By June Franco

Most travel itineraries for Myanmar start and end with Mandalay, Yangon and Bagan – the top three tourist must-dos of the country. But if you want something a little different to brag about on Instagram, then take a detour to Inle Lake, a journey of about 6 hours from Mandalay. The clear blue water is bound to steal your heart as it is surrounded by mystic mountains home to thousands of species of animals.
About Inle Lake

Inle Lake is home to tens of thousands of people who have created a self-sustaining ecosystem that keeps the lake the centre of all activities. Families have lived, grown, and evolved with the lake, living an exciting and riparian life.

Geographically speaking, Inle Lake is the second largest lake in Myanmar covering an area of 44.9 square miles. The water rises during the rainy season but dips quite low during the dry season. Inle ranks as Myanmar’s first in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves designated by UNESCO. The lake is not overly large, but is home to innumerable endemic species including 9 species of fishes, which are not found anywhere else in the world. There are more than 20 species of snails as well. From November to January, Inle Lake is home to around 20,000 species of migratory seagulls.

Life on the Lake

Inle Lake is home to 70,000 people who live on the banks of the lake. There are mainly four towns and several small villages bordering the lake, containing people that depend on the lake for their livelihood. It is a marvel to watch how they innovative and ambitious the people are using the many resources of the lake to thrive.

There are several floating villages, and these are sights exclusive to Inle Lake. Instead of roads, people use waterways to go around by boat. Hence, there are water pathways between houses where villagers move around in boats to go to the market, fish, do their daily chores and visit relatives or neighbouring villages. The traffic in these water lanes are very high sometimes even leading to ‘boat traffic jams.’ If you do go and see them for yourself, you’ll be amazed by how easily they navigate the water channels despite the number of boats crowding the lake – and there are many!

One can find the best evidence of humanity’s peak of innovation here. As mentioned earlier, the villagers depend on water to survive, so they have created floating farms that are riverside deltas strung together with bamboo and a creative mixture of mud and reeds. The water-level of these farms rise and fall depending on the season. However, these floating farms are not easy to maintain as they require extensive labour for the crops to flourish. The water is rich in minerals needed, which provide fertility to the plants. Several kinds of vegetables are grown in these farms including eggplants, squash and string beans.

Inle Lake is also famous for its floating market where the people both from the land and lake, gather to sell and trade their products. One can find everything here from fresh vegetables to silver jewellery, food ingredients and even compost, which can be manipulated into land fertiliser! The options are many here and you will often see farmers working their lands in the midst of the market commotion.

Apart from the floating market, Inle Lake is also famous for a 5-day market, which is held in turn among 5 villages located beside the lake.

The fishermen of Inle Lake go about fishing using a rowing technique one-legged rowing technique that stands out for the simple reason you won’t find this practised anywhere else. This tradition was started back in the 12th century, when fishermen had to stand while rowing to get a good look for their catch and navigate past reeds. They stand on one leg and lock the other with the paddle, using the same leg to row the boat forward and direct the boat. It is an uncommon rowing custom but has garnered the interest of visitors to the lake.

Discover the unknown

Inle Lake sustains many villages, and these humble huts are where you can be exposed to the lives of the local people, unhindered by modernisation. Indein Village is a famous village, which is also one of the locations of the 5-day market. It is the revered site of ancient pagodas grouped together – Shwe Inn Thein Pagoda and Nyaung Ohak Pagoda. The Shwe Inn Thein pagodas were constructed in the 3rd century BC and consist of hundreds of stupas with a shrine of Inn Thein Buddha in the centre. The Nyaung Ohak Pagodas are ancient structures with historical value and grouped in a surreal-looking jungle village.The place gives an eerie feeling with sculptures of celestial beings and mythological animals engraved in the pagodas, and even the dark corners feel a little spooky in daytime.

If you’re a cat lover, you’ll adore the breeding house of purebred cats of Myanmar. These were facing the threat of extinction until a few years back. The cat village in Inle is currently running a conservation project to preserve the pure breed, so you can drop by and play with the mischievous felines. They love a good exercise now and then, so it’s a complete haven for feline lovers!

The best of nature

Discover the other part of Inle Lake; beautiful hills that offer several trails where one can enjoy a pleasant trek. A hot spring is located only 45 minutes away from the lake and presents a serene landscape, away from the general crowd. A casual walk around the lake will also open your eyes to the best of nature. Some travellers also hire bicycles to ride around and see how far the lake stretches.

