Myanmar Famous Four

Start your first day in Bagan by exploring and mingling with the local people at Nyaung U local market which has the wet market section selling the local produce from meat, fish to vegetables and another section selling the items such as rattan products, handicrafts and cotton clothing. 

Then see the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda, where the 37 pre-Buddhist 'Nats' were first officially endorsed by the Barmar monarchy. Although the entrances of the pagoda is packed with the gift shops which will spring the intense experience, the inner platform is undisturbed and filled with the colourful structures and statues. The size of the pagoda and overall scale of the complex is not large and more intimate.

Stop by one of the local eateries as they offer plenty of great food in different cuisines including local food and fusions.

Next stop is Htilominlo Paya situated close to the road between Nyaung U and Bagan, built by king Nantaungmya in 1218 and traces of old murals are also still visible. Continue to Ananda Temple, a whitewashed masterpiece of Mon architecture with four standing Buddhas, and the adjacent brick monastery with beautiful, well-preserved 18^th century murals.

In the afternoon, visit Dhammayangyi, a massive-looking temple dating from 1170, which is famous for its interlocking mortar-less brickwork.

Then board a private boat to experience the sun setting up past the brink of the river, to capture the most picturesque scene; and to observe the local life along the river bank, the habitat of birds and surrounding nature.

Then see the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda, where the 37 pre-Buddhist 'Nats' were first officially endorsed by the Barmar monarchy. Although the entrances of the pagoda is packed with the gift shops which will spring the intense experience, the inner platform is undisturbed and filled with the colourful structures and statues. The size of the pagoda and overall scale of the complex is not large and more intimate.

Stop by one of the local eateries as they offer plenty of great food in different cuisines including local food and fusions.

Next stop is Htilominlo Paya situated close to the road between Nyaung U and Bagan, built by king Nantaungmya in 1218 and traces of old murals are also still visible. Continue to Ananda Temple, a whitewashed masterpiece of Mon architecture with four standing Buddhas, and the adjacent brick monastery with beautiful, well-preserved 18^th century murals.

In the afternoon, visit Dhammayangyi, a massive-looking temple dating from 1170, which is famous for its interlocking mortar-less brickwork.

Then board a private boat to experience the sun setting up past the brink of the river, to capture the most picturesque scene; and to observe the local life along the river bank, the habitat of birds and surrounding nature.

Today drive to Popa. In the middle of the scorched plain 50 kilometres away from Bagan rises Mt. Popa, which looks like an oasis in a desert is an extinct volcano set in a national reserve whose slopes are covered in lush greenery. Also, it is home to Myanmar's intriguing 37 'Nats' and a major pilgrimage destination. With over 700 steps the dramatic ascent to the cliff top shrine is best done slowly but the views from the summit over the surrounding plains and Mt. Popa itself are spectacular. The infamous Popa’s monkeys can be seen along the line of the stairwell as ascending and descending. However, they are mostly kept to themselves around the areas with the stalls serving food. As long as they are not attracted by food, they will not trouble. 

Stop by Popa Mountain Resort which has an incredible view of the Mt. Popa and amazing surroundings. The infinity pool of the resort and the food there are also worth the visit and fresh rest from the heat are rewarding.

In the afternoon, visit one of the villages around Bagan. Most of the villagers live in the bamboo houses and make wooden slippers, famous Bagan Pone Yay Gyi which is black bean curd paste and pottery traditionally for a living. Different aspects of the traditional Myanmar country life will be shown by the village visit.

Toddy palm tree is also a very important aspect of rural life in Myanmar. Visit one of the toddy fields to see the making of jaggery (palm sugar) and taste the toddy wine or “Sky Beer” which is extremely sweet and potent.

Start your first day in Mandalay by a visit to the Mahamuni Pagoda, built by King Bodawpaya in 1784, the centrepiece of the shrine is the highly venerated Mahamuni Buddha image, which was transported to Mandalay from Mrauk-U (Rakhine) in 1784. There is an early morning face wash of the Payagyi by a chief monk every morning at 4 AM. It is astonishing to see the body of the statue covered with the gold leaves and men are still offering gold every day.

Continue a visit to Marble Carving workshops to see the expert craftsmen creating the delicate Buddha images from sculpting out of the white marble stones with the traditional tools. Proceed to watch making the wooden puppets, Wood Carving at the workshops. Then visit Gold Leaf workshops to see the traditional process of Gold Leaf creation. Workers spend up to eight hours beating a pure gold down to the very thin sheet. Labours are seen sitting, cutting and packing the gold leaf in the work room. 

Walk around the surroundings of Zay Cho Market which means sweet price. Enjoy the fantastic photo opportunity of a scene full of life as the local produce and goods spilling on the open-air bustling street market.    

