Yangon Cooking Class (Full Day)

EXO Myanmar has partnered with GraceWorks, a nonprofit Australian organization dedicated to supporting neglected youth using the revenue of an exciting cooking experience, set in the wonderful city of Yangon.

The trip is led by GraceWorks’ students who are learning language, business and social skills through a cultural exchange with foreign visitors.  Yangon Cooking Class begins with a guided tour of Hledan Market to buy assorted vegetables, meat and spices.

Afterwards, travel to GraceWork’s center for a cooking class taught by the students.  Finally, after all the hard work, sit down with the trainees for a wonderful Myanmar meal.

“It’s one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had,” said Moet Moet Zaw, Assistant Product Manager and EXO Foundation Coordinator.  “The trainees all have incredible stories about where they came from and where they want to go.”

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Food & Drink

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    Asia’s Beer Scene: Larger than Lager
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    Asia’s Beer Scene: Larger than Lager

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    Southeast Asia For Vegetarians
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    Southeast Asia For Vegetarians

    If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you might be apprehensive about travelling Southeast Asia. While it’s true that vegetarianism isn’t that widespread in the region, you will still discover great meat-free foods in every major city. There are plenty of vegetarians in Asia, enjoying tasty plant-based cuisine – you may well be surprised at what amazing veggie eats you find.  No matter where you travel, carry around translation cards with you, study local restaurants to visit, and/or use a vegan/vegetarian translation app. VEGETARIAN TRAVEL IN VIETNAM Visiting Vietnam as a vegetarian can be tricky due mainly to the prevalence of fish sauce. Still, Vietnam has many vegetarian Buddhists who live meat-free, and vegetarian/vegan dishes aren’t hard to find. Pho chay (noodle soup with a vegetable-based broth) is one staple you can rely on. You’ll also find a tofu version of banh mi (the ubiquitous Vietnamese baguette). Dishes like goi cuon (rice paper rolls stuffed with fresh vegetables) and nom du du (papaya salad) can be found freshly made on the street and soy and rice milk are cheaply available in any corner store. In the major cities, you’ll find some fantastic vegan and vegetarian restaurants – including one that make vegan…

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    Hanoi’s 5 Best Street Foods and Where to Find Them
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    Hanoi’s 5 Best Street Foods and Where to Find Them

    Hanoi is foodie heaven, not just for the great eats, but for the whole vibrant experience of street-side dining. Food vendors offer up a mouth-watering array of choices, while streetside dining can’t be beat for an authentic local experience. Pull up a plastic stool, gather around a stainless steel table with friends, opt for some ice-cold bia hoi and tuck into a fresh bowl of whatever’s on the menu while you watch the world go by. Or join a day or night street-food tour and go on a culinary crawl through the city.  Here are some classic Hanoi street foods and where to find them. 1) PHO This famous noodle dish originated in Hanoi, and should be the highlight of any Hanoi street-food tour. There are two main pho camps: chicken (pho ga) and beef (pho bo), with vendors excelling at either one or the other. Refrain from adding any condiments before tasting and add extra flavour such as hoisin and sriracha sauce in a saucer on the side and dip beef or chicken morsels bite by bite with chopsticks. Garnish with basil and opt for added greens, like sprouts or green chilli, to taste. Pho Gia Truyen a hole…

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    EXO Explores – Penang, Malaysia
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    EXO Explores – Penang, Malaysia

    Compact and convenient yet brimming with exotic attractions and historic sights, Penang is one of Malaysia's banner destinations. Strategically important due to its location in the Straits of Malacca, the island has acted as a crossroads for trade and a link between Asia's two halves for centuries. It's colourful history can be easily digested in the city of George Town. The island's main hub, it revels in a sensual melange of influences where watermarked Chinese shop houses are located a few narrow streets away from shops selling Indian spices and grand mosques.  The city is also home to some of Malaysia's (and subsequently the world's) most delicious hawker food. These open-air stalls are particularly strong on Chinese dishes, but seafood and the island's legendarily creamy durian are other must-haves. Out in the countryside, things are no less enticing. The beaches of the north coast supply tropical lounging, while mountainous jungle showcases the island's wilder side. FEATURED TRIP BEST OF PENINSULA (7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS) Catch a glimpse of Malaysia's mesmerizing heritage and remarkable landscapes with a one-week group tour. After wandering Kuala Lumpur's vibrant streets, step back in time in historic Malacca. Take a breath of fresh air in…

