Freedom of religion in Myanmar

Since the Myanmar ancient times, there has been full freedom of worship for followers of Burma religions in Myanmar. So many different religions can be practiced in Myanmar. Buddhism is practiced by almost 90 percent of Myanmar religion Burma's population, with the Myanmar Theravada Buddhism School being the most prevalent. It has a firm hold in Myanmar's culture along with an observance of animism, or the worship of ancestors (nat). In Myanmar culture, there are many Myanmar festivals and celebrations held that correlate with nat. Nat also has influence on the practice of Myanmar traditional medicine in Myanmar religion Burma. Travel Indochina Myanmar
Myanmar Religion
There are other religions in Myanmar, but they are not as widespread as Buddhism and animism. Some of the beliefs found include Christianity (Baptists) in Myanmar hill areas and Muslims. Christianity is practiced by 5.5 percent of Burmese Myanmar, Islam by 3.8 percent Hinduism by 0.5 percent and Animism by 0.2 percent before respectively in Myanmar. Myanmar travel tours
Myanmar Culture of Religion

Myanmar is a predominantly Theravada Buddhist country. Buddhism reached Myanmar around the beginning of the Christian era, mingling with Hinduism (also imported from India) and indigenous animism in Myanmar. The Pyu and Mon kingdoms of the first millennium were Buddhist, but the early Burmese Myanmar peoples were animists. According to Myanmar religion Burma traditional history, Myanmar King Anawrahta of Bagan adopted Buddhism in 1056 and went to war with the Mon kingdom of Thaton in the south of Myanmar country in order to obtain the Buddhist Canon and learned Myanmar monks in Myanmar religion history. The religious Myanmar tradition created at this time, and which continues to the present day in Myanmar, is a syncretalist mix of what might be termed 'pure' Buddhism (of the Sri Lankan or Theravada school) with deep-rooted elements of the original animism or nat-worship [2] [3] and even strands of Hinduism and the Mahayana tradition of northern India.
On the other hand, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and others are also practiced in Myanmar – respectively account for four percent, four percent, two percent and one percent in the population. The main spirit of these religions is to respect individuals’ freedom and to help stabilizingpeace as well as the development of the country.
Theravada Buddhism
From the 11th century, in Bagan – one of Myanmar’s old capital, Theravada Buddhism or Hinayana Buddhism was spread and widely promoted by King Anawrahta (1044 – 1077 AD) who found the first Myanmar Dynasty. From then on, it has been played an important role in Burma’s life, art, architecture and society as well as has been reflected on all the Buddhist temples and pagodas all over the country. Nowadays, most Burmese are Buddhist and the Buddhism is considered as the national religion of country.
Christians
With about four percent in Myanmar’s population, Christians was introduced from the 18th century and developed until now in a small number of Burmese. Being a part of Myanmar religions, Christians divided into two arms, Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.
Muslims
Muslims followers are also about four percent of Myanmar’s population who almost believe the Sunni set. A small part of ethnic minorities of Indians, Indo-Burmese and the Chinese Hui people in Myanmar follow Muslims.

Central Myanmar and Bagan

Central Myanmar and Bagan
The central plains – the arid lands between the Ayeyarwady River in the west and the Shan hills to the east – have seen many kingdoms rise and fall, including that of the Pyu who were the earliest inhabitants of Myanmar for whom records exist. The ruins of Thayekhittaya, close to the busy trading town of Pyay, still hint at the grandeur of the Pyu dynasty, which was at its peak from the fifth to ninth centuries. The mighty sixteenth-century dynasty based further east in the town of Taungoo, on the other hand, left fewer tangible traces but the town is still a rewarding place to spend a day or two exploring off the tourist trail. The same cannot be said of the military junta’s twenty-first-century stab at a “royal capital”, which is the literal translation of Nay Pyi Taw. Tours Indochina Myanmar
Certainly the new capital has nothing to compare to Bagan, but then again few places in the world can offer a spectacle as breathtaking as its vast stupa and temple-strewn plain. In the eleventh century, King Anawrahta of Bagan became the first to unite the lands that now form Myanmar, and today the legacy of his embrace of Theravada Buddhism exerts a stronger influence on tourist imaginations than anywhere else in the country.
Bagan
Holding the same standards as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Bagan ranks among the greatest wonders of the world in Myanmar. Bagan gains fame for over 2,000 awe-inspiring pagodas. When you arrive at this wonder, you can feast the eyes with thousands of hundreds-year-old religious structures. The name Bagan itself means “the City of the Enemy Crusher”. Tours in Myanmar

