The main attraction in Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon) is the Shwedagon Pagoda. It and its surrounding temples and shrines attract an interesting mix of monks, pilgrims and travellers from around the world. Being covered in gold leaf, the main pagoda is the perfect place to visit at sunset. During the day, markets, colonial architecture, a massive reclining Buddha and temples are sure to keep you busy in this bustling city.
The world's largest book is found at Mandalay, once the capital of Burma. Another great place to watch the sunset awaits you here at Mandalay Hill, where you get beautiful views across the river and over the city. An alternate spot for this is the two kilometre long 200 year old wooden bridge at U-Bein
Nearby is Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly known as Maymyo), an old colonial hill station where officers would escape the heat of the plains. A clock tower, a church, country mansions and the botanical gardens all are remeniscent of days gone by. These days it is a crossroads for traders from China, which is reflected in the colourful local market.
From Mandalay, cruise the Irrawaddy River to Mingun, where the world's largest (uncracked) bell, the world's largest (albeit unfinished) pagoda and ancient temples await exploration. Enroute along the river, witness how this is one of the major trading and communication routes in Myanmar.
Going south along the Irrawaddy you will pass idyllic fishing villages, before you reach ancient Bagan, a breathtaking plain studded with over 3000 temples. Shwezigon Pagoda, the 13th century frescoes and cave temple of Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi and the Ananda Pagoda, one of the best preserved monuments in the entire city. Explore the city by horsedrawn cart of by bicycle and enjoy another magical sunset from the lower terraces of one of the temples.
Atop nearby Mount Popa sits a shrine which can be climbed via the 777 steps for some wonderful views. For the less energetic, Bagan offers many options to purchase laquerware and sand paintings.
Flying to Heho, a drive through picturesque hills brings you to Inle Lake. Here you can take a canoe to Lin Kin village, famous for its floating garden in the lake. People around the lake live in simple stilted houses and live of the fish from the lake, or grow food in floating gardens. With luck you may visit one of the rotating markets but you will no doubt see the local fishermen employing their famous leg-rowing technique. The lake is home to abundant bird life as well as to many places of worship and it makes for a great base to visit some of the tribal villages in the hills surrounding Inle.
If trekking is your thing, consider visiting the northwest of the country where you will meet hill tribes lost in time and stay in monasteries and schools.
South of Yangon lies the famous Golden Rock, a beautiful place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Legend has it that the boulder is held in position by a strand of Buddha's hair. Spending a night here is one of Burma's most spiritual experiences. Enroute from Yangon you can visit Bago (Pegu), home to a massive pagoda and one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the world.
For the less active, the coast of Myanmar has some of the most pristine beaches in Asia - white sand beaches lined by tall swaying palms invite you to relax, explore the hinterland by bicycle, or go out on a boat trip.
Speaking of boat trips, if discovering remote places is your thing, a sailing trip through the islands off the Burmese coast does just that. This is a trip back to days gone past in an archipelago virtually left untouched by modern life.
Wherever you decide to go in Myanmar, you will discover tranquility, hospitality and ethnic diversity. Come and find out why this country is often called "The Golden Land".
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| Ballooning over the temples in Bagan - Myanmar, the Golden Land |
