Despite associated with a fascinating, but also turbulent past, the people and government and Myanmar have a clear focus on the present and the future. Along with economic progression comes the demand for new Myanmar serviced apartments.
Despite associated with a fascinating, but also turbulent past, the people and government and Myanmar have a clear focus on the present and the future. Along with economic progression comes the demand for new Myanmar serviced apartments.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is populated by over fifty-three million people. The country covers over 260,000 square miles of land and has a coastline, looking out onto the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, stretching over 1,200 square miles. Myanmar also shares borders with Thailand, Laos, China and India. A major topographical feature of Myanmar is the Irrawaddy River, the largest in the country, which flows from north to south. It acts as a vital commercial waterway and important centre for Burmese wildlife. The capital of Myanmar is Naypyidaw. Known as the ‘ghost city’ Naypyidaw is considerably large, covering over 2,500 square miles, with only a population of 920,000. This makes for an incredibly relaxed serviced apartment living in perhaps the quietest capital in the world.
Upon finding a forty-five-million-year-old fossil in Myanmar, archaeologists believe the country to be the birthplace of humanity. For sure though, the land was a key trade spot in the region up until the emergence of the first Burmese Empire. Following a ‘golden period’ and three Burmese empires, the natives ultimately could not resist British colonisation. Decisive Anglo-Burmese wars chipped away at Burmese control before it became administered into British India. Throughout the twentieth century, the roles of individuals such as Aung San and continuous protests towards British rule gradually led to eventual independence in 1948. Burmese history remained bumpy though for the next few decades, with an ongoing tussle between democratic and militarised rule persisting. Eventually, in 2015, Myanmar became democratic, and the country has looked upwards ever since.
After diminishing civil wars, the priority of Burmese has been to continue its progressive economic growth. Strong industrial performance and profitable exports, particularly agricultural products, have pathed the way for both national and social improvements. Nationally, the country has a geographical advantage. It is both the largest nation in south-east Asia and increasingly integrated into both regional and global trade. Internally, poverty reduction has been a clear signifier of economic improvement, whilst the Myanmar National Community Driven Development Project has significantly improved infrastructure, bettering both the country’s social and business climates. Trusting that macroeconomic stability and fiscal responsibility continues, Myanmar’s economy could experience growth higher than it has for the last five years.
Central to encouraging foreign investment into Myanmar is its Investment Promotion Plan (MIPP). Shaping a ‘New Myanmar’ is the priority. Despite strong trade connections within the ASEAN, Myanmar also aims to invite overseas investment. Incentives for this include the creation of special economic zones (Thilawa, Kyaukphyu). These are prime locations for the best industrial facilities and simplified business procedures. The implementation of task forces also ensures business undertaking is supported, regarding the protection of property and law or banking related issues. Then again, on the whole, the attention of the Burmese government has mainly been on improving infrastructure facilities. This can only mean positives for those looking to stay in Myanmar's city apartments throughout business travel. Another benefit of travel to Myanmar is the recent stability of the currency, the Burmese Kyat (K). Inflation has been lessened in the last years, and exchange rates can be seen at www.xe.com.
There are only twelve country’s nationals who qualify for visa exemption when travelling to Myanmar. However, EU, US, Canadian and Australian residents can simply apply for an eVisa for business and tourist travel. It is only the Chinese that can obtain a visa upon arrival. A good website to use to gather other visa information is www.myanmarvisagov.asia.
Once you make it into Myanmar, it is worth considering some particular local laws. Be most aware that insulting religion is a prosecutable offence. Immodest clothing or disrespectful depictions of Buddhism are two obvious examples of religious disrespect. It is also important to be wary of attitudes towards the LGBT community as, for instance, homosexuality is technically illegal in Burma. The Burmese also have an affiliation towards its wildlife, standing by some restrictions regarding endangered species of plants and animals. Belongs as you consider these aspects of society, you will most likely both enjoy your trip and stay in the various Burmese corporate accommodation.
Compared to the rest of the region the Myanmar driving experience is one of the smoothest and most straightforward. It is unique as although traffic goes along the right-hand side of the road, steering wheels are also typically found on the right side of cars. This confusion followed a switch from left to right in 1970, after Myanmar attempts to distance itself from its British past. Also, be aware that to drive here you must be granted permission from Myanmar Travel & Tours (MTT) and the Road Transport Administration Department (RTAD). After gaining eligibility, you can freely hire cars, motorcycles or electric bikes. Be cautious though of surprise driving costs, common village tolls, and areas inaccessible for foreign drivers. Otherwise, a good alternative would be taxi travel. Services are plentiful and cheap, costing around K5000 per hour.
Travellers to Myanmar can expect a trip filled with natural beauty. Surrounding the many temples and monasteries scattered across the country are truly stunning landscapes and views. An example of this is Mount Popa in central Myanmar. The extinct volcano rises 1500 metres above sea level and is astonishingly home to sacred Popa Taung Kalat monastery. Worth mentioning too is the famed Irrawaddy River. Dense with wildlife and nature, travelling on or along this vast river enables travellers a great opportunity to embrace Myanmar’s beauty, north to south. Along the way, you will come across an abundance of amazing Burmese pagodas and temples. You could also see Burma’s two largest lakes, the Inle and Indawgyi. Ultimately though, all these sights any many more are always never far away when staying in Burmese serviced apartments.
Although the Burmese take great pride from the country’s picturesque scenery and extraordinary landscape, the country’s major cities are also worth visiting. The ‘ghost city’ capital Naypyidaw is arguably Myanmar’s primary destination for culture and traditionality. Beautiful Burmese art is on display at the National Museum, whilst the stunning Uppatasanti Pagoda showcases enchanting Buddhist literature. Nature lovers are taken care of too, with the National Herb Park and Zoological Garden both jam-packed with Burmese wildlife. If you find yourself further down south in Myanmar though, an equally impressive major city is the former capital Yangon. Yangon has its own pagoda, the Shwedagon Paya, green spaces, such as People’s Park, and the Circular Railway, a commuter train offering easy commute across the city’s various landscapes.
Myanmar’s national identity, history and culture are unlike anywhere else in the world. Despite economic progress not labelled as Myanmar’s best quality, the progressive business climate still encourages increasing corporate travel and serviced apartment living here every year.
Myanmar only has three international airports, and these are Mandalay International Airport (MDL), Yangon/ Mingaladon International Airport (RGN) and Nay Pyi Taw International Airport (NYT).
Yangon Airport is considered the country’s primary airport, where all ten Myanmar carriers operate. Domestic flight services are frequent throughout all these airports though. Mandalay’s airport is based twenty miles away from the city centre, whereas Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw’s airport are no further than ten miles from their respective city centres. None of these airports has assisting rail or bus services though, so it worth arranging a car rental or booking a private taxi to your serviced apartment.
Since the first railway line was functional in 1877, Myanmar’s rail network now stretches over 3,300 miles, across over 850 train stations. Another 2,000 miles of track is certainly under construction too.
The network is extensive considering the large number of locations it covers. The types of train service are diverse, including sleeper, express and long-distance trains. Classes range from ordinary to upper and 1st class.
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