Inle Lake is not merely a lake, it is a way of life that leaves you yearning for more. In a mix of creek villages, farmlands, hilly mountains, artisan factories, and the village people, Inle lake exceeds tourist expectations in every way, filling the traveller with a feeling of awe for the native plains and a craving to return for more.

by Andrea Johnson

Inle Lake is a destination of remarkable beauty. The Intha people live here, popularly known for their distinguished one-legged boat rowing technique. With a magical touch to its nature and environment, Inle Lake is teeming with a healthy biodiversity, ranging from lush, green trees to rare animal species that are under safe protection. This lake is also Myanmar’s very first site to be listed by UNESCO under the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Rich Aquatic Life Form

The aquatic lives play an active role in flourishing the waters of Inle Lake as well as the Intha people. Packed with various common and exotic aquatic species, Inle Lake sees a harmonious mix among the animals and plants as the ecosystem depends on each other. As a crucial fishing ground to the locals, the lake is one of the world’s most fertile environment. Inle carps are common in the lake and are the Inthas’ main source of food and income. The lake is also home to more than 20 snails species and 9 types of fish that can only be found in this part of Myanmar. Some of them are the silver and blue scaleless Sawbwa barb, dwarf danio and Inle Lake Danio.

Floating Gardens Of Inle Lake

Inle Lake is very fertile, making its surroundings ideal for paddy plantation with a convenient and constant flow of lake water. Besides fishing, the Inthas also manage special floating gardens of tomatoes, long beans, eggplants and squash. The locals have been using the hydroponic method for generations to sustain themselves, which is an impressive and advanced method used by the villagers.

Tourists will be surprised to find many floating gardens on Inle Lake. The harvest is also done by the locals, and they would be sold along with the fish they caught in the morning. An intriguing fact is that some of the farmers sell their gardens directly as a whole land.

Protector of Endangered Species

Inle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1995. Tasked to be one of Myanmar’s most prominent protected sites of endangered plants and animal species, the lake is also named as one of the ASEAN Wildlife Heritage Park. There are rare orchids, woodland and wetland birds, uncommon insects and amphibians, snails and also the worldwide-endangered sarus cranes.

To ensure its abundance in flora and fauna is protected and enjoyed, jungle-trekking is encouraged to allow tourists to witness and appreciate these amazing living creatures up-close. This educational tour will inspire young bloods to work towards protecting the environment and the biodiversity living in it.

The mountain range that aligns around Inle Lake makes the place look even more cheerful with the birds lifting into the air against the backdrop of the glowing sunset. Tourists can make a pit stop at one of these places to watch the panoramic view of the mountains lining the horizon.

Inle Lake is a wondrous tourist destination with an even greater cause. The rich wildlife in this area serves as a reminder that the environment should be looked after by locals and tourists alike. Tourists visiting Myanmar should make a visit to Inle Lake to witness the amazing biodiversity that this state has to offer.

by Jaycee Jung

Myanmar is emerging as Southeast Asia’s new sought-after tourist destination. Tourists can start to expect more undiscovered places open for visiting as the nation slowly reveals its hidden gems to the world. The stunning pagodas are only the beginning, as there are also breathtaking nature, exotic ethnic groups, colourful festivals, and of course, Myanmar food.

 The food in Myanmar did not get the recognition they deserve, but tourists who have tasted the flavours of Myanmar agree that the nation’s trump card lies in its food. The culinary adventure in Myanmar is like no other experience that tourists can find in other countries. There are Indian and Chinese influences in the food, and along with a Myanmar twist, tourists often find themselves at awe with the distinctive and authentic flavours that intrigue their palate.

 Eating Myanmar food is not just about tasting the flavours, but the warmth and effort put into every dish that is made with skills passed down for generations.

Lahpet Thoke
Known as Tea Leaf Salad, this Myanmar dish is a famous appetizer and snack made of Pennywort leaves. The slight tinge of bitterness goes well with a special tangy local sauce made of tomatoes, cabbage, lime and sweet sauce, added with a sprinkle of nuts. Tourists love going back to this dish after a long food hunt to cleanse their palate.

Mohingha

This dish is the go-to breakfast meal of locals. Rice noodles and fish broth may sound like an odd combination at first, but tourists who have tasted this dish are immediately taken in by the fragrant taste of chickpeas, turmeric and lemongrass. Some even prefer adding chilli into their noodles for a spicy kick.

Fried Chickpea Tofu

Vegetarians will love this snack. Chickpea tofu is usually deep-fried until it is crispy on the outside and soft and chewy inside to provide a pleasant texture. Tourists will taste a match made in heaven when they dip the snack into a special sweet ad spicy sauce that goes perfectly with the mild flavours of the chickpea tofu.

