Local food is one of the best parts of travel, and learning to cook local is a fun experience. If you want to take a cooking class in Siam Reap some of the current options are as follows: Le Tigre de Papier http://www.letigredepapier.comRun by one of Siam Reap’s favourite restaurants, Le Tigre de Papier. Duration: …
http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com/visitor/index.aspJim Thompson was an American who had a profound influence on the resurgence of the modern Thai Silk industry after World War II. With the aim of producing consistent good quality silk and meeting customer tastes, the bright jewel coloured silks synonymous with Thailand, became a thriving industry. He disappeared while on holiday with friends…
Some of the best information about getting to the Bridge on the River Kwai are found on http://www.seat61.com/Bridge-on-the-River-Kwai.htm Here you will find timetables and suggested 1, 2 & 3 day itineraries. The railway line was built during the 2nd World War by the Japanese as part of a supply route to Burma. The…
A new book on Burma is described as part travelogue, part history, part investigation. It looks at the influence of China and India in this region of the world and what the possible implications are for both Burma itself and for the rest of the world. http://www.amazon.com/Where China Meets India A book description from Amazon:…
If you are interested in Vientiane and Laos and want an insight into Lao life this is an excellent option. Written by an American working for the National Tourism office, Brett Dakin records his insights from living and working in Laos in 1998 for 2 years. The style is light and readable but still manages…
Sagaing Sagaing is on the opposite side of the river to Ava. Set on a hill it has hundreds of Buddhist temples and monasteries and thousands of monks and nuns. The setting has plenty of trees and shade. Walking around on the interconnection paths and trails can be a relaxing way to observe Burmese life….
This is a destination you get to by boat. A 1 hour trip will take you 11 km to Mingun. One of those destinations where the joy of travel is as much in the getting there is as in the destination itself. Here there is a partially completed gigantic Paya (pagoda, temple) and the Mingun…
Amarapura was once a royal capital but little remains of the royal constructions. View Mandalay Burma in a larger map U Bein Bridge One of the most photographed images of Burma is the U Bein Bridge. Built from teak over 200 years ago the bridge is over a kilometre long over the shallow Taungthaman Lake….
There was a quote in the Lonely Planet (2005) that said “ Mandalay’s good, but it gets better just outside it’s doors”. And outside you find the sites of Amarapura, Mingun, Ava and Sagaing Ideally you would take three days to visit all these destinations. Ava and Sagaing are usually grouped together as they are…
In many ways Mandalay is much quieter and laid-back than Rangoon but traffic congestion is increasing and things are changing. It is not a pretty looking city, but it does have it’s own charms. Most guides recommend if you have enough time in Burma at least one day here will be worth your while. Mandalay…