Tourism in Burma

Tourism in Burma (Myanmar) is a slowly developing sector. Although Burma possesses great tourist potential and attractions in many fields, much of the industry remains to be developed. Also, the number of visitors to Burma are comparatively small compared to her neighbours - even outpaced by Laos. This is primarily due to its current political situation

Tourism in Burma has been developed mainly by the government, but many private enterprises do exist, catering to a wide range of tourists.

Tourist attractions

*Yangon
*Bago

Mandalay

* Mandalay
* Bagan
* Ava
* Amarapura
* Pyin U Lwin
* Mount Popa

Mon State

* Kyaiktiyo Pagoda
* World's Largest Reclining Buddha at Mudon
* Mawlamyaing

Rakhine State

* Mrauk U
* Ngapali Beach

han State

* Inle Lake
* Taunggyi

Other beaches

* Chaung Tha
* Ngwe Saung

Ecotourism

* Myeik Archipelago
* Hukawng Valley
* Hkakabo Razi
* Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park
* Popa National Park

Politics

Burma's pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi has, in the past, asked for tourism to be boycotted. However, she has not asserted this view recently. This might be due to public opinion being in favour of tourism. Other pro-democracy activists, such as Ma Thanegi, advocate small scale tourism, and careful spending.

On the other hand, other democracy advocates demand a complete boycott of tourism to Burma. Although this is appearantly more popular to advocates due to Burma's crisis, it is being seen as ineffective, as it causes more harm to the people than to the government.

Certain tour books, such as Lonely Planet, cover Burma, stating that it provides balanced information and spending methods to get the money into the hands of the people, while some, such as Rough Guides, refuse to publish on Burma.

External links

* [http://www.tourismmyanmar.com Tourism Myanmar]
* [http://www.myanmartravelinformation.com/ Myanmar Travel Information]
* [http://www.myanmar-tourism.com/ Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board]
* [http://www.myanmartourex.com/travel_myanmar_destinations/myanmar_eco_tourism_sites/eco_tourism_myanmar_alaung_kathapa_national_park.shtml Ecotourism Destinations in Myanmar]