BURMA DESTINATIONS
 This
bewildering, deserted city of fabulous pagodas and temples on
the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy is one of the wonders of Asia.
Bagan's period of grandeur stretched from the 11th to the 13th
centuries, and an enormous number of magnificent buildings were
constructed here. The city was sacked by Kublai Khan in 1287 and
never rebuilt. There are some 5000 temples, the most interesting
of which are Ananda, Thatbyinnyu and Gawdawpalin.
 During
the Mon dynasty, Bago was a fabulous city, a major seaport and
capital of lower Myanmar. The city was destroyed by the Burman
in 1757 but partially restored in the early 19th century. When
the Bago River changed its course and cut the city off from the
sea, Bago failed to return to its previous grandeur. Sights
include the Shwetmawdaw Pagoda which dominates the town, the
Hinthe Gone Pagoda and the 55m (180ft) long, reclining
Shwethalyaung Buddha.
Situated beside the Ayeyarwaddy River
on the way to Myitkyina, Bhamo is a colorful trading town of
river boats with a unique mixture of tribes and near the 5th
century ruins of the trading city of Sampanago.
Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is located about 160 km from Yangon. Rising
1100 meters above sea level, this small golden stupa stands on
the top of a huge gold-gilded boulder. This Golden Rock is
precariously perched on the edge of the hill and is a place of
important pilgrimage for Buddhist.
Inle Lake natural lakes in S.E Asia and Myanmar's second
largest lake, Inle Lake. This is one of the tour highlights of
Myanmar travel. See untouched hill country and meet some of
Myanmar's hill tribes.
It is another hill station, located 1400 meters above
sea-level. Many of the Tudor-style houses and English garden of
colonial days remain. Kalaw market, made very colorful by the
many ethnic tribes in eye catching colorful costumes which come
from near and far. A foot walk of 2 hours (short way) leads to a
village of the Palaung tribe. Kalaw is situated 70 km west of
Taunggyi.
 Tucked
away in a far eastern corner of the Shan State is the sleepy but
historic centre for the state's Khün culture. Built around a
small lake and dotted with aging Buddhist temples and crumbling
British colonial architecture, Kengtung is probably the most
scenic town in the Shan State. Its opening to foreigners in 1993
came as a complete surprise considering that this is one of the
most remote inhabited mountain valleys in Myanmar. Access is
difficult and restricted to flights from Myanmar's interior or a
rough overland trip from Tachileik. Apart from the temples and
monasteries in the area, it's fun to check out the water buffalo
market on the western outskirts of town. Held daily, it's like a
used-car lot, with peddlers extolling the virtues of their
animals while buyers point out their flaws. Finally a price is
agreed upon, money changes hands and the new owners walk off
leading their buffaloes by the nose.
 This
sprawling cultural centre is the most Burman of Myanmar's
cities. It was the last capital of Myanmar before the British
took over and is the country's second-largest city. Highlights
of Mandalay include Shwenandaw Kyaung, the sole remaining
building of the once extravagant moated palace, Mandalay Hill
with its spiraling stairways temples and sweeping views and the
ancient Rakhine Buddha image at Mahamuni Paya. Bustling markets
with produce and handicrafts from all over Upper Myanmar are
another feature of Mandalay. There are four 'deserted cities'
nearby: Amarapura, Sagaing, Ava and Mingun. Mingun is the most
appealing of the four. Not only are there some wonderful
monuments in various states of disrepair, but just getting there
is half the fun. Mingun is only accessible by river, and the
boat ride from Mandalay is a treat.
If you're wondering what Yangon and Mandalay looked and felt
like at the start of the decade, come to Mawlamyine where the
atmosphere of post-colonial decay is still palpable. Once a
major teak port, this tropical, hillside town south of Thaton is
now known for its scenic surrounds, elephant labor and beautiful
pagodas. Thanbyuzayat, 60km (37mi) to the south, has an Allied
cemetery - the resting place of prisoners who died building the
infamous 'death railway' during WWII. Mawlamyine is the only
place in Burma that Rudyard Kipling, author of the famous Road
to Mandalay, actually visited. Thaton Long before the rise of
Bagan, a Mon kingdom thrived here, trading as far afield as
Cambodia. Today little remains of the ancient city: traces of
the massive city walls can be seen, and there are some
interesting pagodas. The town's core is a leafy area situated on
either side of the highway with a pleasing mix of colonial
mansions and thatched-roof homes. A picturesque canal network
irrigates rice fields and fruit orchards. Thaton is on the main
road and rail line between Bago and Mawlamyine. Nearby, at
Taikkala, there are ruined fort walls and an ancient pagoda.
