Page 111 - Asian Paradises 2019-20

— Myanmar —

MYANMAR

A magical destination, discover bordering Thailand with a vast number of gold. This gravity-defying mass of granite
a land of breathtaking beauty offshore islands and beautiful beaches. can be found perched on a ledge, legend
and charm that is steeped in The people has it that it’s suspended by a single thread
fascinating history and traditions. With more than 130 distinct ethnic of Buddha’s own hair.
groups, Myanmar has a wealth of different In the former royal capital, Mandalay, the
With dream-like landscapes dotted with cultures, each with its own set of traditions: restored Mandalay Palace is surrounded
golden pagodas, tranquil temples, home- from cuisine and dress to celebration, faith by a moat. Mandalay Hill provides views
cooked cuisine, heart warming villagers and and occupation. of the city from its summit, which can be
long stretches of exotic white-sand beaches, reached by covered stairway. At its foot,
Myanmar has it all. The dominant ethnic group in Myanmar the Kuthodaw Pagoda houses hundreds of
is known as the Bamar, from which the
In 2015, Myanmar voted in its first Buddhist-scripture-inscribed marble slabs.
democratically elected government original English name of the country,
in more than half a century. Modern Burma, was derived. Myanmar is also Shwenandaw Monastery, another Buddhist
travel conveniences, such as mobile- home to ethnic Chinese and Indians whose holy place at the foot of Mandalay
phone coverage and internet access, are ancestors migrated to Myanmar during the Hill, is covered in teak carvings. The
now common. colonial period, most visible in the cities of Mahamuni temple, to the southwest, is
Yangon and Mandalay home to a revered gold-leaf Buddha statue.
Capital and major centres Amarapura, a township on Mandalay’s
Former capital, Yangon is the country’s Myanmar remains at heart a rural nation of southern outskirts, is best known for the
traditional values, its people are incredibly
major city and gateway, it is a bustling friendly and polite, and will do their best to teakwood U Bein footbridge stretching
and dynamic city undergoing rapid make you feel welcome in their country. across Taungthaman Lake, dating back to
development with a fusion of contemporary 1850, it is the oldest teakwood bridge in the
and colonial style. Naypyitaw is the capital You’ll encounter men wearing the world at 1,208 metres.
of Myanmar, north of Yangon. sarong-like longyi and chewing betel nut, In the breathtaking ancient city of Bagan,
women with faces smeared in thanakha (a
Located on the banks of the Ayerwaddy natural sunblock), and cheroot-smoking more than 2,000 Buddhist monuments
River, Myanmar’s last royal city, grannies. Trishaws still ply city streets, tower over green plains. Seeing Bagan by
Mandalay, evokes images of a romantic, while the horse or bullock and cart is hot air balloon is becoming increasingly
bygone era with its royal palace and common rural transport. Drinking tea is popular, and offers a truly unique view over
impressive moat sitting at the foot of enthusiastically embraced. this land of temples,
a high, pagoda-topped hill. It is also a Kalaw has become one of the favourite
busting, economic centre and lies within The sights destinations for trekkers and adventurers in
easy striking distance of former colonial Experience the pulse of modern Burmese the country’s eastern mountains. Visitors
hill stations such as Pyin Oo Lwin which life in Yangon. A mix of British-colonial can enjoy the cool climate of the highlands,
was originally a built by the British to architecture, modern high-rises and gilded its quaint villages, laid-back guesthouses
escape the heat of lower Burma. Buddhist pagodas define its skyline. The and excellent food markets.
iconic Shwedagon Pagoda is a 98-metre-
Further south, Kalaw was also founded as a
hill station. The air is cool, the atmosphere high stupa, its golden glow can be seen A place where time has stood still, Inle
is calm and the tree-lined streets with throughout the city. Strand Road is a Lake is scattered with stilted villages made
colonial-era architecture still evident. The major road in downtown Yangon. It crosses of wood. The locals are known for their
surrounding hills are fine for relatively easy the city in a west-east direction and runs on-surface agricultural methods. Observe
day or overnight treks to Danu, Danaw, parallel to the Yangon River and contains the local fishermen with their unique one-
Palaung, Pa-O and Taung Yo villages. many important government buildings, legged rowing technique, floating gardens,
including the Ministry of Trade building, ethnic tribes, sunken pagodas and water-
Southwest of Mandalay, Bagan is an court and the British embassy as well as the bound temples.
ancient city standing on the eastern banks five-star Strand Hotel built in 1901. Sun-kissed beaches line the Bay of Bengal.
of the Ayeyarwady River. It’s known for the Just east from Yangon in the heights of Ngapali is among the most popular with
Bagan Archaeological Area, where more Mount Kyaiktiyo, is one of the most its turquoise waves, huge palm trees and
than 2,000 Buddhist monuments tower revered Buddhist relics in the nation. loungers dotting the sands. Plenty of tour
over green plains.
Kyaiktiyo is a small pagoda built on the organisers offer diving, snorkelling, water
Southeastern Myanmar is a coastal stretch top of a granite boulder covered with skiing, jet skiing, sea kayaking and more.

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