In
Myanmar, there is more magic and mystery in the air than in any other
Asian country. The world's largest and most impressive Buddhist pagoda
- the Shwedagon Pagoda - is as much one of the sights of Asia as the
more than 5000 pagodas and temples in the archaeological zone of Bagan
and the famous Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay. There is a whole lot more
to be discovered in Myanmar: the mighty Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River,
the Inle Lake in the Shan State with its peculiar fishermen, the extensive
coastline with stretches of white beaches, and the snow-capped mountains
of the Himalayas in the north of the country, perfect for some breathtaking
trekking tours up to an altitude of almost 20,000ft/6,000m. Traveling
in Myanmar is a journey to the past, discovering the strong influences
of the Indo-Chinese civilization.
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Yangon
Myanmar's
capital has a very special charm. The many shady parks and beautiful
lakes have earned it a reputation as the garden city of the East. Its
unmistakably colonial style buildings, open markets and wide tree-lined
avenues endow it with a strange mix of old world charm and modern vitality.
The highlight of the cityscape is the famous Shwedagon, with its Pagoda
- especially near sunset.
It towers above the Yangon landscape with serenity so unique that it
is often considered as one of the wonders of the world. According to
legend, this glistening, gold-covered pagoda was built over two and
a half thousand years ago as a place of Buddhist worship.
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Other sights of Yangon are the 2200-year-old Sule Pagoda (containing
one of Buddha's hairs), the Botataung Pagoda and the Kyauk Htat Gyi
Pagoda with the 233 ft/71m long Reclining Buddha. After Mandalay, Yangon
became the capital of Burma in 1755. |
Kengtung
Kengtung (Chiang Tung) has recently opened to foreigners and the Burmese
Government has officially sanctioned the border crossing to Tachilek.
The town is a treasure trove of traditional architecture with old-style
houses with the intricately designed wooden balconies that are so characteristic
of Shan architecture. |
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Bagan
The birthplace of Myanmar civilization, this is a city beyond description:
more than 5000 pagodas (although some of them were damaged by several
earthquakes) make for an overwhelming view. Bagan is the largest archaeological
site in Asia: most of the red and white pagodas were built in the 11th
and 12th centuries. In modern Bagan, bullock carts dictate the pace of
the day and the master tradesmen produce Myanmar's finest lacquerwave
with painstaking patience. |
Mount
Popa
A
day trip from Bagan, set amid lovely hill and forest scenery, Mount
Popa is a steep sided volcanic peak dedicated to the legendary nat spirits
of Myanmar. A shrine to these feared and respected traditional characters
lies at the top of over 700 steps. |
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Mandalay
Mandalay was Burma's capital for only 28 years but still it appears
more distinguished and self-confident than other cities in Myanmar.
Perhaps this is due to Mandalay Hill, which boasts marvelous view of
the city and the Ayeyarwady River, and is where the temple that allegedly
enshrines three of Buddha's bones is located. Or perhaps it is because
of the ‘largest book in the world’, the Kuthodaw Pagoda.
Mandalay provides a unique mixture of old and new, and is a spiritual
centre boasting numerous old wooden monasteries and unique pagodas that
date back to life as it was under the reign of Myanmar's last King.
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Bago
Thamala
and Wimala, two Mon brothers of noble birth in 573 AD, founded Bago.
According to legend, the Buddha rested on a small hillock and two
Hintha birds came before him in obeisance. He prophesied that 1,660
years after his death, a city would be established on that spot which
would be a capital but it was destroyed in 1757 by King Alaungpaya
(the founder of the Third Burmese Empire).
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Inle
Lake
The
center of Myanmar will captivate you very quickly: once you get used to
the sight of the fishermen's peculiar ‘leg-rowing-technique’,
you can enjoy the ‘floating flower beds’ and the pile dwellings
on the shore. A boat trip on the lake is recommended. Here, villages are
built on stilts over the lake and boats are the sole means of transport.
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Pindaya
Situated
on the shore of a picturesque little lake, Pindaya is famous for its
caves, where you can see about 6000 Buddha statues of various sizes
and materials. This small town in Central Myanmar is ideal for an excursion
on the way from Bagan/Mandalay to Taunggyi/Inle Lake. |
Ngapali
Ngapali
Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar. Here you find
peace and quiet, with isolated beaches for relaxing, or you go on trips
to islands and fishing villages. Ngapali is easily and quickly accessible
by plane to Thandwe and then a car transfer of about 30 minutes. |
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Taunggyi
The
capital of the Shan minority is always worth an excursion. The marketplace
with its colorfully dressed ethnic groups is a walking museum of the
glory that was Shan. It is home to some of Myanmar's finest cheroot
factories and boasts an impressive local market. |
Kalaw
This
once popular British hill station provided welcome relief during hot
summers. Its cool climate, colorful markets, charming churches, and
natural surrounds have preserved its appeal to this day. |
Pyin
Oo Lwin/Maymyo
A
cool hill station, over 3047-ft./1,000 m above sea level, founded during
colonial times and a worthwhile 2-hour trip from Mandalay. You can enjoy
beautiful scenery, a cool climate, and an atmosphere of former days
with its old buildings and botanical gardens. |
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