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- CNNGo in Yangon: Colonial buildings, artisan cheese and local art
- 10 meals every Myanmar traveler should try
- Myanmar's best beaches
- Why Yangon is hot right now
| CNNGo in Yangon: Colonial buildings, artisan cheese and local art Posted: 13 Aug 2013 07:00 PM PDT CNNGo explores this evolving yet well-preserved Myanmar city  Changes are coming to Myanmar and that has the residents of Yangon feeling optimistic. Their city of golden pagodas is opening to the outside world and they can't wait to show off a blossoming arts community, a growing preservation movement and a small but committed group of foodies. Sofaer Building
Now, the aging structure is home to the Lokanat Art Gallery, a guest house, law firm and a number of squatters' apartments. Travelers can wander inside and take a break at the family-run tea shop while appreciating the colonial architecture, including original tiles imported from Manchester. The Sofaer is part of a cluster of heritage buildings that make walking around modern Yangon a delight, though many of these landmarks are in desperate need of care. Sofaer Building, 58-62 Pansodan St., Yang More on CNN: 10 meals every Myanmar traveler should try
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| 10 meals every Myanmar traveler should try Posted: 13 Aug 2013 03:00 PM PDT Rich, savory Burmese cuisine has been hidden away for half a century. That's about to change  With Myanmar opening to the outside world, visitors are discovering a cuisine that's been largely hidden from sight for the last 50 years. With an emphasis on rich, predominately savory/salty flavors, influences from South and Southeast Asia and a repertoire of ingredients not found in any other cuisine, there's much to discover. As in most of Southeast Asia, Myanmar restaurants and stalls tend to specialize in a single dish or culinary style. For a comprehensive taste of the cuisine, we've chosen these 10 Burmese dishes and snacks. Every visitor to the country should seek them out. Tea leaf salad
Perhaps the most famed Burmese food is lephet -- fermented tea leaves. The tart leaves are eaten on their own, typically as dessert, but they're also served in the form of lephet thoke, a salad of pickled tea leaves. To make the dish, the sour, slightly bitter leaves are mixed by hand with shredded cabbage, sliced tomatoes, crunchy deep-fried beans, nuts and peas, a splash of garlic oil and pungent slices of chili and garlic. The dish is versatile. It can be a snack, an appetizer or, coupled with a plate of rice, a meal. It's also considered a stimulant: the Burmese says that eating too much lephet thoke can prevent sleep. More on CNN: 11 things to know before visiting Myanmar
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| Posted: 13 Aug 2013 03:00 PM PDT Like your sands white and sunsets bright? Myanmar is primed to become Asia's hottest beach destination  Two thousand kilometers of coastline -- much of it long stretches of white sand -- put Myanmar in the running to be Asia's next super-popular beach destination. Many of Myanmar's beaches are unspoiled and undiscovered, reminiscent of Thailand's beaches 20 years ago. The best ones are along the shores of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea -- these beaches face west, virtually guaranteeing great sunsets. Briton Stephen Barker first visited Myanmar in 1995 and has made more than 10 trips since, usually staying several months at a time. He believes the surge in hotel prices over the last 18 months augers a Myanmar beach stampede come the dry season at the end of the year. "Given that accommodation is so expensive these days, I think we'll see more people camping on the beach, it could really take off," says Barker, who has made it his mission to explore all the country's beaches. Here are four of the best Myanmar beaches to visit. More on CNN: What to do in Yangon NgapaliThis is a dream beach with seven kilometers of white sand fringed with palm trees. The turquoise sea is crystal clear. Several daily flights from Yangon -- a 45-minute flight -- help make this by far the most popular beach in Myanmar.
As it's somewhat remote, this is a place to come for a few days and sink into beach mode. Accommodation options range from small beach huts to villas and there are plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood. The beach is named after the Italian city of Naples -- a homesick Italian bestowed the name, so the story goes. The tourist industry is well developed and there's plenty to do from sea sports -- snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking -- to cycling and golf. "This is definitely not the place for backpackers," says Barker. "You have to fly in and out and that can make it expensive. Ten years ago prices ranged from $2 to $400 and these days it's very resorty." More on CNN: What to eat in Myanmar Ngwe Saung (Silver Beach)South of Ngapali and closer to Yangon, the resorts on this stretch of coast arrived a little more than a decade ago. The sea is as clear as it is in Ngapali, but the area isn't as developed, making it a seriously laid back spot and a great place to do nothing after exploring the country.