Stop by one of the local tea shops in Mandalay which is famous even for Burmese people from other parts of the country and enjoy the culinary experience. Mont Di, Mee Shae and Shan noodles are the most popular ones from the Mandalay street food. Burmese style noodle salads are thick with the chicken pea powder and the red chili paste and garlic infused oil makes the rice noodle the yellow colour. It will usually be mixed with the crunchy pea fritters, fish balls, beansprouts and lots of onions to give fresh flovour. Shan noodles are lighter and sweeter in flovour and mixed with peanuts powder, meat, soy sauce, sliced spring onions and pickled mustard.

In the afternoon, visit Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery) which is a museum as well as an ancient wooden monastery. The building is covered inside and out with carved teak panels of the stories of Buddha’s life times. It once was also part of the royal apartment of King Mindon. The inside of the small monastery is greatly gilt with gold and decorated with glass mosaic work which offers an impression of what the real old palace would have made or seemed originally.

Then continue to Kuthodaw Pagoda (also known as the Maha Lawka Marazein Pagoda), located at the foot of the Mandalay Hill is the pagoda complex which has been dubbed 'the world's biggest book', for standing around the central stupa are 729 marble slabs on which are inscribed the entire Tripitaka. Each slab is housed in its own individual small stupa. The long white rows of the stupas are a sight to be worth photographed and walking around the aisle and being immersed in the beauty of the whole place is a great delight. At the pagoda, there is an opportunity to experience applying Thanakha, a natural sunblock traditionally wore by Burmese women.

Visit nearby Sandamuni Pagada, which is famous for the large golden stupa, the forest of over one thousands small white stupas (1774 to be exact) housing engraved marble slap each, and the largest iron Buddha image in Myanmar namely Sandamuni. There are little gap between the rows of the stupas and they are placed in a mass and higher density compared to the field of Kuthodaw Pagoda. Sandamuni Pagoda was constructed as a monument in memory of Crown Prince Kanaung.

Proceed to Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, which is essentially interesting for the huge seated Buddha image carved from a single block of pale green marble. The pagoda was started constructed dating back from 1853 but not until 1878 when it was completed. The marble stone block was said to be transported by ten thousand people, and it took two weeks to have the stone block rearranged from the Ayeyarwaddy River to the present location.

The last but not least is to view the superb sunset at Mandalay Hill and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the city ornamented with the colour of twilight and dusk after sunset.

Sagaing located at the foot of Sagaing Hill, was once the capital of Shan Kingdom in the 14^th century and today a peaceful religious centre of Buddhism and a popular place for meditation dotted with monasteries and nunneries quarters. Myasetkyar Monastery in Sagaing monastic quarter is a place where the monks' lunchtime parade and rituals can be observed. Visit Soon Oo Ponya Shin Pagoda, whose position on the areas highest hill offers fantastic views across the valley and the Ayeyarwady River. Afterwards visit U Min Thonze (Hall of thirty Buddhas), which is home to 43 seated Buddha images. There is an optional visit to a silver smith workshop.

Then take a local public ferry at the jetty and continue onto a horse-drawn cart for the ride to Innwa (Ava), the ancient capital of Myanmar on the other side of the Ayeyarwaddy River. First visit Maha Aungmye Bonzn Monastery (Also known as the Ok Kyaung), brick-and-stucco monastery built by Meh Nu, the chief queen of Bagyidaw, for her royal abbot U Po (Nyaunggan Sayadaw) in 1818. Proceed to Nanmyint Watch Tower, 27m high masonry watchtower and climb to the top to enjoy views over the river. Then continue to Bagaya Kyaung, which dates from 1834 and built of teak and supported by 267 teak posts.

On the way back to Mandalay, during your stop at Amarapura, nearby U-Bein Bridge, a 1.2km long leak bridge over the Taung Thaman Lake, is one of the most famous and unique attractions. Watching or mingling with the local commuters and monks making their way back and forth across it is fascinating. The sun dropping behind the uneven pillars of the bridge is worth photographed. Board a small boat to drift on the lake and watch sunset is another superb way to spend time at U-Bein.

Drive to Mingun Village and first stop is Mingun Bell, the world’s largest operational bell weighing in at a whopping 90 tons and 12 feet high. Some enthusiastic people can step inside the huge and heavy looking bell. It is well-shaped and also fascinating to see the bell’s hanging mechanism. The outside of the massive bell can be rung but it has no internal ringing tool.

Next visit is Mingun Pagoda, a huge, unfinished pagoda to this day, which if completed would have stood at over 150 metres and been the largest monument in the world. The King Bodawpaya commissioned to start building it in 1790 but the construction ceased when the king died. Measuring 450 feet by 450 feet and 172 feet high, the large mound still dwarfs the area around. There are two enormous prominent ruined statues of lions near the bank of the river.

