It’s an understatement to call kimkim traveler Sara Pfrommer an experienced traveler. She recently returned from nearly four years of round-the-world travel, and her itch to explore continues bringing her to new places. Myanmar, still off the well-trodden Southeast Asia tourist circuit, was the location of her most recent adventure. Read on to see what surprised her most about Myanmar, and where she’s going next!
Let’s delve into your travel background. You and your travel partner seem like seasoned explorers! What are some of your favorite destinations around the globe? (Aside from the captivating Myanmar, of course!)
Back in 2014, I embarked on what I envisioned as a year-long journey – a life-long ambition realized, dedicated to traveling solo around the world. But as the one-year mark approached, I was having such an extraordinary time that the initial plan simply dissolved. The adventure continued, stretching for nearly three more fulfilling years. Eventually, I decided to settle back in Salt Lake City in 2016. This trip to Myanmar represented my first substantial adventure since that incredible, extended journey came to its end. It was time to dust off the backpack and embrace the unknown once again.
My travel companion, Kenton, and I share a history that extends all the way back to our high school days. We’re both comfortably in our mid-60s now, but there’s still a youthful exuberance that emerges when we travel, a sense of childlike wonder. Our travel style is definitely experiential – we crave immersion, wanting to fully engage with our surroundings through all our senses. We want to see every sight, inhale every scent, touch every texture, and savor every flavor. And importantly, we are keen to connect with the local people, to hear their stories and gain a deeper understanding of their lives. Kenton, myself, and two other dear friends previously journeyed to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley back in 2016. Peru profoundly impacted me, rapidly ascending to become one of my absolute favorite destinations. I also hold a deep affection for Thailand and Vietnam. The food of Southeast Asia, in general, holds a special place in my heart, and the people are quite possibly the kindest and most welcoming individuals I’ve ever encountered. The warmth and genuine hospitality are simply unparalleled.
What sparked your initial interest in Myanmar as your chosen travel destination?
The desire to visit Myanmar had been brewing within me for quite some time. I have several friends who had ventured there over the past few years, and their experiences were consistently glowing. They raved about the country’s unique character and undeniable charm. I was driven by a desire to experience the country while it remained relatively untainted by mass tourism, and that proved to be very much the case. It was incredibly rewarding and intellectually stimulating to interact with individuals who had limited exposure to the world beyond their own country, and in many cases, even beyond their immediate village. Their perspectives and insights were both humbling and fascinating.
Given your extensive travel experience in Southeast Asia, how did your experience in Myanmar differ from – or resemble – your experiences in other countries within the region?
Myanmar is undeniably less developed in terms of tourism infrastructure when compared to popular destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, and even Vietnam. While our guides were fluent in English, it was noticeable that relatively few of the other people we encountered possessed proficiency in languages other than Burmese. This added a layer of authenticity to our interactions. Myanmar also stands out as one of the most deeply religious countries I have ever had the privilege of visiting. Religious offerings and rituals are an integral part of daily life, woven into the fabric of society. They occurred continuously, capturing my attention and sparking my curiosity. Life in Myanmar possesses a certain simplicity and uncomplicated nature that was truly refreshing to observe. It felt like a privilege to witness a way of life so deeply connected to tradition and community.
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Which particular moment or aspect of your trip stands out as your absolute favorite?
We were fortunate enough to have so many incredible experiences throughout our journey. However, one that truly stands out in my memory is our participation in the full moon festival in Kalaw. We joined the locals to watch the vibrant procession wind its way through the town. The energy was palpable. Later, we found ourselves among thousands of people gathered to witness the exhilarating fireworks competition. The spectacle was unlike anything I had ever seen before! They actually set off a tower crammed with fireworks directly in the middle of the crowd, creating an atmosphere of sheer excitement and controlled chaos!
Another unforgettable memory revolves around our attempt to experience Bagan from above. Unfortunately, unfavorable weather conditions prevented us from taking a hot air balloon ride there. Instead, we opted for a balloon ride over Inle Lake. As we soared to an altitude of 10,000 feet, we were treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the shimmering lake and the surrounding majestic mountains. The serenity was almost dreamlike. However, the prevailing wind conditions proved to be a challenge, preventing us from returning to the original launch site. We eventually ended up making an unplanned landing in a local cornfield. Almost immediately, the villagers came running to see the balloon and its occupants! They were enthusiastically taking pictures of us, and we, in turn, were capturing their images. It was a truly special and spontaneous cultural exchange.
I also deeply appreciated the more casual interactions we had with the local people throughout our journey. On several occasions, I encountered women who expressed a desire to take a picture with me simply because they had not encountered many Western tourists before. This open interest and genuine curiosity, the desire to learn more about us, mirrored our own desire to understand their lives and culture. This reciprocal exchange of curiosity was one of the most distinctive and enriching aspects of our entire trip. It created a sense of connection that transcended language and cultural barriers.
Did anything about Myanmar particularly surprise you?
I was aware beforehand that Myanmar was a relatively less developed country, but I was still somewhat taken aback by what that actually looks like in practice. Seeing the people of Myanmar still employing oxen for farming, and witnessing the manual labor involved in repairing a road with rocks by hand in Mrauk U, provided a powerful reminder of the realities of life in the country. I was also struck by the pervasive influence of religion in Myanmar’s culture. It permeates every aspect of life, shaping values, traditions, and daily routines. It is undeniably part of the very essence of the country and its people. Furthermore, I am accustomed to the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of people in Southeast Asia. However, I was genuinely surprised by the sheer degree of friendliness displayed by the people we encountered in Myanmar. Their helpfulness, kindness, and generosity surpassed even my already high expectations. Their warmth was truly remarkable.
What advice would you offer to travelers who are considering a trip to Myanmar?
My strongest advice for anyone contemplating a trip to Myanmar is simple: go! Don’t hesitate, and go now while the country still retains its unspoiled charm and unique character. Myanmar is currently in a critical period of transition, just emerging from decades of military rule. This is an absolutely crucial time for fostering cultural exchange and understanding with people from outside the country. We had the distinct pleasure of meeting so many wonderful individuals who, while lacking extensive experience beyond their immediate surroundings, possess a genuine desire to learn and connect with the world. By visiting, you will undoubtedly be enriched by the experience, and in turn, you will also contribute to their growth and understanding. I would also strongly recommend engaging the services of a local guide. While it may be legally permissible to travel independently, without a guide, I genuinely believe that our experience would not have been nearly as rewarding or insightful without the expertise and guidance provided by our specialist, Anne, kimkim, and our dedicated in-country guides. They were instrumental in unlocking the hidden gems and sharing the stories that made our trip so memorable.
Where will your next adventure take you?
The next trip isn’t really so much of an adventure – but to Europe in the spring of 2018 for the French Open and some bicycling in the Baltic states, and then to St. Petersburg for the White Nights. The next real “adventure” will most likely be to India (and possibly Nepal and Bhutan).
Sara’s trip was planned through kimkim by Anne Cruikshanks, our local travel specialist based in Mandalay, Myanmar.
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