PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD > Myanmar (Burma) > 1

Bhamo, Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is one of the hidden gems of Asia. 

Until recently a hermit state that closed its borders when a military junta took power, it has slowly let foreigners in, banking on the incredible amount of cultural and natural beauty it hosts. If sights are stunning, common people are even more charming. Even on the tourists' "beaten track" the Burmese show a discretion mixed with a genuine welcoming curiosity that has gone long lost in other countries. And in more remote areas, such as going north for a few days following the Irrawaddy river, you experience the surprise of locals who see a rare foreigner. A surprise that is probably bigger than yours.

But this also one of the poorest countries in the world. Child and forced labour are very common, as both families and the State need hands for unskilled work. And a military dictatorship controls all information sources: no free press and virtually no internet. We believe that responsible tourism, in which foreigners interact with locals in a responsible way and select where their money should be spent, is a way to help forging a sensible relationship with the Burmese. Also, it will contribute to dispel the stereotypical descriptions of "Westerners" that used to be carried in the mass-media. Have more details in our "what you can do" section.

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