Grace - Travel Asia

Grace Myanmar Return

2007-09-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

!!!Grace Myanmare Return as ASIA MYANMAR GROUP!!!
WE WILL HIT THE WORLD
FIND OUT HERE

Once in a life time opportunity!!!

2006-10-31T22:54:00.000-08:00

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The world’s biggest Bell, the world’s largest book, Gravity defying rock, one legged rower and vegetable plantation floating above the water and one of the world’s earliest civilization can all be found in one place. That is Golden Land, Myanmar!!!

Would you believe you can travel around in Myanmar with US $99?

Grab this golden opportunity!!!

Our recommend schedule to travel around in Myanmar.

Routing		Approx. Departure Time	Approx. Arrival Time	Duration	Places
From	To	Approx. Departure Time	Approx. Arrival Time	Duration	Places
Yangon	Nyaung Shwe (Inle)	12:30PM	9:00 AM	3–days/ 2–Nights	Taung Gyi, Inle, Kalaw, Pindaya
(Inle) Kalaw	Mandalay	6:00 PM	8:00 AM	5-days/ 4-Nights	Amayapura, Sagain, Mingun, PyinOoLwin
Mandalay	Bagan(By Boat)	6:00 AM	7:00 PM	3 –days/ 2-Nights	Around Bagan
Bagan	Yangon	3:30 PM	7:00 AM	1–day/ 1-Night	Around Yangon

* If you want to travel around with your own schedule, we can also arrange for it.
Our services include:
- Airport pick up
- Arranging your Itinerary
- Providing free necessary information to make your trip a satisfying one.(Hotels & Guest House,Restaurant, Transportation, Currency Exchange & others)
-Accidental Insurance

*If you want to rent your own vehicle, we can also arrange with the cheapest price.
1pax - US $1440 1 pax -> Saloon
2pax - US $720 2,3, ...,10 -> Wagon
3pax - US $590 Above 10 -> Air-con bus
4pax - US $442
5pax - US $354
6pax - US $300
6 pax and above - US $300

*If you want to travel around in Myanmar conveniently, we also have the package tour with the cheapest price.

For Further Information:
Contact Person : Henry
Website : www.gracemyanmar.blogspot.com
Address : Room 555, 20/2 Seree 4 Rd. Praram 9 Soi 43, Suanluang,Bangkok 10250, Thailand
Mobile Phone : 04 1288250
Home Phone : 0-2718 2631 - 9, Ext: 555
Email : grace_tt06@yahoo.com

Booking:
Please provide the following information to us.
-Your Full Name
- Your Passport Number
- No of person who accompany with you
- Flight No
- Arrival Time & Date to Myanmar's Airport

The world's biggest book - Kuthodaw Paya - Myanmar

2006-10-23T02:57:00.000-07:00

The Kuthodaw Pagoda or Maha Lawka Marazein Paya is often called the world's largest book. It is a large walled complex situated at the base of the southeast stairway to Mandalay Hill and was built by King Mindon at the same time he was constructing the Royal Palace. Its central stupa is modeled on the Shwezigon at Nyaung U near Bagan.

The Kuthodaw Paya (Pagoda), or Maha Lawka Marazein Paya, contains what often is called the world's largest book. It is a large walled complex situated at the base of the southeast stairway to Mandalay Hill and was built by King Mindon at the same time he was constructing the Royal Palace. Its central stupa is modeled on the Shwezigon at Nyaung U near Bagan. An on-site carved tablet indicates that the pagoda's height is 187 ft 9 in, high, while some guide books list it at 100 ft (30 m). The former includes the platform in the measurement.

The stupa itself, connected to the outside entry by means of a long corridor, is set in the middle of a thirteen acre field of 729 pitaka pagodas or shrines (Dama Cetis). Each shrine contains a marble slab, inscribed on both sides with the Pali script text of a portion the Tipitaka (Pali spelling, or Tripitaka, in Sanskrit), Theravada Buddhism's sacred texts. Taken together, they contain the entire text of the Tipitaka and thus form? the world's largest book. The slabs were carved from white Sagyin Hill marble found just a few miles north of Mandalay. The work of carving began in October 1860 and was carried out in a special hall within King Mindon's Royal Palace. Each slab is 5 ft ((1.5 m) by 3.5 ft (1.1 m) wide and 5-6 in. (12.7 15 cm) thick. The Buddhist scholar/carvers completed their task in May 1869. If spread out horizontally, the slabs would cover a third of an acre (.1 ha); stacked vertically, the pages would rise 340 ft (103 m). Originally the lettering also had a gold leaf veneer. The statistics given here are those given by U Tun Aung Chain, retired Professor of History, Yangon University.

Several sources suggest the important role of the Fifth Buddhist Synod, which King Mindon called in 1872, in the development of the Kuthodaw. It perhaps was at this meeting of 2,400 monks from throughout the country that both authenticated the texts and began the construction of the encasing shrines.

Myanmar Chinlone - Mystic Ball

2006-10-22T22:25:00.000-07:00

A team of six players pass the ball back and forth with their feet and knees as they walk around a circle. One player goes into the center to solo, creating a dance of various moves strung together. The soloist is supported by the other players who try to pass the ball back with one kick. When the ball drops to the ground it’s dead, and the play starts again.

Chinlone means “cane-ball” in Burmese. The ball is woven from rattan, and makes a distinctive clicking sound when kicked that is part of the aesthetic of the game. Players use six points of contact with the ball: the top of the toes, the inner and outer sides of the foot, the sole, the heel, and the knee. The game is played barefoot or in chinlone shoes that allow the players to feel the ball and the ground as directly as possible. The typical playing circle is 6.7 meters (22 feet) in diameter. The ideal playing surface is dry, hard packed dirt, but almost any flat surface will do.

Chinlone is over 1,500 years old and was once played for Myanmar royalty. Over the centuries, players have developed more than 200 different ways of kicking the ball. Many of the moves are similar to those of Myanmar dance and martial art. Some of the most difficult strokes are done behind the back without seeing the ball as it is kicked. Form is all important in chinlone, there is a correct way to position the hands, arms, torso, and head during the moves. A move is considered to have been done well only if the form is good.

Myanmar is a predominately Buddhist country, and chinlone games are a featured part of the many Buddhist festivals that take place during the year. The largest of these festivals goes on for more than a month with up to a thousand teams. An announcer calls out the names of the moves and entertains the audience with clever wordplay. Live music from a traditional orchestra inspires the players and shapes the style and rhythm of their play. The players play in time to the music and the musicians accent the kicks.

Both men and women play chinlone, often on the same team. Adults and children can play on the same team, and it’s not unusual to see elders in their 80’s playing.

In addition to the team style of chinlone, which is called “wein kat” or circle kick, there is also a solo performance style called “tapandaing”. This solo style is only performed by women.

To play chinlone well, the whole team must be absolutely in the moment – their minds cannot wander or the ball will drop. All serious players experience an intensely focused state of mind, similar to that achieved in Zen meditation, which they refer to as jhana.

Chinlone is one of a family of football games played throughout the world. It is related to similar games in Southeast Asia known as takraw in Thailand, sepak raga in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, sipa in the Philippines, kator in Laos and da cau in Vietnam. A competitive variation of the game played over a net, called sepak takraw was developed in Malaysia in the 1940’s. The origins of chinlone may be related to the ancient Chinese game of cuju or tsu chu, which is acknowledged by FIFA as being the oldest form of soccer. A similar game is also played in Japan where it is known as kemari. Chinlone is also related to the family of sports played by kicking a shuttlecock, know as jianzi in China and Taiwan, and jegichagi in Korea. And there is some evidence to suggest that a variation of these games traveled across the Bering Straits and influenced Native Americans, who also played a variety of games keeping a ball up with the feet. These games are thought to be the origin of footbag, also known as hacky sack. Another game that shares elements of sport and dance is bossaball.

However, nowhere in the world has the level of extraordinary foot skills and dexterity been combined with artistic expression and spirituality as in the Myanmar game of chinlone.

Reference : en.wikipedia.org

Inle lake Virtual Tour - Myanmar

2006-10-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

Click here to watch Great Inle Virtual Tour

Mandalay Virtual Tour

2006-10-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

Mandalay Palace, Moat, Hill and Maha-muni pagoda

British Airways offers Flights to Europe from Singapore for Sin$898

2006-10-20T04:49:00.000-07:00

British Airways has launched its pre-holiday online sale with return fares to London, Paris and five other European destinations from just Sin$898. Customers can also enjoy a special return fare of Sin$998 when travelling to Barcelona, Madrid, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.

The special rates are available on ba.com for departures from Singapore until 29 November 2006; bookings must be made by 20 November 2006.

In addition and for a limited period only, passengers booking flights and four nights accommodation in the UK with British Airways will each be entitled to a free Great British Heritage Passes worth nearly Sin$100. Each four-day pass allows free access to nearly 600 attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, Stonehenge and the newly restored Roman Spa in Bath.

Return economy flights and four nights’ accommodation in the UK start from Sin$1,286 per person.

Rob McDonald, regional marketing manager for British Airways South East Asia said, “As the holiday season draws nearer, British Airways wants to entice Singaporeans to visit Europe ...... This has to be the best time to take a break, see some of Europe or get some Christmas shopping done.”

Reference : http://www.asiatraveltips.com

Internet Pioneer to Speak at Wired Travel Asia 2006 in Singapore

2006-10-20T04:37:00.000-07:00

Jim Donnelly, founder of one of the world’s most popular online travel communities, IgoUgo, will be a keynote speaker at Wired Travel Asia in Singapore next week.

Supported by the likes of Cynthia Francis, founder of social networking tech provider, Reality Digital, and Bill Black, Managing Director of the Bed Management Company, Donnelly will explore the User Generated Content phenomenon that has become known as Travel 2.0.

It’s something that Donnelly – a former Global Brand Manager for Coca-Cola and Vice President of Market at Citibank – knows an awful lot about, having started IgoUgo in 2000 along with Tony Chen.

It was one of the world’s first online travel communities – a place for travelers to swap images, anecdotes, itineraries and tips – and now has more than 350,000 members plus around four million site visits every month.

Not surprisingly, building online communities has become an essential part of online travel marketing, with Donnelly recognized as one of the world’s leading exponents in this emerging field.

Online communities is one of several key issues that will be addressed at Wired Travel Asia, a leading online marketing and travel distribution event in Asia, which features more than 40 expert speakers from Asia, Europe and the United States.

Wired Travel Asia is being held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore next Thursday, October 26, and Friday, October 27, and will be attended by more than 200 delegates from around Asia Pacific.

Every delegate will get the latest online Asian travel industry report from Hitwise, plus a report on 'Trust Based Commitment' from MarketShare and HarrisInteractive.

A Hindu festival of lights, and, increasingly, of meals

2006-10-20T04:30:00.000-07:00

An Aurora temple braces for Diwali and the hungry multitudes who gather to celebrate it

By Russell Working
Tribune staff reporter
Published October 20, 2006

It is one thing to tend to the gods, to offer oranges and bananas to Shiva and the elephant-headed Ganesha, to chant the mantras that greet the deities every morning, to burn sweet incense before their statues and bathe them in milk.

It is quite another to deal with some 7,000 hungry mortals from throughout the Midwest who drop in once a year, expecting to be fed on blessed Indian food.

Yet such is the calling of Aurora's Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, 1145 W. Sullivan Rd., as the holiday of Diwali--the festival of lights--arrives Saturday amid sacred rites and a fireworks show. A Hindu New Year follows on Sunday.

One of South Asia's major festivals, Diwali has drawn increasing crowds to Aurora as Illinois' Indian population has risen.

The Hindu temple is expecting to see record numbers Saturday, more than last year's estimated 7,000 worshipers and perhaps 10,000 over the weekend. And with that comes the responsibility to feed the multitudes.

Between 2000 and 2005, Illinois' Asian Indian population grew by 32,000 to 157,126, the U.S. Census Bureau reports. Many were drawn by opportunities in education or employment, often involving computer technology, local Indians say. And greater numbers means a deeper pool of Indian culture to enrich festivals like Diwali.

Diwali represents the victory of light over darkness, and Hindus commemorate this by lighting lamps at home.

As part of Diwali rituals, many Hindus make an offering to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People visit friends and relatives' homes, where children receive a blessing from their elders, along with some sweets and perhaps a gift of money.

Traditionally, temples in India serve rice dishes to visitors throughout the year, and on an ordinary weekend, the Aurora temple's staff chef and volunteers cook up food for 1,500 worshipers, who pay a donation of $2 to $3 for the fare.

On Diwali, however, the crowds multiply as people come from as far afield as Ohio and Minnesota, following a custom of visiting a circuit of temples on the holiday.

Although many Indians are vegetarians, even Hindus who eat meat abstain on days when they are visiting a temple, which serve only vegetarian fare.

Blessed offerings

Visitors expect to sample food that priests have blessed in an offering to the gods. Thus the temple has found itself in the food preparation business.

The cooking is overseen by Srinivasan Venkadesan, a temple staffer who once worked as a cruise line chef. He and his crew prepare the vast quantities of food to be eaten by the pilgrims.

They cook 2,000 sweet rolls made of lentils and brown sugar and prepare 4,000 servings of spicy tamarind rice, stacked in Styrofoam bowls. Thousands of servings of yogurt rice are made and hundreds of plastic bags get filled with fried spicy crackers. Rice cakes, sweet buttered pancakes and mango lassi--a mango-buttermilk treat popular with kids--also are prepared.

The dishes must be offered to the deities before they are distributed.

On an ordinary day, food offered to the gods can't be stored and is thrown out if nobody eats it. What little is left at Diwali is given to the crowd at the end of the day.

Another challenge of the day is handling the crowds. The halls and worship areas in the temple can handle 2,000 people, but visitors will cycle through to pay their respects to the deities, said executive officer Azad Sunkavalli.

Volunteers are also setting up tents outside.

"These two or three days will be crazy," Sunkavalli said.
For more detail click here

Shopping in Bangkok

2006-10-18T01:41:00.000-07:00

Bangkok Shopping Malls

Bangkok is a shopaholic's paradise! Explore the city's impressive shopping grounds and discover a wealth of modern, multi-storeyed shopping malls. From the legendary Mah Boon Krong (MBK), to the sophisticated Emporium, the trendy Siam Discovery or Siam Paragon, and Southeast Asia's biggest lifestyle shopping complex CentralWorld, Bangkok accommodates everybody's taste, pocket and style. The latest addition to the city's 'mallscape' is the newly and fabulously revamped CentralWorld, which is officially the largest mall in Southeast Asia.

These malls are where you'll find the city's finest fashion stores, global brands, book shops, speciality stores, accessories stands and all kinds of luxury designer lifestyle goods. Not only are you spoiled for choice; it's all super easy to navigate. Shopping malls are modern and air-conditioned, thus a pleasant alternative to the bustling hot markets, and most complexes are easily accessible via the city's modern and efficient Skytrain (BTS) system. Just don't forget to sport comfortable shoes!

CentralWorld Shopping Complex, Bangkok

The battle of Bangkok's mega shopping malls to be the biggest and the best has a new outright and undisputed winner: the supermodern, newly launched, revamped and rebranded CentralWorld. With 550,000 square metres of retail space and a total area size of 830,000 square metres that is 30% larger than any other shopping centre in central Bangkok, CentralWorld is now officially the largest lifestyle shopping complex in Southeast Asia, with an unrivalled mix of products and services at prices that put the fun back into shopping for Thai consumers and tourists. (READ MORE)

Siam Paragon: The Pride of Bangkok

From a sporty yellow Ferrari to a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes straight from the set of Sex and the City, Siam Paragon is a shopping mall without rival in Southeast Asia when it comes to luxury goods. This shopping and entertainment complex is an upmarket, five-storey colossus with 500,000 square metres of retail space. The gleaming, modern mall opened in December 2005 at a cost of 15 billion baht (US$ 375 million), and is home to more than 250 famed international and local luxury brands. Let's take a closer look... (READ MORE)

MBK Shopping Center Bangkok (Mah Boon Krong)

Short-named MBK, the multi-storey Mah Boon Krong is probably Bangkok's most legendary shopping mall, popular with both tourists and locals. Eight floors packed with 2,000 shops that sell everything from clothing, fashion accessories, handbags, leather products and luggage to furniture, mobile phones, electric appliances, cameras, stationery and DVD's (and then some). MBK (launched in 1986) is a beehive of activity, especially on weekends, when half of Bangkok converges to shop for bargains. And plenty of bargains are to be found here! (READ MORE)

Siam Discovery

This trendy shopping complex is still a favourite among Bangkok's younger and fashionable crowds. Opposite Siam Square, this modern centre adjoins Siam Centre and showcases a good selection of shops, restaurants and designer fashion outlets. Expect popular local fashion designers and global brand names as well as European established names, as well as a number of home décor and hip interior design stores. Guess? DKNY, Shiseido, Mac, Swarovski and many more. Asia Books and Habitat have branches here too. A huge cinema complex is located on the top floor, while the ground floor houses popular coffee hangouts including Starbucks and Au Bon Pain.