 Situated
about 136 km north of Mandalay, Monywa is the centre of the
Chindwin Valley. Being the second largest river of Myanmar,
Chindwin is important for trading in the area. History has it
that Monywa was founded in the Bagan era (1044-1287) and it was
formerly called "Thalarwady". It is noted for its unusual
temples. One of the most famous is Thanboddhay Temple, which
resembles Indonesia's Borobudur because of similarities in its
architectural design. It was built between 1939 and 1952 by
Moenyin Sayadaw enshrines 512028 status Some grottos are built
since Bagan Period but wall painting are still in good
condition. You can also visit the amazing place of 1000 Boddhi
Trees (kind of Banyan tree) under each of which was built a
Buddha image. Four kilometers past Thanboddhay is 90 meters long
reclining Buddha image on top of a hill. A very small museum,
inside of which are 9000 Buddha images, attached to the
reclining image. Another highlight of Monywa is the Crater Lake
of Twin Hills. According to geologists, it was the crater of an
extinct volcano some five million years ago. But another version
said that it was the effect of a meteorite, and rainfall
subsequently filled the crater to from a lake. There is now an
algae processing plant there. Po Win Taung / Shweba Taung on the
West Bank of Chindwin River. There, temples and caves are curved
out of volcanic rocks and inside walls of some caves are
decorated with 13 century / 18 century mural paintings. The
water way from Monywa to Bagan by boat is only four and
half-hours trip. But you will find it very short, as the
landscape of both riversides is more than picturesque. You will
also see the confluence of Chindwin and Ayeyarwaddy rivers on
the way.
 Mount
Popa an extinct volcano with natural forest, which is known as
the home of the legendary spirit (Nat). It is like a tropical
oasis emerging from the plain. At the top of the mountain, there
are monasteries and pagodas and enjoy the panoramic view of the
region looking down towards the arid plain in the direction of
Bagan. On the way pass through palm tree farms and observe the
ways of life of the palm tree climbers.
 Hidden
in the encroaching jungle, in hill country close to the
Bangladesh border, Mrauk U is reached road and by riverboat -
well off the beaten track! It is noteworthy for its Arakanese
art and architecture, and its Buddhist temple ruins. Important
ruins include the 80,000 Pagoda (so named because of the 80,000
Buddha images found there) and an ordination hall. Mrauk U is
accessible from Sittwe in western Myanmar.
The Rakhine Yoma (Arakan Range) Separates the Rakhine and Chin
States from the Central Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River plains.
Although the first inhabitants of the region were a dark skinned
Negritude tribe known as the Bilu, developed the first Christian
millennium. These Kingdoms flourished before the invasion of the
Tibeto-Burmans from the north and east in the 9th and 18th
Centuries.
Kawthaung is a quiet fishing town at the southernmost tip of
Myanmar near the Thai border. The nearby islands of the Andaman
Sea offer visitors green tropical forests, beautiful beaches and
clear water.
It is in Kachin State, which is situated, in
the northern most part of Myanmar. Northern Myanmar is a magical
Kingdom. The richness of plant and animal life, the topography,
the tapestry of ethnic diversity are a wonder for all. Although
Myanmar is known as tropical country, you will find snow capped
mountains there. You can also study evergreen forests there.
There are also various ethnic, Rawan, Lisu, Maru, Lashi,
Jeanphaw, Kharku and Thaikhamti. Lisu and Jeanphaw ladies are
available to be taken photos in their natural costume. Malikha
and N'maihka rivers meet about 27 miles north of Myitkyina to
from the famous Ayeyarwaddy River. The place is known as Myitson
(the Confluence) and is very picturesque. Most people like it
for taking photographs. Most inhabitants in Myitkyina are
Christian. Famous festival is Manaw Festival, as reunion of all
Kachin tribes. It is held on 10th January every year.
A beautiful sandy beach visited by the locals, as it is close
to Yangon.
This is one of the most beautiful beaches in S.E Asia with
beaches still pristine and virgin coral reefs. Your Myanmar
travel will not be complete with out being chilled out on
Ngapali Beach. Plenty of snorkeling, diving, surfing and
sleeping to be had.
Is one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in Myanmar
which you can easily access by land from Myanmar's commercial
capital, Yangon. Clean Sand, sea and cool of.
Excursions to Elephant Camp, ethnical and fishing village’s,
Boat excursions, snorkeling, diving,
Located in the Ayeyarwaddy delta about 190km (118mi) west of
Yangon, this premier port city is noted for its handicrafts
(pottery and hand-painted umbrellas) and the Shwemokhtaw Pagoda
(which was built by the three lovers of a Muslim princess). A
major festival is held at the pagoda over the full-moon period
in May. You can't fly to Pathein, and the train trip is
laborious. The fastest access is by bus from Yangon which lasts
4 hours. Another bet is the 18-hour overnight ferry trip from
Yangon, traveling along the Twante Canal and through the delta
waterways.
