Yangon & Environment
Yangon
Established : around 2,500 years agoLocation Latitude : 16° 47' N, Longitude: 96° 08' E
Temperature : Min 16 'C - Max 34 'C
Population : 7 million
Yangon is the commercial capital and also the main gateway to Myanmar. Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of "The Garden City of the East". Yangon was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small settlement called Dagon when he conquered Lower Myanmar in 1755.
Yangon was the capital city of Myanmar until 2005 when the government abruptly moved the capital to Naypyidaw. With its wide streets, parks and lakes Yangon has the sleepy charm of a provincial town. Crumbling British colonial mansions stand beside glittering pagodas, including one of the most remarkable religious shrines in all of Asia - the magical Shwedagon Pagoda. Much of Yangon's allure stems from its colourful street life: peddlers hawk stones on the sidewalk in the gem market; ricksaw drivers in striped longyis (sarongs) peddle lazily through the tree-lined streets; and people drink endless cups of sweet, milky tea at roadside tea stalls.
Shwedagon Pagoda
The Shwedagon Pagoda, officially titled Shwedagon Zedi Daw, also known as the Golden Pagoda, is a 98-metre (approx. 321.5 feet) gilded stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of Kandawgyi Lake, on Singuttara Hill, thus dominating the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese with relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined within, namely the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Konagamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight hairs of Gautama, the historical Buddha.
According to legend, the Shwedagon Pagoda is 2500 years old. Archaeologists believe the stupa was actually built sometime between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon, but this is a very controversial issue because according to the records by Buddhist monks it was built before Lord Buddha died in 486 BC.
Sule Pagoda
Botathaung Pagoda
Chaukhtat Gyi Pagoda
Kabar Aye Pagoda
Koe Htat Gyi Pagoda
The giant sitting Buddha image was built in August 1905. The height of the image is 72 feet from foot to the head. The compound of the pagoda is 14 acres. The hall was in the iron structure with CGI sheet roof. The pavilion has a nine-tiered roof and hence it is generally referred to as the nine-storey pagoda. There is a frog and a snake on each side of the entrance to the prayer hall. There was a legend saying the giant frog ate the snake showing victory. As a symbol, theses two statues are kept. There are small shops selling Buddha images made of wood and bronze. There are also some palmist and astrologer.
Kyaikkalo Kyaikkalei
Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
Maelamu Pagoda
Maha Wizaya Pagoda
Ngar Htat Gyi Pagoda
It was later called Nga-dat-gyi for its five roof tiers. five stages of places. five places of consecration. five places of offering and five pairs of places. It is 28 cubits high. On the way down one can observe the second biggest set of beads in Myanmar.
National Museum
The National Museum thus is a treasure chest of priceless stone inscriptions, documents, carvings, paintings and a host of other artifacts that testify to the ancient culture and civilization of the Myanmar people. Anyone who has made a tour of the museum will come away with greater knowledge and understanding of Myanmar and its people.
The National Museum of Myanmar was founded in 1952 with its premises at what was once the Jubilee Hall. In 1970 the museum was moved to a more spacious building on Pansodan Street. But these premises were not originally constructed to house a museum.
The present National Museum is located on Pyay Road in a splendid five-storey building constructed for the purpose in spacious and specially landscaped grounds. Priceless ancient artifacts, works of art and historic memorabilia are on display in 14 halls on four stories. Three halls on the ground floor hold exhibits on the evolution the Myanmar script and alphabet, the Lion Throne Room and Ratanapon Period pieces.
On the first floor of the museum are four halls, one with an impressive display of the royal regalia, a second hall with exhibits of historic significance; the third hall with exhibits of pre-historic times and the fourth containing exhibits on natural history. In the hall of the royal regalia one can see beautifully ornamented objects that played a significant role in important royal ceremonies of ancient kings throughout Myanmar history. An example of the high standard of craftsmanship is the royal betel box in the shape of a Brahminy (Hamsa) bird. It is a beautifully gilded box embedded with valuable gems.
In the exhibit hall on natural history are many fossils dating back millions of years. In this hall is an exhibit that is a truly rare find. It is fossil of an anthropoid primate that has been dated as being approximately 40 million years old. It was found in the Pondaung region of Upper Myanmar.