Open: 10:00 - 22:00
Location: Siam, Pathumwan
BTS: Siam

The Emporium

In the heart of Sukhumvit, The Emporium Shopping Complex is an upmarket centre showcasing designer shops, an exclusive department store, beauty salons and a number of other little stores. Contemporary design, plenty of space, a state-of-the-art cinema, cafes, restaurants and a great food court complement the elegant and air-conditioned shopping experience at one of Bangkok's most posh shopping complexes.

Check out the Emporium's newest addition, the Park Food Court. Though following the conventional idea of a food court, namely a wide selection of different cuisines under one roof, the Park Food Court stands out from others. Not only is the ambience more elegant and chic, but instead of purchasing coupons - as is the case with most food courts - visitors receive a card worth 3,000 baht. Expect great views of adjacent Queen's Park, excellent service and delicious food.

Regular sales (discounts between 15-80%) occur from time to time (often coinciding with Thai festivals) on brand name clothing and furniture. A tourist card (which you can apply for at the department store) gives 5-10% discount off regular priced items in selected shops.

Open: 09:00 - 21:00
Location: Sukhumvit Soi 24/26
BTS: Phrom Phong

Gaysorn Bangkok

Gaysorn is a luxurious, upmarket white marble and gleaming chrome complex housing exclusively high-end luxury goods and designer labels. Its contemporary design and an innovative retail concept create a very exclusive shopping experience. Expect to find a wide range of highly desirable international brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Hugo Boss, to name but a few, as well as a selection of Thailand's most innovative designers such as Fly Now, 'Senada Theory and Kloset Red Carpet. (READ MORE)

Erawan Bangkok

Located on the corner of the prestigious Ratchaprasong Square, you'll find the stylish and elegant Erawan Bangkok. On four floors, you'll find fine dining from fourteen different international cuisines, a collection of ultra chic shopping boutiques and total pampering for the mind, body and soul.

Shop for world-class designer labels and accessories such as Burberry, Coach or Mulberry, or check out Club 21, the exclusive importer of luxury names including Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana, and many more. Pamper yourself at the Wellness & Beauty Center on the fourth floor. Here, you'll also find Hydrohealth, a popular spot among Bangkok's health-conscious that is highly recommended for colonic hydro therapy.

Open: 10:00 - 21:00
Location: Chitlom
Skytrain: Chitlom

Pantip Plaza (IT Mall)

The mother of them all. Walking through the main entrance of this multi-storey IT complex, you'll be greeted with the latest copy software for sale (100 - 150 baht), along with DVD's, MP3 CD's, and anything else that can be put on disk. If you're looking for a new wireless mouse, USB stick, CD-Rom drive, or whatever you can think of, sift your way through as many vendors as possible to compare prices and find the best deal. Most IT brands are well-represented, and the safest places to buy from are credible and established outlets. The secret is to take your time, and to compare prices. To put it simply, Pantip is a must, especially if you' re shopping on a budget. Even just for the experience, it's well worth your time to explore the sheer variety of IT products on offer, packed from floor to ceiling.

Open: 10:00 - 20:30 (every day)
Location:Petchaburi Road, directly across the street from Pratunam's City Complex and close to the Baiyoke Market and stylish Amari Watergate Hotel. To get there, take the skytrain (BTS) to Ratchathewi station, and then either hire a tuk-tuk / taxi, or just walk ten minutes down Petchaburi Road.

For more IT malls, have a look here.

Reference : www.bangkok.com

Spas in Bangkok - Thailand

2006-10-18T00:54:00.000-07:00

Thailand is a haven for relaxation, rejuvenation and regeneration. Ancient healing knowledge passed down over generations, exotic and tropical surroundings, lots of sunshine and legendary hospitality provide the ideal setting for the continuous pursuit of inner and outer beauty.

Nowadays, many high-end hotels and luxury serviced apartment residences in Bangkok take pride in their own lavish in-house spas, often celebrated brands like Mandara or Aspara. Private spas are just as abundant and luxurious. Set in plush and tastefully designed environments, spas offer anything from a choice of different style massages, to body scrubs and wraps, facial and cosmetic treatments, herbal baths and aromatherapy.

Thailand's spas not only give magnificent pampering sessions, they offer a perfect way of recreating the balance of body, mind and spirit that is often lost in our frantic, modern-day lifestyles. Blending Western and ancient Asian techniques, a session at a spa will help you release stress, regain inner balance and rejuvenate your spirit.

Make sure you complete your perfect holiday, or business trip, with an exotic and indulgent experience at one of Bangkok's heavenly spas, a blissful and pleasurable experience that promises to give you a new lease on life. Retreat from the city's hustle and bustle and seek the tranquillity in any of the following hotel or private spa retreats:

Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok (Chi Spa)
Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa (Mandara Spa)
President Solitaire (Ananda Spa)
Plaza Athenee Bangkok (Spa Athene)
Banyan Tree Hotel (Banayn Tree Spa)
Dusit Thani Hotel (Devarana Spa)
Swissotel Nai Lert Park (Amrita Fitness & Spa)
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit (The Vareena Spa)
Pathumwan Princess Hotel (Tantara Health Spa)

Reference : www.bangkok.com

Bars in Bangkok

2006-10-18T00:07:00.000-07:00

"One night in Bangkok………" the song sings, well Bangkok will not disappoint. Below we cover, some of the most fashionable places to be seen and some of the places where you hope you won't be seen, so really the question is will one night be enough?! We are not going to talk in great detail of the 'girlie bars' as we are aiming these reviews more at people who are looking for good quality bars in Bangkok where the women are not half naked and swinging around a pole!

Have you voted yet for your favourite bars in Bangkok yet? Premier Travel Awards for Excellence - Vote Now ! We also have extensive photo galleries offering different images from around the world. Have a suggestion for a bar we have missed contact us here.

Please note that due to stricter laws in Thailand on smoking in public air-conditioned restaurants many of the bars which serve food, are now non smoking up to a certain time. This however does keep changing, and to be frank we have no idea how it works as one week you can smoke the next you can't! If smoking is that important to you we suggest you call the bar in advance and check. Another unusual and rather annoying trend for many of the top bars and clubs is they have started asking for ID upon entry, as with the smoking this also keeps changing so it can be worthwhile calling the bar in advance and asking whether a photocopy of your passport will suffice, if in doubt then just take a copy with you and leave the original document at home or in the hotel safe.

Spasso - This restaurant come bar/disco is located at the Grand Hyatt Hotel (Erawan). Definitely one of the 'in' places to be, with a lot of so called 'high society' Thais coming. The restaurant is mainly from 19:00 onwards and the live band begins rocking at around 22:00 when they clear tables off the dance floor to allow for the serious fun to begin. Excellent band and the atmosphere is lively. Food and drinks are on the steep side, with a Heineken costing around 269 Baht after tax and service charge etc. A Premier Travel Award of Excellence winner.

87 Plus - Conrad's new bar/club opened 11 March 2005. Definitely worth a visit. Thursday is Ladies night so a popular night to go.

Hard Rock Café - As with all HRC's they are open for dinner and have a live band that starts at 22:00/30. The restaurant is on three floors with the second looking down on the bar area and stage below. Although slightly cramped around the bar area especially when the band begins, over the weekends it is a great place to meet people and have a great time. One of the greatest things about this bar is the bartenders who actually seem to enjoy their work unlike in some other establishments we could mention and also that the band is so close to the bar you feel a part of it. Beer is very reasonably priced and you should also check out their bottle promotions, recently a bottle of Jack Daniels was on for just over 2,000 Baht. The first mixers and ice are free of charge and if you don't finish the bottle they will keep it for six months, so you can return at any time within that period present your card and all you pay for is the mixers. This can save you a lot of money. This bar was a winner as one of the best three bars in Asia in the Premier Travel Awards for Excellence.

Diplomat Bar - At the Conrad hotel is a great place to go for some early drinks, the drinks are average price for a five star hotel and the ambience and feel of the bar is very elegant. A great place to meet for some pre-dinner or club drinks.

V9 - WOW - A MUST - Located on the 37th floor of the Sofitel Silom Hotel this stunning bar offers some amazing views of Bangkok. The restaurant / bar specialises in wines and because of the novel concept of combining a wine shop with the bar, you can enjoy these wines from all over the world at some of the best prices in Thailand. A bottle of wine starts at around 500 Baht and if you are unsure of what to choose (the choice is very large and varied) then there is a resident Sommelier on hand to give you tips and suggestions. Open from 6pm to 1am this is an excellent place to entertain or just go for a nice relaxing drink, live music is played nightly. The bar is not just about wine though, as there is also a small and spacious restaurant within which serves some excellent food. V9 is a wonderful place to go out, enjoy excellent food, great wines all at very reasonable prices, and enjoy the night lights of Bangkok some 37 floors beneath you. A great place to go as a couple.

Distil - opened in June 2004 and is located in the State Tower on Silom Road close to the Chaopraya River. The bar claims to offer the best of everything - best whiskies, best wines, food etc. They do live up to this claim to some extent although it is by no means a haven for the finest whiskies in the world, as the selection is quite limited. What does make this bar special are the views, as it is located on the 64th floor of the hotel and offers some of the best views of Bangkok available in the city. The bar itself is very nicely decorated with comfortable seating, a small but cosy wine cellar and an outdoor seating area. Unlike some of the other bars that we review here, this bar has a feel of a stopping off place, somewhere to go before dining in one of the hotels restaurants or perhaps for a nightcap after dinner before heading off home. As this bar is still very new we will be re-reviewing it very soon.

The Bed - Located on Sukhumvit 11 this is a very fashionable place to go for dinner, and or drinks. This is regarded as one of the hottest clubs in Bangkok and is worth going to if only to take pictures of the space ship like building in which it is housed. The club is split into two sections, one aimed more at drinking and dancing and the other are for dining and chilling out with friends. As the name suggests the whole concept the club is based on is a bed, they actually have waitresses in rather skimpy but elegant nightwear, and there are actual beds for customers to relax and enjoy. A very unusual but highly enjoyable club, definitely worth a visit.

The Met Bar - Located at the Metropolitan Hotel on Sathorn Road, this new bar we have been told by the hotel is strictly members and hotel guests only. For that reason there is little point in us reviewing it.

Hu'u - Forget trying to work our how to pronounce the name as unless you are in the area this is a bar you could easily miss. Yes, they have very cool advertisements but we find it is more of a restaurant bar than a fully fledged club / bar. Pricey, and chic in design but very little real character.

Face Bar - Located on Sukhumvit Soi 38, skytrain Thonglor. full review to come soon.

Bulls Head - Very popular among expats and locals alike. A great pub with a very 'Olde Worlde' feel to it. They have two floors with the upper floor serving mainly food, and the lower drinks. The closest skytrain station is Prom Phong and the pub can be found on Sukhumvit 33/1 which is almost opposite the Emporium. Not such a good place to watch sporting events, as they only have the one television upstairs, but otherwise a great place.

The Londoner - on the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 33, this enormous pub serves food as well as imported and some of its own locally brewed beer. A pint of their own 'bitter' costs 129 Baht (but be forewarned you get what you pay for when it comes to taste). They have lots of televisions which makes the Londoner a first choice for many sports fans. If there is a very big match get there early as they sometimes operate on a ticket on the door system.

Cm2 - After the HRC above gets too busy most people head over to CM2 which is at the Novotel Siam Square. It is a disco, which also offers karaoke, food, and good music. It is very popular and reasonably priced with a Heineken costing around 180 Thai Baht.

Rivas - Great bar and disco located at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, ground floor, prices are slightly more reasonable than at Spasso. The disco/bar will get busy from around 10/11 pm but the crowd is quite irregular and depends on the band that the hotel has in at the time. Has great potential but is up and down with the in crowd.

Paulaner Brauhaus - This microbrewery is located on Sukhumvit Soi 24. They serve their own beer and serve up some wonderful if not rather heavy food to go with it. For some reason though it does not get that busy. Good Beer.

Planet Hollywood - has closed down.

El Nido - Located at the Royal Meridien Hotel and just opposite the Grand Hyatt where Spasso's is this very large bar is popular for those that enjoy a little more space and Latin music. Very enjoyable and nice bar/disco.

Nana Entertainment Plaza (NEP) - On Sukhumvit Soi 4 this is, in our opinion, a more user-friendly version of Patpong. It is quite a sight to behold and definitely not somewhere to take your wife, although people do! The girls are a lot friendlier here than in Patpong and they (as in the bars) are all safe, without the famous "come in for show" rip off that you get in Patpong. We have been informed that Carnival on the third floor is a very interesting place to be at 10:30 onwards, but as this is a family site I will not say anymore. A good night out can be had here. One word of warning when entering and leaving NEP, watch out for pick pockets on the street just outside, some claim its "katoeys" or lady boys, personally I reckon it could be anyone so just take a little extra precaution. (perhaps that is double advice !!)

Soi Cowboy - Many years ago this was indeed the spot for locals or expats living in Bangkok to go to if in need of 'alternative' entertainment, such as go go bars etc. Since then it seems to be slowly retreating off the scene. It still though is very much worth a trip down to this small street of bars between Sukhumvit Soi 21 and 23. Unlike Patpong all the bars here are pretty safe in that you do not get overly ripped off with "show" fees etc.

Thermae - On Sukhumvit road between Soi 13 and 15. If all else has failed and even if it hasn't, most people will not believe Thermae. The beers are reasonably priced with a Heineken costing 85 Baht. Thermae is a large bar that only gets busy when everything else, namely the other bars, are closed..... Or at least that is how it was. With the new laws on closing in place Thermae now closes at 2am just like everywhere else. It can be jam packed full of women. Well not to go on but...... the food here is good, especially after a long hard night, although most people do not come for the food.

Lucifer - Is on Patpong 1 and is one of the most popular discos in the area. It gets very busy and is open till late. The drinks are well priced and it is definitely worth a visit. The music played is mainly dance and trance (if that is what you call it) with some excellent DJ's mixing it up for you.

Delaneys changed to Shannigans and then and now Irish Xchange - Forget trying to remember the name of this popular Irish style bar as it seems to change an awful lot. It is located on Soi Convent just off Silom road and only two minutes from Patpong. This is one of the first Irish bars to have opened in Bangkok. It serves all the typical Irish fare including some very good food. This bar has an excellent Happy Hour. It is a good place to go to watch sporting events or to have an after work drink. The clientele is a mixture of locals and expats living in Bangkok. Watch out for the price of the Guinness and the other imported draught beers, they are not cheap. The pub also plays most live sporting events.

O'Reillys - on the corner of Silom Road and Thaniya Plaza has become very popular with tourists and local expats. They have some excellent promotions such as Happy Hour Heineken pints at 99 Baht on Tuesdays and even John Smiths Bitter at a ridiculously low 95 Baht / pint on Saturdays. Live music is played most nights and they have quite a few television sets including a central massive screen which makes it a popular venue for live sporting events.

Taurus - Is a very in place and is found on Sukhumvit Soi 26 just next to the Four Wings Hotel. It is made up of different sections, and offers, a bar, disco area, karaoke and restaurant. It is frequented by Thai's and expats a like with a lot of the Thai film stars and young high society strutting their stuff.

Witches Tavern - On Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor) is a popular bar for expats and locals that live in the area. It is a reasonably priced pub that has live music on some nights, and a generous Ladies Night on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 9pm. Ladies night offers women the chance to have as many whiskies, rums, gins, etc as they would like for free!!

Q Bar - opened its' doors on Sukhumvit Soi 11, December 17, 1999 and is owned by the same person that opened the famous Q Bar in Saigon, Vietnam. It is the quite probably the hottest spot in town at the moment and very fashionable. Drinks are reasonably priced, and they have one of the widest selections of spirits available in the 'city of angels'. You may have a little difficulty finding it, so from Sukhumvit main road go all the way down Soi 11 and turn left at the last available road on the left, the Q bar is just at the end there on the corner. The bars itself gets busy around 10/11 and closes late. Great place to meet others and if you like 'fashionable' bars.

Barbican is a modern style pub/restaurant that is very popular with the expat community in Bangkok, especially early evening and for lunch. It can be found along Thaniya Plaza (the Japanese Patpong area reviewed below). They serve some very good food.