Shan Noodles
Originating from Shan State, this rice noodle dish can be eaten with two ways. The first method is to have the noodles with chicken, tomato paste, turmeric and peanuts. This dry version is sour and savoury coupled with a nutty flavour. This is definitely not your typical flavour that can be found everywhere; in fact, this dish has made quite a name for itself for its bold taste. For the soup version, this dish is usually paired with warm clear broth and chickpea tofu.

Mont Lin Ma Yar
This quail egg snack is fondly known as the couple snack by the locals. Two sides of rice flour batter containing quail eggs, spring onions, spices and chickpeas are attached together, giving the snack its nickname. This simple snack only gets more addictive with every bite.

Street Pancakes
Tourists will enjoy the hot and delicious little pancakes made upon order by friendly vendors. There are sweet and also savoury flavours, and the small size gives travellers the opportunity to try several flavours in a go. Tourists who have tried this snack love the crispy sides and chewy and fluffy texture. Eggs and nuts can also be added to upgrade the taste.

Nga Htamin

This is another famous Shan dish that is widely loved by locals and tourists alike. This fish rice dish is shaped into a ball of rice. The rice is usually yellow due to the turmeric used and the overall taste of this dish is an uncommon one. The oily texture of the rice ball is balanced with stir-fried vegetables and meat, topped off with fish meat and a hearty amount of fragrant garlic oil.

Chicken Feet Salad

This dish is delicious and also contains health benefits; it is rich in collagen. Chicken feet salad in Myanmar is different than the ones in other countries. The Myanmar way of making this dish requires a lot of sesame seeds, lemon, vinegar, brown sugar sand soy sauce, which is why tourists should definitely give it a try. The springy texture also adds to the unusual taste of this chicken feet salad dish in Myanmar.

Nangyi Thoke

This is one of Myanmar’s best dry noodle dishes. Unlike the usual thin rice noodles in common dishes, the noodles of Nangyi Thoke are thick. The dish is then paired with pieces of chicken and fish cakes, refreshing bean sprouts and hard-boiled eggs. Tourists who love spicy food can also opt to add chilli oil into this dish.

Hnyin Htoe
This meal is popular in the rural areas of Myanmar. Hnyin Htoe is traditionally served on banana leaves. The steamed rice, onions and cabbage are wrapped and tied into a parcel-like package. The aroma of these steamed ingredients will make your mouth water, and it tastes even better when it is fried with turmeric and chilli.

Tourists will have a new adventure to look forward to. Food-hunting in Myanmar is just as fun as any of the excursions and adventures, as travellers explore the culture and tradition of the food of Myanmar and end each food journey with happy bellies.

by Carol Rudy

I can’t get enough of Mandalay. Ever since reading The Glass Palace by Amitav Ghosh, my curiosity was evoked to conduct further research. After gaining a better understanding on Myanmar, I was intrigued by Mandalay and the idea of travelling to such a ‘new’ country in terms of its tourism industry. I liked that the place was not overdone; food and attractions were advertised as they were and was not overly commercialized; Locals continue to live a life rich with tradition and religious fervour.

I started my day early by walking around town. The first thing I noticed was how the people of Myanmar wore skirts for any occasion in the day – men in striped pasoe and women in brightly coloured htamein casually going about. It turned out that most of them prefer wearing their longyi over trousers because it doesn’t restrict their movement as much.

I visited the Mandalay Palace and was smitten by how magnificent it looked. It was huge! The roof looked amazing, with its design reflecting the cultural identity of the country. The palace grounds were wide and spacious while being surrounded by palace buildings, which reminded me of the Forbidden City in China. It was a waste that the palace was rebuilt due to a fire that burnt down most of its original structure. Only Shwenandaw Monastery remained intact despite the burning incident, making it one of the longest-lasting monasteries in Myanmar. The overall environment of the monastery was peaceful and quiet. In the afternoon, I went to the Cultural Museum and saw the belongings, furniture and materials used by King Mindon, one of Myanmar’s most popular and respected kings, and King Hsibaw, the last king of Myanmar. There are also paintings by Saya Chone, the royal court painter of King Thibaw.

Next, I went to Kuthodow Pagoda that is at the foot of Mandalay Hill. When I entered the pagoda from its south entrance, I saw huge teak doors delicately carved with scrolls, nats and floral designs. The amount of handiwork required to create these doors must be exhaustive, given how detailed the each design was. Stepping inside, I was excited to finally witness the World’s Largest Book. The book was actually in the form of huge marble slabs inscribed with teachings of Buddha. There were 729 marble slabs kept in individual stone-inscription caves placed in the grounds of the pagoda. I was surprised to see families casually having picnics by the pagoda, and discovered later that it was common for the locals to spend a leisurely time at these religious sites.