The second floor of the museum is where exhibits on Myanmar culture can be seen with one hall assigned to Myanmar music, song and dance.
On the third floor of the museum are 3 exhibition halls, two for Myanmar paintings and a third for ancient ornaments and jewellery.
On the fourth floor are halls for the Buddha Images and for the display of the culture of the ethnic races of Myanmar.
Bogyoke Market
Bogyoke Museum
Bogyoke Aung San Museum is located on No 15. Bogyoke Museum Lane. Bahan Township. Yangon. The Bogyoke Aung San Museum was established in 1962. 15 years after the assassination of Bogyoke. Bogyoke in Myanmar is a term used for General. The museum was the home of the General before he was assassinated. Bogyoke Aung San lived in peace and harmony with his family. His wife was Daw Khin Kyi and he had three children. The building is a 2 storey-building where Bogyoke Aung San stayed until he was assassinated. displayed as he was alive for memorial. furniture. dresses. books. the car used by Bogyoke Aung San. and his family photos.Kandawgyi Garden
Kandawgyi Garden or Kandawgyi Nature Park is a popular recreation centre of the capital of Yangon. The area of the Garden is 110 acres, water areas is 150 acres, which makes it a total of 260 acres. You can find a variety of beautiful flowers, the natural scene of the lake water and large shady trees. There are also an orchid garden, the children play-ground, Mini Zoo, the souvenir shops and many restaurants. The playgrounds and picnic areas are favourite spots for children and teenagers. The beauty of Karaweik Hall also shows a unique work of art to be explored in the heart of Kandawgyi Lake. Kandawgyi meaning "the great lake" in Myanmar is a well-known place in Yangon.Gems Museum
Overall, the exhibit features an incredible array of gems and minerals from all over the globe as well as an extensive collection of California specimens. The objects in the gallery are so beautiful, you can’t help but want to touch them. Luckily visitors are encouraged to interact with multiple “touch specimens” of gems, minerals and meteorites. A slab of gem-quality jadeite, weighing several hundred pounds, is one of the most valuable specimens in the entire exhibit and must be one of the most valuable mineral specimens available for public handling in the world.The Gem and Mineral Hall houses only a small fraction of the Museum’s extensive collection, which now includes more than 150,000 specimens.
Karaweik Hall
National Races Village
National Races Village is located near Thanlyin Bridge. Thaketa Township. Yangon. National races village was constructed by Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs is situated in Tharketa Township. on the left of Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge.People's Park and Square
People’s Park is located near the western stairways of Shwedagon Pagoda. It is an area of a total of 135.72 acres bounded by the main thoroughfares of Pyay Road to its west, U Wisara Road to its east, Dhammazedi Road to its north and Ahlone Road to its south. It was first opened in 1990.The Park is well known for its large concrete water fountain. A fountain, composed of two receding tiers of white elephants spewing water out of their raised trunks and is topped by a single lotus bud, forms the centerpiece of a flower-lined marble esplanade. Over a thousand trees and plants from 52 species are to be found in the Park. A little over half of the complex is the 70.3-acre People's Square. A flower- and tree-lined marble esplanade starting from Pyithu Hluttaw towards the Shwedagon Pagoda is the center piece of the square. Pyidaungsu Ayeyeik Nyein or the Union Nationalities' Haven of Peace occupies a corner of the Square. Many National Events such as ceremonies of Independence Day, Union Day, National Day are held in this place. There is a Museum housing life-size models of nationalities in their colourful dresses.
In 2011, People's Park and Square is renovated by private company and now there are amusement park including swimming pools, water slides, joy rides and water fountain garden. Families, groups, couples and individuals who want rest and relaxation are seen at the People's Park and People' s Square. The People's Square and People's Park remains open daily from 7AM to 7PM.
