmar Page || Top

Travel Guide

Lonely Planet: the world's best guidebooks, travel advice and information text express | help about us WORLDGUIDE SHOP THORN TREE FORUM TRAVEL SERVICES TRAVEL TICKER THEME GUIDES ON THE ROAD POSTCARDS TRAVEL LINKS ABOUT US HELP FEEDBACK Bollywood or Bust The beat of Bollywood is pulsing through traveller Michaela Gordon's veins. Will she find a costume? Will she become a star? Will she get paid enough to pay rent? Read it › RELATED WorldGuide: Mumbai ; Shop: Six Degrees Mumbai Photo Feature - Best of blogs 2005 It was a year of pot-bellied men in pyjamas clutching revolvers, gifts of sour horse milk and folk being mistaken for kiwi fruits. Check out our top picks. See it › RELATED On the Road: Blogs ; Shop: The Travel Book Untitled Document Japan Ancient and modern, spiritual and sleek. Japan is a tale of two countries both of which inspire and delight. Buy it › Promo Totally, utterly, completely free delivery. Yours with minimum purchase. More › Related Japan: Phrasebook ; World Food Choose a product... ------------------------- Destination Guides - Best of... - Shoestring - Classic Overland Rts - City - Guides (en español) - Country - Regional - City Map Language Guides - Phrasebooks - Fast Talk Armchair Travel - Travel Journal - Journeys: Travel Lit - Pictorials - Music - LPI Puzzles - Guide Bag - Playing Cards - Six Degrees DVDs - Calendars - Travel Reference Activity/Interest Guides - Walking Guides - Watching Wildlife - Diving & Snorkeling - World Food - Cycling - National Parks - Road Trips - Travel Reference Pre-departure Guides - Healthy Travel - Travellers' Tips - Travel Reference Gifts - Travel Journal - Journeys: Travel Lit - Pictorials - Music - LPI Puzzles - Guide Bag - Playing Cards - Six Degrees DVDs - Calendars Specials - Free with purchase - Theme Packs Theme Packs - save! Hot Off the Press ----------------------------------- Top 5 Places to Spend New Year's Eve 1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2. Edinburgh, Scotland 3. Honolulu, Hawaii 4. Mumbai, India 5. Prague, Czech Republic Related Thorn Tree Forum: Submit your own top 5 list THREAD OF THE DAY: funny menus — Read on › LATEST THREADS: washington dc trip report... › Replies: 29 Views: 189 living in mexico... › Replies: 9 Views: 121 taxi from airport to kandy... › Replies: 5 Views: 28 Related Thorn Tree Forum: Join | Login | Search Shop Online Latest Releases: · Australia · Myanmar · Galapagos Islands · Japan · Belize Comet Newsletter The sun shines on Australia. Read it › Send me Lonely Planet's monthly e-newsletter. Country Australia Canada United Kingdom USA --- Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Barbuda Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire Bosnia-Hercegovina Botswana Brazil Britain British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi Cabinda Caicos Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Caroline Islands Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curacao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador England Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Ireland (Northern) Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jordan Kaliningrad Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Nevis New Caledonia New Guinea New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Northern Ireland Northern Mariana Islands North Korea Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Piedmont Pitcairn Islands Poland Portugal Principe Puerto Rico Qatar Rarotonga Reunion Romania Russia Rwanda Saba Samoa San Marino Sao Tome Saudi Arabia Scotland Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka St. Barts St. Eustatius St. Kitts St. Lucia St. Maartin St. Vincent Sudan Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Tibet Tobago Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay USA US Virgin Islands Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Wales Wallis & Futuna Yemen Yugoslavia Zaire Zambia Zimbabwe Travel Services · Flights Hostels/Budget Lodging --· Hotels Adventure Travel -- · Hostels · Travel Insurance Car Hire · Rail/Ferry Travel · Personal Trip Website -- · Global Communication · More Services Time-saving tickets Book it › Tsunami Updates The anniversary of this disaster is time to reflect, time to update, and time to get back to the beaches. Read more › On the Road Where did you spend Christmas? Did you have nasi goreng for lunch and dinner? Read more › Make a Difference Help the World Food Programme with food shortages in Pakistan, Guatemala, Niger and - sadly - many, many more nations. More Lonely Planet Sites · Tony Wheeler's blog · Experimental Travel · LP Six Degrees · Bookseller Resources · Press Room Business to Business · Business Solutions · Stock Photography · Lonely Planet TV International Sites · Français · Español · Italiano stock photography All text & images © 2005 Lonely Planet Publications . All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Read our privacy policy . about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links