What to Write in a Memo about Bagan, Myanmar
Settled on the dry central plains on the eastern bank of Ayeyarwady River, Bagan city is pictured with numerous ancient stupas and temples from most of its corners. Such feature makes Bagan one of the most noteworthy archaeological sites in Myanmar and the whole Asia. In the Southeast Asian contexts, this ancient city of Myanmar is one of the most significant religious sites. The tourists coming to this ancient city will never forget the wonderful view of the brick temples against the background of the expansive plains. The city is about 50 miles southwest of Mandalay.
At the center of Bagan, there stand numerous ancient temples and buildings that were constructed from the 11th to the 13th century. It is reported that most of the temples were built by the ancient Kings as well as the leaders of Burma. As time passes, Bagan is blessed with thousands of impressive temples – the major highlights of the land to win the tourists’ interest.
People agree that Bagan in Myanmar is dotted with many mind-blowing temples. The view of the city becomes utterly mysterious when you spread the eyes over many holy spires rising through the mist. Once again, Bagan is on par with Angkor Wat of Cambodia. And even when Angkor is featured with the valuable “buried in the jungle” trail for adventure, the charm of Bagan is matchless. Thousands of temples and pagodas in Bagan seem to be unobstructed.
You can enjoy sitting on the hotels’ balcony and look towards the holy silence made up by the gleaming spires and the valley around. Coming to Bagan, the tourists can choose to stay in the old city walls or in the new town. Please note that they new town has the lively market as well as the tea shop culture.
Monywa
Monywa has long held a top position in the list of the best destinations in Myanmar. People think of Monywa as the land of the standing Buddha and the golden pagodas. Trust us, many tourists have experienced the satisfactory Myanmar Tours in Monywa and shared their unique experiences with the whole world. Draw your focus on the outstanding name of Monywa, Myanmar!
How Can The Monywa Tourist Attractions Win Your Interest?
Monywa City is situated in Sagaing Region, just about 136km northwest of Mandalay, on the eastern bank of the River Chindwin. Due to the industry developing around the town, the city ignites the more dynamic feel than any other central region in Myanmar. The land is full of the lively markets while the main streets become animated at the night. The vibrant atmosphere is made up of many beer stations and food stalls.
Thanboddhay Pagoda (also known as Thambuddhei Paya) is the colorful and uniquely stylish pagoda that stores more than 500,000 Buddha images. Also, the spectacular pagoda is characterized with hundreds of the golden spires. For the scenic views of the pagoda and the bordering plains, you can get into the beautiful watchtower on the monastery with ease.
Furthermore, move to the site of Bodhi Tataung Laykyun Sekkya Standing Buddha Statue. The impressively religious statue is 129m in height (including the pedestal). It is measured as the world’s second tallest Buddha statue. The first time you encounter the site, you will be amazed at its magnificence. The wonderful statue is set at the back of the huge religious structures that feature the Bodhi trees, gardens housing many sitting Buddha statues and a gigantic 95-metre long reclining Buddha lying in front of the Laykyun Sekkya.
Also feast your eyes with the special depictions of Buddhist teachings inside the religious sites. The warning images of depravity and the penalty of the evil-doers, etc., urge people to do the good things in life. Plus, the tourists can climb some floors to find many inspiring alarming pictures drawn in the sense of Buddha teachings.
What’s more, Hpo Win Daung Caves are worth visiting. Just about 25km west of Monywa, you find the complex of 947 caves that were created between 14th and 18th century. Inside the caves, there lie hundreds of the Buddha images and the ornate mural paintings. Interestingly, the caves are where the Hpo Win Duang Festival is celebrated in November. It is the biggest festival in Monywa city.
Ledi Kyaungteik Monastery is another attraction to visit. Here, you find many Buddhist scriptures that have been inscribed on up to 806 stone slabs. Besides, the Kyaukka Village is also famous for the exceptional style of lacquerware.

Travel to Hoi An

Located some 25km southeast of Danang is the ancient town of Hoi An. One of the key attractions of central Vietnam, it occupies a scenic location along the banks of the Thu Bon River, just a few kilometres inland from the coast and the charms of lovely Cua Dai Beach. To the south is the Unesco-listed Cham site of My Son. Indochina holidays In Vietnam
Hoi An Accommodation and Shopping
One shall find his accommodation options ranging from lowly affordable motel rooms as low as $8 per day to the world-class 6-star top-of-the-line allegedly-best-in Southeast-Asia Nam Hai resort nearby, which starts at a whooping $600. Vietnam may be small, but there will always be an extra bedroom for the staying- over guest. These days, the guests may well outnumber the homeowners however. True to its origin, Hoi An today still boasts a booming trade.
Nam Hai Resort amongst the most luxury in the world's hotel industry
Of the things sold in town, there are only 3 different categories. First is souvenir, the second being clothing and the last is food, both western and Vietnamese. The souvenir is not something to write home about, since offerings are limited in diversity throughout the country. Hoi An is better known for its tailor shops, which mostly service personal bespoke orders. Tourists circulate rumor that people stay in this little sleepy town for entire weeks doing nothing, waiting just to have their shirts made to the perfect fit. Most designs are traditional Vietnamese in nature, with some offer contemporary twists and touches of foreign taste as well. Vietnam tours packages