War Memorial
During the First World War, many nations saw massive devastation and loss of life. More people lost their lives in the east than in the west, but the outcome was different. In the west, and in response to the victory there obtained, most of the cities in the countries involved in the conflict erected memorials, with the memorials in smaller villages and towns often listing the names of each local soldier who had been killed in addition (so far as the decision by the French and British in 1916 to construct governmentally designed cemeteries was concerned) to their names being recorded on military headstones, often against the will of those directly involved, and without any opportunity of choice in the British Empire (Imperial War Graves Commission). Massive British monuments commemorating thousands of dead with no identified war grave, such as the Menin Gate at Ypres and the Thiepval memorial on the Somme, were also constructed. The Liberty Memorial, located in Kansas City, Missouri, is a memorial dedicated to all Americans who served in the Great War. For various reasons connected with their character, the same may be said to apply to certain governmental memorials in the United Kingdom (the Cenotaph in London, relating to the Empire in general, and the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh, also with a reference to the Empire, but with particular connections to the United Kingdom, having been opened by the Prince of Wales in 1927 and with the King and the Queen the first visitors and contributors of a casket of the Scottish names for addition within the Shrine).Yangon Zoological Garden
The newly established zoological gardens. by the side of the Royal Lakes. was named Victoria Memorial Park which was formally opened on January 1906.
A Natural History Museum which was also a part of the zoo. was opened on the 1st of May. 1966. Furthermore. an amusement park was opened on the 7th of October. 1997. The Zoological Garden Amusement Park is also a well-known spot for children and teenagers.
Shan State & Environment
Inle
Location Latitude : 20˚ 46’ N, Longitude: 97˚ 01’ ETemperature : Min 12 'C - Max 28 'C
Population : 80,000
Inle Lake is a huge lake (22 km long and 10km across) located in Shan State, over 900 meters above sea-level, and it is outrageously beautiful. The strangest thing about Inle is native lake-dwellers, living on ‘floating islands’. It is one of the most significant and productive ecological system supporting an immense variety of plants and animals and yielding great wealth for Myanmar through its occurrence of floating islands and the living style of the natives.
Inle Lake is stunning and to appreciate the extensive natural waterways from the lake shores and unsurpassed luxury accommodation of villas built over the waters and shores of one of Myanmar's most stunning natural and cultural wonders, Inle Lake. It is the perfect location in which to explore the wonders of this unique destination with private outdoor terrace for viewing a spectacular sunset over the lake and hills beyond.
Phaung Taw Oo Pagoda
Phaung Taw Oo Buddha Images are in a set of five, cherished by Bagan Emperor Alaung Sithu, and dedicated to five Buddhas of this planet Earth. These Buddha images are famous because many prayers came true, after praying at Phaung Taw Oo.
Phaung Taw Oo Pagoda Festival is held around late October, depending on the Myanmar traditional lunar calendar. Festivals in Myanmar mostly coincide with the full moons days and often related Buddhism. The Phaung Taw Oo festival is one of the most spectacular festivities in Myanmar. Only four of the five Buddha images of the pagoda are placed on a royal barge and are rowed from village to village around the lake, stopping at each monastery. The decorated royal barge is towed by leg-rowers around the lake. Boat races are held during this festival. In some boat races, each boat carry, over one hundred people each, standing upright and rowing with their legs in the traditional Inle style. Local and foreign visitors are crowded at such a time.
Nyaung Shwe
Indein
One of the 17 small villages of Inle Lake is on the west end. Visitors have to take 5-km boat ride from Ywama village, which is next to Nyaung Shwe. A Buddha Image is enshrined inside a white-washed stupa, on the summit of a hill. Below the stupa around the hill is a cluster of hundreds of ancient stupas. Many of them are ruined and overgrown with bushes.Nga Phe Kyaung
Taunggyi
Although within the Shan State, the Shans are not the predominant population of this city. The Inthas and the Pa-Ohs, who are also the original inhabitants of the Shan Plateau, form the most visible population. They however are culturally and linguistically different from the Shan. Recently there has been a flood of Chinese immigrants. Taunggyi lies within the Myelat region of Shan State.
Kekku Pagoda
When Myanmar opened its doors to the outside world in the early 1990s, both many spectacular natural and man-made discoveries came to light to both the locals and the tourists. To discover places like this, such as the Kekku Pagoda Complex, seems almost like a miracle.