Thaniya Plaza - between Silom Road and Suriawongse Road is the Japanese Patpong strip, where the bars start from the ground level and contnue up to the third of fourth floor. The women are very beautiful and all the clubs are set up in the traditional Japanese way. While the prices may be cheaper than in Japan, they are high by Thai standards, however if you are Japanese and are looking for a club scene such as the one back home this will probably be a good place. Please note and do not take offense that many of the clubs here will not allow western looking people inside. This small street has some excellent Japanese restaurants where everyone is allowed in some are open almost all night so is handy for a late night snack.

Royal Haufbrauhaus - is a microbrewery that is very large and a popular haunt. They serve good German beer, and food, and they have a live band. It can be found on Silom Soi 1.

Silom Soi 4 - is the gay street in Bangkok. Most of the bars and clubs down this small strip are gay clubs. Interestingly, a lot of "Farang" straight women frequent this area, especially resident expat women. The beginning part of the soi also has some regular (read non gay) bars such as Tapas and a few others which are very popular among the hip and trendy. There is a new gay area which is almost opposite the Wall Street Tower on Suriawongse Road - we have not tried it yet, but newspaper reports say that it is popular among such clientele.

Calypso Cabaret - The most famous and possibly poplar transvestite/transexual Cabaret in Bangkok. Now housed at the Asia Hotel the show is professional and popular with couples, definitely worth a visit. See Pictures of the Calypso Cabaret.

Dubliner - A new Irish Pub between Sukhumvit Soi 22 and 24, and pretty much opposite Soi 33. The pub is in three levels with the third offering 1 pool table and 1 table football, the second level is in a kind of mezzanine that looks out onto some of the ground floor. It is quite an unusual pub, with a little more of a coffee shop feel to it, than most regular pubs. The beers are reasonably priced at 90 Baht for a bottle of Heineken, 90 Baht glass of house wine and 130 Baht for a pint of Heineken. Unless you are desperate for a Kilkenny which they do have on tap, AVOID it, unless you enjoy spending 285 Baht (roughly US$ 7.5) for a pint of beer !

Mambo Cabaret - Right next door to the above Dubliner pub, so between Sukhumvit Soi 22 and 24 is a transvestite Cabaret show. Two shows a day one at 8:30 pm and one at 10:00 pm. More to come on this later.

Narcissus - A very nice disco that gets very busy. It is next door (towards the back) to the hostess bar Pegasus which can be found just off Sukhumvit Soi 23. Worth going to around midnight onwards.

Sukhumvit Soi 33 - This is the chic, and slightly more expensive variety of Nana Plaza or Soi Cowboy. Numerous bars with beautiful ladies in cocktail dresses, to entertain you. Similar to Thaniya Plaza for the Japanese but for foreigners.

Reference : www.asiatraveltips.com

Best Place to Visit in Asia - Golden Land - Myanmar

2006-10-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

To find out your interested place, just click on that place!

YANGON

Yangon, the capital city is the gateway to Myanmar. Having many shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of " the Garden City of the East".

When King Alaungpaya captured the riverside village of Dagon from the Mons in 1755, he renamed it Yangon - " the end of war". In 1851, the British annexation of Yangon resulted in getting the town refounded and became the capital. The new city was remodelled and constructed by Lieutenant Fraser, a British Officer of the Engineering Corps who also designed and constructed Singapore.

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MANDALAY

The City lies in the heartland of Myanmar 620 kilometres north of Yangon. It is the second largest city that stands as a pride of Myanmar where characteristics closest to genuine Myanmar can be found.

Mandalay was founded in 1857 as the capital by King Mindon and remained the capital city of the Konboung, Myanmar's last dynasty. The Mandalay Palace boasts finely built palace walls and a beautiful moat surrounding this fortress. Moreover, Mandalay is not only an important city for Myanmar culture, but also the principle centre for Buddhism studies in Myanmar. Mandalay's monasteries and pagodas are of great religious significance to all Myanmars.

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BAGAN

Known as "the city of four million pagodas", Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. This enchanting city is situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River about 193 km south west of Mandalay. Bagan Dynasty lasted from (849-1287) A.D. King Anawrahta (1044-1077) A.D unified the whole country and founded the first Myanmar Empire. The ruins of the ancient capital cover an area of 42 sq. km. containing more than 2,000 edifices. The majority of these well-preserved and pagodas offer a rich architectural heritage from the 11th to 13th centuries era. Visit to Myanmar would not be complete without seeing the 11th century capital and cradle of Myanmar civilization.

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KYAIKHTIYO ( THE GOLDEN ROCK )

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda well known as the Golden Rock located 160 km from the east of Yangon, in Kyaikhto Township, Mon State. It is one of the famous pagodas in Myanmar and is about 3,600 feet above sea level. The hill on which the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda stands is also called the Kyaikhtiyo Hill. On the Kyaikhtiyo Hill, there is a huge and steep rock. A big boulder the circumference of which is about 50 feet, rests on top --- to be exact --- on the edge of the rock. At a glance, it seems that the boulder will fall at a slight push.

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MRAUK-U

Also known as Dannyawady, is the town in which generations of Rakhine kings built their palace. It is situated some fifty miles from Sittway on the banks of Shwenatpyin Tributary of the Kispanadi or Kaladan River. Mrauk-U was built by King Min Saw Mun in 1430 A.D. Mrauk-U is a town where there are many ancient cultural works and the pride of Rakhine State. Unlike the temples of Bagan, the temples in Mrauk-U are constructed with stones rather than the traditional bricks in a truly unique style.

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INLE LAKE

Inle lake, a picturesque lake, 900 meters above sea level and nestled among hazy, blue mountains, is one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar. The lake dwellers live in houses built on stilts, grow vegetables on floating gardens and sell them in floating markets. The fishermen have a unique way of rowing their boats by their legs

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NGAPALI BEACH

Ngapali Beach, the beauty of the beach is unspoiled and visitors can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing holiday. It is free of noisy beachside bars, large crowds and hawkers. The blue sea, white sand and the sun combine to present a scene of picturesque beauty. The sea is cobalt blue, without any dangerous marine animals, clean and clear with a gentle breeze. Ngapali is 35 minutes by air from Yangon. Overland, it is a 14-hour drive along narrow winding roads over the Rakhine Mountain Range.

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NGWE SAUNG BEACH

This is a newly opened beach about 45 km from Pathein. This beach in its pristine state is 15 km long. Ngwe Saung can be reached by car from Yangon, a journey taking nearly seven hours over bumpy roads to Pathein and then across the Pathein River by Z craft and then continue by car. Newly constructed bungalows provide modern facilities for visitors. Ngwe Saung is the latest emerging beach destination in Myanmar and is ideal for travelers seeking quietude, ocean, sun and sand.

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To release from your stress, Enjoy here!!!

2006-10-14T03:13:00.000-07:00

Beaches

Ngapali, Chaung Tha, Kan Thaya and Ngwe Saung are stretches of unspoilt beaches ideal for lovers of sun, sand and sea.
Myanmar's beaches have been untouched by commercialism and unpolluted by the litter of large crowds and so continue to maintain their pristine beauty and cleanliness. Long stretches of white sand touched by the blue sea and drenched by the sun offer an ideal place for lovers of the sea, sand and the sun. Among the most popular beaches are:

Ngapali Beach

Ngapali Beach is the most beautiful beach among the beaches in Myanmar. Its beautiful sandy beach stretches on the Bay of Bengal and it lies in Rakhine State of Myanmar.
Apart from the normal beach activities, excursions like visiting the small fishing villages and local markets; exploring the countryside by bicycle and a boat trips to the magnificent offshore islands can be experienced in Ngapali. There is also the 18-hole Golf Course just 15 minutes drive from the hotel to fulfill the taste of beach golfers.
Once there was a home sick Italian who said the beach looked like the Naple beach in Italy. And it is assumed to have descended from the word "Naple". There is no meaning in Myanmar or Rakhine about Ngapali.
Ngapali is accessible by flight which takes about 45 minutes from Yangon, by car about 14 hours drive along the Rakhine Yoma mountain range. Yangon Airways, Air Mandalay and Air Bagan fly from Yangon to Ngapali daily and there are also direct flights from Heho and Nyaung Oo to Ngapali. The best time to visit is during October to May.

Ngwe Saung Beach

Ngwe Saung is also on the western coast of Myanmar on the Bay of Bengal, nearly directly west of Yangon and a bit south of Ngapali. It has become popular with tourists in just the last two or three years and the quality of the beach, sand and water is comparable to Ngapali Beach. There are only a few hotels (most of them are deluxe or superior category) however a few more are being built. Until recently, the beach could be reached only by car (about 5-6 hours drive) from Yangon, or by a tourist ferry that would make an overnight trip (but sometimes the boat would not run if they did not have enough bookings). Now, the new domestic air carrier Air Bagan, has started flying to Pathein on a regular basis. It is about a 25 minute flight to the city of Pathein and from there a one hour transfer by car to the beach. Like Ngapali Beach, the beauty of the beach is unspoiled and visitors can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing holiday.

Best Architecture in the world - Bagan - Myanmar

2006-10-14T01:52:00.000-07:00

History Getting Around Interesting places

History

Bagan dates back almost to the beginning of the Christian Era. It lies on the bend of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Bagan can be marked to have started with King Anawrahta. He ascended the throne of Bagan in 1044. At that time, the kingdom was under the Mahayana religion. After Shin Arahan's arrival to Bagan, it converted to Theravada Buddhism. It was said to be that each and every household was able to donate an enshrined Pagoda, because of their faith in Buddhism believe and also because of their wealth.

The great Shwezigon was one of King Anawrahta's donation during his time.
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Getting Around

Horse carts are popular ways travelling around Bagan. Visitors can also hire bicycles at some hotels and guest houses to roam around. The charges are taken per hour service. Ferry boats can also be hired to flow in the Ayeyarwaddy. The ferry stand is near the Bu Pagoda. The views from the Ayeyarwaddy is also an interesting way to explore Bagan.

Bus and Express

There are Daily Expresses from Yangon and other major cities.

Car

One can hire a car from a car rental agency or from a travel agent. Different types of cars, coach seaters are available.

Train

Air

There are daily flights from Air Bagan, Yangon Airways, Air Mandalay and Myanmar Airways to Nyaung U Airport, Bagan. The flight schedules may change from time to time depending on the weather. But this is the fastest way to explore Bagan.

General Information

Today, Bagan has many hotels and guest houses to stay in.One should also buy a map of Bagan, so that people can travel alone depending on their interests. Many souvenirs and antiques can be bought near the Bagan Pagodas. But it is also a bit difficult to differentiate between the genuine and fake. There are entrance fees to the Bagan Zone, Bagan Museum and some pagodas too. More detail of entrace fees click here.
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Places to Visit in Bagan

Gubyaukgyi

Gubyaukgyi is close to Wetkyi-in village. This 13th-century 'cave temple' has an Indian-style spire like the Mahabodhi Paya in Bagan. Gu meaning "cave" in Myanmar.

It is interesting for the fine frescoes of scenes from the jatakas.

To distinguish it from the temple of the same name in Myinkaba, this monument is sometimes called 'Wetkyi-in Gubyaukgyi'.
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Shwezigon Pagoda

Shwezigon is situated between the village of Wetkyi-in and Nyaung U. It was first built by King Anaweahta then completed by Kyansittha (1084-1113). Shwezigon enshrines one of the four replicas of the Buddha tooth from Sri Lanka. The other three are enshrined in Lawkananda, another one in Tankyi Taung Pagoda and the last one in Tuyin Taung Pagoda. There is a local saying that if one person visits and pay homage to all these four pagodas in one day, the person will gain prosperity and fulfilment.

There is a 10-cm circular indention in a stone slab near the eastern side of the pagoda, which was filled with water to allow royal families to look at the reflection of the hti (the tip of the Pagoda) without tipping their heads backward.

The graceful bell shape of this pagoda became a prototype for virtually all later pagodas all over Myanmar. The gilded pagoda sits on three rising terraces.

Enamelled plaques in panels around the base of the zedi illustrate scenes from the previous lives of the Buddha. At the cardinal points, facing the terrace stairways, are four shrines, each of which houses a four-metre-high bronze standing Buddha.

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Tharabar Gateway

Tharabar is derived from the Pali term “Sarabhanga” meaning “Shield Against Arrows.”

This gateway is what remains of the royal city of Bagan founded by King Pyinbya in A.D 9th century, of the walls of the fourth City of Bagan that the king built in A.D 849.

It was known that the fourth City of Bagan had twelve gates around the city wall. The western and the north western parts have been totally washed away by the river. Only this eastern gateway is left. Most of the structure has been ruined by weather and the earthquake of 1975. Stucco carvings of ogre clutching garlands and chaplets of pearls can be discerned. There is a masonry shrine of quite massive proportions on each side of the gateway. One commemorating the Lord of the Gate Mountain also known as "Pabe Maung Tint Te" and the other his Sister "Shwe Myathnar". They are regarded to be guarding the city.
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Lawkananda Pagoda

Lawkananda Pagoda was built in 1059 by Anawrahta, who is also credited with the Petleik payas. It is still used as an everyday place of worship and is thought to house an important Buddha-tooth replica.The riverside and sunset views from Lawkananda are very good.

Lawkananda Pagoda has one of the Buddha's tooth relic enshrined in it, which was brought from Sri Lanka. It is situated on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River.

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Bu Pagoda

Bu Paya is said to be known to be constructed during the 9th Century, about 850 AD. It is situated on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is a cylindrical shaped Pyu-style pagoda and is said to be the oldest among many temples in Bagan. Bupaya was completely destroyed when it tumbled into the river in the 1975 earthquake, but has since been totally rebuilt. There are many steps leading into the river.

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Bagan Museum

The new Bagan Museum glorifies the golden age of Burman culture, those 250 years during which thousands of temples were built in and around the Myanmar capital of Bagan. The builders of Bagan apparently reserved brick for religious monuments for nothing remains of the other buildings, that must have been wooden, in this great capital.

The Bagan Archaeological Museum is situated within Old Bagan city near the Gawdawpalin Temple was established in 1998. On entering the museum, one will first view bronze statue of four famous Kings of Bagan period namely Anawyahta, Kyansitthar, Alaungsethu and Kjaswa and large three dimension of mural painting on the wall depicted Bagan Archaeological Site.

Many masterpieces of excavated objects and concrete evidences are stored in this building. It has a collection of more than 2500 items including Buddha statues, stucco pieces, terra-cotta cups and pots. Museum also houses stone sculptures, wood carvings, metal works, lacquer works, and many more.

Different postures of Buddha images (Mudra) made of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood are also displayed. Among them, one can see the significant bronze lotus Bud, a masterpiece of bronze sculpture of Bagan period.

Myazedi lithographed inscription of four languages in Pali, Pyu, Mon, and Myanmar is an astonishing
literature and cultural heritage.
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Mt. Popa

Inland the country rises in gently undulating slopes. The most noticeable feature is Popa Hill, or the Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano, to the south-east. The highest peak is 1518 metres (4,981 feet) above sea-level. The volcano is known to be extinct since 250,000 years. The volcanic ash makes the surrounding plains fertile and the heights capture the moisture of passing clouds, causing the rain and to make this place an oasis in the middle of the hot plains of Bagan. Mt Popa has about 200 water streams around it. Hundreds of Monkeys dwell in this region.

Mt. Popa is considered to be the adobe of the Myanmar Nats or Powerful Spirits. Thus most of the Nats are worshipped here. There is a yearly festival worshipping the Nats at Mt Popa. Usually the festival takes place during May-June.
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Beauty Queen of Myanmar - Pyin Oo Lwin

2006-10-14T01:34:00.000-07:00

Pyin Oo Lwin

Pyin Oo Lwin was formerly known as May Myo. It is a resort town in Mandalay Division in Myanmar, located some 67 kilometers east of Mandalay, and at an altitude of 1070 meters (3510 feet). It was initially a Shan village situated between Naungcho and Mandalay on the Lashio-Mandalay road.

During the British colonial occupation, the British, in 1896, developed it as a hill station because of its cool alpine climate, especially during the hot season. The colonial government of Myanmar would move to May Myo during the hot season to escape from the high heat and humidity of Yangon. The name May Myo means May Town in Burmese, and comes from the town's first administrator, Colonel May. As a legacy of the colonial period, the town has approximately 10,000 Indian and 5,000 Nepali inhabitants, who served in the British Indian Army and settled in May Myo after the British left, and granting independence to Burma. May Myo was also an important educational centre during colonial times, with the Government English High Schools, such as St. Mary's, St. Michael's, St. Albert's, and Colgate, all based in the town. It is also home to the Myanmar Defence Services Academy (DSA).

Major Attractions

Kandawgyi National Garden- It was known as May Myo Botanical Garden. It consists of a variety of plants, trees, flowers and animals. It is a 49 acres natural forest. It opens daily from 7am to 5.30pm.

Pwe Kauk Water Fall - It is 8km from the town, off the Lashio road. It is a pleasant picnic spot.

