This time last year - Myanmar getaway

Every so often, I would find myself crave for those weekend getaway which I can just snap and go. And two days ago, Facebook just reminded me of those moments. This time last year I was venturing into an alluring country: Myanmar, and I must say I would definitely make my way back there sometime in the near future.


It was only a three - day - trip so I spent most of my time at Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar. There is a wide variety of entertainment for tourists at this bustling and dynamic city. However, we chose to stick to our initial plan, that was to visit the temples and linger at the street food stalls (the latter, unfortunately, failed, - since they didn't look that hygienic nor exciting enough for us to try.)

My 'checked' list was as below:
1. Schwedagon Pagoda
2. Karaweik Palace
3. Sule Pagoda
4. Bogyoke Market

Yangon International Airport

Old bus, old taxi

1. It is without doubt that Buddhism plays a crucial role in the life of Burmese, you can easily spot temples and pagodas everywhere you go in this country. While at Yangon, make sure you don't miss Schwedagon - the first and oldest pagoda in Myanmar. It is also known as Golden Pagoda - one of the most significant pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists.

Golden theme everywhere

The place is so huge that you can actually stay here for a couple of hours

One of the four entrances

Me last year @Schwedagon

Some sites were under maintenance at that time

Some sites were under maintenance at that time

Me @ my birthday corner - Thursday

2. We then headed straight to the Karaweik Palace, a gilded floating restaurant in shape of a ship. Tickets are quite costly, but it's worth every penny, since the price is inclusive of the buffet dinner and the authentic cultural performance.

Karaweik Hall - Traditional Buffet

A lady dressed in traditional costume @ Karaweik

The show

A Burmese lady wearing yellow - white paste cosmetic named Thanaka

Food street @ Karaweik

Table 17

Karaweik view from a taxi

3. Sule Pagoda, which also serves as the roundabout, stands out in the heart of Yangon. To me, I have no worries about getting lost, as long as I can spot Sule, I know my way. Yet, be careful when crossing the streets to enter the pagoda. The traffic is crazy, even worse than Vietnam ;)

Sule Pagoda - one of the oldest pagodas in Yangon

Sule Pagoda - one of the oldest pagodas

Inside the pagoda

4. Bogyoke Market, whose full name is Bogyoke Aung San Market, is the major bazaar in Yangon. My half day just passed in the blink of an eye while I was wandering through the market. I got a handful of handicrafts and souvenirs, especially a longi (sarong - style lower garment.)

Bogyoke Market - the central market: We literally spent half a day here shopping for Burmese stuff

Just wow!

A vendor with a piece of Thank on his head

Burmese puppets

The street food that I didn't dare to try :P

*NOTE:
- To enter the temples/ pagodas in Myanmar, you have to purchase entrance tickets.
- Bring a bag to store your shoes, footwear is not allowed inside the wats (the temples/ pagodas).
- Try the thanaka on at least once, it feels cool (literally).