As late afternoon arrived, I began climbing up Mandalay Hill. My journey to the top took 30 minutes. Everyone had to climb barefoot as there were several other temples and monasteries along the way. The heat on the ground was bearable, so I enjoyed my hike up the hill. I befriended a young monk who impressed me with his English skills, offering to accompany foreign tourists to the top in exchange for a humble request – to learn new English words from them. His love for learning was truly inspiring.

When I reached the peak, the view took my breath away. I was just in time for the sunset, and as I watched the orange hue of the sun inched to hide behind the hills while the sky slowly changed colours from red to yellow, and violet to blue. As I looked upon Mandalay City from the hill, I realised its location was in an ideal position for sunset-viewing, along with the panoramic view of the entire city..

I enjoyed myself so much that I insisted on squeezing one more destination into my schedule before calling it a day. The U-Bein Bridge at Thaungthaman Lake that was believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world, measuring 1.2km in length. With the stillness of the lake surrounding the bridge, it appeared to be floating from far. It was amazing to walk on a bridge that was built between 1849 to 1851 – the structure was so stable, and I was even more impressed to discover that Myanmar engineers actually counted footsteps to measure the scale of the bridge before it was constructed. That must have taken a long time!

After exploring some of Mandalay’s best locations in a day, it was one of the best adventures I ever had. My love for this city grew as I witnessed for myself the authenticity and beauty of this place. The pagodas highlighted the locals’ strong faith in Buddhism, and the palace was evidence of a established kingdom that once flourished in the city. It was an eye-opening experience to the glory of Myanmar’s past yet the locals maintained humility, showing me warmth and kindness. It was a fulfilling visit to Myanmar and Mandalay is indeed worth a visit!

By Amy Nair

My husband and I have been married for ten years, and to celebrate this milestone we decided on a romantic getaway. The thing with us and our holidays is that we love to go to less crowded places and yet not miss out on all that new destinations have to offer. We zeroed in on Myanmar, a country mysterious enough that it has stayed special and away from the usual tourist foot traffic.

A Cute Hill Station

Putao is a small hill station surrounded by green valleys and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Tucked away in the northern corner of the country, the town extends across several hills.

Putao is sparsely populated, so you’ll hardly see anyone when you’re there. Truly speaking, we saw more cows than cars when we were there. But it only contributed to the carefree atmosphere as we walked around the hilly roads and enjoyed the view . Putao was a treat for us.

Getting to Putao

We landed at Yangon International Airport and took a domestic flight to Putao Airport. The flight from Yangon to Putao had a stop at Myitkina, probably because of the lack of passengers. Putao is a restricted area, thus it can only be reached by air if you’re a foreigner. The airport is located quite near the city, so it wasn’t difficult to book a taxi to our hotel.

Getting Around in Putao

The hills reached for miles and walking was the only way we got around. The option to rent a bicycle was also available from the nearby town, but the air was just too good to miss out on. As a hill station, the air there was a refreshing breeze that lifted my spirits greatly, and it was truly a liberating encounter.

Many areas of Putao are restricted for foreign tourists, so we made sure to stay clear of them once the staff at our hotel informed us.

Amazing Views

Being surrounded by snowcapped mountains alone in a distant hill has its charm and we enjoyed it immensely. We saw the famed Hkakaborazi Mountain at a distance on one of the days when the skies were clear. The area around this tiny town is full of astounding flora and fauna, some of which I have never seen in my life. We went in search of the rare and famous Black Orchid species which was known to grow around, but could not found any, unfortunately.

Our guide told us that these were usually situated further in the forests, but as it was getting dark we did not take up his offer.

Trekking at Putao

I am not much of a trekker, thus we never intended to trek in Putao. However, the lush green forests beckoned to me the next day and I was feeling particularly adventurous, so we ended up trekking anyway. We got a guide from our hotel who took us around the forests. There were many hiking routes with varying difficulties. We chose the easiest path since I wasn’t very familiar. We created our own routes, slipping through trees and bamboo groves. There were a few mossy areas along the slopes which were quite slippery, so we fashioned walking sticks from the broken branches on the ground to help stabilise our footing. Overall, it was fun.

Friendly Locals

The inhabitants of Putao mostly belong to Kachin, Lisu and Rawang ethnic groups. They are simple people and greet tourists the area with warmth. I cannot think of one unpleasant encounter we had in the five days we spent in the town.

Shopping at Putao

As an avid traveller, I liked to pick mementoes in places I visited from our friends and family back home. The matching gifts I found were unique handicrafts made by the Kachin ethnic group, which featured different types of bamboo-woven baskets. I also bought some local cookies and chocolate. There were also shops that sell woollen garments in Putao and hiking equipment for the adventurous souls that wish to attempt the climb up to Mount Hkakaborazi.