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    EXO Explores – Pakse & The South, Laos
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    EXO Explores – Pakse & The South, Laos

    Previously overshadowed by bigger hitting destinations further north, the southern section of Laos is coming into its own as a magnet for tourists. From the limestone karsts and dense forests of the Phou Hin Boun NPA (National Protected Area) to the coffee plantations and roaring waterfalls of the verdant Bolaven Plateaux, southern Laos is prime territory for nature lovers who relish deviating from the beaten path. The landscapes brim with potential for derring-do with prime activities including motorcycle odysseys into the wilderness or kayaking or rafting amidst pristine nature. There's also plenty of scope to ease things down to the more familiar laid-back pace of life in Laos. A good spot to indulge in such a recharge is Si Pan Don. Better known as the 4000 Islands, this riverine archipelago hard by the border with Cambodia offers palm fringes islands set against a lazy and winding section of the Mekong River. Si Phan Don is not the only Mekong River attraction worth diverting to in the southernmost Champasak province of Laos. The beautiful island of Don Daeng, directly opposite Champasak town, is ideal for exploration by means of pedal power and is close to Wat Phou, a UNESCO-listed pre-Angkorian temple…

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    EXO Explores: Classic Japan
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    EXO Explores: Classic Japan

    From the Alpine peaks of chilly Hokkaido in the north to the coral reefs of Okinawa over 3000 kilometers south, Japan has a collection of greatest hits to send the pulse of any travel enthusiast racing. Vibrant cities supply plenty of sensory stimuli, but their neon lit pace is offset by a plethora of natural splendor. Towering mountain ranges extend down the country's spine, offering visual manna and abundant opportunities for exploration of the great outdoors. Iconic Mount Fuji is the country's highest peak and is easily accessed from Tokyo. Great hiking territory can be found in various locations however. The awe-inspiring jagged peaks of the northern Alps in Honshu are considered the country's premier trekking grounds. For post workout respite, meanwhile, traditional ryokan (inns) with onsen (hot springs) are perfect for relaxing aching limbs. Top onsen spots include Kinosaki in Honshu and Dogo in Shikoku. Delving into Japan's rich culture and fascinating history is also a must for visitors. Guests can overnight in a temple at famous ancient pilgrimage sites such as Mount Koya. Meanwhile, the country's most recent past is thrown into focus at Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to victims of the atomic bomb that…

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    EXO Explores: Central & Northeastern Thailand
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    EXO Explores: Central & Northeastern Thailand

    Often bypassed by travellers rushing either to the mountains of the north or the beaches of the south, the central and northeastern reached of Thailand have plenty of attributes to woo visitors.  Central Thailand is the country's cultural heartland. Fed by the Chao Phraya River, the fertile plain north of Bangkok births much of the nation's rice crop while towns such as Ayutthaya and Sukhothai were formerly capitals of once-mighty Thai kingdoms. Steeped in colourful history, the majestic ruins at both towns reward exploration by bike or by foot. To the northwest of Bangkok, mountain ranges climb towards the Myanmar border, the lush peaks hiding spectacular foaming waterfalls. The base for exploration of this wilderness is Kanchanaburi, a friendly riverside town famous for its role during WWII when occupying Japanese troops enlisted POWs and conscripted Southeast Asians to build the infamous 'Death Railway' to what was then known as Burma. Northeastern Thailand, otherwise known as Isaan, is, to tourists at least, the country's great unknown. The giant drought-prone area is the poorest part of Thailand and banner attractions are fewer here than in other regions. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating cultural makeup - it has more in common with Laos…

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    EXO Explores – Central Vietnam
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    EXO Explores – Central Vietnam

    Vietnam's narrow waist arguably packs in the biggest concentration of must-see attractions in the country. From myriad leisure options that encompass championship golf courses and perhaps the finest stretch of sand in the region to a wealth of historical and natural draws, the slender strip of land is popular with a broad spectrum of travelers, from budget to high end. Those who want to delve into Vietnam's rich and often tumultuous past will find plenty of stimulation here. The region is home to three Unesco World Heritage sites - imperial Hue, the ancient port of Hoi An and the ancient Cham ruins of My Son. A darker chapter in the country's twisting saga can also be investigated in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the old border between North and South Vietnam that witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the American War. It is Central Vietnam's lightness of touch that is its greatest appeal however. Natural beauty abounds at the cool heights of Bach Ma National Park, Ba Na Hill Station and Hai Van Pass, while China Beach, which runs all the way south from Danang to Hoi An, is fully deserving of its worldwide fame. While modern Danang is the…

