We all know about the “new” destination of Myanmar (formerly Burma). For me, nothing is new after no less than four visits, the first being in 2008 before the destination was “discovered” (not to mention my first consideration to travel there was as early as 1996). This planned city was incorporated as the new Capital of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in 2008.

Aside from eight-lane boulevards (with relatively light traffic), western-style shopping malls, international hotels and theme parks, one major attraction which I found worthy of visitation to what some may label as a “concrete jungle,” were the peripheral communities around this spotless city. Having stated this, just observing the chambers of the “Hluttaw”(Parliament) and Military museum externally was a thrill in themselves. Additionally, were some impressive theme parks, not usually found in tourist destinations such as the National Landmark Gardens, the 99-metre high Uppatasanti pagoda and the vast Defence Services Museum (Closed to non-Tatmadaw personnel at the time of the visit in 2014; full of tanks, naval vessels, guns and fighter jets parked everywhere; viewable externally).

However, my connection was with the townships surrounding Naypyidaw where it was possible to eat in local restaurants, congregate with the locals and visit the tiny Catholic Church of St. Michael the Archangel in the satellite town of Pyinmana, (which Google shows us is being replaced by a much larger building, under construction as at the time of writing).

This gives me the optimism Naypyidaw is well worth visiting and tourists should visit satellite towns and connect with locals as a form of immersive and slow tourism and you won’t be disappointed. Naypyidaw is safe to visit.

For more information about tourism in Myanmar, email Dr John Ayoub via the contact details listed below.

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