Travel the Mekong countries - Myanmar

Myanmar

Today, the country is rapidly expanding its tourism infrastructure and the visitor now has the chance to see more of this golden land than ever before.

The Mekong touches only a small corner of Myanmar, but the whole of this fascinating land offers a remarkable variety of cultural and historic sights. Today, the country is rapidly expanding its tourism infrastructure and the visitor now has the chance to see more of this golden land than ever before.

The largest country in Southeast Asia, Myanmar is bounded by China to the northeast, Lao PDR and Thailand to the southeast, Bangladesh and India to the west and the Andaman Sea to the south. Within these borders is enormous topographical variety, ranging from mountains to forested plateaux and an extensive coastline. Matching the topographical interest is a long and eventful past signposted today by numerous historic sites, each displaying the architecture, art, crafts, religious devotion and cultural achievements that have defi ned the country down through the centuries.

The Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Yangon

Founded by King Alaungpaya in 1755 and annexed by the British in 1851, Yangon, Myanmar’s capital, captivates the traveller with its fascinating blend of Burmese and colonial infl uences. Characteristically ornate temples, well-planned, tree-lined streets, imposing 19th- century buildings, and a lack of high-rises all make for an attractive city.

Although offering varied sightseeing and excellent shopping for jewellery, gems and handicrafts, any visit to Yangon is dominated by the Shwedagon Pagoda. With a commanding hilltop location, this spectacular gold-covered pagoda is the countryûs biggest and most important Buddhist shrine, and one of Southeast Asia’s most evocative sights. evocative sights.

The last in Myanmarûs long line of royal capitals, Mandalay is still the spiritual and cultural heart of the nation. Among the attrac-tions in this lively, sprawling town on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River are a handful of temples, many displaying the exquisite wood-carving for which the country is famed, and Mandalay Hill, a shrine-covered eminence where daily life and spiritual devotion mingle in a way that is inimitably Burmese.

Beyond the city are several historic sights that can easily be explored on day excursions. These include the ruins of one-time capital Amarapura and Mingun where the worldûs largest ringing bell can be seen.

Set on a plain stretching back from the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River, downstream from Mandalay, Bagan is Myanmar’s most important historical site. Here, spread over an area of more than 40 sq. km., are the ruins of more than 2,000 temples dating back to the 11th century. Bagan has been aptly described as “the most remarkable religious city in the world”, and its architectural masterpieces are rivalled in the region only by Cambodiaûs Angkor.

Bagan

Situated 30 km. south of Taunggyi, capital of the Shan State, Inle Lake and its surroundings are famed for their scenic beauty and cool, refreshing climate. Idyllically set between mountains at an elevation of nearly 1,000 m. above sea level, the tranquil 230-sq.- km. lake is dotted with fl oating islands that support villages and bustling colourful markets. Most famously, the fi shermen here are noted for their style of rowing their boats, standing upright and using one leg to power the oar.

Popularly known as the “Golden Rock” Pagoda, this intriguing hilltop Buddhist shrine is famous for a large gilded boulder that rests precariously on a cliff edge. That the rock does not fall is regarded by the Burmese as a miracle, and accordingly Kyaiktiyo is highly revered.