Top 10 Things to Buy in Myanmar
Mingalaba! Warmest welcome from the splendid country of Myanmar. When it comes to spectacular Myanmar, be immersed by not only the golden light of gilded Buddhist sites but also by the country’s history, culture, and natural values. Don’t forget to look for some elegant (and sometimes delicious) souvenirs to bring home for your beloved friends and family. You might not know if you have found a relic. Below come the top 10 gifts that Myanmar offers its precious travelers.
1. Jewelries
Myanmar is definitely a shimmering pin on the map of travelers since its gleam comes from golden religious sites, colonial buildings, and ingenious handicrafts. Don’t hesitate to adorn yourself with some little shining items as well. Gemstone jewelleries are popular in Myanmar, which are mainly high quality but affordable ruby, jade, and sapphire. The gemstone industry is reported to cover almost 50% of the country’s GDP. Rely on your tour guide and government - approved sites when seeking Burmese exquisite jewellery since fake items are also quite common.
Bogyoke Aung San Market in Yangon is recommended for buying elegant jewelleries (Note: the market is closed on Monday).
2. Longyi
Where else on earth can you get a Burmese traditional costume but in Myanmar? The indigenous longyi comes with diversified old - fashioned patterns and textures. One can cost you from $3 to even $100 depending on the fabric, patterns and the costume’s complexity. Furthermore, you can have your longyi customized and designed with your own preference, making the costume even more fashionable to wear in your home country.
The most highly recommended locations to purchase longyi are Bogyoke Aung San Market in the charming city of Yangon and silks workshops in Mandalay where provide products with the best quality and impressive shopping experience since the tailor should make your longyi perfectly fit. Feel free to observe the making of your delightful costumes.
3. Sand Paintings
The idea of sand paintings is said to originate from an earthquake striking in 1995 when the locals made efforts to preserve the valuable murals by creating another form of resembling them. Since then, this form of art has become the occupation of many locals as sand paintings rank one of the most gorgeous souvenirs rated by travelers from around the world.
A single item might take up to a few days to be completed as it is not just sand that makes up the paintings but cloths, paint, stylus, and glue as well. The bewildering work is considered to require great patience and creativeness to deliver.
Sand paintings can be bought anywhere around the country, nonetheless, the heart of sand painting making is Bagan – the city of countless temples. Various vendors can be found around the religious sites on the temple plain of Bagan or in Nyaung Oo.
4. Tapestries
Besides sand paintings, tapestries stand among the most outstanding cultural values of the Burmese. Such peculiar work costs no less effort than the making of sand paintings does. The price for a product varies from $3 to $35 upon the materials and patterns. Some are even adorned with gold threads, glasses, pearls, and gemstones. Because of the market’s demand, in addition to traditional tapestries, numerous types of products such as handbags, blankets, and purses are popular among tourists as well.
The best place to seek this well - known Myanmar handicraft is the city of Mandalay. The cost depends on the product’s quality.
5. Lacquerware
In spite of being told to originate from China and severely affected by Thailand, Burmese lacquerware still possesses its own distinctive features. The types of lacquerware vary to determine its uniqueness such as Thayoe Pan Yun (relief molded), Ka Nyit Yn (incised) and Shwe Zawa Yun (gold leaf). This is definitely a - not - to - be -missed souvenir to buy in your Asia private holidays.
From basic lacquerware items like bowls and vases to more exquisite ones like ornamentations can be purchased anywhere in the country, especially in Bagan. Mingle around local markets and look for the best products to take home.
6. Marionette
Since the country is rich in historical and cultural treasures, marionettes as a form of antique art is a symbol of Myanmar. Marionette puppetry (or so-called Yoke Thae) is a way of conveying the vivid Burmese culture. Nowadays, travelers to Myanmar are not only mesmerized by vibrant puppet performances but also elegant wooden handmade puppets which can be bought as lovely souvenirs. The marionettes are sold widely in Bagan near the temples.
7. Carvings
Carving is one of the best options for what to buy in Myanmar. The two major types of carvings are either wood carvings or marble carvings. The first type is mainly made of teakwood and comes in diversified designs such as Buddhist-related sculptures, animals and flowers, mostly made in Mandalay. The other type which is carved marble statues can be found in Sagaing Hill as the most popular site.
8. Gold Leaves
In the kingdom of gold, gold leaf is such a common item that it has gone beyond the original purpose to become a symbolic must-buy souvenir of Myanmar. Pure gold leaves are used to adorn lacquerware products and Buddhist sacred stupas. They are also made into medicines and beauty cosmetics for the locals.
If one happens to visit the legendary city of Mandalay, don’t miss the chance to stop by King Galon to observe the making of these exquisite gold leaves.
9. Tamarind Flakes
It would be a huge mistake not to include this tasty sweet on the list. Tamarind flake is one of the most iconic delicacies exclusive to the region of Bagan. This sour but sweet snack will surely please a sweet tooth. The price is, nevertheless, quite reasonable at only $1 for a bag of 6-7 pieces. Wander around the temple plain of Bagan and remember to bring home this exotic taste of Myanmar.
10. Cigars
Come visit Shan State which is home to the famous Burmese handmade cigar. This exclusive product consists of tobacco leaves as the main ingredient and other side spices like stems and wood chips to produce a one - of - a - kind taste of legend. Vendors on Inle Lake are told to offer the best quality, but in fact, cigars are available in every market across Myanmar.
Thanks to the country’s natural supplies, Burmese cigars provide a warm and satisfying fragrance. Try some and feast your eyes on the artful process of cigar production by local women before buying them as gifts. Not to mention its affordability.
In summary, Myanmar not only offers travellers a chance to admire the spectacular pagodas and landscapes but the exotic and outstanding souvenirs. Especially, Burmese handicrafts are some of the best things to buy in Myanmar that take a lot of time and effort to make and hold high value in culture. We do hope that our list above can give you some ideal suggestions of what to bring back home after your journey to the Golden Land. For more useful info about Myanmar travel, check out our complete Myanmar Travel Guides.
