Military Coup In Myanmar What Next For Tourism?

If Covid-19 is not enough.  Then the military coup in Myanmar is likely to mean yet a further massive decline in tourism there.

Myanmar is certainly one of the most delightful of countries in South East Asia and different too.

For a number reasons I really loved my visit there a few years ago.

Tourist at Bagan temple complex Myanmar.

Tourism wise it was not as sophisticated as its neighbour, Thailand. This I found very pleasing indeed.

Bagan Where There Are Thousands Of Temples

Visiting one of their jewels the temples of Bagan will be a great loss to tourism.

Temples of Bagan, Myanmar counted in thousands.

It is the equivalent in Myanmar of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat or Pyramids in Egypt.

Maybe not so well known but the extensive temple complex in Bagan is certainly a wonder of the world.

Bagan, Myanmar.

The countries other principle temples are numerous and stunning too.

Yangon or what was called Rangoon under colonial rule is where the Shwedagon Paya or Golden Pagoda is to be found. Indeed, covered in gold and is a bright shining sacred complex.  Hallowed and breathtaking.

Shwedagon Pya Yangon, Myanmar.

Or the giant reclining Buddha at the Chaukhtatgyi Temple.

Reclining Buddha at the Chaukhtatgyi Temple Yangon.

There are many other striking temples found in and around the countries other main city of Mandalay.

On a hilltop beside the Ayeyarwady River (Irrawaddy River) are to be found 45 immaculate Buddha statues.  The Umin Thounzeh temple at Sagaing Hill.

Sagaing Hill Temple, Mandalay.

However, what is to happen now following the military coup?

Borders Closed Internet Cut In Military Coup In Myanmar

With borders closed, internet cut and politicians arrested the tourism future for Myanmar (formerly Burma) does seem to look bleak.

Troops on the streets of Nay Pyi Taw the capital which lies midway between Mandalay and the major port and main entry point of Yangon.

Mahagandayon Monastery in Mandalay.

In fact, travel warnings from the UK  today issued by the Foreign Office  state:

As of 1 February, the Myanmar Military have declared a state of emergency and assumed control. There are reports that figures in the Civilian Government and civil society have been detained by the military. The British Embassy is following the situation carefully and will continue to update the Travel Advice. There may be disruptions to internet, phone networks and ATMs. You are advised to stay home and stay safe.

A country that over the post second world war period has been subjected to military rule right up to 2011.

Aung San Suu Kyi Now detained by the Army.
Pic: Claude TRUONG-NGOC, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

With the ‘Lady’ as she is known Aung San Suu Kyi  so well liked by most of the nation recently in charge. Now arrested by the Army the future does appear bleak. Along with the coup and the Muslim Rohingya minority problems that too could be even be worse for the them too?

Painted umbrellas for tourists in Myanmar.

What priority will the Army place on tourism?

Already since Covid-19 outbreak the countries tourism sector has declined by 75%.

Another greater and perhaps a more moral question.

Would You Still Visit After This Military Coup In Myanmar?

Under this military rule should we as tourists still want or feel the need to visit under such circumstances?

Would it be seen as a tourist visiting to appear to be showing support for the coup?

A farmer living around Bagan, Myanmar.

Personally, I feel after meeting so many such lovely people during my visit that not to return would be possibly seen as a slight on them. People that made the others I travelled with and myself feel so welcome there.

These were regular civilian citizens just going about their normal days and work. The hotel workers, the boat drivers and the tour guides pleased to be able to show off the country that they love.  To travellers coming from afar.

One of literally thousands of temples at Bagan Myanmar.

OK so Covid-19 is the first obstacle to get over in order to travel there.

However, after this coup what is next?

A country that has much to offer the world in terms of its history, culture  and tourism potential.

But will it now have the chance to realise that potential?

Or remain locked away on the tourism map just like many of its politicians are now today?