   
Myanmar Highlights
Much
of the attraction of Myanmar is in its history and culture, coupled with the warmth and
friendliness of its people. Decades of social and economic isolation have preserved
many traditional features which have been lost in other Asian countries. Out of a
population of some 44 million over 85% are Buddhist and their society is a blend of India
and China.
Yangon -
Myanmar's capital has a very special charm with its many shady parks , gleaming stupas and beautiful lakes . Its unmistakably colonial style buildings, open markets and wide tree-lined  avenues endow it with a strange mix of old world charm and modern vitality. The highlight of this capital city is the famous Shwedagon, with its Pagoda .
Other sights of Yangon are the 2200-year-old Sule Pagoda (containing one of Buddha's hairs), the Botataung Pagoda and the Kyauk Htat Gyi Pagoda with the 233 ft/71m long Reclining Buddha.
 
Mandalay
Mandalay was the last Royal Burmese capital and is today the centre of arts and culture in Myanmar . Mandalay Hill, which boasts marvelous view of the city and the Ayeyarwady River is where the temple that allegedly enshrines three of Buddha's bones is located . Mandalay provides a unique mixture of old and new, and is a spiritual centre boasting numerous old wooden monasteries and unique pagodas that date back to life as it was under the reign of Myanmar's last King. Monks are everywhere to be seen , robed in their traditional dark red garments.
Bagan
Nestled in the curve of the Irrawaddy , this birthplace of Myanmar civilization is a city of more than 5000 pagodas . Bagan is the largest archaeological site in Asia: most of the red and white pagodas were built in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Kengtung
Kengtung (Chiang Tung) has recently opened to foreigners and the Burmese Government has officially sanctioned the border crossing to Tachilek. The town is a treasure trove of traditional architecture with old-style houses with the intricately designed wooden balconies that are so characteristic of Shan architecture.
Mount Popa
A day trip from Bagan, set amid lovely hill and forest scenery, Mount Popa is a steep sided volcanic peak dedicated to the legendary nat spirits of Myanmar. A shrine to these feared and respected traditional characters lies at the top of over 700 steps.
Bago
Thamala and Wimala, two Mon brothers of noble birth in 573 AD, founded Bago. According to legend, the Buddha rested on a small hillock and two Hintha birds came before him in obeisance. He prophesied that 1,660 years after his death, a city would be established on that spot which would be a capital but it was destroyed in 1757 by King Alaungpaya (the founder of the Third Burmese Empire).
Inle Lake
Ringed by hills on all sides , the Lake is a place of calm . For centuries , the Intha people have built their villages on stilts along the lakeshore steering their boats with their unique ‘leg-rowing-technique’ . A boat trip on the lake is recommended.
 Pindaya
Situated on the shore of a picturesque little lake, Pindaya is famous for its caves, where you can see about 6000 Buddha statues of various sizes and materials. This small town in Central Myanmar is ideal for an excursion on the way from Bagan/Mandalay to Taunggyi/Inle Lake.
 Ngapali and Nyaung Shwe
Ngapali Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar. Here you find peace and quiet, with isolated beaches for relaxing, or you go on trips to islands and fishing villages. Ngapali is easily and quickly accessible by plane to Thandwe and then a car transfer of about 30 minutes.
Taunggyi
The capital of the Shan minority is always worth an excursion. The marketplace with its colorfully dressed ethnic groups is a walking museum of the glory that was Shan. It is home to some of Myanmar's finest cheroot factories and boasts an impressive local market.
 Kalaw
This once popular British hill station provided welcome relief during hot summers. Its cool climate, colorful markets, charming churches, and natural surrounds have preserved its appeal to this day.
Pyin Oo Lwin/Maymyo
A cool hill station, over 3047-ft./1,000 m above sea level, founded during colonial times and a worthwhile 2-hour trip from Mandalay. You can enjoy sprawling botanical gardens , colonial architecture , and colourfully painted horse drawn carriages .
 Kyaiktiyo
The Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo) Pagoda is in a spectacular location, perchedon a huge, seemingly precarious boulder on the edge of a cliff - is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar . Particularly stunning at sunset and sunrise , Kyaiktiyo is only accessible in the dry season (Oct-Apr).
From Yangon we can arrange a 3 day/2
night tour to Bagan and Mandalay or longer tours to include Heho, Taunggyi, and Kalaw.
It is also possible to incorporate a cruise along the famous Ayeyarwady River on
board the road to Mandalay cruise ship sailing between Mandalay and Bagan.
Myanmar can easily be combined with
its neighbours Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore .
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