Peik Chin Myaung - This is a large Buddhist shrine cave about 27km from the town. About 600 meter path leads through the cave. Inside the cave are several Buddha images donated by locals.

One of the most powerful kingdom in history, Mrauk Oo - Myanmar

2006-10-13T00:13:00.000-07:00

Mrauk U

Ancient city of MraukOo, known as Myohaung meaning the ancient city is situated 50 miles (80 km) inland from the mouth of Kaladan River, on a rocky plateau between Kaladan and Le-mro rivers. The remnants of a 30 km long fortification can still be seen. Mrauk U was once, one of the most powerful kingdom in history. The Rakhine King "Min Saw Mon" founded Mrauk U in 1433. Mrauk U was a leading trade city during its time, and abundant networks of canals allowed small and large vessels to go by. It traded with Middle East, Asia, Holland, Protugal and Spain. The Mrauk U dynasty lasted for about 352 years.
Rakhine people and Rakhine cultures are rich in contents and high in spirit making up the major pillar of Myanmar union. Since A.D. 1430, ancient city Mrauk-Oo had been capital of a coastal nation, strategic in merchant routes between India and Eastern ports of Java-Sumatera and beyond to China, until late 18th Century. Surviving monuments, stupas and pagodas at Mrauk-Oo Archeological Zone reflects the past glories of 354 years under the lineage of 49 kings. Preceding Mrauk-Oo era are Din-ra-wady, Wei-tha-li and Le-mro eras, from where cultural values are carried along.

Mrauk-Oo is one of the splendid archeological sites South East Asia has retained. Monumental edifices could not fail to bring forth the images of past, rise and fall of a glorious City.

Major Attractions

Royal Palace- The ruins of the Royal Palace which was built in 1430 can still be seen. The palace had massive wooden columns which are burnt down.

Shittaung Pagoda - Meaning 80,000 pagoda in Myanmar. Built in 1535 by King Minbin. It has a maze like floor plan inside.

Koetaung Pagoda - Built an ordination hall with a single pagoda rising at the centre. Underneath is a huge cave where 90,000 Buddha images are consecrated in the maze of path walls. Outer walls are nine tiers structures surrounded by 108 pagodas. It is 250 feet by 230 feet monument and 30 feet high. Adornments are proportionately distributed; the beauty is superb.

Andaw Pagoda - About 10 meters from Shittaung Pagoda. Built by King Minhlaraza, during 1521.

Yadanabon Pagoda - The largest pagoda in this region. It was donated by King Min Khamong and Queen Shin Htwe during A.D 1612.

Dukkanthein - Constructed by King Minphalaung in 1571. About 100 meters north-west of Shittaung.

Pitaka Taik - About 300 meters north of Dukkanthein. Built by King Minphalaung in 1591 as a repository for the Tripitaka or Buddhist Canon.

Sakkyamanaung Pagoda - It is situated about a km north east of the old palace walls. Built by King Thirithudhamma Raza during 1629.

To the base of the Portuguese adventurer from Myanmar, Syriam - Thanlyin

2006-10-12T23:33:00.000-07:00

In the late 1500s, Thanlyin was the base of the Portuguese adventurer, Philip De Brito. Officially a trade representative from Rakhine, he established himself as a local warlord from his base at Thanlyin, and hired his forces on occasion to the Mon in their battles against the Bamar. However, in 1599 he unleased his army against Bago, which he sacked. Captured by the Burmese in 1613, he was executed by impalement, a punishment reserved for defilers of Buddhist temples. Thanlyin continued to be a major port until it was destroyed by King Alaungpaya in 1756 during the Mon revolt.
The main tourist attraction in Thanlyin is Kyaikkhauk Pagoda and Yeylel Pagoda. There is also the National Races village across the river.

Yangon - Thanlyin (Syriam) - Yangon(3Days/2Nights)

Day 1 - Arrival To Yangon
Day 2 - Travel around in Thanlyin (Syriam)
Day 3 - Travel around in Yangon, transfer to Int' airport for departure

Yangon - Thanlyin (Syriam) - Yangon(3Days/2Nights)

Day 1
Arrival To Yangon
• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Pick you up by our tour guide
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Visit to the pagoda that is located in city center (Su-le Pagoda)
• Visit to one of the wonder of the world, Myanmar Land mark (Shwe-da-gon Pagoda)
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Yangon - Thanlyin
• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Thanlyin (port city of ancient Mon Dynasty )
• The pagoda encircled by Hmaw Wun River flowing past the town of Kyauk-tann Pagoda
• Kyaik-Khauk Pagoda
• Drive back to Yangon
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to a huge reclining Buddha image(Chauk-htat-gyi)
• Thi-ri-min-ga-lar-ka-bar-aye Pagoda (World Peace Pagoda)
• Ma-ha-pa-sa-na Guha Cave where the sixth Buddhist synod took place
• Dinner at rivering cruise with Myanmar Culture Show in the Yangon River
• Overnight at hotel

Day 3
Travel around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Botathaung Pagoda
• A royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik) and Kantawgyi lake
• Visit to Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon

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• 1 pax - 495 $
• 2 pax - 375 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 335 $ (each person)
• 4 pax - 315 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 305 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 295 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 290 $ (each person)

to the ruins of the Pyu capital of Sri Ksetra or Thayekhittaya - Pyay- Myanmar

2006-10-12T23:29:00.000-07:00

Pyay

Pyay is a town and district of the Bago Division in Lower Myanmar, located some 161 km, or 7 hours north of Yangon by road, or an overnight boat trip south of Bagan. It has about a population of 83,000. The British Irrawaddy Flotilla Company established the current town in the late 1800s on the Ayeyarwady River as a transhipment point for cargo between upper and lower Myanmar. It is also called "Pyi" by the locals.

The name “Pyi” means “country” in Myanmar, and refers to the ruins of the Pyu capital of Sri Ksetra or Thayekhittaya, which is located 8 km to the southeast of modern Pyay and is known today as the village of Hmawa.

Sri Ksetra was built around 638 AD and was the capital of the new Pyu dynasty of Vikrama. The city was circular with walls enclosing an around of 46 sq km. The city fell to Bagan in 1057, and the Pyu retreated northward. The Burmese came continued to call the old Pyu center Pyi. The extensive ruins have been the subject of intensive archaeological investigation.

Yangon - Pyay - Yangon(3Days/2Nights)

Day 1 - Arrival To Yangon
Day 2 - Travel around in Pyay
Day 3 - Travel around in Yangon, transfer to Int' airport for departure

Yangon - Pyay - Yangon(3Days/2Nights)

Day 1
Arrival To Yangon
• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Pick you up by our tour guide
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Visit to the pagoda that is located in city center (Su-le Pagoda)
• Visit to one of the wonder of the world, Myanmar Land mark (Shwe-da-gon Pagoda)
• Dinner at restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Yangon - Pyay
• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Pyay in the early morning
• Visit to Pyay-Shwe-San-Daw
• Pyay-Ma-ha-mu-ni
• Pa-yar-gyi Pagoda
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Mt.Akaygh by boat
• Drive back to Yangon
• Dinner with cultural show at rivering cruise in Yangon river
• Overnight at hotel

Day 3
Travel around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Botathaung Pagoda
• A royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik) and Kantawgyi lake
• Visit to Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon

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• 1 pax - 495 $
• 2 pax - 375 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 335 $ (each person)
• 4 pax - 315 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 305 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 295 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 290 $ (each person)

To EIGHT WONDER OF THE WORLD - KYAIK-HTI-YO with cheapest price

2006-10-12T01:27:00.001-07:00

Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo – Bago - Yangon(4Days/3Nights)

Day 1 - Arrival To Yangon
Day 2 - Travel around in Kyaik-hti-yo
Day 3 - Travel around in Bago
Day 4 - Travel around in Yangon, transfer to Int' airport for departure
Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo – Bago - Yangon(4Days/3Nights)

Day 1
Arrival To Yangon
• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Pick you up by our tour guide
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Visit to the pagoda that is located in city center (Su-le Pagoda)
• Visit to one of the wonder of the world, Myanmar Land mark (Shwe-da-gon Pagoda)
• Dinner at restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Yangon – Kyaik-hti-yo
• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Base camp of Kyaikhtiyo (kamonsakhan)
• Lunch at local restaurant in Kamonsakhan
• 3 ways to go up the golden rock
• Can take open trucks on rough 11 km road to the upper point and walk 500m to the Golden Rock
• Visitors can also be carried in sedan chairs by four porters (extra charges – approximately US$ 10 per person) on 4 km up steep paths
• Visitors can also walk
• Going around pilgrimage site
• Dinner at restaurant
• Overnight at Kyaik-hto hotel

Day 3
Kyaik-hti-yo - Bago
• Get up early morning to view the sun raise
• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Bago, the ancient capital of Mon Kingdom in 15th Century
• Visit to Shwe-maw-htaw which is over a thousand years old
• Hnin-thar-gone Pagoda
• Bago Market
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Shwe-thar-lyaung reclining Buddha Image
• Maha Zedi
• 55 metres long and the excavation site of Kan-baw-za-thar-di Palace of 16th century
• Kyaik-pun Pagoda(four giant seated Buddha Images)
• Htauk-kyant War Memorial Cemetery of the Second World War
• Drive back to Yangon
• Dinner with cultural show at rivering cruise in Yangon river
• Overnight at hotel

Day 4
Travel around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Botathaung Pagoda
• A royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik) and Kantawgyi lake
• Visit to Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon
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• 1 pax - 781 $
• 2 pax - 566 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 495 $ (each person)
• 4 pax - 459 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 420 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 415 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 410 $ (each person)

One of the famous historical site - Mandalay

2006-10-11T05:12:00.000-07:00

Mandalay
Shopping Getting around Entertainment Food Interesting places

History

Mandalay, as the center of Myanmar culture, was outstanding in the past, it holds the stage now; and it will continue to be a place of pride in the future. It is situated about 600 kilometers north of Yangon on the Ayeyarwaddy river, is, with about half a Million inhabitants Myanmar's second largest city.

Mandalay is the historical old capital, a capital of Myanmar culture, Buddhist Sasana and Myanmar traditional arts and crafts, with the life span of one hundred and forty two years, a city which abounds in historical sites, cultural memorials and Buddhist edifices. Accordingly, it is the richest historical landmark next to Bagan.

Despite the wonderful sound of its name, inviting associations to an archaic fairy tale kingdom, Mandalay is neither very old nor particularly beautiful. But Mandalay was the capital of the last, independent Burmese kingdom, which in 1886 was finally conquered by British colonial forces.

The town had been founded only 29 years earlier in 1857 by King Mindon, making it the capital of an independent kingdom for less than 30 years. In 1857 Mandalay was set up in an empty area, because, according to an ancient prophecy, in that exact place a town would come into existence on occasion of the 2,400th jubilee of Buddhism.

The city was named after the Mandalay Hill, which is situated at the northeast corner of the present city. The hill has for long been a holy mount and it is believed that Lord Buddha prophesied that a great city, metropolis of Buddhism, would be founded at its foot. It was King Mindon who fulfilled the prophecy.

King Mindon decided to fulfill the prophecy and during his reign in the Kingdom of Amarapura he issued a royal order on 13 January, A.D 1857 to establish a new kingdom. The Ceremony of Ascending the Throne was celebrated in July, 1858. The royal city and the kingdom was demarcated. The whole royal city was called Lay Kyun Aung Mye (" Victorious Land over the Four Islands") and the royal palace, the Mya Nan San Kyaw ("The Royal Emerald Palace"). The kingdom was called the Kingdom of Yadanabon, along with other name Ratanapura, mean " The Bejeweled Site ". Later it was called Mandalay after the Mandalay Hill, 2.5km far to the north east of the royal palace, and today the name still exists. The name " Mandalay " is a derivative of the Pali word " Mandala ", which means " a plainsland " and also that of the Pali word " Mandare ", which means " an auspicious land ".

At that time a transfer of the capital not only meant leaving an old town and erecting a new town in a different place. As all secular buildings of that time, including the royal palaces, were built from wood, a transfer of the capital meant the complete dismantling of the houses of the old settlement, which then were loaded on carts and the backs of elephants to be reconstructed at the place chosen for the new town.

But in 1782 the town was packed up and moved about 8 kilometers to the Northeast, to the aforementioned Amaraputra. In 1823 the entire capital was dismantled again and rebuilt 8 kilometers Southwest in Ava. But in 1838 Ava was damaged by an earthquake, and was therefore in 1841 packed up again and once more transferred to Amarapura. But this was not of duration either, as only 16 years later the entire town was moved again this time 12 kilometers to the Northeast to the present Mandalay.

The rhyming couplet easy to memorize the year of building the royal city is " Okkyit-Kyaw Aye / Mandalay " or " Aung Kyaw Chan Aye / Mandalay " ( i.e, M.E 1221 ). The city's layout of the construction is the same at that of the earlier Kingdom of Amarapura, and from the bird's eye-view, it has the structure of geographical squares and rectangular shapes, with streets and roads crossing one another at right angles. There are four parts dividing the city, namely, Ashe-pyin ( East Part ), Anok-pyin (west Part), Taung-pyin (southern part) and Myauk-pyin (Northern Part), with 54 plots.

With the Ground-breaking ceremony, King Mindon laid the foundation of Mandalay on the 6th waning day of Kason, M.E 1221, (A.D 1857). The King simultaneously laid the foundations of seven edifices: the royal city with the battlemented walls, the moat surrounding it, the Maha Lawka Marazein Stupa, the higher ordination hall named the Pahtan-haw Shwe Thein, the Atumashi ( the Incomparable ) monastery, the Thudhama Zayats or public houses for preaching the Doctrine, and the library for the Buddhist scriptures.

At the time of building, the royal moat was 68.58m wide and 3.35m deep, and was fed with water from the Yadana Nadi, now called the Ye Ni Canal. In 1995 the moat was dug anew and the banks were laid neatly and firmly with rocks. There existed 20 gardens, a huge earthen wall and 57 doors palace. There existed 5 bridges spanning over the moat and 12 bridges. At present, there are four spanning bridges, namely the U-hteik Bridge to the east the Kyaw Moe Bridge to the south, the Kye Mon Bridge to the west and the Lay Thein Bridge to the north.

When King Mindon passed away, his son King Thibaw ascended the throne, and in M.E 1247, Myanmar fell under the British colony. It was the old capital ruled by two successive kings the one where the last of Myanmar's monarchs reigned.

After the British had conquered Mandalay in 1886 they turned the royal palaces of Mandalay into their military headquarters and christened the complex Fort Dufferin.

During World War II the Japanese installed a military camp in the same place, which then was bombed by the allies, until nothing was left of the ancient palace buildings.

Mandalay today is a striking phenomenon composed of modern and classic images with the ancient cultural beauty of the royal palace and the moat surrounding it, and the natural impressionistic beauty of the Mandalay Hill, harmoniously added with new architectural phonography of modern houses and brick buildings.

The former palace ground is known by the name of Fort Mandalay. Of the ancient palaces a few concrete replica have been built and further reconstructions are being conducted.

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Shopping

Mandalay is full of variety to do shopping. The new Mandalay Zaycho is the main market place in Mandalay. You can get almost anything from there. Things to shop are Acheik (Mandalay Silk Longyi), Cotton clothing, Hto Moat (greasy cakes), Laphet (Pickled tea leaves), Kadipar slippers (Velvet Slippers), Silverware, Lacquerware, Jewelry, gems and more.

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Getting Around

Air
There are daily flights from Yangon to Mandalay via Air Bagan, Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways, and Myanmar Air. Mandalay now has an International Airport, so there are also flights from other countries directly landing to Mandalay.

Bus and Express
There are daily local express from Yangon to Mandalay and many other parts of the country.

Taxi
Pickups and vans are available to travel around Mandalay, Amarapura, Inwa, and Sagaing.

Train
Mandalay has a new Yadanarbon Central Railway Station in downtown area. It is a seven-storey complex, including two floors devoted to a hotel. The old station is on the further south of the new one. There are daily schedules from Yangon to Mandalay.

Motorbike
Motorbikes can be seen everywhere in Mandalay. Travelling by motorbike can be very convenient in local places. So, motorbikes can be rented mostly everywhere in Mandalay.

Boat
The Inland Water Transport office is located at the Gawwein Jetty at the western end of 35th Street.

Bicycle
There are several places downtown where you can rent bicycles.

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Entertainment
Mandalay is a busy city which is the central trade centre of Myanmar. There are cinema halls, beauty salons, spas, pub and karaoke lounge in the most populated part of the city. There are also many well-known astrologers and palmist in this city.

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Food
Mandalay is a city with great historical heritage. Many traditional food can be tasted in this city.