Kekku is 28 miles south of Taunggyi. Green fields stretch for miles on each side of the road. A long row of tall, thick-leafed trees, in pairs, disappear over the far hills: it is a shady road with trees planted by a monk to connect his village to a pagoda at the other end. Two hours by car from Taunggyi, a turn in a corner into a valley leads you straight to this wonderful sight of thousands of small pagodas clustered close to each other, surrounding a bigger spire set on a rise. The number of the pagodas are almost 7,622 all of them decorated with floral designs or figures of celestial beings or bird-men climbing up the sides, created out of stucco. Everything is still the huge trees nearby cast their shades on bees and butterflies fluttering in the meadows.
Every year, Kekku Pagoda Festival celebrated three days in March before the Full Moon of Tabaung by the Myanmar lunar calendar. The Kekku Pagoda Complex may have been only recently discovered by the outside world but for centuries the shrines have been the personal, intimate place of worship for the Pa O people called Kekku Mway Daw Pagoda, believing that a holy relic of the Buddha Gautama was enshrined under the main spire celebrate the pagoda festival, and tens of thousands of pilgrims come from all over the region, by cart, by river, or by walking through the woods. Hundreds of monks gather to recite the sutras on the morning of the Full Moon Day which is attended by thousands of devotees.
HtanSan
Along our way to Htan San and Ho Pone Town, there was a very heavy rain which almost wash down our car from the mountain road. The heavy rain outside & moisture inside the car made the car glass blur and we were almost invisible to anything in font of the car. The car glass wiper cannot help in this kind of rain. But the driver kept driving with care and I helped him wipe the moisture from the car glass to give him clear view.
Pindaya Cave
There are certainly lots of Buddhas in there but the caves also feature a recreation of a local legend about a heroic prince saving helpless damsels from the giant spider with his trusty bow and arrow. Images of that nasty spider pop up all over town including a fine model of spider and prince at the entrance to the cave.
Kalaw
The treks include the usual assortment of villages, agricultural life, and plenty of mountain scenery. This lively event runs on a five-day cycle moving each day from town to town around the Kalaw/Inle region. It's your typical outdoor market with nothing for the tourists and everything for the locals - meat, produce, herbs, and spices. Many of the participants hiked great distances from the surrounding Palaung villages - the area is hiking to later that same day crossing paths with many of the villagers as they returned home.
Aug 18, 2014
Top 10 Myanmar Travel Destinations
YANGON
Yangon,
formerly known as Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar, is known for its
colonial architecture, which although decaying, remains an almost
unique example of a 19th-century British colonial capital. Friendly
street vendors, traditionally dressed local people, attracting old
Chevrolet buses and trishaws, all make a feel like a museum of Yangon
downtown life.
Shwedagon, the heart of Yangon, is the most profoundly honoured pagoda in the country and interesting history behind. According to the legend, the Shwedagon Pagoda was constructed during the time of the Buddha which is more than 2,500 years ago and where
the holy hair relics of the Buddha were enshrined. Towering to a height
of 326 feet (100 meters) above the city, Shwedagon Pagoda is the famous
landmark noticeable from miles around. It is one of the wonders of the
world and the most revered pagoda in Southeast Asia.
The
weather of Yangon is monsoonal, with three different seasons: a rainy
season from June to October, a cooler and drier "winter" from November
to February is obviously less humid and cooler than the remaining months, and a hot dry season from March to May.
BAGAN
Bagan, in the past which was known as Pagan, is the place where the heart of the country ancient architecture lies. It is located in the upper part of Myanmar and is the capital of Myanmar’s first dynasty. More than 2,000 temples and stupas are located in the area and can be found along the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady river spreading in 42 square kilometers of a dessert like plain geographical location. Pagodas can be found mostly covered in reddish color and religious monuments which were built more than 1,500 years ago and it can be said that Bagan, is the most memorable place for visitors coming to Myanmar.
There are different methods of transportations are available such as: by car, horse cart or by cycling for those who would like to do sightseeing around Bagan. What is more, visitors can also enjoy an idyllic sunset boat trip along the Ayeyarwaddy river to enjoy the beautiful sunset while enjoying a cold drink.