Then continue on to Hsinbyume Pagoda also known as Myatheindan Pagoda, a white pagoda built by King Bodawpaya’s grandson, King Bagyidaw in memory of one of his wives. This all-white masterpiece is largely known for its unique architectural style. The pagoda includes seven concentric terraces which contain the small status of mythical creatures. The sight of the whole pagoda is always worth photographed as well as the view from the top of pagoda is breathtaking. 

Enjoy Burmese cuisine at one of the local restaurants. A plate of white rice; small dishes of fried vegetables; pork, fish, beef, mutton, shrimp oil curry based dishes; salads; a small bowl of lentil and vegetable soup; and a large tray of fresh, and parboiled vegetables and herbs to be eaten with various dips are a common meal in Myanmar.

The sort of dips in Myanmar range from ngapi yay, a watery, fishy sauce, or simply ngapi fish paste to balachaung, a dry, spicy mixture of chilies, garlic and dried shrimp fried in oil.

Salads are served as side dishes and usually made of beans, onions and tomatoes dressed in oil and salt. Any vegetables can be mixed with the dressing more or less to create yummy salads. Myanmar is one of only a few countries in the world that eats tea leaves. Pickled tea leaf salad, pickled ginger mixed salads and lemon salad which is made from lemon pulp are the ones local eat very often. The texture of the salads are unique for the westerners and mixed of soft, crunchy, crispy, and saucy.

Start with a visit to Aye Thar Yar Wine Vineyard, where grapes are being cultivated and grape wine is being produced. Covering an area of 25 acres, the vine yard is situated on a hill, 1,300 meters above sea level. In the vine yard 7 species of grape are planted for making Red wine. They are Shiraz (Syrah), Cabernet Sauvignon, Tampranillo, Babera, Egiodola and Dornkelfelder. For producing White wine, 3 species of grape, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon Blanc and Chemin Blanc have been grown. The panorama view is inviting while tasting the best quality wine and delicious meal. Walking along the vine yard is enjoyable and ranges of surrounding mountains and the vine yard background is worth photographed. 

Then continue to Taunggyi which located stunning on a mountain point, for your exploration around Inle Lake. Panoramic views of the entire city, and further across the plains to the north of Lake Inle can be found at the Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda, which sits at the hill side of East Taunggyi.  It is the capital of Shan State and home to a large number of ethnic tribes. Interestingly, Shans are not in the majority, instead the Inthar and Pa-O groups are most populous here. This is best seen by a visit to the bustling market, which, popular every day, is at its best every five days when a travelling market comes to town and is frequented by the areas many ethnic groups, all kitted out in their colourful towels that the Pa-O women wear on their heads. Taunggyi’s greatest draw is the annual three day hot-air balloon festival, which draws thousands of visitors from across the country. The spectacle of hundreds of balloons in all kinds of different shapes and colours flying to the sky is a huge impression on the viewers.

In the evening drive down into the valley to Nyaung Shwe, continue to a beautifully designed bamboo restaurant called La Riziere Buvette which is on the way to Khaung Daing hot springs. It is located in the middle of Paddy Fields, all open kitchen and terraces facing to the rice fields and an incredible view of the mountains and the lake. Shan traditional food and drinks can be enjoyed at this cozy and charming place which provides fully fresh air and cool vibe. A stunning sunset view from the place can also be relished.

Start with a sightseeing by boat on the beautiful Inle Lake which is home to Inthar national race, many of whom live in stilted houses built over the water. Inle Lake is the second largest lake in Myanmar, stretches 11 miles (17.7 km). It is mesmerizing to see the leg rowers casting over the conical fishing net on the glistening lake while balancing on one leg on the wooden boat. The other leg is wrapped around the long single paddle which tucked neatly under the arm. Observing and photographing with awe at the leg-rowers putting on the right amount of pressure on the free leg, while their other leg steers, turns and uses the paddle to slow the boat down is always occurred.

The boat trip will continue along the tangles of the water hyacinth leaves and floating gardens.

The unique floating islands are tethered by the bundles of weeds, mud and bamboo poles. Inthars living on the lake harvest three crops of tomatoes, eggplants, other fruits and vegetables every year. They sell their produce which grow on these highly-nutritious gardens at the 5-day markets in towns and villages around the lake.

Next stop is to see Lotus Silk Weaving at one of the lotus, silk and cotton hand-weaving shops. Kyaing Khan and In Paw Khone villages are the main ones which have many weaving shops. The shops have a live demonstration of the lotus weaving process by using all hands and traditional tools. The first step is cutting lotus stems into small pieces and extracting silky filament. The second step is to produce a single fine thread by moistening the fibers and rolling them together.  About 4000 lotus stems to be used and a day spent for one scarf. The next step is spinning the fresh lotus threads into reels by a hand-made wheel. Finally the scarfs, bags and clothes are made by using the old hand looms.