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Places to travel around and in Mandalay

The Maha Muni Buddha Image

The Mandalay Hill

Atumashi Monastery

Amarapura

Innwa

Sagaing

Mingun

The Maha Muni Buddha Image

It is the most revered Buddha image in Mandalay. It is also known as the Maha Myat Muni, or Phaya Gyi. It is the most ancient Buddha image in Myanmar. It was cast in the life-span of Lord Buddha in the seated posture of relaxed deportment, namely Bumi Phasa Mudras, symbolic of His Conquest of Mara.

In B.C 123, in the reign of King Sanda Thuriya, Monarch of Rakhine-Dharyawaddy, and carry the Image reverently so as to enshrine it at the present site. It took four months to carry the image reverently across the Rakhine Yoma Ranges, by inland route and by waterway a tough and rough journey indeed. The Height of the Maha Muni Buddha Image is 8 Cubits and 1 Maik ( 3.83m ). The altar is 2.13m high. There, 2 bronze Siamese images, 3 bronze lion images and 1 bronze three headed Ayeyawun elephants are housed and displayed in the precinct on the left side of the northern exit passage. Whoever visits Mandalay from local areas or from abroad unfailingly come and pay homage to the Maha Muni Buddha Image.

In the precinct of the Phayagyi is located the " Maha Buddha-Win Beikman ", the Museum of the Life of Buddha. It is a many-tiered building with Myanmar architectural finials. It houses a scenic map showing in old and current terms the spread of Theravada Buddhism, centered in central India, Buddha's birthplace, famous religious edifices in various lands, the routes of Lord Buddha on itinerary, and the routes of King Asoka's sending Buddhist missions to nine regions of nine countries in A.D 3rd century. Illustrations are displayed, which indicate the Four Noble Sites of Lord Buddha, namely, His birthplace, the site where He attained the Enlightenment, the site where he passed away.

The Buddha Images, representing various countries where Buddhism prospers well, and the Buddha Images revered through successive eras are exhibited in the forms of photographs, paintings and sculptures. Not only Buddhists but also foreigners studying Buddhism pay a visit to this museum. On the left side of the eastern passage, in the precinct of the pagoda, is the Sanctuary Pond of Tortoises and on the right side, the Sanctuary Pond of Fish.

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The Mandalay Hill

The Mandalay Hill is situated to the north-east corner of the Mandalay Royal Palace. It lies from north to south, its altitude being 236.5m above sea level and its height going up to 167.64m.

The Mandalay Hill is surrounded by the nine satellite hills called the Shwe Taung ( The Golden Hill), the Ngwe Taung ( the Silver Hill ), the Paddamya Taung ( the Ruby Hill ), the Hse-dan Taung ( the Hill of Arsenious trisulphide), the Myin Thila Taung ( the Hill of Arsenic trisulphide ), the Dokhta Hill ( the Hill of Blue vitriol), the Ye-hle Taung ( the Hill of Whirling Water), the Kye-ni Hill ( the Copper Hill ) and the Baluma Taung ( the Hill of the Ogress ). The third is called the Paddamya Taung since a ruby was some time ago found in that hill lying to the north west; the seventh one, the Ye-hle Taung since, in the rainy season, the rain water whirled first and flowed down like a funnel in the hill to east; and the ninth hill, the Baluma Taung, since it was believed that the Ogress Sanda Mukhi made her abode in the small hill near to the western passageway.

One famous Buddha Image on the Mandalay Hill is the Image of Standing Lord Buddha at the top of the hill where Lord Buddha made a prophesy. It was built by king Mindon. Eight years after the king's death, the image was damaged by fire, and a new image was restored. The image of standing Lord Buddha is 8.22m high.

There are two one-way bus roads up to the top of the Mandalay Hill, one to the west of the Great Lions statues winding up the way and the other at the southern passageway going down.

There are four stairways going up the Mandalay Hill, two on the north and on the west, and two on the south.

The southern covered passage with the Two Great Lions on Haungches is the most frequently used by pilgrims. There exists the Museum of the Hermit U Khanti at the head of the passageway, which was built in honour of the benevolent hermit who first pioneered to develop the plans of building religious edifices and memorials on the Mandalay Hill. Near the archway ascending the southern passage is located the Shrine of the Guardian Spirit, known as Mandalay Bo Gyi, where the natives of Mandalay often come and make offerings. The iron statues of the two snakes are well known to the visitors of Mandalay. An elevator and an escalator are also in service for going up the hill.

Like a Tower given by nature, the Mandalay Hill offers a panoramic view over the Golden City of Mandalay. One can take a sweeping view towards the Yan Kin Hill, not far from it, the Sagaing hill and the Min Wun Ranges and the glimmering Ayeyawaddy and the Shan Yoma ranges at a far distance.

It will be a memorable experience for the visitor of Mandalay to enjoy the sunset beauty over the blinking, winding Ayeyawaddy and the blue Sagaing Hill and the Min Wun ranges.

Atumashi Monastery

King Mindon (1852-1872) founded a new capital on 16 June 1858. In founding the new capital, he established seven monuments simultaneously.

They were the following:

1. The city
2. The moat
3. Mahalokamarajain pagoda
4. The ordination hall
5. The monastery
6. Pitaka taik or Royal library
7. Sudhamma Zayat or Rest-house

On 27 April 1859 king Mindon issued and order to build seven monuments simultaneously. On 15 May 1859, the pits were dug for the seven monuments to lay foundation simultaneously. On 23 May 1859, the foundation stones were laid at the seven monuments simultaneously.

Of seven monuments, one was the Mahaatulaweyan monastery. monastery. The name of monastic establishment was Mahaatulavijiyarama Taik. The Mahaatulaweyan means the incomparable monastery like Sakra's Abode (Wejayanta). The name Mahaatulavijiyarama means an incomparable monastic establishment where gained a great victory over enemies. King Mindon entrusted the Atumashi monastery and the monastic establishment to Pakhan Sayadaw U Nandasarasirisadhammadhaja Mahadammarajaguru to keep monastery under his custody on 26 April 1877. The king visited to monastery in state and dedicated it as Sanghika kyon: by making a libation on 30 May 1877. After the monastery had been adorned with carved figurines and floral designs, king Mindon visited to the monastery by waterway in state on 29 November 1877.

The king had left to the temporary abode at the top of the moat and had looked at the occasion before Pitaka texts were carried from Mahavisutarama to Atumashi monastery on 10 May 1878. The Pitaka texts were carried from Mahavisutarama Taik to Atumashi in May 1878. The Atumashi monastery was completed in 1878. It was found in a record that a Buddhist Synod was convened from 19 May 1878 to 6 June 1878 and from 7 June 1878 to 6 August 1878. A big diamond on the forehead of the Buddha Image was stolen on 29 November 1885. Atumashi monastery was burnt down in 1892. Atumashi monastery was used as a Christian Church in the early Colonial period.

The notification for preservation of the fourteen buildings was issued by the English Government according to the 904 Act No. 7, Article 3(1) on 12 December and ratified. The Atumashi monastery was included in them. The English Government preserved Atumashi on 10 August 1908.

In 1995, Atumashi monastery was reconstructed when it had burnt down after 103 years. Atumashi monastery was reconstructed at a cost of 1467.88 kyats lakhs. The ceremony for opening the Atumashi monastery was celebrated on 18 September 1996. The reconstruction of Atumashi monastery was conpleted on 30 November 1996. Atumashi monastery was transfferred to Archaeology Department on 9 January 1997.

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Intersting places to travel around in Mandalay

Amarapura

Amarapura meaning "City of Immortality" is a city in the Mandalay Division of Myanmar, situated 11 km to the south of Mandalay. The locals sometimes refer to it as Taungmyo (Southern City) to distinguish it from Mandalay ( Northern City).

U Bein bridge is just across the Taungthaman Lake.

King Bodawpaya (1781-1819) of the Konbaung Dynasty founded Amarapura to be his new capital in 1783, soon after he ascended the throne. In 1795, he received the first British embassy to visit Burma. Bodawpaya’s son, King Bagyidaw (1819-1837), moved the Court back to Inwa in 1823.

From 1841-1857, King Mindon Min (1853-1878) decided to make Amarapura the capital again, before relocating to his planned city of Mandalay in 1860. Today, little remains of the old city, as the palace buildings were dismantled and move by elephant to the new location, and the city walls were pulled down for use as building materials for roads and railways.

The city is known today for silk and cotton weaving, and bronze casting. It is a popular tourist day-trip from Mandalay.

Here are some of the popular places to visit in Amarapura.

Pahtodawgyi – A paya built by King Bodawpaya in 1820 outside the city walls
Bagaya Kyaung – wooden monastery founded by King Mindon
U Bein’s Bridge – a 1.2 km wooden footbridge (longest teak bridge in the world)
Kyautawgyi Paya – A temple constructed by King Pagan in 1847
Palace Ruins – containing tombs of King Bodawpaya and King Bagyidaw. In 1800, Buddhist clergy from Sri Lanka obtained higher ordination in this city and founded the Amarapura Nikaya.

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Innwa

Innwa was also known as Ava in the ancient times. It is a city in the Mandalay Division of Myanmar, situated just to the south of Amarapura on the Ayeyarwady River. It is also called Ratnapura meaning "City of Gems".

Innwa was the capital of Myanamr from 1364-1841. Prior to this, Sagaing had been the capital, but after Sagaing fell to the Shan, the court moved across the river to Innwa. The kings of Innwa set about restoring Burmese supremacy, which had disintegrated after the fall of Bagan.
In 1555, Innwa fell to the southern Burmese Kingdom of Taungoo, but in 1636, the king of Taungoo relocated his own capital to Innwa. In 1752, the Mon revolted against Burmese rule and sacked Innwa. A couple of years later, the founder of the new Konbaung Dynasty, Alaungpaya, crushed the Mon revolt, and after a period with Shwebo as his capital, re-established the court in Innwa.

After the British conquered Lower Myanmar, after the Second Anglo-Burmese War, Upper Myanmar was commonly called the Kingdom of Innwa. During the reign of King Bodawpaya (1781-1819), the capital was moved to nearby Amarapura. However, his successor, King Bagyidaw (1819-1837), moved the Court back to Innwa in 1823. When a tremendous earthquake caused extensive damage in 1841, Innwa was finally abandoned for Amarapura. Little remains of the ancient capital today.

Some popular places to visit :

Maha Aungmye Bonzan – A Buddhist monastery built by the wife King Bodawpaya in 1818
Nanmyin Watch Tower– a 27 meter masonry tower, all that is left of the Innwa Palace
Innwa Bridge– a 16 span cantilever bridge built by the British in 1934, and the only structure to cross the Ayeyarwady River.

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Sagaing

Sagaing is the capital of Sagaing Division in Myanmar. It is located on the Ayeyarwady River, 20 km to the southwest of Mandalay on the opposite bank of the river.

Sagaing is a religious and monastic center, with numerous Buddhist monasteries. It briefly regained is position as a royal capital of Burma from 1760-1764.

The British-built a 16 span Innwa Bridge connects Sagaing with Mandalay, crossing the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. It was built in 1934.

Popular places around

Thabyedan Fort - This is the last ditch defence by the Myanmar, before the third invasion of the British. It lies just left to the Innwa Bridge.
Kaungmudaw Pagoda - It is a huge whitewashed edifice is situated 10km from the town of Sagaing. The dome shaped pagoda rises up to 46 meters. At the base of the pagoda, there are 812 stone pillars, each one with a hollow and an image of a Nat in it.
Sagaing Hill - The hill has a number of small pagodas, and now with many meditation centers. The Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda is located on the Sagaing Hill.

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Mingun

Mingun is a town in Sagaing Division, Myanmar, located 11 km up the Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay.

The main attraction are
Mingun Pahtodawgyi - It is the ruined Mingun Paya, a Buddhist temple with the remains of a massive stupa begun by King Bodawpaya in 1790. If the constrution had been completed, it would have been the largest in the world at 150 meters. It was again damaged by 1838 earthquake.

Mingun Bell - King Bodawpaya has a gigantic bell cast to go with his huge stupa. The Mingun Bell weighs 90 tons, or 55555 viss and is today the largest uncracked, ringing bell in the world. Mingun Bell is situated right next to the Mingun Pahtodawgyi. King Bodawpaya dedicated to construct a gigantic Pagoda, a gigantic bell and a gigantic lion during his reign. But he was not able to complete the pagoda.
Mya Theindan Pagoda - It is also known as Hninbyume Pagoda because it was donated by the Hsinbyume Princess, who was one the Queen of King Bodawpaya. It is just next to the Pahtodawgyi.

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22km long and about 11km wide lake - dwellers who rows with one-legged-Inle - Myanmar

2006-10-11T04:34:00.000-07:00

Inle Lake is 22km long and about 11km wide. The lake is at 1328 metres above sea level. Inle is one of the most popular tourist destination in the Shan State.
The lake is full of floating vegetations and houses. The lake dwellers are one-legged rowers. They are well-known for it. They are called as "Inthar" meaning people of the lake. There are about 18 villages around the lake. They are Buddhist and about a hundred Buddhist monasteries can be found. A lot small pagodas can be found too.
The floating water hyacinth are the major products of this region. Many hand made products such as bags, baskets are made from water hyacinth. Other vegetations are tomatoes, beans, cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant, garlic, onion, betel, melon, papaya and banana. Some villagers also grow rice.

The Inthars also make their living by fishing. The silk dresses and clothes of Inle are popular among local and foreign visitors. Inle also produces silverware.

Major Attractions
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda - The main pagoda in the Inle lake is called as "Phaung Daw Oo" Pagoda. There are five small Buddha images all covered with gold and difficult to make out the figures. There is an annual festival around October/November.
Kakku Pagoda

Yangon - Package Tour with cheapest price with best services

2006-10-11T04:30:00.000-07:00

Yangon City Tour (3Days/2Nights)

Day 1 - Arrival To Yangon
Day 2 - Travel around in Yangon
Day 3 - Travel around in Yangon, transfer to Int' airport for departure

Yangon City Tour (3Days/2Nights)

Day 1
Arrival To Yangon
• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Pick you up by our tour guide
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Visit to one of the wonder of the world, Myanmar Land mark (Shwe-da-gon Pagoda)
• Welcome dinner with cultural show at rivering cruise in Yangon river
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Travel around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit a royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik), Kan-daw-gyi lake
• A huge reclining Buddha image(Chauk-htat-gyi)
• Thi-ri-min-ga-lar-ka-bar-aye Pagoda (World Peace Pagoda)
• Ma-ha-pa-sa-na Guha Cave where the sixth Buddhist synod took place
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Evenig sightseeig at Bo-ta-thaung Pagoda
• Continue to the pagoda that is located in city center (Su-le Pagoda)
• Will conclude the tour of this picturesque garden city
• Overnight at hotel

Day 3
Travel around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Bo-gyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon

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• 1 pax – 533 $
• 2 pax - 400 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 360 $ (each person)
• 4 pax - 335 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 325 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 315 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 310 $ (each person)

MYANMAR NIGHT LIFE - NIGHT CLUB

2006-10-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

Myanmar nightlife, nightlife in Yangon. Many disco, karaoke and pub - restaurants offer fashion shows where pretty models show " homemade " fashion with hot background music. The best are in the Asia Plaza Disco from 10 pm to 1 am and the show in the Zero Zone Rock Restaurant (rooftop) from 8.30 pm to 10 pm at ten gi ze road in Chinatown. Take the taxi and ask there. " ten gi ze" is the main nightlife spot in Myanmar, in most of the discos you can for sure find a lot of very pretty girls who are quite cooperative to make you happy.

The Zero Zone just introduced some more nightlife dancing shows and almost 2 hours of continuous fashion show showing about 10 fashion show groups with plenty of very pretty girls. Have a look it's worth it and try their barbecue buffet, real good stuff, some of the food is Indian style, very tasty. It's natural, they do the cooking more or less in front of you. I've also seen a tandoori oven now, you can enjoy Myanmar - Yangon nightlife there.

Pls. note the nightlife photos on this page are not very good, because its quite dark there, but have a look in the video section, there is a nice movie of a fashion show and dance show from the Zero Zone Rock Restaurant.

Or maybe just one floor below in the Thet Kam Entertainment. This is a disco with a lot of nice young ladies having fun there, the place is a little bit rotten, but this is almost everywhere we shouldn't apply inappropriate standards.

When one come out from the elevator just cross the street, there is Palace Disco and Empire Disco the left elevator lifts to Palace Disco the right to Emperor Disco. Both discos have plenty of girls and a fashion show around 11 pm.

All the discos charge entrance combined with a drink its usually 2000 - 3000 kyats (1 dollar is 1300 kyats - black market rate- in the moment)

The best nightlife is in the Asia Plaza Disco with a interesting dancing show program and continuous fashion show from around 10 fashion show groups from 10pm to about 1 am, the closing time varies according to customer load.