The most interesting fact about Bagan is where visitors can observe and learn about the changes of traditions and cultures in different dynasties where those had been recorded as picture gallery around almost every Pagodas’ walls with the form of ancient paintings. This is not the end of what Bagan has to offer to visitors, yet for those who would love to enjoy one of the most beautiful moment in a day; they can also enjoy in a different way by watching dim sunset over the ancient temples, which make everyone to believe that they are sitting back in 1,500 years ago.
Moreover, for those who love the fine arts of the local architecture, they can bring back along to home in different forms such as lacquer-ware, bamboo arts and local tradition clothing. Local people have been maintaining the unique architecture for centuries and those mementos will always reminds the visitors of how beautiful Bagan is and its unique architecture regardless of where they are.
MANDALAY
Mandalay is located between one of the most historical Ayeyarwaddy river and the Shan state. In other words, the location itself is the central of Myanmar geographically which leads the city to become the economic hub of Upper Burma and considered the center of Myanmar culture. The unique culture of Mandalay city is the transportation method of how people travel. In other words, among the local people, Mandalay is known is the cycling city where majority of the Mandalay citizens prefer to travel on bikes rather than relying on other transports.
As it can be said that, Mandalay is nearer to Bagan and also the central of the country itself, as a result, various traditions and cultures can be found in the city itself which is why, every visitors should always go to Mandalay when they are in Myanmar not just only for sightseeing purpose but visitors can also see and observe different cultures and traditions of Myanmar in one place.
Mandalay was acted as the capital of the country for several decades in the long standing history as approximately 150 years old palace can be found in the city central area. Even though the palace itself is 150 years old, due to the good maintenance, it is still in a good shape without losing every single bit of the ancient architecture. As the majority of Myanmar people are Buddhism Mahamuni Buddha image which is also one of many sacred places with an interesting long standing history. Everyday pilgrims and monks can contribute in helping clean the Buddha image itself at 4:00 in the morning which is known as “Face washing ceremony”.
Last but not least, as a country with a long standing history, there are a few other ancient palace existed in the country and those can be reached easily via Mandalay with various type of transportations such as by boat or by car within an hour. As a result, going to Mandalay will not only have a chance to see one palace but will have plenty of chances to explore other palaces as well. Another tourist attractions city with pleasant weather and environment known as “Pyin Oo Lwin” is just the uphill of Mandalay and can be reached within a 2-hour drive. Mandalay is just one city but it is the only place where almost half of the country cultures and traditions can be found as well as other good resorts and sightseeing activities.
INLE LAKE
Inle, located in the Shan Hills in Myanmar is a freshwater lake with numerous villages against the foggy mountain ranges. The weather of Inle Lake differs from other places in the country as the air is a bit cooler and drier. The unique culture which visitors can find in Inle Lake is, fishermen have tendency to row boats using their legs and it is also a part of the Inle tradition itself.
Other significant scenery that one can expect to see in the Inle Lake such as: floating tomatoes fields around the lake, gardens of flowers properly anchored to the lake bed with bamboo poles. The friendliness of the local people and their unique daily life activities spice things up a little bit better for visitors that they can enjoy a pleasant trip alongside the lake yet enjoy the sincere of the local community.
The best time of the year to visit is during September and October. The ceremonial Hpaung Daw U Festival, which lasts for almost three weeks, is closely followed by the Thadingyut festival of lights. Moreover, the market day of the villages located near Inle Lake offers extremely colorful with freshly grow hill foods and other local products which is another major attractions for all visitors to have a look at.
KYAING TONG (Keng Tung)
Kyaing Tong, is a town in eastern Shan State, Myanmar and it is also the principle town of Kengtung Township. The weather in this area is particular cooler than compare to the tropical area of Myanmar which is a suitable place for those visitors who would like to enjoy plenty memorable sceneries in the chilling weather. Kyaing Tong is geographically located in an easily accessible location to the golden triangle area.
There are plenty of shifting fields and most local community maintains their unique culture where visitors can see traditionally built huts on the mountain slopes. As it is interconnected to the golden triangle, and where diverse ethnics group inhabitant, therefore; visitors can expect to see other cultures and traditions but not just only the traditions of Kyaing Tong itself are the main attraction of Kyaing Tong has to offer.
