U Kyaw Zin Kywe
TRAVEL MYANMAR
YANGON
Formerly Rangoon, Yangon was the capital of Myanmar until it was superseded by Naypyidaw in November 2005. Today, with a population of over 5 million people, it remains the largest city and main economic hub of Myanmar. The city is an amalgamation of British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian influences, and is known for its colonial architecture.
Shwedagon Paya
Highlights
BAGAN
Bagan, located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, is home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. The shape and construction of each building is highly significant in Buddhism with each component part taking on spiritual meaning.
Bagan
MANDALAY
Mandalay is the second largest city in Burma (after Yangon), and a former capital of Myanmar. The city is the economic and religious hub of upper Myanmar and is centred around the Royal Palace. It has wide lanes filled with bicycles and motorcycles but is known for its millionaires and cultural diversity. Half of Burma's monks reside in Mandalay and the surrounding areas.
Ayeyarwady Temple
INLE LAKE
Inle lake area is renowned for its weaving industry. The Shan bags, used daily by many Burmese as a tote-bag, are produced in large quantities here. Silk-weaving is another very important industry, producing high-quality hand-woven silk fabrics of distinctive design called Inle longyi. In addition to fishing, locals grow vegetables and fruit in large gardens that float on the surface of the lake.
Inle Lake leg rower
KYAIKTIYO
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is the third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Burma after the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Mahamuni Pagoda. It sits on the top of a granite boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by devotees. According to legend, the Golden Rock itself is precariously perched on a strand of the Buddha's hair.
Golden Rock
PINDAYA CAVES
The Pindaya Caves are a Buddhist pilgrimage site and a tourist attraction located on a limestone ridge in the Myelat region in Shan State. There are three "caves" on the ridge which runs north-south, but only the southern cave can be entered and explored.
Pindaya Caves