We had a memorable time at Putao exploring the the small rivers that flowed between the villages and pebbled roads where the local people would pass by and offer us a greeting. It was a welcome break from our busy schedule. These five days away from the world was a peaceful getaway with happy memories that we would remember and keep close to us.

by Carol Rudy

Desserts are a universal treat – no one can say no to them. Desserts in Myanmar are distinctive and addictive in the sweetest way. With plenty of palm sugar involved, these sweet delights are the perfect finishing touch to a hearty local meal. These treats are mostly influenced by Indian cuisine, but this gives Myanmar desserts a flavourful twist that always tempts tourists for more.

Shwe Yin Aye

Imagine walking along the streets of Yangon for hourxs, with the hot sun mercilessly beating down on your exhausted body. Shwe Yin Aye, a type of iced dessert popular in Myanmar will be perfect to quench your thirst. This milky dessert tastes heavenly with the balanced mix of sticky rice, coconut milk jelly, palm sugar, tapioca seeds and ice. Have one bowl of this heavenly dessert by the roadside and you will find yourself recharged again for a whole new adventure.

Sanwin Makin

This is a traditional Myanmar sweet that is inspired by semolina desserts from India. You can easily find them sold on the street. You will also notice the mouth-watering sweet scent of coconut milk and sugar before you even spot the cake stall. The half-crispy, half-fluffy texture of this sweet topped with poppy sweets is dangerously addictive.

Jaggery

Myanmar is famous for its palm sugar, which is why jaggery is a huge craze in the country. Made from sugarcane, these little jaggery spheres are simple and yummy sweets perfect for those who prefer lighter desserts. You can pop one or two jaggery sweets in your mouth, let them melt, and savour the natural sweetness and an energy boost. They are also available with coconut flakes and black sesame seeds.

Yoghurt Drink

Nothing feels better than sipping on a cool, thirst-quenching glass of yoghurt in the unbearable Myanmar heat. This simple yet delicious drink is popular among tourists and the locals who drink this as a cooling agent. The drink is modified with a Myanmar twist, so you will taste the fragrant flavour of palm sugar syrup instead of the ordinary sweetness of plain sugar. If you are feeling adventurous, add sticky rice, coconut flakes and chocolate fudge into your yoghurt. Be warned, it will be super sweet!

Jangiri

Jangiri is a sweet made from milk and flour. To achieve a pleasant, sweet flavour, these jangiri balls are then soaked in sugar syrup. Originating from India, jangiri has found its spot among locals and tourists’ favourite desserts, making this a tasty and well-loved hybrid of Myanmar-Indian dessert.

Laddu

Laddu is another Indian dessert that has made its way to the palate of Myanmar people and tourists in the country. Made of semolina flour, ghee and sugar, this ball-shaped dessert comes in assorted flavours such as chocolate, strawberry and milk. The size of this dessert also varies, with the smallest being the size of a lollipop. It is the most convenient dessert to pick if you prefer walking around the market while savouring a sweet snack.

To fully experience Myanmar is to try its famous sweets and desserts. Tourists can easily find these sweets shops along the streets of Myanmar and night markets. Some locals are even friendly enough to let you sample on the desserts before purchasing as long as you ask politely. These desserts are only available in Myanmar, especially those that are made upon order, so don’t miss out on any of them!

By Amrita Kundu

With the amalgamation of 135 ethnic groups, Myanmar is a mix of various culture and tradition. Aside from that, the country boasts a number of unique traditional products and customs which are excellent options to explore for a tourist.

Thanaka

In Myanmar, you will often see women with yellow paste on their cheeks. It is called Thanaka, a paste made from the bark of several trees that grow in Myanmar. The barks are ground on a flat circular stone to make the paste. However, today, thanaka powders and creams are readily available for easy applicability as Thanaka prevents the skin from sunburn and radiates a healthy glow.

Hand-Woven Products

Weaving is a common practice among the locals of Myanmar. From fine silk to cotton, one can find a variety of woven industries in Myanmar. However, the most unique among them is Lotus Weaving – a traditional handicraft practised by the inhabitants of Inle Lake. Lotus stems are taken and the fine threads are extracted before being woven into beautiful garments.

Traditional Dress

Each of the 135 ethnic groups has their own traditional dressing. Generally, most locals wear Longyi, a versatile cloth that can be wrapped around the waist. However, there is a distinct difference for wearing the garment between men and women.

