WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Myanmar

Location

Climate

Burma, also known as Myanmar, is a Southeast Asian country with breathtaking scenery, a rich history and a unique cultural heritage. If you're planning a trip to this fascinating country, it's essential to know the best times to go, the major cultural events and the public holidays not to be missed.

The seasons in Burma: climate and low and high seasons

The climate in Burma is tropical, with three main seasons:

• Dry season : November to February, with pleasant temperatures and little rainfall.
• Warm season : March to May, with high temperatures of up to 40°C and high humidity.
• The rainy season: June to October, with frequent and sometimes heavy rainfall.

Each season has its own advantages and disadvantages for a trip to Burma. The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit the country, as weather conditions are more favorable and allow you to take full advantage of the sights. However, the high season can be more expensive and crowded, especially in popular tourist areas. The warm season can be uncomfortable for heat-sensitive travellers, but offers more affordable accommodation rates and fewer crowds. Finally, the rainy season, while presenting a risk of flooding and landslides in some areas, allows you to discover the country's lush nature and attend some interesting festivals.

Major cultural events

Throughout the year, many cultural and religious events take place in Burma. Here are some of the most important:

Thingyan (Water Festival)

Celebrated in April, Thingyan is the Burmese New Year and also marks the end of the dry season. The festivities last several days and include processions, concerts and the "throwing" of water to purify oneself and welcome in the new year. It's a unique opportunity to discover the local culture and join in the celebrations with the locals.

Thadingyut (Festival of Lights)

In October, Thadingyut celebrates the end of the rainy season with a dazzling festival of lights. Houses, temples and streets are lit up with thousands of lanterns and candles, creating a magical atmosphere. Dance performances, concerts and processions are also organized during this festival.

Ananda Pagoda Festival

Held in January, the Ananda Pagoda Festival is a major religious event that attracts thousands of pilgrims to honor Buddha. Bagan's Ananda Pagoda is one of the country's most famous and revered temples. During the festival, a lively fair takes place around the pagoda, offering food, handicrafts and entertainment to visitors.

Public holidays in Burma

In addition to the cultural events mentioned above, there are several national holidays in Burma, including:

• Independence Day: January 4, commemorating the country's independence from Great Britain in 1948.
• Workers' Day: May 1st, celebrating workers' rights and international solidarity.
• Martyrs' Day: July 19, in memory of political leaders assassinated in 1947, including Aung San, father of Burmese independence and father of Aung San Suu Kyi.
• Union Day: February 12, marking the signing of the Union Pact in 1947 that led to Burmese independence.

It is important to note that some tourist sites and services may be closed or limited on these holidays. It may also be difficult to book accommodation, especially in popular areas. It is therefore advisable to plan your trip accordingly.

Key immigration figures for Myanmar

According to official data, the number of foreigners entering Myanmar has risen considerably in recent years. This is largely due to the country's political liberalization and openness to the rest of the world. Here are a few examples interesting immigration statistics :

• Around 3.5 million foreign tourists visited Myanmar in 2017.
• Visitor numbers increased by almost 18% between 2016 and 2017.
• Nearly 60% of visitors come from Asian countries, mainly from the United States. Chinafrom Japan and of South Korea.
• Europeans account for around 30% of tourists, with a strong French and British presence.
• Americans and Australians are also well represented, with nearly 10% of foreign visitors.

International tourism in Myanmar: a booming sector

THE tourism in Myanmar is a major source of revenue for the country. Indeed, the sector has grown rapidly since the country opened up to international trade and the development of new tourism infrastructures. Here are some key figures on international tourism:

• Tourism revenues reached US$1.3 billion in 2017.
• Annual growth in the tourism sector is estimated at between 6% and 8%.
• The number of hotel establishments increased by almost 50% between 2010 and 2017.
• Hotel capacity has risen from 28,000 rooms in 2010 to around 60,000 rooms in 2017.

Myanmar's main tourist attractions

Myanmar has an exceptional cultural and natural heritage that attracts many travelers. Must-see sites include :

• Bagan, the city of 2,000 Buddhist pagodas and temples.
• Inle Lake, famous for its floating villages and Inthas fishermen.
• The Golden Rock, one of the country's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
• Mandalay, Myanmar's last royal capital and cultural center.
• The paradisiacal beaches of Ngapali, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the Andaman Sea.

The most popular visas in Myanmar: tourism, business and studies

To enter Myanmar, foreigners generally need a visa. There are several types of visa, depending on the purpose of the stay:

Tourist visa

THE tourist visa is the most commonly requested by travelers. It allows you to stay in Myanmar for up to 28 days. This visa is valid for a single entry and cannot be extended. Nationals of certain countries can apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) online before departure.

Business Visa

People wishing to travel to Myanmar for business reasons must apply for a visa. business visa. This type of visa allows a maximum stay of 70 days, and can be renewed. Nationals of certain countries are also eligible for the Business e-Visa.

Student Visa

Foreign students wishing to study in Myanmar must obtain a student visa. This type of visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, and can be extended depending on the needs of the academic course. To obtain this visa, it is necessary to present a letter of acceptance from a Burmese educational institution.