Myanmar Team Building Location

9 Reasons Myanmar is the Intrepid Choice for your next Incentive Trip

Myanmar is now pulling in between 2 million and 5 million tourists a year since opening up to tourists in 1992 and political changes have made the country more hospitable and unleashed a wave of optimism in the country.  Cultural and historical gems in Myanmar such as Bagan, Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon, and the relaxed walled city of Mandalay which has a Chiang Mai sort of vibe from 20 or more years ago, all stand out as great locations to foster improved team dynamics.  As the country is so far behind in development in comparison to neighboring Thailand, Myanmar is open to all kinds of visitors from backpackers, flashpackers, families, solo travelers, and indeed corporate clients on team building incentive trips.

Here are 9 reasons Myanmar is an intrepid choice for your next incentive trip or team building event:

1. Trailblazing

Tourism to Myanmar has only really opened up since 2010 and so the country still retains much of its authentic culture and hospitality.  Myanmar is one of the only countries remaining in Southeast Asia that has an underdeveloped tourism sector and so there is much to be seen and explore.

2. Great Savings

Although not as cheap as it was a few years ago, Myanmar still firmly falls within the budget range of destinations.  Transportation, eating out, activities, and accommodations can be found for a range of clientele at affordable prices.  It is best to bring USD and then convert it to the local Kyat otherwise paying in USD will be more expensive.

3. Untouched Beaches and Islands

As the southern most part of the country is more remote, the rate of development has been slower here than in other regions of the country meaning there are scores of untouched beaches and islands.  The idyllic nature of these environs make them perfect for Survivor type team challenges.  Imagine having the chance to visit Maya Bay near Koh Phi Phi or Koh Samui thirty years ago; this is that chance in Myanmar.  Come now to beat the crowds and experience the unspoilt natural beauty of the Burmese south.

4. Mergui Archipelago

Part of the collection of untouched beaches and islands is the remote Mergui Archipelago.  These islands were forbidden for tourist to visit until 1997.  Even now, development is almost invisible compared to southern Thailand meaning it is possible to explore a corner of the world where few outside people have ever been.  Groups can be taken on 7 or 10 day boat trips to the Mergui Archipelago to engage in a number of team building events on beaches, islands, remote villages, and in the jungles.

5. Bagan

The area of surrounding Bagan is an archeological site containing literally over 2,000 pagodas and other religious monuments spread out over a dry and harsh land.  This is most impressively observed via a hot air balloon at first sunrise to take in a site of true majestic beauty.  The sprawling site makes it an ideal location for Amazing Race and treasure hunt type team challenges.  Many regard Bagan as the equal to Angkor Wat in Cambodia and as such is becoming ever more popular with international visitors to the country.

6. Inle Lake

The 2^nd largest fresh water lake in Myanmar is popular with visitors due to the ability to get up close and see the local’s daily routines that have barely changed for hundreds of years.  You’ll see men fishing and farming using traditional methods and the women making authentic woven crafts for visiting tourists.  Not only is Inle Lake renowned for the ability to glimpse into the past but Inle Lakes for a very relaxing and serene location after spending time in Asian mega cities.

7. Mandalay

As the last royal capital of Myanmar, Mandalay is the undisputed cultural capital of the country.  At the heart of the city is the old royal palace which is surrounded by  8m tall walls, complete with a 2x2km 18m wide water filled moat. The walls and bastions along it are a sight to behold and the palace itself is a replica of the original teak wood structure.  Not far from there is Mandalay Hill where you can visit the Taung Pyae pagoda atop the 240 tall hill.  Museums and cultural exhibits can also be found throughout the city.

8. Humanitarian CSR Opportunities

While Myanmar has opened up to democratic reforms, the harsh legacy of the former junta, civil war, and ethnic strife of the past has left many people affected.  CSR projects can be made to help out in local communities in a number of ways.  Projects can include building a school, building bicycles for children, installing clean drinking and sanitation facilities, and restoring local historical sites, among others.

9.  Burmese Cuisine

Experience a cuisine you’ve very likely never tried before.  Myanmar has a diverse cuisine owing to its neighbors in Thailand, India, and China.  Special treats include Mohinga rice noodles with orange fish sauce, the energizing tea leaf salad, and Shan noodles with stir-fried chicken in bean sauce, vegetables, and peanuts.  Curries are another popular choice among the locals.