When you've had enough of lying on the beach, there's scuba diving and snorkeling and an island at the end of the beach that you can walk out to at low tide. You can hire a motorbike if you want to explore the 15-kilometer beach and ride on the hard sand sections and take the road that runs alongside the beach for the rest. The seafood here is fantastic -- lobster, shrimp, crab, fish -- and if you're on the beach early in the morning you'll probably see fishermen coming in with their catch. Myanmar will host the 2013 Southeast Asian Games in December -- beach volleyball and sailing events will be held at Ngwe Saung Beach. "I was there earlier this year," says Barker. "The resorts are spread out and range from $15 to $400 a night, some with very nice pools, but you don't need them because the sea is great. "We stayed at a place called Shwe Hin Tha. It's a backpacker favorite and costs $25 a night for a beach cabin for two." More on CNN: 11 things to know before visiting Myanmar Chuang Tha
It's not as beautiful as Ngapali or Ngwe Saung beaches -- the sand isn't as white and the beachfront is a jumble of hotels -- but it's hugely popular, especially on weekends and holidays. If you're here during the high season and want to escape the crowds, you can hire a boat and explore one of the neighboring islands. You'll have to bring your own snorkel set to get a good look at the tropical fish. "This is where you go if you want to see the Burmese at play," says Barker. "The beach is very commercial with lots of inflatable things going on. People say the beaches north of Chuang Tha are more attractive." Kanthaya BeachThis is the Myanmar beach to hit if you really want to get away from development. Kanthaya Beach is unspoiled and undeveloped. There are no beachside sports and shops, and that's the attraction. You won't be able to book a hotel in advance, but you're sure to find a room when you arrive. The beach is shallow and 4.5-kilometres long. Unlike the white sandy beach of Ngapali, 100 kilometers north, the sand here is golden and a little gritty. More on CNN: World's 100 best beaches Myanmar beach hopping tipsThe most important thing to remember about the Myanmar beach scene is that resorts close down during the monsoon season, from May to October. The time to go is December through April -- by spring the water is warm.
The standard Myanmar beach attire is jeans and a T-shirt -- on the sand and in the sea. Yes, that's right, the Burmese swim in their jeans. Others wear shorts or cotton pajamas, but this is definitely not the land of the bikini. Foreigners are afforded an exception, but this isn't the place to flaunt that G-string you've been dying to rock out or decide to go topless. Myanmar also has the potential to become a surf destination. The waves aren't huge, which makes it perfect for newcomers, but for those after a bigger swells the time to come is the start of the rainy season (May and June). More on CNN: Photos: An inside tour of Myanmar |
| Posted: 12 Aug 2013 07:39 PM PDT A quick and quirky guide on what to see, do, eat and drink in this up-and-coming Southeast Asia star  Take a cab to town after arriving at Yangon's International Airport and you'll quickly realize you've arrived in a place like no other. Your taxi driver may have replaced his seat with a garden chair. Without doubt, he'll be wearing what looks like a skirt and chewing betel, which has turned his mouth a crimson red. There might be a hole in the floor of the vehicle, or the steering wheel could be upside down. It's a theme that'll continue throughout your trip. With a lack of international brand saturation and an abundance of parks, lakes and gleaming pagodas, vibrant street life and friendly locals, Yangon, Myanmar's largest city and former capital, is a city worth getting to know before venturing elsewhere in this strange, wonderful country. Yangon hotels
In a city where the demand for beds far exceeds the supply -- read more on the situation in this CNN Travel Myanmar feature -- you'll pay for a nice place to stay. But make no mistake, there are great hotel options here. Strand Hotel The city's most iconic hotel has checked-in the likes of Jagger, Maugham and Kipling and is as elaborate and classy as one would expect of a place that once represented the height of colonialism. Built in 1901 by a British entrepreneur during British India's heyday, the three-story hotel's Victorian influences are evident in the colonnaded entrance, marble floor inlaid with teak, hand-carved wooden bed frames, rattan furniture, chandeliers and black ceiling fans. Strand Hotel, 92 Strand Road, Kyauktada township, Yangon; rooms from $340 More on CNN: CNNGo in Yangon: Colonial buildings, artisan cheese and local art Alamanda Inn This quiet, little-known B&B is located in Yangon's leafy Golden Valley district. Rooms are small and well-kept. It's worth the stay for the adjoined French restaurant alone. Alamanda Inn, 60B Shwe Taung Gyar Road, Golden Valley, Yangon; rooms from $70 Savoy Hotel One of Yangon's classiest hotels, the Savoy offers some of the city's best rooms. Restaurant and bar areas are impressively designed, the latter decked out in a nautical theme. Savoy Hotel, 129 Dhamazeddi Road (corner of Inya Road), Yangon; rooms from $236 Governor's Residence This beautiful teak mansion hotel run by Oriental Express is located in a leafy district west of downtown. With a colonial style and level of luxury that rivals The Strand, rooms here are as gorgeous as you'll find in Yangon. The pool and veranda areas are nice. Governor's Residence, 35 Taw Win St., Dagon township, Yangon; rooms from $260 More on CNN: 10 meals every Myanmar traveler should try Yangon nightlife