Men wear the Longyi (locally known as Paso) by making two folds and tucking it in the waist. Pasos are usually striped or checked. The women wear their Htamein (the local name for Longyi worn by women) with just one fold and match it with a fitted blouse. Htamein is usually available in floral and coloured designs.

Puppet

Another integral feature of Myanmar is puppets. The culture of puppets in Myanmar date back to around 11th century – 15th century when wooden puppets were used as a major form of entertainment by the royals of the country. Myanmar has regular traditional puppet shows featuring mythological stories and modern-day plays.

Chinlone

Chinlone is the national sport of the country where there are no opposing teams. A group of people play this together where they try to keep a cane ball off the ground as long as possible. It is a fun and non-competitive game which is enjoyed by all.

Pathein Umbrella

This unique umbrella is specific to Pathein, the capital of the Ayeyarwady Region of Myanmar. The canopy of the umbrella is made with silk and cotton where beautiful floral designs are painted on. The rib and the shaft of the umbrella are made from bamboo. This beautiful umbrella is a representation of the feminine beauty of the country, and is an ideal item to pick up as a memento from the country.

Betel Nut

If you roam around Myanmar, you will find betel nut in every nook and corner of the country. Commonly known as Kun Ya, a betel nut is wrapped up in betel leaf along with slaked lime and eaten. The additional items added in the betel leaf vary from one shop to another and can include tobacco, chilli and jam.

Cigars

Cigars or Cheroots is another unique tradition of Myanmar. The roll is made from the dried leaf of Thanet Phat or corn, whereas the inside of the roll consists of dried wood and tobacco. Locals roll the cheroot in their own style, adjusting the tobacco level and the size of the cigars. The tropical zones of Myanmar have an abundance of Thanet leaves.

Exploring the local culture is highly recommended if you are in Myanmar. Try the local products, pick up some mementoes and roam around the country to get a full experience of everything that a tourist can crave for.

By June Franco

When deciding on my backpacking destination this year, I chose to start from Myanmar. The fact that most of my backpacker friends hadn’t travelled to Myanmar yet made it a big boon for me! Myanmar is perfect for backpacking for numerous reasons, the biggest being that everyone is very welcoming and friendly to visitors, so as a backpacker you can find many who are willing to lend a helping hand.

There’s no limit to the number of places you can visit

From large cities like Yangon to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Bagan, a wide variety of places await travellers in Myanmar. There is the Himalayas, massive lakes, wildlife reserves, islands, beach destinations, hill stations and so much more. After spending a few days exploring some of the most popular destinations, including Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan, I dashed straight to Putao, the Himalayan town surrounded by white snowcapped mountains.

Accommodation is pretty cheap

You can stay at any type of accommodation that suits your budget in Myanmar. From five stars hotels to the local people’s houses, the world is open for you. I stayed at a village in Putao and felt like a part of the Kachin ethnic group as they welcomed me with open arms to experience a day in their lives. In downtown Yangon, the maximum I spent on accommodation was USD40 per night, because I wanted to stay at the place where most of the activities took place at night. If I had chosen a place in east or west Yangon, I probably would have saved some money.

Oh! The food!

Food-wise, I am floored. I could go back to Myanmar only for the food as I had amazing barbecues, especially in Yangon. The local food incorporated a lot of salad that I thoroughly enjoyed. The salad was a burst of flavours – tangy, salty, sweet and at times, spicy. I learned how to make some of them and have incorporated them in my daily diet.

 And the super-friendly people!

I am officially a fan of the locals of Myanmar. They are by far the friendliest. They are simple yet so welcoming to the foreigners wanting to explore their culture. Not for a moment did I feel uncomfortable. I stayed with locals, had fun with them, participated in the Kachin Manaw Festival and felt like I am one of them. Most of them didn’t speak a word of English, and yet we could communicate well to each other.

A few tips from my side

I learned a lot of things the hard way. But the idea of this piece is to ensure that my readers learn from my experiences. So here are a few things that you can follow:

• Pack cotton clothes. It’s pretty hot out there, even in their colder months. Therefore, unless you are visiting any hill station, be sure to pack cotton clothes.
• If you plan to visit any hill station, do carry appropriate winter clothing. Putao can get pretty chilly, especially between November to February. I even wore gloves for a few days.
• Always cover your shoulders and knees. As the locals are conservative people, you should respect their culture by dressing appropriately. If you don’t want to attract unnecessary attention, avoid short dresses.
• It will be sunny out there. Carry an umbrella and a cap, and don’t forget your sunscreen.

Myanmar is really a wonderful place to discover. There is so much to see and do that one visit is simply not enough, so I will definitely be going back in the future. What about you?