Hoi An lantern makes a perfect house deco - and inexpensive
Coupled with the right prices, Hoi An is truly a shoppers’ paradise, one that dictates its western customers on a unique oriental sense of style. Paradox does not end. One imagines never being able to find western food in such a hardcore Vietnamese setting. That turns out not the case. Hoi An is home to multiple restaurants that serve big hearty American meals with only a small portion of the menu dedicated to local food. The locals prefer their sidewalk vendors to the many re-innovated house-turned-restaurants out there.
Places to see near Hoi An
Cua Dai Beach
Just 5km (3 miles) from Hoi An is the broad silvery expanse of Cua Dai Beach. This stretch of sand is lined with several good beachside resorts, including one of Vietnam’s most expensive, the fabulously indulgent Nam Hai. Some 20km (12 miles), or 25 minutes by speedboat, from Hoi An and Cua Dai Beach is Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, which comprises eight islands that make up the Cham Islands archipelago. The marine park is one of the finest diving spots in central Vietnam. The main Cham Island is known for its rich bounty of swallows’ nests (the species in question is, in fact, German’s swiftlet), used in birds’ nest soup – a prized delicacy in Chinese communities all over Asia.
My Son
The ancient kingdom of Champa, which is thought to date back to the second century AD and flourished from the fifth to the 15th centuries, once occupied the central Vietnamese coast all the way to the Dong Nai River in the south. After many struggles, Champa was conquered by the Vietnamese – but the Cham people remained. As their kingdom was swallowed piecemeal by the invading Viet (Kinh), increasing numbers of Cham fled to neighbouring Cambodia, though others chose to remain under Viet tutelage in their former homelands. My Son, nestled under the green slopes of Cat’s Tooth Mountain (Nui Rang Meo) some 50km (31 miles) from Hoi An, is the site of Vietnam’s most important Cham monuments and was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1999. It is one of the most atmospheric locations anywhere in the country, with the crumbling ruins set in a verdant jungle. Chosen as a religious sanctuary by King Bhadravarman I in the fourth century, many temples and towers (kalan) were built in this area. There are 11 designated temple groups in My Son, and there are likely to be other groups of ruins that are either unpublicised or undiscovered.

Cool things to do in Laos

Cool things to do in Laos
Watch the sun set over the Mekong
Head up to Phu Si Hill in the centre of town in Luang Prabang – you can’t miss it as it has a temple on top that can be seen from every angle. From here you get views of the mountains surrounding Luang Prabang and the point where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet. Stunning. Mekong river cruise in Laos
See one of the nicest waterfalls in Asia
I spent 9 months travelling all over Southeast Asia and I must say that the Kuang Si Waterfall near Luang Prabang is the prettiest I saw. It features a large cascade from which you can jump down into pools below. A series of smaller azure-coloured falls and pools make for excellent swimming holes. (I hope you’re not ticklish, as little fish will be giving you a free pedicure…)
Take a hot air balloon ride in Vang Vieng
Take the chance to fly above Vang Vieng, Laos in a world-class hot air balloon, operated under strict international standards. Your pilot is an internationally trained hot air balloon pilot with years of experience, so there’s nothing to fear. Hot air ballooning is notoriously expensive but in Vang Vieng it is considered to be one of the cheapest places in the world to experience the andrenaline of floating over 900 metres in the air in nothing but a basket attached to a massive balloon. Tours in Laos
Thanks to Alex In Wanderland, we have some great pictures to show with you that she captured on her very own flight over Vang Vieng:

This is one of the only ways in which to truly experience and see the beauty of the limestone mountains & forestry that Laos is famous for.
There are several launch sites around Vang Vieng that you will begin your journey from. Once in the air, you’ll have the chance to float over the Nam Song River, the beautiful mountains and the town of Vang Vieng itself.
After 40 minutes in the air, you’ll make your way back towards ground-level, where a truck will be waiting to take you back into town for a meal or some rest.
Learn to cook Laotian food
Tamarind restaurant in Luang Prabang does a great cooking course, but there are others around the country. There’s a great minced-meat stir fry dish in Laos called Laap, which I highly recommend eating, but I also recommend learning how to cook it!
Of the Lao menu, my personal favourites are the pumpkin curry, the stirfry pork & aubergine, chicken laap and the mok paa (fish steamed in banana leaf). Take note though - on busy nights you should be prepared to bring some patience with you. As each dish is cooked fresh from scratch, service can be slow; but if you have the time it's worth the wait.
I felt it was high time I learned to cook some Lao food, which is not a hugely well known cuisine globally - unlike the dishes of neighbouring Thailand, China and Vietnam - but really deserves to be so. Lao food tends to be much lighter than Thai food and uses numerous flavorful fresh herbs and plants. Almost every meal is served up with a bamboo basket of glutenous sticky rice (known in Lao as kao niao) on the side. More information of Lao cuisine and its origins can be found here, or in one of the books listed at the end of this post.
Anyway, rather than join a big group at one of the cooking schools, I asked Toui if he would give me a private cooking lesson and teach me some Lao recipes.