Kyaing Tong has plenty of hiking, mountain climbing trips in a trekking pilgrimage to nearby mountains to visit the villages of different Shan ethnic tribes, enjoy the breath-taking sceneries along the way while admiring the pagodas along the way.
GOLDEN ROCK (Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda)
Golden Rock, in Myanmar language known as KyiteHteeYoe Pagoda is one of the breath-taking and also a sacred place for Myanmar people. It is located in Mon State and perched on the highest mountain of Paunglaung mountain range. To travel to KyiteHteeYoe pagoda, it will take a 4-hour drive from Yangon, where it will proceed in an open truck uphill to hermit hill. The rock and the pagoda are at the top of Mt. Kyaiktiyo. It is the third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Burma after the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Mahamuni Pagoda. A glimpse of the "gravity defying" Golden Rock is believed to be enough of an inspiration for any person to turn to Buddhism.
It is the best place for those who would like to have a legendary pilgrimage because the Golden Rock itself is placed on top of the mountain and visitors can choose whether to take a bus to go to the top of the mountain or trekking up to the mountain which will take around 5 hours while being able to enjoy various legendary milestones along the way making to the top of the mountain.
At the peak of the pilgrimage season, normally November to March, a lot of local people visit to KyiteHteeYoe pagoda to offer flowers the pagoda and appreciate in the Buddhism. As the golden rock gleams in different shades from dawn to dusk (the sight at dawn and at sunset are unique), pilgrims’ chants reverberate in the precincts of the shrine. Due to the culture and belief in the Buddhism, most Buddhists offers lighting candles and some meditate and the offerings to the Buddha continues throughout the night. Men cross over a bridge across an abyss to affix golden leaves (square in shape) on the face of the Golden Rock, in deep veneration. However, women are not allowed to touch the rock. The Full Moon day of Tabaung in March, is a special occasion for pilgrims who visit the shrine. On this day, the platform of the pagoda is lighted with ninety thousand candles as reverential offering to the Lord Buddha. The devotees visiting the pagoda also offer fruits, food and incense to the Buddha.
MONYWA
Monywa, is located in Sagaing Division, in Myanmar, and geographically 136km northwest of Mandalay along the eastern bank of River Chindwin. It will take 3 hours drive from Mandalay via Sagaing in order to get to Monywa.
There are many places to visit around in the area and one of many attractions is the Poewindaung mountain caves where visitors can observe the incredible stone curving and mural paintings all over the cave. Thanboday pagoda is also another major attraction of Monywa, according to the myth the solid section of the monument is engraved 7350 relics and other holy items. Boddhi-tataung (1000 Buddhas), a group of banyan trees with a Buddha image at each of the tree feet is another place where most visitors would obviously should not miss on their trip to Monywa. Being able to enjoy a one-thousand banyan trees with Buddha images together in one place within one’s eyesight is a moment will never forget those who has been to Monywa.
As the majority of people living in Myanmar are Buddhism, for those who are interested in the Buddhism can observe the history of the biggest standing Buddha image all over the world is located in a village known as Khatakan Taung village in Monywa.
PUTAO
Putao is located in Kachin State, Myanmar which is also the northernmost town of Kachin State. It was once the site of World War II British Fort Hertz. Transportation to get to Putao has a bit of constraint as getting to Putao by road is only available during summer, however; it is accessible year round by air if there are enough visitors/tourists group to justify a plane.
Putao is popular for having rare orchids which grow naturally in the area. Obviously, it is the place for those who love orchid to visit and a rare orchid specie name called “Black Orchid” grow in the mountains western and eastern of Putao. The weather in Putao can be said cooler than the rest of the entire Myanmar and iceberg and mountain covered in snow can be seen almost throughout the year in certain part of Putao.
Moreover, local people inhabitant around the uphill and mountains area are friendly and helpful so that most tourists can arrange their own hiking and mountain climbing trips with local community. Therefore, Putao is the best place for those who would like to go for a bit of adventurous trip with friendly local people to explore the deep nature of the mountain cilvilization.
