MYANMAR

Yangon (Rangoon), the capital city of Myanmar, still retains much of the British colonial atmosphere with its historic architecture and wide boulevards. The highlight of the city is the gold-plated Shwedagon Pagoda that sits on a hilltop overlooking the city and is considered by many as the world’s largest and most impressive Buddhist pagoda. Other sights in the area include the 2200-year-old Sule Pagoda that contains one of Buddha's hairs, the Botatuang Pagoda, and the Kyauk Htat Gyi Pagoda which houses the gigantic reclining Buddha.  Always green with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon is known as the “Garden City of the East”.

Mandalay was Burma's capital during British colonization.   Situated in the heart of Upper Myanmar it lies at the hub of river routes from China, India, Thailand and beyond. Today, it is the country's second largest city and a sprawling cultural center where craftsmen and artisans converge from all over the country to exchange goods. Sights to see include: the remains of the former grand palace at Shwenandaw Kyaung, Mandalay Hill, and the ancient Rakkhine Buddha image at Mahamuni Paya. A short drive from Mandalay brings you to Amarapura, the ancient capital of the Konbaung Dynasty, Ava royal capital of Shan King Thadominbya in 1364 and Mingun where in the huge Mingun Paya is a 90-ton bell – the largest uncracked ringing bell in the world.  Sagaing lies 14 miles southeast of Mandalay on the west bank of the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River.  The Sagaing Hills offer many wonderful religious retreats where monks and nuns go to study and meditate in over 400 monasteries.  Nearby is Ywataung Village noted for its silver craftsmen.

Bago is an ancient city of the 15^th century Mon Kingdom and is one of the richest archaeological sites in Myanmar.  Situated approximately 50 miles from Yangon it is a two-hour drive through the countryside and a good excursion for those whose time is limited to only a few days in Yangon.

Twante is reached by a ferryboat on a 2-3 hour journey from Yangon along the Yangon River and Twante Canal.  Pottery is a major cottage industry in Twante.  Oh-Bo Pottery Sheds, the local town market and Shwesandaw pagoda are amongst the interesting sites.  A half-day excursion gives visitors an excellent chance to travel on the river and see the life along its banks.  

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock) is 100 miles northeast of Yangon.  Rising 1100 meters above sea level, this small golden stupa is precariously perched on top of a huge gold-gilded boulder on the edge of a hill and is a place of important pilgrimage for Buddhists.

Bagan (Pagan), located on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River, this World Heritage site is the largest archeological site in Asia. Scattered across a vast arid plain stand over 3000 magnificent temples that proclaim the piety and power of Myanmar’s first empire.  Its distinctive red and white pagodas were built in the 11^th and 12^th centuries at the height of Bagan's grandeur.  The Plain of Bagan known as the Golden Land is an archeological haven for those seeking to explore remnants of centuries past.  A mystical place that touches the soul of all that visit.

Mount Popa is a fascinating day-trip into the countryside from Bagan.  This is the home of Myanmar’s “nats” (spirits).  It was formed in 442BC by a massive earthquake. The Nat Temple is perched on the very top of Mount Popa, 1520 meters into the sky. Walking is the only way to reach the summit but one is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Inle Lake is located in Southern Shan State.  Shan State is lost in the mists of time, shrouded in mystic, intrigue and adventure.  The infamous Golden Triangle, the Leg Rowers of Inle Lake, the Floating farms and gardens, the Long Necked women of Padang, are all part of what makes Shan State a must for the traveler who wishes to see the real Myanmar. Inle Lake is explored by motorized longboats, visiting villages and pagodas on stilts including the famous Jumping Cat Monastery. There is no more beautiful sight than coming across the silent longboats of the local fishermen whose "one-legged rowing" techniques are like a beautiful silent ballet.  

Angkor Wat complex constitutes one of humankind’s most magnificent architectural achievements.  From Angkor the kings of the mighty Khmer Empire ruled over a territory that extended from the tip of what is now southern Vietnam northwards to Yunnan in China and westward to the Bay of Bengal.  Angkor’s hundred or so temples constitute the sacred skeleton of a spectacular administrative and religious center which once covered an area the size of Manhattan.  The building of Angkor was started by Jayavarman II in the 9th century and the complex grew over the next 400 years. Much has been devoured by the ever- encroaching jungle, and much has been destroyed by decades of war, but what we see today are the remains of the lost civilization of Angkor and may very well be the most spectacular architectural ruins found on earth.
(Angkor Wat is located outside the town of Siem Reap)

Phnom Penh founded in the 14^th-Century, is a sprawling city which lies in the arms of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. During the French colonial period (1863-1954) it was a city of magnificent architecture and wide tree-lined boulevards, much of which is still in evidence today.  The sumptuous Silver Pagoda in the Royal Palace, built by Prince Sihanouk in 1962, contains over 5,000 silver floor tiles and houses one of the most spectacular collections of Buddha statues in the world. One golden Buddha is lavishly decorated with 9,584 diamonds.  On April 17, 1975, the Khmer Rouge troops led by Pol Pot captured Phnom Penh, overthrowing King Norodom’s government, and a four-year reign of terror known as “Year Zero” followed. Today the evidence of this horrific time can be found at the TUOL SLENG MUSEUM an eternal reminder of the horror of Pol Pot’s era.  This converted school was used as a detainment and torture center during the purges of the Khmer Rouge in the late 1970s.  A journey of approximately seven miles through the gentle farming communities outside of Phnom Penh will bring you to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, now a memorial attesting to the genocide crimes where over 20,000 Cambodian civilians and some foreigners were executed.

Oudong, built on a hill 25 miles north of Phnom Penh, was the capital of Cambodia before Phnom Penh.  While little remains of the canals, terraces, bridges and more than 100 pagodas created by king Ang Duong, Oudong is still frequented by Khmers who go to pay homage to the remains of former kings.  It is a pleasant half-day trip into the scenic countryside outside Phnom Penh.

Sihanoukville located about 130 miles south of Phnom Penh where miles of dazzling white sand beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand.  The area is a haven where the water is teeming with iridescent fish and phosphorescent coral reefs to the delight of snorkelers.  Local agriculture specializes in pepper plantations and durian farms.

 Rattanakiri Province and Banlung in the northeastern corner of Cambodia; its remote and hilly terrain is populated mostly by hill tribes such as the Kreung, Tompuon and Khmer Loeu.  Jungle, waterfalls, local villages, elephant rides are the attractions of Rattanakiri.  Accommodation is provided in local guesthouses with very basic conditions in the provincial capital of Ban Lung.