Discovering Mayanmar…a New Treasure in Southeast Asia!
by Norma Spadola
The enchanting city of Mandalay has recently opened its doors to visitors, as the country of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) lifted its ban on tourism! Mandalay is thought to be the cultural and religious center of Buddhism and remains a timeless gem.
If you ever had the desire to experience Asia in its original glory, without skyscrapers and any sort of modern hustle and bustle, Myanmar is waiting for you! Beautiful colonial architecture, original temples and simple lifestyles drenched in culture and tradition await you for a vacation of a lifetime!
To get to Mandalay, visitors will fly into Yangon, Myanmar’s primary international airport.
What strikes you upon arrival in Myanmar (formerly the country of Burma, nestled between China, India and Thailand) is the sea of smiling faces and warm welcomes by everyone! Greeting you with a melodic “Mingalabar” (pronounced “ming a la ba”), literally translated as “may you have an auspicious moment”. This gentle kindness permeates this mysterious country that only recently opened its doors to tourists.
Ever since the romance and exoticism of the once capital of Burma was eloquently portrayed in Rudyard Kipling’s poem, “Mandalay”, this exotic land had intrigued many of us. When I visited, its ancient charm impressed me. It remains similar to early China, before the boom of development overshadowed China’s innocence and authenticity.
Myanmar (still also known as Burma since the days of British occupation) remained isolated from the modern world since the late 1940’s. However, when the military junta was dissolved in 2011 and the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to local recipient, Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy lifted the ban on tourism. Since Myanmar opened its doors to tourism, travelers seeking one of these “last frontiers” have rushed to re-discover this simple land steeped in culture and tradition.
Yangon was once the capitol of Burma but in March 2006, the capital was relocated to Naypyidaw. However, Yangon remains the starting point for visitors to Myanmar since the country’s primary international airport is located here, welcoming flights from most major Southeast Asian cities. Magnificent colonial architecture that has all but disappeared in most other Asian cities is still found here. Skyscrapers are noticeably absent while tree-lined boulevards, parks, and temples are abundant. The magnificent 2,500 year old Schwedagon Pagoda is one of the wonders of the religious world and a most sacred site for the people of Myanmar, as well as being a focal point in the city. The glimmering gold stupa whose top is encrusted with emeralds, rubies and diamonds (4531 to be exact!) will leave you awestruck.
A visit to Scott Market (renamed the Bogyoke Aung San Market) is a must do! Akin to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, hundreds of antique shops line covered cobblestone streets selling local handicrafts, jewelry, hand-woven fabrics and Burmese rubies and jade. ‘Longyi’, the traditional sarong like garb worn by both men and women proved to be a useful purchase. They are versatile and suit the hot climate. Since it is respectful to cover one’s legs when visiting the many temples, they are also quite practical. While primarily made of cotton, for special occasions, silk, crepe, and Indonesian batik are favored. Bargaining is expected and cash preferred.
Myanmar’s 11th century capital is the ancient city of Bagan. Once boasting over 10,000 temples, the remains of some 3000 pagodas dot the landscape like mushrooms on the flat plains. Hire a horse drawn cart to take you to the temples at dawn and witness sunrise over the temples or float above the stupas by hot air balloon for a breathtaking panoramic view. Recently opened luxury hotels like the Bagan Lodge and the Aureum Palace are nestled amidst the sea of temples in the Bagan Archeological Zone. For shoppers, a visit to a lacquerware factory here should be included on your “to do” list!
Mandalay, the last royal capital of Burma, is considered the cultural and religious center of Buddhism in Myanmar. Situated along the Irrawaddy River, which flows some 1,350 miles from North to South entirely within the country, it is a very important commercial waterway for Burma. Orient Express operates 4-5 day cruises on their small luxury boats, the Road to Mandalay and Orcaella between Mandalay and Bagan. Close by in Amarapura, the U-Bein Bridge, the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world often serves as a frame for some fantastic Burmese sunsets. Puppetry is a popular entertainment tradition here and beautiful handmade puppets that are found in local markets are wonderful souvenirs of Mandalay.
Spiritual and tranquil Inle Lake, home to the Intha people, is a peaceful land where time seems to have stood still. Bamboo and wooden houses on stilts line the shore in villages that are home to fisherman known for their distinctive one-legged rowing style. The lake is covered with floating tomato gardens, water lilies, reeds and floating plants that locals zip through on outboard fitted long boats. Relax and enjoy lunch in the Bamboo Forest amidst the towering bamboo trees!
With all that Myanmar offers travelers, the Burmese are truly manifesting their future! n