MRAUK U
Mrauk U, is an ancient city and situated in Rakhine State, Myanmar and it is also one of the most important site for archaeologists to observe different artifacts in the area. Mrauk U lies Eastern Kaladan River and is surrounded by hills in both northern and southern part.
King Narameikhla (1404 – 1434 A.D) founded Maruk Oo and remained the same as the capital for the next 400 years. To reach to Mrauk Oo, visitors need to take boat about 5 hours from Sittwe following along the bend of the Kalatan river. It can be said that Mrauk U is another ancient city with lots of pagodas spreading over the land just as it is in Bagan but with entirely different architecture which were built in different times back in ancient Myanmar history.
One significant pagoda which was built by King Minbin (1535 – 1533 A.D) was the Shwedaung pagoda where the pagoda itself is surrounded by other eighty thousand pagodas. Those are not the end of what Mrauk U has to offer to the visitors but also for the pilgrimage and Buddhism, Pukkanthein, Lemyethna temples and the Andaw pagodas were built and enshrined with a tooth of Buddha from Sri Lanka. Therefore, the ancient city Mrauk U will undoubtedly give all the visitors of the feeling of how people had inhabitant in the history of Myanmar and various sort of ancient architecture.
NGWE SAUNG Beach
Ngwe Saung beach is situated near Yangon city and it can be reached within a 5-hour drive from Yangon. The beach itself is approximately 9 miles long and one of the longest beach in South East Asia and newly opened beach in Ayeyarwaddy delta region interconnected with the Andaman Sea. Moreover, Ngwe Saung is located a bit south of Ngapali which is also another popular beach resorts in Myanmar.
Though, the beach itself was recently opened, due to the incredible quality of the beach, water and sand, it is getting more and more attention from tourists and becoming more popular. It is not just that the beach is good in quality but it also has incredible vistas and breathtaking view of the Bay of Bengal especially during the evening when the sun goes set.
That is not the end of it, as a few villages located around the area of the beach; visitors can expect to see the traditions of the people living around the village. People living in those villages mainly make a living as fishermen and it is obviously that fresh seafood are available in almost every outlet and restaurants located along the beach.
NGAPALI Beach
Ngapali is located in Rakhine State and stretches along the Bay of Bengal and it lies in Rakhine State of Myanmar. Ngapali is said to be one of the best beaches in Myanmar where most natural are untouched where visitors can enjoy the true nature of the beach itself. It is famous for its natural and unspotted beauty up to this day. The beach stretches about 3 km with soft white sand fringed by coconut palms. It is the best place for those leading a modern life in urban areas and looking for a place to enjoy the nature beauty of the beach itself. The beach is unlike like other beaches around the world where it is very crowded along the beach and hawkers persuading visitors to buy their products.
There are other organized recreational activities where visitors can participate such as: beach strolling, cycling and many more. It has also the perfect sunbathing ground. The sea cobalt blue, without any dangerous marine animals and clean as well. There are a few fishermen villages nearby and it can be arranged to visit to those villages on bicycle tour. Most local people believe that the best time to visit the beach is in during October and May of every year.
Thandwe which is situated near to Ngapali beach is one of the most suitable place for those who would like to enjoy a modern yet but not too modern town near the beach for many other relaxation activities. Ngapali Beach is one of the loveliest places in Myanmar; it is also one of the most unspoiled beaches in the world, with miles of pure white sands skirting the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Actually, Ngapali is not one single beach but it is a series of beaches interconnected with small fishing villages stretching from Mazin where the airport is located, to Lontha on Mayo Bay where coastal steamers dock in a sheltered anchorage.
After resting on the beach under the clear blue skies, those who expect for some more activities has the option of exploring the range of hills behind the Strand Beach Hotel. Once you are on the small hills you will find a peaceful lake, which is actually a reservoir with blue waters visitors can fish but not swim. Moreover, fishing boat can be hired for trips to go around some of the island off the coast or to fish along the beaches. There is no doubt the Ngapali is the perfect place for those who would like to enjoy the beauty of mother earth in one place where all the natural and marine animals like to inhabitant.
Ref=http://www.myanmartravel.cc/travel-information/myanmar-travel-destinations
