Due to the isolation Burma has had from the rest of the world many of it’s colonial buildings have remained untouched. As this has usually been due to lack of funds to do anything else many are in a bad state of repair. The influx of tourist, aid and investment money into Myanmar has … [Read more...] about Yangon Architecture and walking tour
Burma
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar
This morning’s destination was the Shwedagon pagoda, the most important Buddhist site in Burma. We knew it was a must see in Yangon, but had not anticipated how stunning it would be. The lower part of the central stupa is covered in gold leaf but higher up the panels are solid gold and the top … [Read more...] about Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar
Burmese Cats back in Burma
While travelling in Myanmar one day the thought might strike you – I haven’t seen any Burmese cats! And you would be right. The breed was unintentionally obliterated from the country through interbreeding etc. However, dedicated cat lovers have put a program put in place to reintroduce pure … [Read more...] about Burmese Cats back in Burma
Mandalay Summary
If you have the time Mandalay is a rewarding stop on a journey through MyanmarFurther information can be found within this site :Itinerary PlanningGeneral sights in Mandalay plus alsoVisiting Gold Leaf workshopsWalking in Mandalay CityRestaurants - Royal Palace area General sights outside … [Read more...] about Mandalay Summary
Mandalay – Dining around the Royal Palace area
Mandalay is not over run with tourist places to eat, but there are a number of options as well as much more authentic local options on every street and market. Some of the options are None of these appear to have their own websites, so check out others opinion on tripadvisor. Mann’s Chinese … [Read more...] about Mandalay – Dining around the Royal Palace area
Mandalay Airport
Mandalay Airport is modern and new – and very much bigger than needed at the moment. The government spent $150 million building this with it’s excess capacity. The runways are long enough for international jets and there are numerous air-bridges. However the three times we passed through Mandalay … [Read more...] about Mandalay Airport
U Bein Bridge, Mandalay
U Bein Bridge is one of the icons in the area around Mandalay. It is the longest teak bridge anywhere in the world. It measures 1.2km in length. A walk from one side to the other is a nice way to spend an hour or more. You can choose to walk across the bridge to the Taungthaman village on the … [Read more...] about U Bein Bridge, Mandalay
Pyin oo Lwin a daytrip out of Mandalay
When the British were in Burma the colonists wanted to escape the heat of the lowlands and escape to the relative cool of the hill station of Pyin oo Lwin also spelled Pyin U Lwin (or Maymyo as it used to be called) The road is easy and comfortable – much of it is part of one of the direct trade … [Read more...] about Pyin oo Lwin a daytrip out of Mandalay
Exploring Mandalay City by foot
Mandalay is often described as a busy city not really worth spending in – and compared to places such as Lake Inle and the temples of Bagan it can not compete on tourist sites. But what it can provide is a valuable insight into economic and cultural characteristics of Myanmar. There are a wide … [Read more...] about Exploring Mandalay City by foot
Gold Leaf workshops in Mandalay
One of the artisan crafts that is found specifically in Mandalay is the making of Gold Leaf. This is a long and manual process whereby a small amount of gold is beaten by hand (with a large sledge hammer) to become the gold leaf that is used in any Burmese Monastery or temples in Burma, for … [Read more...] about Gold Leaf workshops in Mandalay