Of Southeast Asian nations aa auto transport, Myanmar attracts fewer tourists than the more "trendy" spots such as Thailand, Malaysia and recently Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. But a country which is known by two names creates its own cloud of mystery and is sure to pique the interest adventure seekers and more adventurous traveler aa auto transport.
Burma was a British colony until independence was granted in 1948. In 1990, its name was changed to Myanmar (which means all national races) to better reflect all the different ethnic groups. It is affectionately been called the 'Land of Ten Thousand pagodas "and" Golden Land': both names are apt. In some cities temples can be found on almost every corner, and - while this may not differ from nearby countries - many of these highlight the extraordinary fact that the Burmese have between their faith and land.
Myanmar has about 45 million people, divided into more than 165 recognized ethnic groups. It shares its borders with Bangladesh, Laos, China, Thailand and the Bay of Bengal. The country is rich in natural resources - it has lovely pearls, rubies and pearls - and its landscape includes pristine beaches, lowland plains and snow-covered mountains.
Unlike other neighboring nations, Myanmar has had little foreign investment: It is one of a handful of countries that remain unscarred by globalized food chains. As a result, running on this earth produces images of ancient Asia, and allows for full immersion in a culture untainted by westernisation.
No trip to Myanmar is complete without visiting some of the following: Mt Popa, the Pindaya Caves, Kyaiktiyo, Bagan, The Than Bode Temple, Mandalay, Inle Lake and the capital Yangon.
Mt Popa in the eastern part of the country is an amazing geographical and man-made noise. Mount is an extinct volcano that because of its sheer-sidedness resembles an inverted bowl, but the monastery is built on the plateau, which catch the eye. At 1518 meters can be seen from all directions and its white walls and golden trimmings resemble a fairytale castle.
Near Pindaya Caves is another example of a remarkable union between nature and man. Behind the main attraction (the Shweu (Golden Cave) Pagoda) tunnel-like limestone caves snake into the mountain. Within this maze, 6000 Buddha images flicker in the candlelight creating a surreal effect that will be sure to leave the visitor more enlightened.
Not to be left with these two attractions is the remarkable Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. It sits on a golden rock that balances above Mt Kyaiktiyo. The large golden Boulder actually can be shaken back and forth and said to balance because of a precisely placed Buddha hair. The explanation is that 2500 years ago a hermit was given a hair of Buddha and sought an appropriate place for such a sacred object. He found a rock that looked like Buddha heads and hair secured in a Pagoda at the top. Many villagers make the pilgrimage to the 1,100 meter-high site, which has survived several earthquakes, is truly one of the world's wonders.
Also in the eastern mountains to 700 meters above sea level is Inle Lake, a gentle body of water is bound by the pipes and canals. Two hundred villages around the lake, and many houses rise out of the water at STILT. The lake is an important resource for the 150,000 people in Shan State, on their main activities: fishing and weaving. It also acts as a marketplace where canoes are used as stalls and people paddle through the flotilla browsing and buying all types of products.
The Ayeyarwady River splits Myanmar down the middle, running from China to the Bay of Bengal through Mandalay and alongside the capital Yangon. Both these cities are dotted with temples and pagodas, most notable is that Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay, famous for its marble fonts from the Buddha cannon and pristine, 2500 year old Shwedagon in Yangon with a germination that towers 100 meters.
The Mandalay region was the last Kingdom in Myanmar dynasty before the English took control. Now the city remains the cultural center of Myanmar and offer tourists a trip back in time ... ... .. by water buffalo teams can still be seen bringing in logs! A boat trip up Ayeyarwady also reveals an insightful study village life and a chance to mix with the hard-working and friendly locals. If you're still interested in pagodas, they line the banks!
Myanmar is also home to two of the largest abandoned cities in the world: Bagan and Mrak U. An ancient capital between 1044 and 1287 AD, Bagan is thought to be the birthplace of the Myanmar civilization. Today it is a very popular tourist destination, the city is clean and spacious and provides a base to visit the 2000 or so temples built on the 16 square kilometer site. In contrast, Mrak U is only available with a five-hour boat ride out into the small village of Sittwe and at present many of its temples are restored.
Giant temple Than Bode is a temple to be visited. Located just outside of Monywa it was built between 1939 and 1952 and is home to 582,257 Buddha images: possibly the largest single collection of Buddha statues in the world. Two white elephants, that symbolize fertility and knowledge, watch collection.
The Burmese people are very friendly and almost tribal in nature. Their family and friends are very important in their lives, and they extend this friendship to foreigners: often seeking them and start conversations. With such a fusion of cultures makes for an exceptional travel experience unlikely to be elsewhere.
In 1898 Rudyard Kipling wrote, "it is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any land you want to know." This statement rings true today as Myanmar remains a rare gem, the people, culture and nature combine to make it a unique experience in an ever-shrinking world.
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