Bagan (Mandalay district)Bagan is quite simply one of
Asia's most astounding sights, an impossible collection of thousands of temples and monuments scattered over a vast plain. The buildings range in condition from ruined to resplendent, although many retain the power and majesty their devout designers intended. Most of the structures were built between the 10th and 12th centuries when Bagan was the capital of the First Burmese Empire. Regrettably, many temples have suffered under the government's ham-fisted attempts at restoration. The temples can best be viewed via bicycle which
allows for a self-directed exploration as bike trails link all the temples. Sunset is prime time in Bagan as locals and visitors alike head for the highest temples to enjoy the magnificent sunsets over the stupa-dotted plain.
Address: Bagan is located 90 miles (145 km) southwest of Mandalay. The temples are situated within the Bagan Archaeological Zone
Admission: US$10; the ticket lasts for a week
Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon)Shwedagon pagoda is
Myanmar's most famous sight, an iconic image of the country that stands as a highlight for any visitor to the region. The stupa is covered in genuine gold plates weighing an estimated 52 metric tones and topped with a 76 carat diamond. The temple was built between the 6th and 10th centuries although the site atop
Singuttara Hill has been considered holy for over 2,500 years. Also know as the Golden Temple, Shwedagon is the most sacred site for Burmese Buddhists, and is a daily focus for worship and contemplation. Dress conservatively, with long pants and sleeves, and remove your shoes when entering the complex. Be discreet when using your camera.
Address: Singuttara Hill
Website: http://www.shwedagon.org
Hours: Dawn
Admission: US$5
Ngwe SaungThis beautiful 15km (10 mile) palmed lined white sand beach is amazingly almost empty of tourists. The area must be expecting a large influx of visitors as empty luxury resorts line the north end. At the town's main junction and bus stop the street goes left, to cheaper accommodation, or right, towards town. A small touristy village resides on the beach's parallel road selling cheap trinkets and delicious seafood. In low tide a small island is available to walk to and around. Package tours can orchestrate transport and hotels but the beach is easily reachable from Yangon without prearrangement. The bus station next to Yangon's train station sells tickets for the 6 hour bumpy ride. However passengers should be wary of being passed off to smaller buses and charged again. Air Bagan flies to
Pathein which is an hour away by bus.
Lake InleInle Lake, beautifully located at the base of steep green hills, is remarkable because of its inhabitants. Thousands of people live around the lake but, most impressively, many live on it. Whole villages rest on stilts surrounded by water. Like a bamboo and teak
Venice men steer rowing boats through water roads. The men have adapted a unique way to row, wrapping one leg around an oar and standing with the other, their hands are often busy fishing. Tourists can hire a boat and driver to lead them through floating markets and workshops making silks, cigars (cheroots) and jewelry. An impressive wooden temple is also able to be visited. Visitors first arrive to the town of Nyaugshwe to a host of river side guesthouses and restaurants. Boat hire can be done through hotels or independently at the town's river. Expensive hotels on the lake can be booked before hand. Depending on season the town can flood making the experience of living on water unanimous.
MandalayLegend has it Buddha himself visited Mandalay and it's easy to see why. A steep hike up 240 meter high stairwell is the top of
Mandalay Hill, itself a holy site with an ornately decorated temple and Buddha statue overlooking the former capitol city and far reaching flatlands. Dominating the cities center are the 150 year old palace grounds of King Mindon and King Thibaw with an adjacent temple and wide surrounding moat. More than 50 people were buried alive in construction. A viewable prison is a reminder that human rights haven't improved since. For local travelers the Mahamuni Buddha is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Myanmar. Aside from sightseeing, shopping is Mandalay's other pastime. A fun jewel market, where visitors can watch craftsmen shape gems is visitable. Crafts such as monk's umbrellas, gold leaf, ornate furniture, and lacquer-ware are made and sold in the city. Motorbike taxis seem a bit overeager in a city where horse and wagon is common. Better to use the trishaw to fall into Mandalay's slow rhythms. Bland guesthouses are splashed about the city with similar accommodation.
Bogyoke Aung San MarketBogyoke is an important market for tourists arriving or leaving Myanmar and not only for shopping. The official exchange rates of the Myanmar kyat is kept artificially strong by the government set rates. This has created a large black-market trade in the currency at a much better price for tourists. The best place to change currency is in the central jewelry section of the market. Most of the shops provide the service and money exchanging hawkers line the area waiting for tourists. To maximize the rates it is best to ask several different vendors and bargain hard. Be careful to count your money and do the exchange math yourself. Once the tourists have money the market is a great place to buy crafts, jewelry or antiques. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is centrally located.
