With a population of over 5 million, Yangon, also known as Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar up until the end of 2005. It remains the largest city, and is still the pivotal commercial hub of the country today. A visit to this magnificent city will allow you to take in the interesting mix of British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian cultures that mingle there. The skyline is an interesting contrast of decaying colonial architecture and modern high-rises, dominated by the golden glow of the Shwedagon Pagoda, an exquisite Buddhist temple that draws pilgrims from across the globe. Your time here would be well spent visiting the impressive array of temples, museums, and markets that the city has to offer.
Bagan is to Myanmar, what Angkor Wat is to Cambodia, in terms of both culture and tourism. This ancient, sacred zone stretches across over 100 square kilometres of bush and grassy plains, with over 2200 towering temples, pagodas and monasteries sprinkled across this vast expanse. Crafted mainly from reddish-pink bricks, the complex is what remains of the powerful ‘Pagan’ culture, which was at its peak during the 11th to 13th centuries. It is an architectural and archaeological wonder and an awe-inspiring spectacle to behold, particularly on misty mornings bathed in sunrise light.
The Ayeyarwady River, also known as the Irrawaddy River, is Myanmar’s major waterway, both in size and commercial significance, running from North to South through the length of the country. The river sustains two endangered indigenous creatures - the freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin and the river shark, as well as a host of fish and bird species. It’s possible to do lovely boat cruises between certain points on the river, such as a day cruise between Mandalay and the ancient city of Mingun - home to a massive pagoda base that, had it been finished, would be the largest of its kind in the world - as well as longer cruises between the major centres along its banks, which include Mandalay, Bagan and the country’s capital, Yangon. Forays along the Ayeyarwady’s tributaries take in many remote villages and views that would be difficult to experience otherwise.
Located about 20 kilometres south-west of Mandalay, on the opposite bank of the river, Sagaing is a significant religious centre and the capital of the region. The town is characterised by its lush green outcrop of hills decorated with numerous white and gold pagodas, creating a breathtaking scene from the river and offering multiple spectacular photographic opportunities from its many lookout points. The most significant of the sacred structures is the Soon U Pon Nya Shin Paya Buddhist Temple, conceived in 1312, with a 30-metre-high gilded stupa and collection box decorated with bronze frogs. The hill was thought to resemble a frog, which was believed to be a good omen and played a role in the city’s development. Sagaing is also known for its excellent silversmith works at Ywa Htaung quarters and its fine pottery at the village of Nwe Nyein.
Resting in the Shan Hills’ Nyaungshwe Township, beautiful Inle Lake is a world unto itself and one of Myanmar’s most alluring destinations. The local people have integrated their lives fully with their watery surrounds, building entire villages on stilts, buoying up their crop fields with floating devices, and even learning an ingenious method of fishing from their long-tail boats – balancing on one leg and using the other to clasp the paddle and row, which leaves their hands free to cast a net. Here visitors can enjoy delicious Myanmar cuisine and exquisite sunsets from alfresco decks, or take a boat trip to the floating markets and the handicrafts centres, watch silver makers, silk-weavers, and lacquer artists at work, and purchase exquisitely made gifts and souvenirs.