The Asia Plaza Disco is also a very save nightlife place, no problem of drunken guys, they have around 10 real strong security guys who take out every troublemaker immediately, one wishes something like this everywhere not only in Myanmar. All the discos don't allow making photos, don't try it it will end in embarrassment, since the security guys are never further away that about 3 meters.

The nightspots are very cautious on this subject since if there is any bigger trouble they get closed down for at least 1 month, I think the Myanmar's have a couple of very good regulations.

In the Asia Plaza Disco you can enjoy your nightlife tour to have a look among around 60 - 100 nice young ladies who hang around to have some fun, all variations are around. From very white girls from the north to the dark girls usually of Indian origin, but this complexion stuff has nothing to say they all are very nice and many real pretty ladies.

This is the barbecue from the Zero Zone "Rock" restaurant, a nice place, not stylish, a little run down, but what can we do, this is everywhere in the country.

One thing is for sure, the food is excellent, better than in any of the hotels around in Yangon - Rangoon and it costs about 10% of their price.

On the two plates in the right picture is one fish -about 30cm- and two chicken legs plus 2 big bottle of tiger beer is around $ 4,-.

You can enjoy your nightlife even more by giving some "flower" to one of the fashion show girls you find attractive, she will have a look for you.

Between the fashion show appearance a life band is playing and some girls sing some modern Myanmar songs.

This is only a small glimpse into Myanmar nightlife, have a look on your own you wont regret, its one of the most pleasant places in Asia.

Betel chewing - Myanmar

2006-10-09T01:49:00.000-07:00

Betel, betel nut, betel chewing, kunhsay-laphet, traditional culture, traditional custom, betel quid, fresh leaf, piperaceaem, slaked lime, condiments, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, camphor, cloves, licorice, dried coconut, Marco Polo, Kunmi Pagoda, paraphernalia, Myanmar pharmacology, phlegm, wind, fever, defective vision, gall and bladder ailments.
....Betel, tobacco and pickled tea, with this traditional items three Myanmar extends hospitality.....
The hospitality of Myanmars is seldom complete without kunhsay-laphet (betel, tobacco and tea) when it comes to entertaining guests at home. Traditional culture and custom require that guests be offered these three items regardless of whatever other food or delicacies may have been proffered. Kun or betel takes pride of place among these three “musts” and to this day a betel box is placed before guests in many homes.

The habit of chewing betel is ingrained in many Myanmar nationals however diverse their ethnic background may be. Betel is chewed and the resulting red juice expectorated along with the remaining pulpy mass. Although no part of the original quid is consciously swallowed, the expression “kun sar thi” which literally translates as eating betel, lends emphasis to the fervor and habitual nature with which betel is used. These betel sellers (below) with their portable stalls conduct business in the precincts of the Botataung Pagoda. Cheroots (middle) and cigarettes — local and imported — are also among their wares.

Betel is the fresh leaf of a vine belonging to the botanical family piperaceae and is cultivated in India, Myanmar, the Malaysian Peninsular, Indo-China and Indonesia. A quid is the triangular-shaped, leaf-wrapped form containing the required ingredients ready for consumption. It is prepared by thinly smearing a fresh betel leaf with slaked lime, adding thin slices of betel nut and some cutch, then folding the leaf so that the ingredients are wrapped and enclosed. For a tastier and more elaborate chew, condiments like cinnamon, cardamom, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, camphor, cloves, licorice and dried coconut may be added in small quantities. Such delicious concoctions are indeed fit for the connoisseur.

It is believed that the betel chewing habit originated very long ago in India as it was mentioned in the discourses of Lord Buddha. The eminent 13th Century traveler Marco Polo mentioned in his diaries that Indians were in the habit of consuming betel. It is apparent that the habit already existed in Myanmar before the Bagan period (1057-1287). In 1147 Queen Saw inscribed a stone tablet dedicated to the Kunmi Pagoda, decreeing that paddy she donated be used as payment for betel nuts for monks in a monastery.

Other inscriptions also provide concrete evidence that both clergy and laity consumed betel in this period. During the monarchy it played an important role in administration matters, especially in connection with court rulings. Litigants gathered to consume betel together to show their satisfaction with the ruling and absence of animosity.

Rank, status and office of individuals could be distinguished by the right and privilege of using betel and related paraphernalia. It is widely claimed that betel chewing sweetens the breath and this is undeniable true, but dental health can be adversely affected.

The Myanmar pharmacology prescribes betel leaf for the treatment of phlegm, wind, fever, defective vision, gall and bladder ailments.

The case against betel chewing arises from the staining of roads, pavements, floors and walls of public buildings, offices, residents, parks and gardens. Betel habitués are wont to indiscriminately spit the scarlet streams of juice and there is a dearth of sand boxes and spittoons to catch the ejected juice. Notices have appeared in certain places warning of fines of 500 kyats for offenders. Newspaper articles stress the need to desist from such behavior detrimental to the state‘s efforts to beautify the capital and the country.

Referece : www.allmyanmar.com

The Garden City of the East - Yangon

2006-10-09T01:25:00.000-07:00

Yangon, the capital city is the gateway to Myanmar. Having many shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of " the Garden City of the East".

When King Alaungpaya captured the riverside village of Dagon from the Mons in 1755, he renamed it Yangon - " the end of war". In 1851, the British annexation of Yangon resulted in getting the town refounded and became the capital. The new city was remodelled and constructed by Lieutenant Fraser, a British Officer of the Engineering Corps who also designed and constructed Singapore.

Yangon Virtual Tour

Shwedagon Pagoda

Sule Pagoda

Karaweik Hall

Kandawgyi Garden

Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha Image

Kabar Aye Pagoda( the World peace pagoda)

Mahapasanna Cave

Botathaung Pagoda

Bogyoke_Aung_San_Market

Shwedagon Pagoda

In the capital city of Yangon, you will find the magnificent fabulous Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda sits upon holy Singuttara Hill, visible from miles away. Shwedagon is the most sacred pagoda as it enshrines the relics of the three earlier buddhas and the eight hairs of Gautama Buddha. It rises 99.4 metres (326 feet), with the perimeter measuring 432.8 metres (1,420 feet) and glittering in gold. The very top is tipped with a 76-carat diamond. Legend has it that the Shwedagon Pagoda is 2500 years old.
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Sule Pagoda

The Sule Pagoda is an excellent landmark. It is said to be over 2,000 years old and contains a hair given by the Buddha to two Burmese merchants. Located on a roundabout in downtown Yangon. The golden pagoda is unusual in that its octagonal shape continues right up to the bell and inverted bowl. It is surrounded by small shops and all the familiar non-religious services such as of astrologists, palmists, and so on .
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Karaweik Hall

The floating Karaweik Restaurant on Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake is one of the landmarks of Yangon. This modern architecture of a mythical creature Karaweik Hall was constructed in 1972. This whole building was gilded with gold about 20 years ago. Karaweik Hall will serve lunch and dinner with Myanmar, Chinese, Eastern and Western cuisine at moderate prices. It is also an excellent idea to examine the beauty of this royal barge and the stunning view of the Shwedagon. Traditional dance performances are normally held here in the evenings.
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Kandawgyi Garden

Kandawgyi Garden is a popular recreation centre of the capital of Yangon. The area of the Garden is 110 acres, water areas is 150 acres, which makes it a total of 260 acres. You can find a variety of beautiful flowers, the natural scene of the lake water and large shady trees. There are also an orchid garden, the children play-ground, the souvenir shops and many restaurants. The playgrounds and picnic areas are favourite spots for children and teenagers. The beauty of Karaweik Hall also shows a unique work of art to be explored in the heart of Kandawgyi Lake. Kandawgyi meaning "the great lake" in Myanmar is a well-known place in Yangon. Top

Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha Image

The Six-storeyed Pagoda surpasses the nearby Five-Storeyed Pagoda in name only as, the great image is in a reclining posture while the latter is in a sitting posture. This curious way of applying multi-storey qualifiers to places of Buddhistic worship seems to be an indigenous development which began during the second Innwa period.

Work on this image started in 1899, the donor named U Hpo Thar being fired by his ambition to make it a model edifice not only in this country but in the whole world as well. By 1907, the image of the Buddha half reclining on a royal couch on his flank, one hand propping up his upper torso was completed. From afar one might have mistaken it for an image in the seated posture.

The image then had a length of 195 feet (59.28m) and a height of 100 feet (30.4m) from the surface of the couch to the halo round the head with the height of the couch itself 5 feet 6 inches above the platform. Extensive reconstruction completed in 1973 extended the length of the image to 216 feet (65.85m) with the height of the couch however, reduced to 4 feet (1.22m). Originally the axis of the head turned towards the west and the visage faced the south, but the reconstructed image has the head aligned towards the east and the visage facing north.
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Kabar Aye Pagoda( the World peace pagoda)

Unlike other pagodas found all over the country, the Kabar Aye Pagoda was built in 1952, as it name implies, it is dedicated towards the realisation of global peace. The circular platform around the main stupa is enclosed in the manner of a cave-temple and there are five porches decorated in the traditional style of flamboyant arched pediments, lotus flowers, lotus buds and the swastika motif in carved stucco. In passing it might be pertinent to explain why and how the swastika came to be associated with Buddhism. As some dictionaries of the English language will point out, the origin of the term swastika is svastika from Sanskrit denoting "well being"-the device being associated with sun worship and veneration of the wheel originating with the ancient Aryans. To Buddhists however, it is in the context of its association with Dhammacakka (the Wheel of Law), the first sermon preached by the Buddha after attaining enlightenment, that this rotating wheel motif is employed on religious structures. Top

Mahapasanna Cave

The main stupa is 117 feet 6 inches (35.82m) high, with subsidiary stupas on the five porches each 8 feet (2.4m) high. North of the World Peace Pagoda, there is a great man-made cave 455 feet (138.32m) in length, 375 feet (114m) wide and having an internal dimension of 220 feet (66.88m) x 140 feet (42.56m) made in the shape of the "Sattapani Grotto" near Rajagaha city of India where the first Buddhist Synod or Great Council was held just some months after the Buddha went through Parinivarna, the Decease. The name of the Kabar Aye Cave is "Maha Pasana", meaning "Great Cave of Stone" and was built in 1953. It was in this great cavern that the Sixth Buddhist Synod was inaugurated in the year 2498 of the Buddhist Era (1954 AD) with 2500 venerable monks convening to recite and verify the words of the Buddha in Pali, the entire Tipitaka, which in printed form would take up about 40 volumes.

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Botathaung Pagoda

The Botathaung Pagoda was named after the thousand military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha brought from India over two thousand years ago. It is situated way downtown beside the Yangon River. The Bothataung Pagoda was a famous Land-mark on Yangon's waterfront. Pagoda is hollow inside and you can walk through it.

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Bogyoke Aung San Market

The market was first built and inaugurated on the present premises in 1926. It was named Scott Market after Mr. C. Scott, the then Municipal Commissioner. Nowadays, it is called Bogyoke Aung San Market in honor of our national leader General Aung San.
It is known for its colonial architecture and inner cobblestone streets. It has the largest selection of Myanmar souvenirs you can find under one roof. You can buy a variety of interesting Myanmar lacquerware, gems and jewellery at this market.

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Tour program to Yangon

Everest Base Camp Trekking... Among the world's Journeys of Lifetime

2006-10-06T23:07:00.000-07:00

With eight of the worlds ten highest peaks, Nepal is loaded with spectacular mountains vistas. Everest Trek in justifiably famous, not only for its proximity to the world's highest mountain (8,848m) but also for its friendly Sherpa people, picturesque villages, great variety of cultures and traditions, colorful festivals and monasteries. The flora and fauna are other ornaments of the Sagarmatha National Park. The story of the yeti is still a mystery in the world from the Khumbu region. So, must be why it has been selected among world's 20 Journeys of Lifetime by The Observer, UK (11, January 2004).

Beautiful, multi-hued prayer flags prayer wheels and intricately carved Mani stones line every hilltop, rock wall and trailside singing prayers to the gods with every breeze and every passing traveler... Love to hike? Join the club.
Everest Trek Fixed Departures 2006
10 Oct 06, 15 Oct 06, 20 Oct 06, 25 Oct 06, 27 Oct 06, 03 Nov 06, 12 Nov 06, 22 Nov 06,02 Dec 06, 17 Dec 06, 25 Dec 06

Everest Region People / Tradition / Cultures and Festivals
Sherpa religion (a mixture of Buddhist and animist) and culture have evolved from thousands of years of myths, stories and strong religious practice. Those of us attempting to understand this culture soon enter an endless maze of woven stories and tales. With the advent of tourism a considerable amount of the Khumbu economy now revolves around caring for trekkers and climbers. Though originally from Tibet, Tibetans and Sherpas are culturally very different from each other, depending on region of origin.

EVEREST - Climbing the Peaks in this area
While you trek in Nepal, lets say in most of the places you'll have an options or more to the extension of your plan to climb lesser known peaks designated as "Trekking Peaks". And why the Everest Region to be an exception? Here, it has -
Island Peak (6,160m) / Mera Peak (6,654m)
Lobuche (6,119m) / Parchamo (6,187m)
EVEREST - Trekking Facts

Highlights :
Trek to have a close up views of the world's highest peak.
Explore the Valleys of Khumbu and Imja.
Experience the unique Sherpa People and their Culture.
Give extension to your program to climb smaller peaks

Normal Weather Conditions :
Severe Alpine / Winter (Be well equipped for coldness)
Accommodation :
Give priority to Camping / Local Lodges also Available
Medical / Emergency Facilities :
Himalayan Rescue Association Health Post at Pheriche Sir Edmund Hillary built Hospital at Thame
Communication Facilities :
Telephones / Internet! available at Namche
Rescue Operations :
Helicopter Flights from Kathmandu (Normally within 01 Hour)
Guidebook(s) :
Trekking in Nepal Himalaya - Lonely Planet
Season(s) :
Spring: March - June / Autumn: September - November

Referece : www.makalutrekking.com

Japan - Takayama Festival

2006-10-05T00:29:00.000-07:00

The Takayama Festival (Takayama Matsuri) is ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals. It is held twice a year in spring and autumn in the old town of Takayama and attracts large numbers of spectators.

The Spring Festival (April 14-15) is the annual festival of the Hie Shrine in the southern half of Takayama's old town. While the shrine is also known as Sanno-sama, the spring festival is also called Sanno Festival.

Likewise, the Autumn Festival (October 9-10) is the annual festival of the Hachiman Shrine in the northern half of the old town, and the festival is also known as Hachiman Festival.

The spring and autumn festivals have similar attractions and schedules. Each festival features its own set of about a dozen festival floats (yatai). During the year, the tall and heavily decorated floats are stored in storehouses, which are scattered across Takayama's old town (except the floats exhibited in the Yatai Kaikan).
Display of festival floats

From morning to late afternoon of both festival days, the festival floats (yatai) are displayed in the streets of Takayama. When the weather is bad, the floats remain in their storehouses, but the doors of the storehouses are opened so that visitors can still take a look at them.
Karakuri Performance Several of the festival floats are decorated with so called karakuri ningyo, sophisticated mechanical dolls that can move and dance. Karakuri doll performances are held on both days of the festival at dedicated times and places. During bad weather, the performances take place in the floats' storehouses.

Mikoshi Procession

A portable shrine (mikoshi) is carried around the town in a parade during the two days of the festival, starting and ending at the respective festival's shrine. The mikoshi contains the shrine's kami (Shinto deity). The festival is the only time of the year when the deity leaves the shrine to be carried around town.

Evening Festival

In the evening of the first day (starting around 18:30 in spring, around 18:00 in autumn), the festival floats (yatai) are pulled through the streets of Takayama's old town. The evening festival (yomatsuri) is considered the festival's highlight by many visitors. In case of bad weather, the evening festival may have to be canceled.

The Takayama Festival is a very popular event, visited by several hundred thousand of people from across Japan and the world. The festival gets especially crowded if one or both festival days fall on a weekend or national holiday.

As a result, hotels in central Takayama get booked out many months in advance of the festival, and it is recommended to make hotel bookings about half a year in advance. Neighboring towns, such as Furukawa and Gero Onsen can also be used as a base for seeing the festival, but going further than that will make it difficult to see the evening festival.

Reference : www.japan-guide.com

Indonesia bars doctors from genital cutting

2006-10-04T22:49:00.000-07:00

2006/10/5
By Achmad Sukarsono JAKARTA, Reuters

Doctors and nurses in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, can no longer perform female genital cutting, a senior Health Ministry official said on Wednesday.

Some Indonesian communities encourage parents to cut parts of a newborn daughter's clitoris although the country's Islamic groups are in dispute over such non-therapeutic practices. Sri Hermiyanti, who heads the ministry's family health directorate, said symbolic female circumcisions that do not involve physical damaging of the child still could be carried out.