Stop by Inthar Heritage House for delicious Inthar lunch. The restaurant serves up authentic Inthar food on a veranda overlooking the lush Shan hills. Fish, turmeric and the rice powder are the main players of traditional Inthar cuisine. At Inthar Heritage House, the fresh vegetables are gown in their own organic garden. There are interesting local dish such as banana flower salad with lime and basil, or spring onion fritters. Stuffed Fish or rice power with spring onion wraps are very popular dishes. The fish is marinated with salt, lemon juice and turmeric; and stuffed with fried ginger, lemongrass, tomato, chilli, garlic and coriander. After being tied with strings and fried, the famous Inle stuffed fish dish is ready to savour.

After lunch, it is the bonding time with the Burmese Cats from Inthar Heritage. The pure-bred cats are brought back from UK and Australia to stay back in their original land. Traditional Inthar art, culture and architecture will be learned through touring around the house, library and souvenir shop. The heritage house is designed and built by the inspiration of Inthar culture.

In the afternoon, visit the very famous Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda which is one of the sacred sites in Shan region. Seeing the huge religious building with the golden stupa on top glinted in the sunlight from afar is an amazing sentiment. Inside the center of the pagoda building is a decorative shrine with a stand, on which the five ancient golden Buddhas are kept. The Buddha images are over 800 year old and have been applied with so many gold leaves by the Buddhist devotees daily that it is impossible to see their original structure. The large golden barge, a replica of a royal barge of King Alung Sithu is kept next to the Paung Daw Oo Pagoda. The barge is used annually during the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda festival to carry the four of the Buddhas and tour around over twenty villages towed by over fifty long boats, each with around forty leg-rowers, dancers and music performers.

The last stop for the day is the teak Nga Phe Kyaung (Cat jumping) Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries on the lake in which numerous huge ancient Buddha images are kept. The cats will still be found in the monastery but they no longer jump or entertain the visitors.

Start sightseeing one of the local five-day markets which rotate among the villages in regular order - one village becomes the host of the market every 5^th day. Exploring these markets will lend insight into the life-style of the ethnic Pa-O, Danu and Inthar inhabitants, who come to these markets to tout their wares, from silverwares, jewllery, cotton scarfs, Shan style trousers and bags or sell their fresh produce grown by Inthar. You will be able to observe the customs and traditional dress of these various groups, a colourful sight to behold. Nampan and Indein five-day markets are the well-known ones.

Then proceed to the Indein pagoda complex - an archaeological site where hundreds of Shan-style pagoda ruins are situated on a sloping hill, some entirely hidden by vigorous bush and foliage and some of the pagodas dating back to 17^th and 18^th centuries. True to the meaning of Indein in Burmese which is shallow lake, the village is situated in the shallow part of the lake and some distance away from the main route.

Behind the Nyaung Oak (a group of Banyan trees) village, the first set of crumbling ancient pagodas are found. The stucco carvings of mythical animals, celestial beings and chinthe (mythical lion) can still be seen but mainly in destruction. After climbing along the stairway from Nyaung Oak, there is a second set of ruined ancient pagodas of Shwe Indein. The passageway is one of the longest in the whole Myanmar and filled with stalls selling handicrafts. The view from the top of Shwe Indein Pagoda is breathtaking.

This morning, proceed to Pindaya which is famous for the limestone caves, the peaceful lakeside set, and the beautiful centuries-old gigantic Bangyan trees. Inside the famous Pindaya Cave, it is believed to contain more than 8000 Buddha Images of all sizes in wood, stone, marble and bronze thickly glided. At the entrance to the caves sits the 15 metre tall Shwe U Min Pagoda. The caves are set deep and extends almost 500 feet deep into the hillsides. The traditional oiled paper umbrellas that used by monks and nuns are manufactured around here in Pindaya. Shan papers production workshops are also there to observe how the handmade papers are produced from the pulp of mulberry bark dried in the sun.

This morning, start your visit to Dala located across the river from Yangon. Take a 10-minute ferry ride at the Pansodan Pier in downtown Yangon which is very close to Sule Paya. Local commuters on the ferry are interesting sights to be seen. In Dala, take trishaw ride to explore the markets, teashops, local houses, farms and pagodas. It is one of the best trips around Yangon to experience the local ways of lives.

Say goodbye to your guide to depart Yangon. Take sweet memories of travelling in Myanmar back home. En Route will always make the unforgettable travel experience that lasts a life time.