Asian Journal of Tourism Research Vol. 3, No. 1, June 2018, pp. 116-158 https: doi.org 10.12982 AJTR.2018.0005 Domestic Tourism and its spatiality in Myanmar: a dynamic and geographical vision Martin Michalon* Center for Southeast Asia Studies, Paris 116 Abstract: Although little-known, domestic tourism in Myanmar widely outweighs inbound tourism. Its dynamics are a relevant lens to understand Myanmar’s fast integration into globalization. Statistical analysis, in-depth interviews and ield observation in Southern Shan State show that the domestic tourism system relies on its own stakeholder network (travel agencies, sellers, boat drivers); pilgrimages and festivals generate temporary spaces (markets, pilgrim camps) and structure perennial territories (boat driver villages); and visitors have their own distinct spatiality, accommodation and itineraries. Although religion remains a major travel framework, the better access to mobility and information that has followed the 2010 political transition has transformed expectations and practices: more families travel by private cars, couples sometimes transform pilgrimages into romantic getaways; shopping, leisure and rest are becoming increasingly important. These more-individual, hedonistic practices are gaining legitimacy and hybridize traditional frameworks and modern travel modalities. They shed a new light onto the little-known domestic tourism in Myanmar. Keywords: Myanmar, domestic tourism, tourism, globalization, Inle Lake, Shan State Introduction In 2004, the Myanmar author Ma Thanegi wrote The Native Tourist: A Holiday pilgrimage in Myanmar, describing her 18-day bus trip on a package tour, through 29 towns and 60 pagodas. This title reveals the ambiguities of domestic tourism: the author’s assumed position as a “native tourist” relects how counter-intuitive it is to consider a national as a tourist. Moreover, the expression “holiday pilgrimage” is interesting: how are pilgrimage (i.e. religion) and holidays (i.e. tourism) linked to one another?