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    Cooking Class in Beijing (Half Day)
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    Cooking Class in Beijing (Half Day)

    For those keen on discovering the intricacies of authentic Chinese cuisine, this half-day experience offers some practical insight. Heading down one of Beijing’s iconic hutongs (traditional alleys), take part in a hands-on course learning to either prepare traditional dumplings from scratch or how to prepare dishes unique to three different regions.   Under the guidance of a local chef, ball, knead and roll out dough, learn how to make natural dyes from fresh vegetables and discover just how this delicacy became one of China’s most prized foods. Alternatively, learn about the differences between China’s regional cuisine and discover what makes each region’s offerings so flavourful and unique. After the course, enjoy eating the day’s creations. An additional benefit to this experience is its location. Being based in Beijing’s hutongs, guests can enjoy the unique feeling of being in one of the city’s last traditional areas. Either before or after the course, enjoy wandering these narrow neighbourhoods for a veritable walk through Beijing’s history.   For further information, get in touch with one of our expert travel consultants at [email protected] or view the full itinerary here.

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    Laos: Sunset Vientiane Foodie (Evening Tour)
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    Laos: Sunset Vientiane Foodie (Evening Tour)

    Based in the capital city of Vientiane, begin a comprehensive Lao food experience discovering what comprises the national diet. Start along the riverside region with a refreshing Beerlao, soaking in the local scenery while the sun slowly begins to set. After dark, continue with a walk through the Sihom area to sample the cheap, yet tasty snacks on offer, from Lao-style donuts to steaming bowls of noodles and pork meatball wraps.   Continue with a visit to the Ban Anou Night market to sample some more of the capital’s best culinary offerings. Enjoy strolling alongside the locals to get a true sense of what life is like in Vientiane, tasting your way through the hustle and bustle. For the more traditional taste buds, grilled pork skewers are a local favourite, while fried insects await those keen on a bit more adventure! Top off the night with a savoury treat where the local specialty of ice cream and sticky rice is bound to impress.   For further information, get in touch with one of our expert travel consultants at [email protected] or view the full itinerary here.

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Myanmar

Dive into the latest from EXO Myanmar: News, travel inspiration and stories

  • Myanmar

    Dive into the latest from EXO Myanmar: News, travel inspiration and stories

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    Standing with Myanmar: EXO’s commitment to our team
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    Standing with Myanmar: EXO’s commitment to our team

    EXO Travel has been present in Myanmar since 1994, making us one of the longest established DMCs in the country. EXO Myanmar was the second EXO destination. opening just a year after our inception as Exotissimo in Vietnam. My first visit to Myanmar was in 1992, just as the country was first experimenting with opening for tourism. I will never forget the thrill of visiting somewhere that offered such a rich, extraordinary experience, like nowhere I'd been before. Myanmar, for me then, captured the essence of Southeast Asia's culture, history, and untouched beauty, along with the mysterious charm of a place that remained largely unexplored and unseen by many.  Over the years I have travelled to Myanmar many, many times and never lost that thrill.We've always been conscious of the political complexities in Myanmar. However, at EXO we believe that to truly appreciate the world, it must be experienced firsthand. We remain convinced of the transformative power of travel to dismantle barriers and cultivate mutual understanding. The advantages of fostering human connections, enhancing cultural awareness, and nurturing compassion, alongside promoting a sense of global community, make navigating these challenges worthwhile.Over the last 29-years we have facilitated travel to Myanmar for…

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    One EXO: Myanmar Talent Expands Across EXO Group
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    One EXO: Myanmar Talent Expands Across EXO Group

    Myanmar has an important part in the story of EXO. Shortly after establishing ourselves in Vietnam in ‘93, the ‘Golden Land’s’ mystique as an undiscovered destination combined with its charming people, culture and landscapes made for the perfect fit to expand our brand of pioneering travel. Launching in the country in 1995, we firmly believed that our presence in the country was important and meaningful, and that the world needed to experience the country’s incredible people and attributes firsthand to truly appreciate it. This is a belief that we still hold today alongside our team and family in the country, many of whom have been with us from the very start. With tourism in Myanmar remaining uncertain, we’ve been exploring new avenues for our Myanmar family. Their exceptional skills, passion and experience and the growing potential for remote work has enabled us to leverage their talents beyond the borders of their homeland. We’ve integrated Myanmar staff in our Thailand sales department, bolstering their experience with a recent inspection trip to Bangkok and surroundings. This trip, combined with in-person training, has equipped them with firsthand knowledge, enabling them to confidently transition to designing bespoke Thailand itineraries. Wah Wah Lwin, a member of…

