Myanmar - Mergui Archipelago, The Salone (Moken) People

A British colony for six decades before World War II, Myanmar gained its independence shortly after but endured 50 years of military rule from the early 1960s.

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After the 2015 elections, the party of human rights icon Aung San Suu Kyi won a landslide victory and assumed power, allowing the country to finally open its borders more fully to adventurous travellers. However, Myanmar has grappled with ongoing ethnic and political strife, and in early 2021, the Burmese military again seized power, proclaiming a year-long state of emergency. For now, much uncertainty clouds the nation, but many travellers that have had a tantalising taste of Myanmar will be hopeful that democracy will be restored and it will once again be possible to visit this fascinating country.

INFORMATION

WHEN TO GO March to May (summer season) or for those looking for cooler weather, October to March (winter season)

GETTING AROUND The most convenient way of travelling around Myanmar is either by train, bus, motorcycle taxi or via private vehicle rental. Note that public buses are usually only more common in the larger cities. It is also possible to fly domestically between the country’s larger towns and cities. In smaller towns you can even travel around by means of horse-pulled carts

GETTING THERE If you are travelling in from outside the region, the most convenient way is to fly into Yangon International Airport, which caters to many international airlines. There are other international airports at Naypyidaw and Mandalay