Cheap Travel Testimonials Michael

Spring Break Best Buys Travel Specials Spring Break 2005 Your Daytona Spring Break Vacation Includes: Our Daytona spring break packages include your hotel accommodations (six or seven nights depending on your week of break), all taxes and fees and a FREE party and discount package. Student Cheap Travel Testimonials Michael Klumpfman - Denison Student Cheap Travel "Daytona is a major party spot. The spring break best buys helped ensure that we had travel specials spring break 2005. The student cheap travel made it even better." David Miller - Wake Forest Spring Break best buys / Travel Specials Spring Break 2005 "We found great prices within the spring break best buys for student cheap travel. Thanks for finding us travel specials spring break 2005. You guys got us a good trip." Home Student Cheap Travel © 2005 Spring Break Travel, Inc. All Rights Reserved CST 2074060-40 Help Us Improve! Click Here To Rate Our Site. Site Map Bahamas | Cancun | Negril | Panama City | Daytona | Acapulco | Resources Cabo San Lucas | Puerto Vallarta | Punta Cana | South Beach | Mazatlan | South Padre Party Cruise | About Us | Lowest Prices | Brochure | Campus Rep | 2005 Spring Break Locations | Cancon Spring Break Trips | Cancun Spring Break Guides | College Student Vacations | Hots Spots Student Travel | Inexpensive Spring Break Trips | MTV Spring Break | Panama City Beach Spring Break | Spring Break 2005 | Spring Break Cancun 2005 | Spring Break Cruises 2005 | Spring Break Vacation 2005 | Spring Break Vacation Ideas | Student Airfares | Student Cheap Travel | Student Group Tours | Student Travel Agencies | Student Travel Companies | Student Travel Tours | Student Travel | Student Vacations | Top Spring Break Locations For High School Seniors | Purchase College Greek Items | Travel In Style Homes | Scuba Travel Info | Helpful Website Resources