June Franco

When it comes to choosing places to visit in Myanmar, almost every traveller will go for Yangon, Bagan, Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay. The good news is, Myanmar has untouched nooks and corners which doubles as a unexplored heaven for travellers craving to see the unseen and seek the unknown.

These places have been under the radar for a long time, but now you’ve heard of them!

A Hilly Capital

Hpa An is the capital of Kaying State in southeastern Myanmar. The town is a treasure trove of amazing places and adventurous options such as hiring a motorbike and driving through the scenic countryside, taking a boat ride on Thanlyin River and visiting caves located nearby. This beautiful riverside town is a mix of multi-coloured limestone karst mountains with caves, extensive lush green paddy fields and beautiful lakes. Other amazing experiences to have include a mix of temples to visit, which Kyaut Ka Latt Pagoda (Fun Fact: It’s pronounced as chocolate!) stands out. The pagoda appears to be suspended in air, as its perched atop a rock formation that protrudes the sky. You can also hike to Mount Zwekabin, the highest peak of this region. The hike up has rock stairways for convenience and you will be gifted with a great view of the entire landscape from the top.

Hpa An also has an amazing array of caves, most of which are Buddhist shrines. The notable ones among them are Saddan Cave, Kawt Ka Taung Cave and Bat Cave. Saddan Cave is one of the loveliest caves in Myanmar, carved in limestone karst. There is a beautiful statue of a sleeping Buddha inside the cave along with pretty gold stucco designs lining the walls.  The town is dotted with foliage and statues of Buddha in different poses all around. You will also be able to catch some of the most amazing sunsets from different places in Hpa An.

A Centre of Gardens

Next, Pyin Oo Lwin is the hidden gem of central Myanmar. A quaint colonial hill, it is a station ideal to escape the tropical heat of Mandalay and gives you the feel of a small British town with its wooden summer cottages and timber houses. The town has old fashioned horse carriages painted in vivid red, purple, green and pink colours which takes you back to 19^th century England. One of its allures is an extensive botanical garden called National Kandawgyi Gardens, which has an array of multi-coloured flowers of all kinds splashing different hues across the neatly-trimmed bushes. It was established in 1915 by a British forest officer Alex Roger and resembles London’s famous Kew Gardens, consisting of 514 species of indigenous trees, 74 foreign tree species, 25 different kinds of roses and 300 types of orchids.

There’s another fun thing to do here—you can take the train from Pyin Oo Lwin to Hsipaw and enjoy one of the most spectacular train rides in the world. The train crosses the Gokteik Viaduct, a bridge which is a known engineering wonder of the world that was built in 1900. It rises up to 100 metres from the valley below and spans 689 metres. It has earned a mention from Paul Theroux’s travelogue “The Great Railway Bazaar,” naming it as “a monster of silver geometry in all the ragged rock and jungle, with a bizarre presence.”

The Sleepy Town

You can also relax in the quiet  town of Loikaw, the capital of Kayah—a lesser visited and also smallest state of Myanmar. Loikaw is an idea to enjoy the beautiful hill scenery of the surrounding region as well as engage with the ethnic groups residing there. You will find the famous long-necked women here that don the coils around their neck proudly. Loikaw can be reached by flight from anywhere in the country and by road, taking half a day to reach from Mandalay or Yangon.

The most notable thing to visit in Loikaw is the Taung Kwe Pagoda which consists of several gold and white monuments located atop limestone protrusions. This is an Instagram worthy place which will give you an completely different experience from the other pagodas and temples of the country. The town also has a beautiful reclining Buddha statue worth a visit. A relaxed and laid back town, in Loikaw is where you enjoy a few days of serenity to take long walks and enjoy saturated sunsets to unwind and feel refreshed.

A Stretch of Beach

A beach resort located about 5-hours drive away from Yangon, Ngwe Saung has beautiful beaches that are less frequented by tourists. The extensive white sand beaches of this town are have not been explored and due to that is not crowded. Enjoy your time relaxing on the beach and take in the beautiful sunset overlooking the Bay of Bengal. You can take a boat and visit Lover’s Island located off the cost of Ngwe Saung.

The island boasts of a 15-kilometre long beach, ideal for taking a stroll during sunset with your partner by your side. During low tide, the water receeds to expose the magnificent ocean floor. There is a statue of a mermaid on the beach carved in fibreglass, a monument that has been popular for taking many pictures and selfies. There is also an elephant camp located on the way to Pathein, which you can give a visit to enjoy elephant rides and join elephant baths!

