MYSTICAL MYANMAR Myanmar
MYANMAR
Overview: Myanmar opens its doors to unveil its gilded pagodas, ancient stupa-strewn plains, relaxed rivers, unspoiled beaches, colorful ethnic villages, a proud tradition of Buddhism, and a charming people enthusiastic for interaction. Now is a moment like no other to come explore the incredible country that is Myanmar. Formerly known as Burma, this old British colony is opening its doors to travelers and revealing amazing sights and a tremendously warm local people who are eager to connect and share their lives. Myanmar is an ethnically and culturally proud nation where Buddhism dominates daily life and culture. Magnificent temples and pagodas are located in every part of the country, from the golden peak of Shwedagon in Yangon to the 4000 ancient stupas of Bagan. Add to this the old atmospheric colonial architecture, former British hill stations, romantic river journeys, pristine beaches, and enduring traditions, and you have a country both willing and able to satisfy the needs of even the most well-travelled observers.
BAGAN
Bagan: Myanmar’s main attraction, home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries: 2,200 out of the original 10,000. Bagan is an ancient town that was once the capital of Bagan Empire and stayed that way until 13th century after numerous attacks/ invasions of Mongolian Empire.
- Hot air Balloons
- Bagan Temples
- Ananda Temple
- Sulamani Guphaya Temple
- Shwesandaw Pagoda
MANDALAY
Mandalay is a city and former royal capital in northern Myanmar (formerly Burma) on the Irrawaddy River. In its center is the restored Mandalay Palace from the Konbaung Dynasty, surrounded by a moat. Mandalay Hill provides views of the city from its summit, which is reached by covered stairway. At its foot, the Kuthodaw Pagoda houses hundreds of Buddhist-scripture-inscribed marble slabs.
Shwenandaw Monastery, another Buddhist holy place at the foot of Mandalay Hill, is covered in teak carvings. The Mahamuni temple, to the southwest, is home to a revered gold-leaf Buddha statue. Amarapura, a township on Mandalay's southern outskirts, is best known for the 1850 teakwood U Bein footbridge stretching across Taungthaman Lake. The rural landscape around the small town of Inwa, also to the south, contains ruins and stupas (sphere-like Buddhist structures). Across the Irrawaddy, the Sagaing hills are studded with pagodas and offer views of the surrounding valley.
- Kuthodaw Pagoda
- Shwenandaw Monastery
- Mandalay Palace
- Hsinbyume Pagoda
INLE LAKE
Inke Lake: Myanmar’s second largest lake at 880m height in an area of 116 km2. The Inle Lake region is one of Myanmar's most loved spots. The lake is a picturesque body of water with marshes and floating gardens, stilt-house villages and Buddhist temples rise above the water, and Intha fishers get their boats around with their legs, a unique way sight not to miss. The hills surrounding the lake are home to myriad minorities such as Shan, Pa-O, Taung Yo, Danu, Kayah and Danaw. A destination of Myanmar that is worthy of your time. Traveling to Inle Lake is facilitated with airport gateway in Heho.(42km)
YANGON (RANGOON)
Yangon: formerly known as Rangoon, is the largest city in Myanmar. A mix of British colonial architecture, modern high-rises and gilded Buddhist pagodas define its skyline. Its famed Shwedagon Paya, a huge, shimmering pagoda complex, draws thousands of pilgrims annually. The city's other notable religious sites include the Botataung and Sule pagodas, both housing Buddhist relics.
- Shwedagon Pagoda
- Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue
- U Thant House
- Kyaiktiyo Pagoda
Myanmar Reasons to Visit
THE TEMPLES
All the above reasons to visit Myanmar are equal to unforgettable visits to the temples. Ancient pagodas in Bagan will rank right up there with more modern temples where colorful tiles and flashing disco lights illuminate Buddha in a gaudy multi-colored celebration. Incense-filled monasteries give a meditative glimpse of a life that's equal parts tranquil and disciplined. Gold leaf dome ceilings, carved wooden doors, and mirrored facades create a myriad variety of decorative styles. While images and statues of Buddha may have similarities, the variety of the temples housing them run the full visual spectrum.
THE MONKS
All over Myanmar you'll see monks. These studious gentlemen young and old add burgundy-robed grace to daily life. They're usually open to chats with visitors; and a common visit to many monasteries includes viewing their lunch procession. The key thing to remember is to be respectful. This means don't point your camera at monks without politely asking first.
THE GOLD
If it’s gold you covet, come to Burma! You’ll never see a country so adorned with glittering golden temples. Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is a prime example but there are many more around the country. Women sell gold leaf at temples which are rubbed on certain Buddha statues for luck or health.
EXQUISITE FOOD
The food in Burma has elements of Thai, Chinese and Indian palates but is very much its own cuisine. Mohinga is the national dish served throughout the day. Other culinary highlights curries cooked in clay pots, biryani-style rice dishes and big, fluffy coconut street pancakes. Yum!
BAGAN REGION
Bagan will blow your mind. From the 9th to the 13th Century, over 10,000 temples and pagodas were constructed on the flat plains of Bagan with 2200 surviving today. The structures range from large red stone towers, smaller stone ones to golden stupas. If you’re really flush with cash, hot air ballooning over Bagan should be on your bucket list.
THE BURMESE
Without a doubt, the people of Burma are the warmest and friendliest I’ve encountered on my travels. While little English is spoken by most, the smiles I received said more than a thousand words. I had many wonderful experiences from renting a boat, complete with family, for a short river trip to taking tea with a monk escaping