Central America Travel Destination

Central America Travel Destination Information get a travel quote - my account - newsletter BROWSE DESTINATIONS » Asia » Australia » Caribbean » Central America » Belize » Club Med » Costa Rica » Cruise » Europe » Hawaii » Las Vegas » Mexico » South America » South Pacific » USA Caribbean Vacations Aruba Vacations Grand Cayman Vacations Jamaica Vacations Nassau Vacations Puerto Plata Vacations Punta Cana Vacations Europe Vacations Amsterdam Vacations Belgium - Brussels Vacations England - London Vacations France - Paris Vacations Italy - Rome Vacations Vienna Vacations Hawaii Vacations Maui Vacations Oahu Vacations Las Vegas Vacations Las Vegas Vacations Mexico Vacations Acapulco Vacations Cancun Vacations Cozumel Vacations Ixtapa & Zihautanejo Vacations Los Cabos Vacations Mazatlan Vacations Puerto Vallarta Vacations Riviera Maya Vacations Central America Travel Destination Information DESTINATIONS CENTRAL AMERICA Central America Destinations: Belize Lush tropical rainforests filled with colorful birds and exotic animals, mountains, plains and coastlines that offer up majestic views and fascination sites, Central America has a splendid and diverse geography. Central America is endowed with an extraordinary climate, varied animal and plant life and spectacular landscapes and beaches. Each region region represents a separate and unique eco-system. Central America satisfies travelers on a multitude of levels, from beach-lovers or nature seekers to soft adventurists in search of white water rafting, horse-back riding, canopy sky-trekking and hiking and the hearties explorers. Central America Hotels & Resorts Belize Yacht Club Resort Location: Belize It is comprised of solidly-constructed Spanish-style beachfront villas, surrounded by luxuriant tropical plants and with a spectacular view of the coral reef.Size: 40 suitesLast renovation: 2003Location: Located by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea in the ... More Information Captain Morgan's Retreat Location: Belize Ambergris Caye-Captain Morgan's Retreat is the ultimate in casual elegance. Accessible by water taxi, this private beachfront resort features colorful, thatched-roof casitas and villas, a beautiful freshwater pool, an array of watersports and Caribbean dining specialtie ... More Information Banana Beach Club Location: Belize LOCATION: Banana Beach is a beautiful new resort on the shores of the Caribbean in Belize, nestled on the best stretch of Beach on Ambergris Caye. Just far enough from town for real tranquility.ROOMS: 2- four bedroom, four bathroom Deluxe Ocean Front Suites- 8 per ... More Information View All Central America Hotels Central America Vacation Packages e-mail for general questions/comments: sales@tropicaltravel.net Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. Sat: 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. (PST) Browse these specialty travel services to find your perfect trip or vacation package. These are web sites of network partners who are affiliated with Tropical Travel - View All Network Partners Activities : Ecotourism - Group Tours - Safari Vacations - Skiing Vacations - Yachting Destinations : Africa Vacations - Caribbean Travel - Cruise Travel - Dominican Republic Travel - Europe Vacations - Global Travel - Hawaii Vacations - Jamaica Travel - Las Vegas Travel - Latin America - Mexico Travel - Tahiti Vacations Groups : Group Vacations - Senior Travel - Student Travel Specialties : Adventure Travel - Education Travel - Exotic Vacations - Exotic Villas - Honeymoon Vacations - Leisure Vacations - Luxury Travel - Specialty Travel - Tri-Cities Travel Asia Travel - Australia Travel - Caribbean Travel - Central America Travel - Club Med Travel - Costa Rica Travel - Cruise Travel - Europe Travel - Hawaii Travel - Las Vegas Travel - Mexico Travel - South America Travel - South Pacific Travel - USA Travel - Gadgets - eBay - eHarmony - Yoga Gear - Bras in D to JJ cup site map - -- authorization - jobs - about us - contact us - newsletter - network partners - privacy policy - archive - sitemap © 2004 TropicalTravel.net, LLC. All rights reserved. Website developed by Arestia , LLC. in cooperation with Abra International Group

travel insurance Annual travel

Travel Insurance - from Columbus Insurance One specialist you can trust... Home Our Products FAQs About Columbus The company The group Jobs Single trip travel insurance Annual travel insurance Backpacker travel insurance Ski travel insurance Business travel insurance Adventure travel insurance Over 64 travel insurance Pre-existing medical conditions Motor insurance Home insurance Pet insurance Credit cards Cruises Hostels International Rail Travel Let us find a quote... Help & Information Residence: You must have been a resident of this country for at least 12 months.','infoboxPosition');" My residency is: Australia Austria Belgium Canada Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Maldives Malta Netherlands New Zealand Norway Papua New Guinea Poland Portugal Qatar San Marino Saudi Arabia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand United Kingdom United States Vanuatu Vatican City State The destination: Europe Australia/NZ Worldwide ex USA/Canada Worldwide Annual multi-trip policy If you plan to travel 2 or more times per year, this policy can save you money. It means you won’t have to set up a new policy every time you travel.','infoboxPosition');" Annual multi-trip policy: Ski Cover Our ski policy covers you whether on or off-piste and also if you are a skier or a snowboarder.','infoboxPosition');" Ski Cover: My Trip Date Please use the Calendar function to help you select the exact dates you are travelling, please add the extra day if you are getting a night flight back.','infoboxPosition');" My trip dates: My start date: - The total number of travellers is: adults (19 - 64) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Individual Couple Family Group Children Students who are in full time education, aged 19-21 can also be included on a Columbus Family annual policy.','infoboxPosition');" children (2 - 18) 0 1 infants (0 - 1) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Tools and Options Country news Airport Lounges Airport Parking Car Hire Travel Guides Single trip travel insurance Annual travel insurance Backpacker travel insurance Ski travel insurance Business travel insurance Adventure travel insurance Over 64 travel insurance Pre-existing medical insurance | Definitions | Travel Tips | Disclaimer | Security & Privacy | Affiliates | Agents | Policy wording | Claims | Contact Us | Recommend a friend | Site Map | Columbus Direct is a specialist travel insurance intermediary which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.