But those who do decide to visit Myanmar are rewarded with experiences rarely encountered in an age of internet cafés and backpacker trails. This is authentic Asia, an enchanting land of golden Buddhas and holy men, glittering temples and paddy fields.
With a total land mass of nearly 700,000 square kilometers, Myanmar is the biggest country in Southeast Asia and the 40th largest in the world.
History
The culture of Myanmar is heavily influenced by its neighboring countries; Thailand, Laos, India and Bangladesh. Theravada Buddhism is the chief religion and cultural influence in Myanmar, a lasting legacy of the 11th century Bamar king, Anawrahta.
The country spent a spell under British colonial rule in the 19th century, a period which brought about significant changes in the demographic and structural make-up of Myanmar. The country was finally declared independent in 1948, but ethnic conflict and years of economic back-peddling ensued.
Myanmar has been under military rule since General Ne Win toppled the civilian government in a 1962 coup. Today the country remains under the strict control of the State Peace and Development Council and Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest.
International condemnation of human rights abuses carried out by the military government has meant Myanmar remains the subject of several trade embargoes and sanctions. Myanmar stands isolated from and ostracized by the West.
Why Visit
Those who back the boycott of Myanmar point to the human rights record of the country`s junta leaders and turbulent political situation. But those who oppose the sanctions say it punishes normal people and not those at the top.
Author Rory MacLean quotes a Myanmar in his seminal travel book Under the Dragon: "To us you tourists are like stars in the night sky, we hope a little bit of that light will shine on us."
Certainly the people of Myanmar are one of its biggest attractions. Warm, welcoming, funny and engaging, they`re eager to learn about the world and always keen to make new friends.
With so few corners of the world left undiscovered, visiting a country untouched by globalization is for many a big appeal. This is one place you won`t find a McDonalds, Starbucks or be able to buy a Mars.
What you will find however is stunning natural beauty and traditional culture beyond compare. With over 40% of the country covered by forest, Myanmar is home to several endangered species including the tiger, Asian elephant and Himalayan black bear. And with thousands of temples to be explored, this is one place you will never get bored.
Culture
Although a diverse mix of indigenous cultures exist in Myanmar, the majority culture is primarily Buddhist and Bamar. The monastery is the center of cultural life in most villages and monks are respected and revered by the community.
The sheer number and variety of festivals celebrated throughout the year has earned Myanmar the reputation as the "Land of Festivals". Some of the biggest and best to look out for include the Ananda Pagoda Festival which takes place in Bagan and the Naga New Year Festival in the North-West province of Leshi.
Weather
Visit Myanmar during the winter for the best weather. The months between November and February are usually dry and the temperature is a lot easier to bear. Temperatures rise to 40 degrees and above from March to May, with the thermometer in Mandalay and Bagan rising further still.
The southwest monsoon starts late May and lasts until October. Rains get particularly heavy over the summer months, rendering many roads unappeased in the Delta region and Rakhaing state.
Staying Safe
Despite Myanmar`s well-publicized problems, the country is actually fairly safe for international travelers.
Mosquitoes can be a problem, so bring a mosquito net and repellent. Watch out for snakes, many of which have a poisonous bite. Monkeys can also bite, although monkey bites do not pose a serious health risk.
Foreigners are not considered to be at high risk of crime in Myanmar. As with most places in Asia, travelers should be on the guard against petty crimes like pick-pocketing and crime.
The biggest danger to tourists in Myanmar arises from politics. Talking about political issues could land you in hot water, so steer clear of the topic at all costs. If locals try to raise political issues in conversation, tread carefully and follow their lead. Likewise, don`t even think about visiting Aung San Suu Kyi`s house in Yangon - in the worse case scenario, this could lead to you being deported.
How to Get There
Crossing into Myanmar by land is extremely difficult due to border restrictions, so most international visitors arrive by air. Traveling from the UK will usually involve a change in Bangkok or Singapore.
Most international flights land at Yangon`s Mingaladon Airport. Airlines which regularly fly to Myanmar include Thai Airways, Bangok Airways, Malaysia Air Systems and Silk Air.
A few tour operators offer packages to Myanmar to visitors from the UK. Arranging independent travel is probably the most ethical choice however, as it ensures your money ends up in the hands of local people. Booking your own flights to Myanmar also makes it easier to find late deals.