Nung Ethnic in Ha Giang

Nung Ethnic in Ha Giang Vietnam
Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country with over fifty distinct groups (54 are recognized by the Vietnamese government), each with its own language, lifestyle, and cultural heritage. Many of the local ethnic groups are known collectively in the West as Montagnard or Degar. The largest ethnic groups are: Kinh (Viet) 86.2%, Tay 1.9%, Tai Ethnic 1.7%, Mường 1.5%, Khmer Krom (Khơ Me Crộm) 1.4%, Hoa 1.1%, Nùng 1.1%, Hmong 1%, others 4.1% (1999 census). The Vietnamese term for ethnic group is literally "minority people". Travel Indochina Vietnam

The Nùng (pronounced as noong [nuːŋ]) are an ethnic minority in Vietnam whose language belongs to the Central Tai branch of the Tai-Kadai language family. The Nùng sometimes call themselves as Tho (Vietnamese: Thổ, a shared name between the Tày and the Cuối, literally means Natives). In traditional times, they were sometimes referred by the Vietnamese as Thai. The term Thai Nung is also used to distinguish them with the Chinese Nùng who were the majority ethnic group in the Nung Autonomous Territory of Hai Ninh (1947-1954). The Nùng's ethnic name is often mingled with the Tày as Tày-Nùng.

Nung people mainly distribute in Quan Ba district, they live in valleys nearly rivers, streams or hills and live on farming rice, with high cultivation technique. Their animal husbandry highly developed while other handicraft makings are very diverse such as forging, casting, carpenters, knitting, paper making and especially cloth weaving. North Vietnam tours



Clothing mainly in an indigo color, the Nung women wear five-panel robes with buttons under the right armpit. Men wear shirts upright collar leaving open at breast and belly but having a row of cloth bottons and four pockets without cover.

According to the Vietnam census, the population of the Nùng numbered about 856,412 by 1999 and 968,800 by 2009. It's estimated to be more than 1,000,000 in 2014 (based on the 2009 census and 5 years of population growth). In Vietnam, the Nùng are the third largest Tai-speaking group, preceded by the Tày and the Thái (Black Tai, White Tai and Red Tai groups), and sixth overall among national minority groups.

They are closely related to the Tày and the Zhuang. In China, the Nùng, together with the Tày, are classified as Zhuang people. The Nùng are divided into several sub-groups such as: Nùng Xuồng, Nùng Giang, Nùng An, Nùng Phàn Sình, Nùng Lòi, Nùng Cháo, Nùng Quý Rỉn, Nùng Dín, Nùng Inh, Nùng Tùng Slìn, Nùng Hàn Xích, Nùng Sẻng, Nùng Gửi, Nùng Vảng, Nùng Giang Viện, Nùng Si Kết, Nùng Vên (Én) etc. Many of the Nùng's sub-group names correspond to the geographic regions of the Nùng homeland. Hoàng Nam (2008:11) lists the following Nùng subgroups.

Clothing mainly in an indigo color, the Nung women wear five-panel robes with buttons under the right armpit. Men wear shirts upright collar leaving open at breast and belly but having a row of cloth bottons and four pockets without cover.

Culture

The Nung language resembles the Tay, and belongs to the Tay-Thai Group. The Nung have a written language called Nom Nung (Nung scripts) which has prevailed since the 17th century. The Nung have an abundant wealth of folk arts and cultural activities including folksongs and alternative songs ("sli"). The smooth melodies of the "sli" are harmonious with the natural sounds of the forests and mountains. This type of folksong is a combination of verse and music.

The "Lung Tung" (Going to the Fields) Ceremony is very well known and attracts many people of all ages. This ceremony is always organized on the first month of the lunar year.

They live in wide stilt house with the outer compartment reserved for men and ancestor worship and the inner one reserved for women. Nung people do not celebrate death anniversaries, which makes birthday (celebration of life) for those beyond 50 years old and worship for the dead on July 15th, of lunar calender.

Wedding ceremonies still preserve many ancient customs and the brother of the groom’s mother plays a very important role in representing the groom’s family in mariage proposal and organising all ceremonies related to the wedding. The Nung flokloric culture is very famous with the “Sli”, a love dialogue song of the youth.