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    Myanmar Reopening
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    Myanmar Reopening

    Summary of Myanmar reopening: Myanmar is technically open for travel. COVID entry regulations have loosened, especially for vaccinated travellers. However, the general political situation in Myanmar remains unstable since the change of government in February 2021. Multiple countries have issued strict travel warnings for Myanmar. In such cases, travel insurance generally does not offer coverage and is invalidated.   Please check the travel advice issued by guests' government; some embassies in Myanmar are not operating or may not have staff able to assist travellers in case a problem occurs in country. Please details regarding entry requirements below. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions at [email protected] Entry Requirements: 1)  Fill out health declaration form, which will be provided by the airline in flight, and present to authorities upon arrival. 2)  Submit proof of health insurance covering the cost of medical care in case of COVID-19 infection in Myanmar. This can either be supplied from guests' home country or purchased upon arrival. 3) Thermal Screening will be conducted by the authorities at the airport.

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    Updates From Myanmar
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    Updates From Myanmar

    Our reduced team is working from home for safety reasons. Our concern is for them, their families, and their friends. The situation in Myanmar has been completely upended since February 2021. People are caught between Covid, an undemocratic leadership, and an economy spiraling out of control with a currency having lost 60% of its value since February. A far cry from what Myanmar was from 2011 til Jan 21. Emails do come through mostly although there are frequent cuts and mobile phone signal disruptions are happening. Should you not have heard from us after allowing for the usual response time, please contact us at [email protected]. See here press references from both sides inside Myanmar to allow you to make up your own mind: The New Light of Myanmar (government),  The Irrawaddy (opposition), Frontier Myanmar (opposition), Myanmar Now (opposition) Twitter: #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar Wednesday, 4 November 2021 A former US Senator on a private humanitarian mission recently met the junta leader Min Aung Hlaing.  Further charges were raised by the military against the editor of local newspaper Frontier Myanmar, a US national detained for the past 4 months. Neither Mr. Fenster's nor Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi's lawyers are allowed to talk to the…

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    Travel and Give Back
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    Travel and Give Back

    Travel doesn’t just have to benefit those doing the travelling and at EXO, we place communities and the environment in which we operate at the forefront of our operations. One of the ways we ensure how we walk the talk is by making it easy and transparent for agents to identify tours that are responsible. With our destination product teams on the ground scouting experiences that make a difference, our EXO sustainability team have created five categories to assess our short tours and experiences from a responsible travel perspective, including Carbon Friendly Cultural Interaction Social Impacts Local Benefits Make a DifferenceBelow we take a look at just some of the experiences and tours that are deemed exceptionally responsible, making a positive impact on the people and places visited.  Carbon Friendly Tours under this category involve walking, trekking, cycling or alternative forms of transportation that avoid or minimise carbon emissions, and where private motorised vehicles are used, CO2 compensation is given.Cycling from Southern Vietnam to Angkor Wat, Cambodia — There’s nothing more carbon-friendly than relying on your own body power to get around. A 12-day cycling adventure from Saigon to Angkor Wat will provide for some experiences that most tourists miss out on.  Follow…

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    Southeast Asia For Vegetarians
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    Southeast Asia For Vegetarians

    If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you might be apprehensive about travelling Southeast Asia. While it’s true that vegetarianism isn’t that widespread in the region, you will still discover great meat-free foods in every major city. There are plenty of vegetarians in Asia, enjoying tasty plant-based cuisine – you may well be surprised at what amazing veggie eats you find.  No matter where you travel, carry around translation cards with you, study local restaurants to visit, and/or use a vegan/vegetarian translation app. VEGETARIAN TRAVEL IN VIETNAM Visiting Vietnam as a vegetarian can be tricky due mainly to the prevalence of fish sauce. Still, Vietnam has many vegetarian Buddhists who live meat-free, and vegetarian/vegan dishes aren’t hard to find. Pho chay (noodle soup with a vegetable-based broth) is one staple you can rely on. You’ll also find a tofu version of banh mi (the ubiquitous Vietnamese baguette). Dishes like goi cuon (rice paper rolls stuffed with fresh vegetables) and nom du du (papaya salad) can be found freshly made on the street and soy and rice milk are cheaply available in any corner store. In the major cities, you’ll find some fantastic vegan and vegetarian restaurants – including one that make vegan…