Colonially Authentic

Lastly, Dawei is a beautiful town located in southern Myanmar that gives an experience of the tropical southern weather of Myanmar to visitors. The city exhibits the influences of Dutch, Portuguese and Thai traders as well as well-preserved British colonial buildings. Originally the primary town in south Myanmar during British reign, there are evidences of the rule still present in Dawei. Walking tours are available where a guide will take you around Dawei to explain the history of these buildings.

Coupled with long beautiful beaches on the Andaman Sea, Dawei is the perfect place to soak in the feeling of an authentic beach town of Myanmar. This town is also treated as a starting point for island and diving tours. If you are up for some adventure, consider diving into the water to see some of the most amazing marine lives available in the world.

The country is full of unknown wonders and unseen sights. So if you are looking for somewhere “untravelled”, you know where to go!

Amrita Kundu

The glittering golden Shwedagon Pagoda is the most famous monument of Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial capital. Terming it as spectacular is an understatement as Shwedagon has witnessed the history of Myanmar for centuries and has awed millions in Myanmar and abroad as the crown of the country.

A part of the Yangon Heritage List, Shwedagon is the most sacred Buddhist monument in Myanmar. It is considered to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world that enshrines Buddha’s hair strands in its core. The building is a remarkable structure, covered entirely in gold plating and adorned with 4000 diamonds on the top. It is not just a block of gold structure—the entire complex has 4 separate entrances for each shrine and a terrace that only monks can access. People have come all over to donate gold to contribute to the pagoda’s maintenance.

History of Shwedagon Pagoda

There are parallel stories about the history of the pagoda. According to archaeologists and historians, Shwedagon Pagoda was built between 6th to 10th century AD by the Mon people. However, legend speaks otherwise. It is believed that Shwedagon was constructed more than 2600 years ago following an interesting incident where two merchant brothers—Tapussa and Bhallika, met Lord Buddha during his lifetime and received eight strands of his hair. When the brothers returned to Myanmar, they kept these hair strands in a golden casket along with other relics of Buddha in Singuttara Hill. Stories say that when the local ruler King Okkalapa opened the casket, unbelievable things happened. People’s spirit was uplifted, the hair emitted rays which penetrated heaven and hell, blind people received eyesight again, the deaf started to hear and the dumb started speaking distinctly. Due to these incredible incidents, the King decided to build the stupa.

However, the stupa was quite neglected and underwent significant decay for many centuries since. In the 14th century, King Binnya U decided to refurbish the stupa and build a temple with a height of 60 feet. Significant renovations were made by Queen Binnya Thai in the 15th century when the height of the temple was raised to around 130 feet. Terraces were created on the hill and the uppermost terrace was paved with stones. Slowly, Shwedagon Pagoda started growing its popularity amongst Buddhist pilgrims and by the 16th century, it was already an important Buddhist monument.

Regular earthquakes during this period have damaged the structure of Shwedagon, the worst one happening in 1768, which destroyed the top of the stupa. In the late 18th century, King Hsinbyushin started work repairs on the pagoda and further expanded its height to almost 330 feet. When Myanmar was annexed to the British Empire, King Mindon added a crown umbrella, commonly known as ‘hti’ in the local language. The top of the ‘hti’ was then tipped with diamond weighing 15g in gold.

The Architecture Of Shwedagon Pagoda

The pagoda has gone through several modifications over the centuries. The height of the temple has been increasing since the 15th century, with the addition of newer halls, monasteries and expanding shrines to enhance the complexity of the structure.

There are four gateways to the pagoda, each guarded by Clinthes, mythological creatures of guardian lions. All the gates have decorative walls depicting stories of the various incarnations of Buddha. Three of these gates have escalators and elevators for easy accessibility. The eastern and southern gates have vendors selling a range of goods such as religious offerings, images of Buddha, good luck charms and books.

All the gates lead to the terrace, which has four small stupas in each cardinal direction — north, south, east and west. There are eight small shrines located on the eight corners of the main stupa with a different image of Buddha in each. Seven of these represent the seven days of the week — Wednesday being split into two halfes — morning and evening, thus accounting for the eighth image.

The main building is located on the top of the hill and is characterized by the large golden stupa, that consists of several levels which rise from an octagonal base. The octagonal terraces at the base of the stupa can only be visited by monks. The bell-shaped central dome is adorned with horizontal bands with a spire on top.

The crown umbrella consists of thousands of precious stones – diamonds, sapphires and rubies. The biggest stone is the 76-carat diamond located at the uppermost part of the umbrella. The gold exterior of the main stupa consists of gold plates donated by devotees.

Shwedagon will be the most stunning thing you’ve ever seen. While it glistens against the sun’s rays during the day, the view at night is equally awe-inspiring. We hope knowing this overview of history and architecture of Shwedagon will enhance your experience of visiting this monument.