Myanmar is Southeast Asia’s latest addition to the global travel scene. With stunning temples, bustling markets, breath-taking scenery and so much more on offer, it is little wonder why so many of us are packing our bags and heading for this new destination
Just check www.smarttraveller.gov.au to see what you need to prepare other than travel insurance when travelling to Myanmar just for peace of mind.
Travelling to Myanmar from Australia these days is so convenient. Easiest way is via Thai Airways with a quick transit at the busy Suvannabhumi Airport with a connection flight of around 60-70 minutes.
Lookout for deals from KA Travel when you start planning your trip on our Facebook page or website at www.katravel.net
With so much on offer it is hard to decide where we should spend our precious holiday time. There are a million wonderful things to see and do in Myanmar but your holiday simply wouldn’t be complete without taking the time to check out Yangon landmark that is the golden Pagoda - Shwedagon. A must see and should be top of your checklist.
Shwedagon Pagoda is a historical attraction, is believed by Buddhists to be around 2,500 years old and is the most sacred site for the Buddhist population of Myanmar. You can find out more about Schwedagon here www.shwedagonpagoda.com.mm/
Make sure you take a little bit of time to understand the history of an important religious site such as the Shwedagon Pagoda, as it will greatly improve your visit as it provides context to what you are seeing. Let your knowledge of the site transport you back to when the pagoda was in its fledgling years and immerse yourself in its mystical beauty. If you were thinking of travelling to Myanmar but were still on the fence about it, then the Shwedagon Pagoda alone should be enough to convince you to take the plunge.
Another attraction that’s not too far from Yangon is the golden rock- Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, which is a four hours trip by car from Yangon.
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site in Mon State. It is a small pagoda built on the top of a granite boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by its male devotees. A note to remember here, females are not allowed to enter the inner area of Golden Rock, but there are permitted in the outer area where they can be close enough to see this fascinating sacred site.
Where next? Maybe spend few days in Zinbo or Bago. Visit Kanbawzathadi Palace, Kyaik Pun Pagoda, Shwethalyaung Buddha, Shwemawdaw Pagoda....the list goes on!
I must say, the Eat-Pray-Love movie would make another great episode in Myanmar. There is mouth watering cuisine here, a prayer event at the Pagoda, which is very fascinating. Sometimes it’s great to just be in the environment even if you have different religion views...it’s just so peaceful!
Make sure you bring a large memory card for your camera. I can see thousands of snaps will happen there!
Myanmar trip to be continued...
Credit blog title and photo from #MyanmarinLove Facebook page and big thank you to our guide friend - @Goky Thanasap from หลงพม่า