"Hurting, damaging, incising, cutting the clitoris are not allowed. These acts violate the reproductive rights of these girls and harm their organs," said the doctor, adding the announcement has been circulated to health workers since April.

"If they only cleanse the organ, that is alright. However, in Indonesia, it mostly involves a form of cutting. This is more cultural than religious as many clerics actually do not encourage it," Hermiyanti told Reuters. Most Muslim communities in Indonesia believe male and female circumcisions are compulsory. However, some groups only carry out symbolic cleansing of the organ for females.

According to the World Health Organization, two million girls worldwide annually are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice that actually predates Islam. The WHO says a wide variety of reasons are cited for the practice, including maintaining chastity and virginity before marriage and fidelity during marriage. The agency also says genital mutilation is used as an initiation of girls into womanhood, to improve hygiene or to enhance fertility and promotion of child survival.

Hermiyanti added there was no punishment for those who still carry out the practice and she expected it would take time before more traditional communities abandon the ritual altogether.

She added FGM practices in Indonesia were far less damaging than the form followed in some African countries where the removal of part or all of the external genitalia are common.

MUI, Indonesia's umbrella group for Muslim clerics, has not yet given its backing for the ban although it does not consider female circumcision as compulsory.

"I think we cannot completely ban it," Koran Tempo newspaper quoted MUI deputy chief Amidhan as saying unless there were complaints from the girls themselves.

At least ten rare Irrawaddy dolphins born in Cambodia, official reports

2006-10-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

2006/10/5

PHNOM PENH, AFP

At least 10 young Irrawaddy dolphins have been discovered in Cambodia, a government official said Wednesday, raising hopes the rare animal was being pulled back from the brink of extinction.

The calves, observed by fisheries officials, were most likely born between May and July in the Mekong river not far from the Lao border, said Touch Seang Tana, who chairs a government commission established to protect the dolphins.

The commission was set up earlier this year after at least 12 dolphins died in January and February, raising extinction fears. Conservationists estimate that fewer than 100 Irrawaddy doalphins exist in the wild.

But Touch Seang Tana said that number could be around 130 and that he hoped there would be as many as 170 within the next five years.

He said since the beginning of the year, 66 guards had been posted along the river to protect the dolphins. Only two dolphins had been found dead since the commission was established, he said.

The government said the threats to the dolphins ranged from illegal fishing to habitat destruction.

Touch Seang Tana told AFP that starting next year, all fishing nets -- which are the primary cause of dolphin deaths -- will be banned along the stretch of Mekong from the central town of Kratie to the Lao Cambodian border.

"We hope that, with these precautions, the dolphins will not become extinct," he said, adding that villagers have been educated about the value of the dolphins.

Thousands of the dolphins, which have blunt, round heads and are light, almost white in color, once swam in the Mekong -- which flows from Tibet to the South China Sea and has tributaries in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Malaysia expects rise in tourist arrivals and revenue in 2007

2006-10-04T22:39:00.000-07:00

2006/10/5
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, AP

Tourist arrivals to Malaysia are expected to spike in 2007, officials said Wednesday, but warned that a smoky haze currently shrouding parts of the country could hurt numbers.

The government has designated 2007 as "Visit Malaysia Year" in conjunction with the Southeast Asian nation's 50th year of independence, and has lined up a smorgasbord of events to attract tourists.

"If the islands are enveloped in haze, it would be bad for us," said Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Director General Mirza Mohammad Taiyab.

Malaysia is forecasting 17.5 million tourists in 2006, and is expecting numbers to rise to 20.1 million next year, officials said. The figure for 2005 was 16.4 million.

Revenues are expected to come in at just over 44 billion ringgit (US$11.95 billion; euro9.38 billion) in 2007, a rise of nearly 20 percent from 2006's projected numbers.

Mirza said the government is not unduly alarmed by the haze drifting in from Indonesia because of forest fires.

"What we are seeing today is still not alarming yet," Mirza said at a news conference to launch a regional eco-tourism conference. "It may appear bad to us, but most major cities will have a certain degree of smoke and haze," he said.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's largest city, was shrouded in haze Wednesday, with the landmark Petronas Twin Towers hardly visible from a few kilometers (miles) away.

Also Wednesday, unhealthy air quality was reported in eight districts of Sarawak state and one town in neighboring Sabah state on Borneo island, the Department of Environment said on its Web site.

Both are major tourist destinations.

Haze from forest fires is an annual occurrence during the dry season as farmers in Indonesia and sometimes Malaysia burn vegetation to clear land. Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia have all said they are affected by open burning from neighboring Indonesian provinces.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents vice president Lee Choon Loong said they haven't received any negative reports from tourists about the haze, and he did not think it would hurt revenue if current conditions prevailed.

"We've gotten used to it," Lee said.

Reference By: www.chinapost.com.tw

White House calls for quick Thai elections

2006-10-04T22:35:00.000-07:00

STOCKTON, California (Reuters) - The White House on Tuesday called for a "quick return" to democratic elections in Thailand after a bloodless coup last month deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"We call for clear and unambiguous protection for civil liberties by the interim authorities and the military, and a quick return to democratic elections," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said in a statement.

"Thailand's image in the eyes of the world and U.S.-Thai relations will suffer until Thailand returns to its place as a democratic leader in Asia," Perino said.

Perino said the administration was considering additional steps after it suspended nearly $24 million in aid to Thailand last week.

Thailand's military rulers swore in Surayud Chulanont, a retired general, as interim prime minister on Sunday and unveiled a constitution, following their September 19 coup.

"We have noted the appointment of an interim prime minister, Surayud Chulanont, in Thailand, and the promulgation of an interim constitution," Perino said.

"We remain concerned by restrictions on civil liberties, provisions in the draft constitution that appear to give the military an ongoing and influential role in decision-making, and the lengthy timetable for democratic elections."

Reference By: news.yahoo.com

South East Asian Flood Toll, Damage Rise After Typhoon

2006-10-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

VIETNAM: October 5, 2006

HANOI - Flooding and landslides triggered by Typhoon Xangsane have raised the death toll to more than 150 in the past week from the storm that hit Vietnam and the Philippines, officials said on Wednesday.

The typhoon's fierce winds and rain destroyed or damaged hundreds of thousands of homes when it slammed Vietnam's central coast on Sunday after bringing parts of the Philippines, including the capital Manila, to a standstill last week.

Vietnamese officials said more than 50,000 houses were still submerged along a roughly 1,000 km (600-mile) area from northern Nghe An province to Gia Lai province in the south. Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper said the evacuation of 6,000 people started on Tuesday in Nghe An.

Vietnam's resort city of Danang, the country's fourth largest with 1 million people, was hardest-hit by the typhoon, both in terms of casualties and damage to homes, power supply and its seafood industry.

The National Flood and Storm Control Committee said at least 42 people were killed in Vietnam by the storm or swept away by floods in its aftermath. Seven were missing and 502 injured.

Initial estimates of damage were around 9.98 trillion dong (US$623 million), the government said.

The committee warned residents across the storm-damaged region to "be prepared for flash floods, landslides and flooding in the low-lying areas".

Officials in the Philippines said on Wednesday that the death toll had risen to 110 from 78 on Monday.

At least 88 people were injured and a further 79 were still missing. Around 2.9 billion pesos (US$58 million) worth of properties were damaged by Xangsane, which means "elephant" in the Lao language.

The storm weakened after crossing into Vietnam and moved west across Laos and into Thailand.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of people are killed and property and crops damaged each year by tropical storms in the two countries, which are separated by the South China Sea. (Reporting by Nguyen Nhat Lam in Hanoi and Carmel Crimmins in Manila)

Exorcising the ghost at Bangkok's new airport

2006-10-04T00:28:00.000-07:00

Bangkok, Sep 24: A religious rite organised over the weekend to quell fears that Bangkok's new $3.8 billion airport was haunted by dissatisfied ghosts

The rite, involving 99 Buddhist monksspirit

The man reportedly passed out after delivering his message. When he awoke, the spirit had left him.

"Spirit houses" are part of Thailand's spirits

Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airport will officially open Thursday at 3 a.m. when the old airport at Don Muang will be closed to commercial traffic. The new airport was built on land

Ghost sighting by superstitious workers were common during the construction period.

The project has proved an unlucky one for former prime minister

Thaksin was overthrown by a military coup last Tuesday and with his government out of the way, several investigations into corruption, including for equipment purchases at Suvarnabhumi Airport, are expected to reveal some skeletons in the closet. apparently failed to achieve its purpose. house" be built to assure the smooth operation of the airport, the Bangkok Post reported Sunday., was interrupted mid-prayer Saturday by an unidentified man who claimed to be "Phu Ming", or "Grandfather Ming", who demanded that a proper " that inhabited a plot of land before the new owner. traditional belief system. The small shrines are meant to show respect to the bought by the government four decades ago in an eastern suburb of Bangkok that was previously called Nong Ngu Hao or Cobra Swamp. Thaksin Shinawatra who planned to preside over the opening of the billion-dollar infrastructure project Thursday as one of the crowning successes of his five years in power.

Reference By : www.newkerala.com

video of the great architecture of world, Bagan, Myanmar

2006-10-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

Reference By: YouTube

Visitors Medical Insurance

2006-10-03T01:25:00.000-07:00

Tips
1.Never travel without an insurance policy.
2.Keep all your receipts and reports safely.
3.Try your best to convince the hospital/doctors to accept your insurance policy. Remember, your way of tackling the situation might help you.
4. If you extend your stay in USA, don't forget to extend your medical insurance policy.

Visitor Medical Insurance is a short-term health insurance policy that provides medical coverage for illness or injury during travel or stay abroad. Lack of coverage in a foreign land would leave you in a vulnerable position in the event of a medical emergency, which is physically, financially and emotionally agonizing.

Traveling with a medical insurance is a smart thing to do, especially if you are visiting USA. Health care system and medical organizations work differently in the US and abroad.
Be a well-informed traveler and protect yourself and your family with Insurance. Below is information that we tried to cover, and also some little known and some ignored, but important insurance issues.

What is a visitor medical insurance? and what it covers?
Where to get it from?
What are the rates and coverage?
How does it work?
Period of coverage? Start date/end date?
How to claim?
Factors determining your total insurance coverage:
Visitor Medical Insurance Terminology
UseFul Tips
FAQs

How does visitors medical insurance help?
Visitors medical insurance takes care of your health care expenses like, doctor’s fee, hospital charges, pharmacy, lab tests, and other medical related expenses depending on the kind of plan you avail.This insurance protects you from any medical situation including illness or accidental injury.

How to obtain a policy?
You can buy medical insurance either in your home country or in the US, from an agent or online
According to several experiences of people who traveled abroad, a policy bought from an US based Insurance Company works more efficiently when compared to the ones bought from your home country based insurance companies.
Insurance from USA:
Medical insurance from an US based agency might be more expensive, but being recognized by a larger number of hospitals and doctors is definitely an advantage. One can receive instant coverage and instant attention during a medical emergency. There are several companies in USA that provide medical insurance for international visitors. Find below an online source to compare and select insurance policies for buying visitors medical insurance.

Online resource for Visitor Medical Insurance.
Facts about various Visitor Insurance providers and resources
As a matter of fact, there are very few Companies that are the actual providers and the rest, their agents with different names.The above link provides names of various top companies and all their plans listed. You can read, compare, select, get a quote and make a prudent decision to buy the best suitable plan

Check this out : Online resource for Visitor Insurance.

Insurance from your home country:
There are several insurance companies, which provide medical insurance for international travelers, mostly offered through the local travel agencies.For instance following are some of the Indian companies, which provide the visitor insurance for international visitors.
New India insurance company.
The oriental insurance company.
United India insurance.
Tata AIG
Bajaj

Though these organizations maintain web sites, the information provided is not quiet updated as required. It is always better to call their local office and find out exact information.Plans and rates vary from company to company. A major disadvantage with these policies is that they are not accepted by many of the hospitals and doctors in USA. Hence when you need to claim your expenses later on, you’ll have to deal a lot of paper work, correspondence and frustating follow ups.

Cost and Coverage?
Medical insurance policies are not custom made to fit individual profiles, thus rates depend on various factors like: Age, medical history, duration of stay, kind of plan, coverage needed, and premium. Apart from this the rates also depend from which country/company one has purchased the insurance.

How does it work?
The insurance company provides you with an ID card, or a document stating your policy number and related details while purchasing a policy.On your visit to a hospital or a doctor, verify the acceptance of your insurance policy. If yes, you are instantly attended. You might have to pay the minimum fee known as "deductible"; the amount/percentage depends on your policy agreement and terms.On other hand, if they don't accept the policy, you might have to pay your entire medical expenses at the time of visit before seeing the doctor. Later you can file your claims with the insurance company.

Check here more details about : Policy Usage.

Period of coverage? Start date/end date?
Coverage can be purchased in days or monthly increment. You can combine these increments to suit your travel needs. For e.g. if your trip is for 2 and a half months, then you will have to opt for two month and one 15-day increment.Few policy are renewable, and hence provide the flexibility to renew if your travel plan changes.Date of effect will be the day you leave your home country, or it can be a requested date. It is advisable to request the effective period starting from the day of departure and ending by the date you land in your home country.
Effective date of coverage can be the date you leave your home country, or it can be any other date requested by you.
It is advisable to request the effective period starting from the date of departure and ending by the date you land back in your home country. This way you will be covered for any medical emergencies even during your journey.

How to claim?
Contact your insurance company. You will have to fill up some claim forms along with the proof of expenditure, which includes a copy of the hospital and doctor’s reports plus all original bills.
Factors determining your total insurance coverage:
Age: It is one of the major factors determining your premium.
Maximum Coverage: There are different plans depending on the maximum coverage you want. For e.g. $50,000, $ 100,000 etc.
Deductible: The minimum amount one has to pay in case of any medical expenses.
Rider Factor: Your insurance will increase if you plan to indulge in hazardous activities such as rock climbing, skiing etc.
Visitor Insurance Terminology:

Pre-existing conditions?
Generally, pre-existing conditions are defined as medical conditions, medication, consultation, or treatment which existed or which were performed prior to the effective date of coverage.
Deductible?
This is the amount that must be paid by the insured before the insurance company begins to reimburse the expenses. This works like your Auto insurance deductible where certain amount is paid by the insured.
For instance, if you purchase a plan with a $500 deductible and incur $1500 of expenses, the insurance company will begin to reimburse for expenses after you have paid the initial (deductible) of $500.
Exclusions: This can be defined as the expense that the insurance company/plan is not liable to pay. Example: expenses resulting from illegal drug use, conditions which existed prior to the purchase of the insurance (pre-existing conditions), participation in various dangerous activities. Read coverage carefully for exclusions in your plan.
Co-Insurance: The percentage or amount of eligible expenses that the insured pays after the deductible.
Example: "Co-Insurance = 20% or co-pay is 80/20" means that the insurance company pays 80% of the charges, the insured pays 20%. Often in many plans there is a maximum co-pay amount, i.e., a limit which the insurance provider pays 100%.Example: "Deductible = $250 and 80/20 co-pay up to $5000, then 100% up to policy maximum." This means the insured is required to pay the deductible of $250 plus 20% of expenses up to $5,000, and the insurance provider pays 100% of covered expenses that exceed $5000 up to the maximum policy coverage limit
Premium: The amount you pay to purchase medical insurance policy. Premiums may be paid full in advance or monthly or depending on the policy.
Beneficiary: The person or persons designated by the insured to receive the proceeds of an insurance policy upon the death of the insured.
Maximum Coverage: The maximum limit/amount of money that the insurance provider will pay for covered expenses. This may be an overall maximum or an amount for each illness/accident.
Renewable or non Renewable: This feature(Renewable) tells whether the particular plan/policy can be continued and not be treated as a new policy.
This feature has a significance in way that if something happens in previous months, that will not be considered as pre-existing condition where as the new policy will consider it as a pre-existing condition. So if you extend your stay and like to renew the policy the same policy can be renewed.

Does it really matter to buy insurance from an US based insurance company?Yes, convenience, instant reachable customer support, insurance acceptance, the peace of mind and hassle free claim is certainly present when you buy policies from US based insurance companies.
Why Buy online?
Easy and quick.
Hassle free.
No paper work, no fax, no membership.
No physical/medical exam required.
Get instant ID cards and coverage starts instantly or whenever you request.
Renewal is easy.
Only the top most reliable Insurance companies provide online purchase.
You can get an idea for the cost of - Do you want to see how much its going to cost you?
>> Click here to get the Quotes

Referenced By: Vistor Coverage

IMPORTANT - check toilet seats before use, for toxic spiders

2006-10-03T00:49:00.000-07:00

Three women in KL, turned up at hospitals all with thesame symptoms. Fever, chills, and vomiting,followed by muscular collapse,paralysis, and finally,death. There were no outward signs of trauma.Autopsy results showed toxicity in the blood.These women did not know each other,and seemed to have nothing in common. It was discovered, however, thattheyhad all visited the same Restaurant along Jalan Kuchai Lama within days of their deaths.

