Myanmar-Buddha’s land
Myanmar in Southeast Asia is bordered between India, Bangladesh on the west, China on North/Northeast and Laos, Thailand on South/Southeast. The country with a population of 60 millions is an ancient civilization. You can see Buddha’s pagodas in various form and sizes all over the country, glimmering with golden domes.
Yangon
The capital city of Yangon is the only modern town in Myanmar, somewhat comparable in Hotels, Transport etc. with cities of neighboring countries. Yangon (old Rangoon) has a population of 4 millions. International calls can be made but connecting with Internet is almost impossible, except may be in 5 star hotels.
Food is not much of a problem in Yangon or other towns as you can get Chinese, Indian food according to your taste.
We spent 3 weeks in Myanmar in May/June 2005. The weather in summers can be very hot/humid, with temperatures up to 36 degree C and high level of humidity.
The places to visit in Yangon include the largest pagoda the Shwe Dagon Pagoda. The pagoda is so tall that it is visible from any place in Yangon. Sule Pagoda, Kandawgyi Pagoda and Myanmar Gems Museum are other places worth of visit.
Gems and jewelry fitted with rubies, jade stones are worth a buy. Scott Market in downtown Yangon or the Gems Museum is the place to buy gems.
We stayed in Traders Hotel, a modern 21 storey hotel with all facilities, coffee shop, restaurants, business centre, pool, gym etc. located in downtown.
Bago
We went to visit Bago which is 80 kms from Yangon. Bago is a small town having the famous Shwethalyaung Buddha (Reclining Buddha) Pagoda. It also has the renovated Kanbaw Za Thardi Royal Palace & Museum. Shwemawdaw Pagoda is another worship place to be seen. You can spend a day visiting from Yangon.
Mandalay
We then went to Mandalay, located 600 kms north of Yangon in central Mynamar. Mandalay is the second largest city with population of half a million. The famous Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, Kuthodaw Pagoda, Mandalay Palace are worth a visit. We also saw the tomb of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal ruler of India who was imprisoned by British in the then Burma.
Bagan
A 2 days visit to Bagan from Mandalay was very interesting. Although it was quite hot, the 4 hours drive in AC Bus over some good and some potholed roads was enjoyed by our group. We had fresh palm extract juice (call it wine), palm sweets by the road side. Bagan has many historical remains. It has over 4000 ancient monuments. Bagan is the core of archaeological zone in Asia. Ananda Pagoda, Gawdawpalin Pagoda, Dhammayangyi Pagoda, Shwesandaw Pagoda, Bagan Museum are worth and very nice to see in cool evening or early morning time. Bagan is located on the bend of Ayeyarwaddy River. Visitors should buy a map in Bagan to be able to travel independently and decide on which pagodas/sites to see. Good hotels and restaurants are available.
Buy hanicrafts and art objects from authorised shops. Insist on receipt to show to officials especially at Airport.
We also visited the famous Mount Popa near Bagan. Popa is an extinct volcano. The peak is over 1500 mtrs high from sea level. Mt. Popa is considered to be the abode of Mynamar Nats or Powerful Spirits. Climb to volcanic hill is of 777 steps via a winding route. The hill top provides picturesque view of pagodas, temples and buddhist monasteries.
Popa has a 9 hole golf course and other facilities in the resort.
Myanmar is a poor country. People are religious, praying in large numbers at various pagodas. Most of the men spend some period in his life as a Buddhist monk.
Flights are available connecting Bangkok, Delhi. Malaysia, Qatar, China Airways are also operating.
Stay in Mynamar is affordable.