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    Adrift in Asia – Why Cruising is the Best Way to See the Region
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    Adrift in Asia – Why Cruising is the Best Way to See the Region

    Cruising as a tourist endeavour has truly stood the test of time and is one of the fastest growing travel sectors today.  Part of the reason for its success is the way it has diversified to meet the needs of today's more sophisticated and demanding customers. That's certainly the case in Asia where guests can indulge themselves in an amazing array of water-bound experiences on the region's rivers and seascapes. In many ways, travelling by boat is one of the most natural ways to navigate Asia. In areas such as the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, one of the most impressive stretches of water anywhere in the world, river vessels are an integral part of life. It is a similar scenario in other parts of the region such as Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. In Indonesia, meanwhile, boats are the main link between the countless islands that make up the archipelago. For guests, voyages in Asia vary wildly in scope and in style. The region's oceans brim with maritime promise. In Vietnam, karst-studded Halong Bay is arguably the nation's most compelling tourist must-see attraction. A visit to the north of the country is not complete without a trip to Halong Bay, where placid…

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    Asia for Once in a Lifetime Experiences
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    Asia for Once in a Lifetime Experiences

    Asia is a region of vivid landscapes, colourful history and myriad enthralling sights, sounds and scents, where it is easy to let the imagination run wild. From castaway lunches on paradise islands to bike rides around the ancient ruins at Angkor, Asia is endlessly generous when it comes to creating lasting memories. Yet, even in this privileged sphere, there are truly special journeys that stand out from the rest. China's epic scope and its widescreen landscapes make it a natural choice for a-once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Falling neatly into this category is the unforgettable ride on the world's highest train journey from the capital Beijing to Lhasa, the administrative, political and religious capital of Tibet.   With its blend of modern and ancient sights, Beijing makes a charismatic starting point for the journey. It is the ride itself that many would argue is the highlight. Extending nearly 2000 kilometres through some of the most spectacular landscapes in China; the line from Beijing to Lhasa rises to heights of 5072 metres above sea level and is fully deserving of its reputation as one of the greatest modern feats of engineering.  FROM BEIJING TO LHASA BY WORLD'S HIGHEST TRAIN 11 Days/ 10 Nights  Breatk-taking scenery abounds…

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    Mystical and Majestic Bagan
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    Mystical and Majestic Bagan

    There are numerous stirring sights in Southeast Asia, but few are more spectacular than the ancient city of Bagan. Located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, it is home to the densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world.  Comparisons are often drawn between Bagan and the temples of Angkor in Cambodia, but the two vast archaeological sites are very different in appearance and character. The Bagan temples are located on a large and fairly open plain, differentiating them from the ones in Cambodia, which often appear to be on the verge of being reclaimed by the jungle. During the 19th Century when Bagan was a central powerbase, it is estimated that as many as 13,000 temples and stupas once stood here. Approximately 2200 remain today, still an impressive number for any visitor to get their head around. FEATURED TRIP: BAGAN EXPLORER (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS) Be captivated by the spirituality, history and culture of Bagan. Explore the iconic temples, taking in the most famous monuments as well as many lesser-known pagodas. Then go beyond the temple zone to discover Bagan's mélange of traditional villages, beautiful landscapes and ancient customs. HIGHLIGHTS Explore Bagan's archaeological zone.…

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    EXO Explores – River Cruising & Beach Breaks, Myanmar
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    EXO Explores – River Cruising & Beach Breaks, Myanmar

    Myanmar's waterways are as integral to the country's character and soul as its golden pagodas and multitude of ethnic groupings. There are over 5000 miles of navigable river in the nation, and boat travel has traditionally been one of the main ways of getting around. These days, with domestic airlines and improvements in infrastructure making travel within the country a lot easier, the country's huge fleet of riverboats do less of a trade than in the past.  However, those with plenty of time on their hands will find that taking the watery route remains the most evocative way to appreciate the languid rhythms of Burmese life. While government ferries can be ramshackle, a number of private companies operate more luxurious itineraries on new vessels or upgraded relics from the British colonial era ranging from a day or two to over a week. The most important river in the country is the Irrawaddy, which is navigable all the way from its delta to the town of Bhamo in Kachin State during the dry season and even further in the wet season. The most popular Irrawaddy cruises take in the sights at Mandalay and Bagan while longer itineraries explore less charted, but…

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    Dive into the latest from EXO Myanmar: News, travel inspiration and stories

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