About 45 km drive from Kalaw is Pindaya, well known for its
extensive limestone caves. On the way, one can visit a Danu and
Pa-O village. Then, stop at the market of Aung Ban before
continuing by road to Pindaya. The caves are set deep in the
hillsides and there stands at the entrance, a 15 meter high Shwe
U Min Pagoda. There are some 6000 Buddha images and interesting
stalagmites
 It
is 350 km in the far north of Myitkyina. It is home to the
famous Khakaborazi, the highest mountain in South East Asia. You
will see other snow-clad mountains in Putao. The town is
surrounded by high peaks which is from a distance are look like
piles of cotton wool. But when spring comes all the mountain
side are full of colorful flowers. Putao is the starting point
for many scientific expeditions towards Mt. Khakaborazi and
beyond. Although there live so many ethnic in Putao, only three,
Rawan, Lisu and Thaikhamti are available to be seen. You can
also visit nearby villages Mularshidi (8 miles from Putao),
where you can see Lisu people and Machanbaw (12 miles from Putao),
where you can find Thaikhamti, Jeanphaw and Lisu people. Seeing
the beauty of Mularshidi and Machanbaw suspension bridges in the
morning is beyond description. You can also see the traditional
dances of local people with the arrangement of your guide and
Cultural Dancer Group in Putao. It is very special for
photographers.
 Two
days south of Bagan by riverboat, the town of Pyay is close to
the few remaining ruins of the ancient Pyu capital of
Thayekhittaya (Sri Kshetra). The remote site, with its pagodas,
ruined walls, quaint railway station and small museum, has been
the centre of the most intensive archaeological work carried out
in Myanmar this century. Other Pyu cities can be seen at Halin
and Beikthano. The hilltop Shwesandaw Pagoda and enormous seated
Buddha are Pyay's main points of interest. The nearby Gotama
Hill contains countless Buddha images in niches.
 A
hill station over 1100 meters above the sea-level is 96 km to
the east of Mandalay. The uphill road from Mandalay is noted for
its glimpses of scenic beauty. It is well-known for its
colonial-style houses with large compound and pine trees,
eucalyptus and silver-oak abound in town. Delightfully cool and
pleasant the whole year round, the 175 hectare National
Kandawgyi Gardens, Pwe Kauk and Ani-sakan Waterfalls, Goteik
Viaduct and Peik Chin Myaung Caves are places of interest.
On the northern coast near the Bangladesh border, Sittwe is
home to a large Muslim community. Originally built by the
British in 1826, the town's most popular sites include the
Payagyi Pagoda, the Rakhine State Cultural Museum, Payamya
Monastery and the riverfront market. It's the best place to buy
Arakanese longyis.
Located in the Golden Triangle
Area, is the border gateway opposite Mae Sai in Thailand. It is
accessible by air or by road; about 2 hours by air from Yangon
to Tachileik. The Golden Triangle Paradise Resort is located on
the banks of the Mekong River facing Laos and Thailand.
 Yangon
is the largest city in Myanmar but also the main gateway to
country. It has until 2007 been the capital of Myanmar. Now the
capital is Nay Pyi Taw, some 400 Kilometers from Yangon.
In the center of Yangon we find Sule Pagoda (right) which is
about 2000 years old - and with the town hall in the background.
It was originally a small town surrounded by a wooden stockade
located on the river bank with steps leading down for trade. The
importance of the Mon state seaports in the south declined when
trade with Europe was shifted to the new city of Yangon.
Business grew, Yangon grew.
In 1885 the British Colonialists who at this time occupied all
of Burma made it capital. It lies on a fertile delta on the
Yangon River about 30 kilometers from the sea.
For a city of around 6 million people the pace is very slow,
quite different to other of the world’s major cities. In
downtown Yangon it is illegal to use your car or motorbike horn
so the streets are void of the sound of blaring horns and noisy
motorbikes. If you find your way past the neglect of its
buildings and navigate the uneven and treacherous footpaths you
may find that Yangon has a nice feel to it. It is a city
literally covered in trees, whereof unluckily some of them
disappeared in the cyclone in May 2008.
Yangon means “End of Strife”.
 Yangon
(Rangoon) is also home to the gold-plated Shwedagon Pagoda,
which dominates the city from its hilltop site. Legend has it
that the original stupa was built to enshrine eight of Buddha's
hairs. Today's mighty monument was built in the 18th century and
is surrounded by an incredible assortment of statues, temples,
shrines, images and pavilions. The Shwedagon was called 'a
beautiful winking wonder' by Kipling and it truly is a magical
place. Other sights include the colonial architecture of the
legendary Strand Hotel, the colossal reclining Buddha in
Chaukhtatgyi Paya and the peaceful Kandawgyi and Inya Lakes. The
former name of Yangon was Dagon. Therefore the name of Shwedagon
(Shwe = gold). |
GOLDEN ROCK
INLE LAKE
KALAW
CHAUNGTHA
BEACH
NGAPALI BEACH
NGWE SAUNG BEACH
PINDAYA
