Yangon, Myanmar
The only port of entry into Myanmar is the Yangon International Airport. From the airport, city center is 16km south. Shwe Dagon Pagoda near the center of Yangon has a large collection of temples, Buddhas, pavilions, and architecture. Admission is US$5. Upon arrival, everyone entering on a tourist visa (must be obtained before arrival) is [...]
Kyaiktiyo, Myanmar
Golden Rock The golden rock at Kyaiktiyo (pronounced Chai’-tee-yo) is balanced precariously on a sloped ledge. By anyone’s expectation, the rock should lean back on its base or fall forward off its support. Nevertheless, the rock appears to magically balance on a narrow point of contact. Admission is US$6. GETTING THERE Buses departing Yangon in [...]
Bago, Myanmar
The earliest bus from Kinbun for Yangon departs Kinbun at 07:25. En route it stops in Bago at 10:30. The fare for either distance is 700 Kyat. We disembarked in Bago in front of Hadaya Cafe where we immediately bought 2 tickets for the 13:30 bus to Inle Lake (18 hours, 2500 Kyat). With 3 [...]
Nyaung Shwe, Myanmar
The 15 km long Inle Lake has pagodas, floating gardens, and villages on stilts. Whether trekking, boating, or both, the experience is enjoyable and educational. Several kilometers North of the lake is Nyaung Shwe with a wide selection of hotels and restaurants. Houses with floating gardens dot the lake. Villagers move about by canoe. GETTING [...]
Mandalay, Myanmar
Relative to the rest of Myanmar, Mandalay is urban congestion with few interesting sites. Travelers with short schedules should drop Mandalay from their itinerary. Of the various sites we saw, only the Shwe Inbin Monastery was peaceful, beautiful, and interesting. With carved teakwood exterior, tiered roof, and surrounding wooden deck, Shwe Inbin is spectacular. Because [...]
Bagan, Myanmar
Land of Pagodas Over 5000 pagodas were built between 1044~1287 A.D. Today, more than 2000 are standing. With a wide variety of architecture and size, the pagodas of Old Bagan are a site not to be missed. The pagodas are spread in a 5 km by 5 km area. The easiest mode of transport is [...]
