From global travelers to world leaders, it seems everyone's talking about Myanmar these days. Since the country's government relaxed travel restrictions for foreign visitors last year, Myanmar has hovered near the top of numerous tourism industry lists of "top places to visit."
U.S. President Barack Obama just dropped by.
Yet, despite its growing reputation as the world's next great travel spot, Myanmar simply doesn't deliver -- at least not yet. If you're considering a visit, here are five things to consider before booking your ticket:
- It's Overrated: There. Someone finally said it. Myanmar is overrated. Sure, there are some impressive sites to see: Bagan's temples, Inle Lake's landscapes, the world's largest reclining Buddha. But the country simply does not live up to the acclaim bestowed upon it by countless travel writers who have anointed it the place to be. True, Myanmar's people are some of the friendliest, most sincere in the world. Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda will impress. And a couple of the aforementioned places are must-sees. But unless expectations are tempered and the cities of Mandalay and Yangon get complete makeovers, travelers may well leave disappointed.
At the end of the day, the country is an impressive destination, as my wife and I learned recently during a 28-day visit. It's also one that can no doubt deliver an unforgettable and rewarding travel experience, as long as travelers do their research and temper expectations before arrival.