Yangon veterans recall a time when they were tucked in bed by 9 p.m., simply because there wasn't anything to do after dark. Not anymore. New bars are opening regularly, and there are plenty of into-the-night spots to drink with friendly and willing locals. 19th Street It's loud, lively and there's lots of neon. But this isn't Yangon's version of Bangkok's Khao San Road. Instead, it's an authentic local experience, a strip of outdoor bars where the beer flows and where you'll find the best grilled fish in town. Bottle of Myanmar beer: 800 kyat (80 cents) Barbecued fish: 3,500 kyat ($3.50) 19th Street (between Anawratha and Mahabandoola roads), Latha township, Yangon Vista Rooftop Bar Taking advantage of its proximity to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the view here will convince you to visit; the well-stocked bar will keep you hanging around. Glass of Myanmar beer: 1,500 kyat ($1.50) Glass of house whisky: 3,500 kyat ($3.50) Vista Rooftop Bar, 168 West Shwegondine Road, Bahan township, Yangon; +95 (0)1 559 481 50th Street Bar One of Yangon's most famous watering holes, this one is lively most nights and runs regular themed nights. This is the place to come for big sports matches and good pizza. Bottle of Myanmar beer: 4,000 kyat ($4) Pizza: 6,000-9,000 kyat ($6-9) 50th Street Bar, 9/13, 50th St., Botahtaung townshi, Yangon; +95 (0)1 397 060 Any beer station, anywhere Myanmar's version of pubs, "beer stations" are often run-down, rustic spots where locals enjoy a drink -- beer or whiskey, or sometimes both, mixed. Found on many street corners, they're easy to spot -- look for the distinctive logo of local Myanmar beer. Glass of Myanmar beer: 600 kyat (60 cents) Yangon food
A lively outdoor restaurant, Minn Lan offers some of the best seafood in Yangon. It's brought in from Myanmar's western Rakhine state. Hot items include preserved prawns and lobster. One kilo lobster: 25,000 kyat ($25) Seafood fried rice: 3,500 kyat ($3.50) Minn Lan San Chaung outlet, corner of Baho Road and Kyi Tar Road; +95 (0)1 510 285 Shwe Sa Bwe Restaurant Located on the northern shore of Inya Lake, this boutique restaurant trains local Burmese looking to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. They do a good job, too. The menu includes a diverse selection of delicious French-inspired dishes. Reopens in September after a two-month break. Set menu: Two courses, 11,000 kyat ($11); three courses, 14,000 kyat ($14) Shwe Sa Bwe Restaurant, 20 Malikha Road (off Parami Road); +95 (0)1 661 983 Onyx Restaurant Open since 2004, Yangon's Onyx Restaurant was once a private escape for members of the city's expat community looking for a Western meal. That's changing and every night of the week this Korean-run steakhouse is full of people from all over the world enjoying great food and wine. Steak: 5,000-8,000 kyat ($5-8) Bottle of wine: Starts from 10,000 kyat ($10) Onyx Restaurant, 135 Dhamazeddi Road (down side-road just past Inya Road junction); +95 (0)1 524 271 More on CNN: What to eat in Myanmar Yangon attractions
Shwedagon Pagoda Every Yangon visit should include a trip to Shwedagon Pagoda, the country's most famous attraction. Surveying the city from atop a hill, it's easy to see why it's the nation's pride and joy. Other pagodas worthy of visits are Sule and Botahtaung, both located downtown. Entrance: $5 for foreigners Dagon, Yangon Thaketa Crocodile Farm This little-known crocodile farm houses more than 200 of the sinister species. It can be unnerving walking along the rundown bridge as the crocs wait below, mouths open. Thaketa Industrial Estate, Thaketa township, Yangon; $1 per person Drug Elimination Museum This sprawling museum was built in the late 1990s to show how seriously the government was taking the country's drug problem. Despite its rather absurd name, it offers insights into a largely unknown problem in the country. Corner of Kyunthaw and Hanthawaddy roads, Kamayut township, Yangon; $3 per person More on CNN: 11 things to know before visiting Myanmar Yangon shopping
Bogyoke Aung San Market Tourist tack. T-shirts. Traditional Burmese garb. A popular site, every souvenir you need from your Myanmar visit can be found here. Bogyoke Aung San Road, Kyauktada township, Yangon Mingalar Market Located in the city's Muslim area, this is the place to hit for an authentic Myanmar market experience. Corner of Natmauk and Banyadala roads, Mingalar Taung Nyunt township, Yangon More on CNN: Photos: An inside tour of Myanmar |
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