6 Interesting Facts About Myanmar - Six Fascinating Things about Myanmar Every Visitor Should Know

While travel brochures may delve into the countless Buddhist heritage sites in Myanmar, few explore the wealth of bird species occupying the country. It appears that winged beauties share a penchant for Myanmar as the country is home to a whopping 1000 bird species of which 51 are facing the threat of extinction. Although only 6 bird species among the thousand are endemic to the country, Myanmar remains a treasure trove for bird watchers. Some of the top locations to go bird watching in the country include Mount Victoria and Bagan while the Ayeyarwady delta wetlands are also teeming with birdies.

Few tourists venture down to the islands that lie just off the coast of Myanmar known as the Mergui Archipelago. Occupying pride of place near the Andaman Coastline, these islands are not beach paradises but ancient dwelling grounds of a number of ethnic groups. Called "sea gipsies" these indigenous communities enjoy a nomadic lifestyle and spend most of the year out at sea and only return to the islands to seek shelter from the monsoon rains.

Whether you are based at PARKROYAL Nay Pyi Taw or any other hotel in Nay Pyi Taw all travellers are likely to encounter Lahpet Thohk on the menus of local eateries. Myanmar's love of tea extends far beyond using it to flavour their morning or evening beverage and go so far as to consume the leaves uncooked in the form of a salad. Those who suffer from insomnia, however, should steer clear of Lahpet Thohk or Tea Leaf Salad as it is known to cause sleeplessness due to the high levels of caffeine contained in the leaves.

When travelling around Myanmar, one is likely to come across women and children who have slathered a cream-coloured paste on their faces in no particular pattern. Made from tree bark powder, this local cosmetic paste is known to keep one's skin silky smooth. Called Thanaka, this is a practice that dates back to 2000 years.

Tourists should avoid driving around Myanmar even if they possess an international driving license as the conditions on the road are quite chaotic. Apart from the fact that most of the vehicles are vintage cars with left-hand drives and modern Japanese right-hand drives, the respect locals show for road rules leaves much to be desired.

While the Temple of the Tooth in Sri Lanka houses a tooth extracted from Lord Buddha after his passing, Myanmar's Shwedagon Pagoda is where 8 strands of Lord Buddha's hair are stored. Pilgrims from around the world flock to pay tribute to this sacred relic which two local merchants are known to have received from Lord Buddha more than 2500 years ago.