The health department descended on the restaurant,shuttingit down. The food, water, and air conditioning were all inspected and! tested,to no avail.The big break came when a waitress at the restaurantwas rushed to the hospital with similar symptoms. She told doctors that shehad been on vacation, and had only went to the restaurant to pick up hercheck. She did not eat or drink while she was there, but had used the restroom.That is when one toxicologist, remembering an article he had read, droveup to the restaurant, went into the restroom, and lifted the toilet seat.Under the seat, out of normal view, was a small spider. The spider was captured and brought back to the lab,where it was determined to be theTwo-Striped Telamonia (Telamonia dimidiata),so named because of itsreddened flesh color.

This spider's venom is extremely toxic, but can takeseveral days to take effect. They live in cold, dark, damp climates, andtoilet rims provide just the right atmosphere.Several days later a lawyer from JB showed up at a hospital emergencyroom.Before his death, he told the doctor, that he had been away on business,had taken a flight from Indonesia ,changing planes in Singapore , beforereturning home. He did not visit the restaurant, while there. He did, asdid all of the other victims, have what was determined to be a puncturewound, on his right buttock.Investigato rs discovered that the flight hewason had originated in India . The Civilian Aeronautics Board (CAB) orderedanimmediate inspection of the toilets of all flights from India , anddiscovered the Two-Striped Telamonia (Telamoniadimidiata ) spider's nestson4 different planes! It is now believed that these spiders can be anywherein the country. So please, before you use a public toilet, lift the seattocheck for spiders. It can save your life!

Old-fashioned town in Japan

2006-10-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

Takayama

Takayama is a remarkable city for having maintained it's old fashioned appeal without submitting to the wave of modernizing tourism which is so prevalent in most of the major siteseeing cities in Japan.

Large portions of the city still have their traditional architecture. Shops, private residences, and a number of temples dot the northern section of the city.

The district of the city called San-machi Suji is the center of the old town of Takyama. The atmosphere of these streets is very relaxing and scattered among the old-styled buildings are museums, sake breweries and folk craft stores.

There are also antique shops, open walled markets and small restaraunts. I dined on "Hida Soba", a local specialty (buckwheat noodles with broth and vegetables). While most of the sites are not in this part of the city, this is where the Real Takayama is.

One of the more interesting ways to tour the city is in a rickshaw. Holding up to two people and costing anywhere from $30 to $100 you can get a ride around the old streets. Want just a picture with one? That's $10!

Outside the old town the city is quite picturesque. This is a shot of the Masukatabashi Bridge overlooking the Miyagawa River. The River runs through the center of the city.

There are also a lot of craft sellers with touristy knick-knacks and Japanese-style omiyage. Prices are good, people are friendly and the environment is great.

On the outskirts of Takayama is the Hida Minzoku-mura, or "Hida folk Village". It is a collection of over 30 well preserved traditional Japanese dwellings, farmhouses and other buildings. The buildings were brought to Takayama from all over the region and preserved in their original state complete with artifacts.

Most of the exteriors reminded me of what I'd seen in parts of Ireland or in "Little House on the Prairie"! The roofs were thatched or wood-shingled and still had many of the old tools lying around. Here, at the side of this house, a stockpiling of wood for the cold winter months.

The lucky gods were expertly carved from 1,000 year old trees and each of the immense statues had a small altar in front of it.

For more detail click here.

Interest in Wakayama - Japan

2006-10-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

Interest in Wakayama is the "Eel Man". He has a shop near Burakuri Cho and offers a contest of sorts. For about 20 bucks, he offers you the opportunity to try and catch one of the eels he keeps in this huge tank. If you are successful, he chops it up right there, cooks it and lets you eat it! Lots of Japanese people go nuts over eels.

Cute service in car gas station from Japan

2006-10-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

Upon turning into a gas station in Japan, the customer's car is assaulted by attendants, checking the oil, consulting with the driver, checking the tires, and so on. A stark contrast from service in the States where the service is good if the cashier doesn't glare at you when you give him your money after pumping your own gas. After the car leaves comes the bow. I counted these three gas attendants bowing for 14 seconds towards their departing customer. Truth be told, it is unusual (even in Japan) for attendants to bow this long after a customer has left and already forgotten about his roadside assistants, but there is always a bow at the customer's departure.

Pepsi in Japan

2006-10-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

a Pepsi _THIS_ small! This can of Pepsi is 9 and 1/2 centimeters tall! For all the conversion-impaired people out there that's 3.75 inches! True, there are actual human-sized cans of soft drinks here, but in general, the Japanese people drink very little (except when drinking alcohol) when they eat. This can of Pepsi would do quite nicely for a normal meal!

How to use chopsticks for asia travellers!

2006-10-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

1.One of the two chopsticks is “cradled” between the thumb and second finger.

2. The other chopstick is held by the tips of the thumb and first finger and is movable. After a little practice, you will be able to determine the best position for you.

Have a good time in Asia and enjoy the tast of asia food.

10 Myanmar traditional arts

2006-10-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

There are 10 Myanmar traditional arts which are metaphorically called "Ten Flowers".

Panbe ( the art of blacksmith )
Panbu ( the art of sculpture )
Pantain ( the art of gold and silver smith )
Pantin( the art of bronze casting )
Pantaut ( the art of making floral designs using masonry )
Panyan ( the art of bricklaying and masonry )
Pantamault ( the art of sculpting with stone )
Panpoot ( the art of turning designs on the lathe )
Panchi ( the art of painting )
Panyun ( the art of making lacquer ware )

Panbe ( the art of blacksmith )

The art of Panbe ( black smith ) is the tempering of iron in the furnace to make necessary items. The artisans make ox cart axle, ox cart iron, tyre, scissors, hammer, adze, pickaxe, knife, hatchet, axe, digging hoe and mattock. The Myanmar’s traditional blacksmith craft emerged in the early of Bagan period (11th century A.D) and it had improved in the mid Bagan Ava and Yadanapon period. Myanmar’s traditional blacksmith craft, from Inlay region were famous in the Yadanapon period.Many types of blacksmith craft articles are available, such as military armour, weapons, file, pickaxe, mattock, hoe sword, etc. The Myanmar’s traditional blacksmith craft is very famous in the South East Asia and constitute one of the artistic wonders of the world.

Panbu ( the art of sculpture )

The art of Panbu ( Sculpture ) means the one which produces figures
and floral designs made of wood or ivory. The artisans make the figure of human beings and animals and floral designs. Myanmar’s traditional sculpture emerged before the Bagan period and it improved in the middle of Bagan Era. Myanmar’s sculpture base the religion of Buddhism which arrived from Southern India in the 11th century A.D.Most of the wood sculptures of Bagan and Ava periods have been lost under various circumstances and only a few are left today. One outstanding wood sculpture belonging to the Bagan period is the one at the old portal of Shwesigone pagoda at Nyaung-U. Those who want to see wood sculptures of Yatanapon (Mandalay) or latter Yadanapon periods should visit following places:

- Shwe-inbin Monastery, Mandalay.
- Bakaya Monastery, Ava.
Myanmar’s traditional sculpture contains wood sculpture stone sculpture and plaster sculpture but more wood sculptures will be seen in many arts and crafts shops, in many cities of Myanmar. The wood sculptures are liked by many people in the world to-day.

Pantain ( the art of gold and silver smith )

The art of Pantain ( gold or silver smith ) is an enterprise of making items of gold or silver. Silver smith is the art of making drinking bowl, receptacle bowl, prize-cup, shield and belt. Gold smith
is the art of making ear-plug, ear-drops, ear-ring, with a screw-on back piece, finger-ring bracelet , Pendent and necklace. Myanmar’s traditional arts and crafts artistic creation of gold and silver wares come under the genre (ba-dain) art of making items in gold or silver. Creating silverware had been with Myanmar for the past one thousand two hundered years, and judging from the workmanship of the silverware that belong to those early years, it is indeed something for the Myanmar’s to crow about. According to the crystal palace chronicles, during the reign of King Anawrahta the relices of Buddha and the three repositories of Buddhist scriptures were brought to Bagan from Suvunna Boumi, the mon capital, along with them came mon artisans and works of mon arts and crafts, gold and silverware etc. Going further back into the past, we find Pyu silver works of art discovered from the mounts of old shrines of Sri Ksetra.

Pantin( the art of bronze casting )

The art of Pantin is an enterprise producing materials of copper, bronze or brass. Th
e artisans make triangular brass gong, gong, and brass bowl for monk, weights in the shape of brainy ducks, tray, copper pot, cup bowl, cymbal, bell jingle bell and small brass gong. Myanmar’s traditional coppersmith’s craft emerged before Bagan period and it improved during Bagan and Ava period. Every pagoda in Myanmar has bells, which were struck to tell the people of good deeds done. They are triangular bells which twirl when struck and ring with a sweet rising and falling tone, which gradually fades away. Moreover there are gongs, slung from carved ivory or wood elephant trunks, which are prized as dinner gongs. Different sizes and shapes of bells, all unmistakably Burmese in design, are popular as souvenirs. So are other castings such as weights and cow bells.

Pantaut ( the art of making floral designs using masonry )

The art of Pantaut ( stucco sculpture ) means a handicraft of making decorative floral designs in relief with stucco. The artisans make the figures of lions, dragons and floral designs with stucco. Myanmar traditional stucco carving emerged before the Bagan period and it improved in the Bagan, Ava, Amarapura and Yadanapon period. According to the historical records, Stucco works were very famous in Bagan period. Stucco works of Bagan period have detailed decorations. After Bagan we had Stucco carvings of mid-Konbaung or Amarapura period, which are very Burmese in style and very fine. The curled leaves and buds, though few, look very beautiful. The buds and flowers in bunches in the centre of the portal at U Kin-danke are unique. Menu’s brick monastery at Ava stands magnificently today with wooden pyathad durrets above it. The great building itself is a work of art to command our admiration.

Panyan ( the art of bricklaying and masonry )

The art of Panyan ( mason ) is an enterprise which constructs the buildings usi
ng bricks, stones and cement. The masons build brick houses, Pagoda, bridges. Myanmar’s traditional masonry works enjoys world wide renown for the ancient Pagodas and other religious buildings around the Bagan region. The Myanmar’s traditional masonry of Bagan period is the highest developed of all the historical periods. Their works are remarkable for their strength, grandeur beauty of form, immensity of volume, detailed and appropriate decorations and the power to hold the spectators in awe. The masonry of mid Amarapura period is beautiful and lively but to be placed only in the second order, behind Bagan. The Myanmar’s traditional masonry have derived from the mon’s culture of Suvanna Bhumi and in the Southern Indian’s culture flun the 11th century A.D. In Fact - Masonry in Myanmar emerged since the Pyu period in the 1st century A.D.

Pantamault ( the art of sculpting with stone )

The art of Pantamault ( stone sculpture ) is the one stones curving. The artisans make Buddha images pole for sima, pillar, leograph, elephants, deer, circular flat stone, pestle and mortar and table. Sculpture in stone is a significant feature of Myanmar fine arts, has to this day been the pride and honour of Myanmar people. There are sculpture studios or workshops in Yangon, Mandalay and other towns in the country, but the majority of studios are concentrated in Mandalay. Very fine works of art in stone are to be seen at plaques depicting the life of the Buddha at Ananda, Bagan. Flower designs in the interior of the portal at Kyawkku-U min, Naung-U Nanhpaya, Myinkapa plaques partraying the 550 Buddhist birth-stories at Puhtotawkyi, Amarapura and the great image at Kyauktawkyi, at the foot of Mandalay Hill.

Panpoot ( the art of turning designs on the lathe )

The art of Panpoot is an enterprise to make wooden utensils turning on tur
ners lathe. Such as making shaft of umbrella, table legs, and legs of bed and turnery posts for Pavilions and railings. Myanmar’s traditional crafts of a turner emerged in the Bagan period in the 8th century A.D. The craft of a turner is an art which is made by rubbing the woods on the turner’s lathe. Craft of a turner artists based on the traditional styles of Bagan, Ava and Yatanapon period. Besides that, Myanmar’s craft of a turner artists is very interesting. Diversity in the shape of the craft of a turner, food containers, boxes, bowls, taunglon tables, chairs etc. all makes them attractive. The Myanmar’s traditional arts and crafts owed a great deal of influence of Mon, the people of suvanna Bhumi-artists and artisans the Southern India’s culture in the early Bagan period.

Panchi ( the art of painting )

The art of Panchi ( painting ) is the one which illustrates living animals and
inanimate objects using different colours. The artists paint the figures of human beings, animals, objects, scenery designs and cartoons. Myanmar traditional painting developed with the religion of Buddhism in the Bagan Region. Thus, Bagan become a repository of ancient Myanmar traditional paintings and sculptures in the 11th century A.D. Because of Myanmar artist’s achievements, we have more paintings of Konbaung period than those of Ava, they are more colourful and lively. During Yadanapon of Mandalay period more painting was done in folding books called purapaik and on canvas than on the wall. The wall paintings at Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay were executed in later Yadanapon period. Most of these paintings have been copied and collected by the Archaeological Department, Myanmar.

Panyun ( the art of making lacquer ware )

The art of Panyun ( Lacquerware ) means a handicraft which produces materials made of bamboo, wood and thick black varnish (sis-se). Lacquerware artisans produce alms food bowl, bowl f
or monk, and bowl of pickle tea, lacquer vessel, drinking cup, betel box, and cheroot box. Myanmar traditional lacquerware emerged in the early part of Bagan period. Myanmar traditional lacquer ware drawing styles derived from many stories of Buddha’s life. Burmese lacquerware is one such product, whose art goes back to the 11th century. On a framework of woven, finely cut strips of bamboo, mixtures of thit-see resin with clay and ash are carefully built-up and finally polished with the ash of fossil wood. The designs are then etched or painted by hand. The most traditional Burmese lacquerware is of a unique terracotta colour, with scenes from the jatakas, the Buddha’s former existence, etched and then filled in with green pigment. More modern designs are in deep, velvet black, with simpler figures laid on in gennine gold leaf. Many types of Burmese lacquerware articles are available, such as boxes, vases, trays, bowls and even coffee tables. Bagan, site of the architectural wonders of the East, is the home of this craft.

Referecen By: Myanmar Travel Information

Vietnam Cultural Days open in Egypt

2006-10-02T03:03:00.000-07:00

"Vietnamese Cultural Days in Egypt" opened in Cairo last Saturday, Vietnam's largest cultural activity in the northern African country since they established their diplomatic ties.

The cultural exchange activities started with a solemn ceremony where Vietnamese artists performed a number of traditional dances and introduced costumes and musical instruments of Vietnamese ethnic groups.
At the opening ceremony, Egyptian Deputy Minister of Culture Anwar Ibrahim spoke highly of Vietnam's culture.
Ibrahim said the performances featured a combination of Vietnamese identities and the tradition of driving away foreign aggressors and reconstruction, especially its current renewal achievements.
In addition, photo exhibitions of the land and people, along with talks on Vietnam are to be held during the six-day event which will last until Oct. 5.
Tran Chien Thang, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Culture and Information, expressed his hope that this cultural activity would help the Egyptian people better understand Vietnam,
and enhance the traditional friendship between the two nations.
Source: Vietnam News Agency

Bagan Virtual Tour

2006-10-02T02:49:00.000-07:00

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Eight Wonder of the world - Kyaik-hti-yo

2006-10-02T01:25:00.000-07:00

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is located in Mon State. It is about 20kms from the town Kyaikhto. It is a 7.3 meters pagoda on top of a big "Golden Rock". The massive golden boulder is right on top of the Kyaikhto mountain.
Legend say that the boulder maintains its precarius balance due to a precisely placed Buddha hair inside the pagoda. Once there was a King who received the Buddha's hair in the 11th century from a hermit.

Only a few area touches the base of the large stone and the ground.
The hermit instructed the King to search for a boulder whose shape resembled the hermit's head. Then they enshrined the hair in the pagoda and placed on top of the boulder. The King was said to have supernatural power due to his father who was a Zawgyi, an alchemist, and his mother, a Naga, dragon princess. Many visitors from far and near come to visit this place, as they considered Kyaikhiyo as a Sacred place like other pagodas in Myanmar.
Virtual Tour to Kyaik-Hti-Yo
Reference by : Myanmar Tour Information

Experience of 7 Days trip to Myanmar

2006-10-02T00:46:00.000-07:00

“Good Frog, Bad Frog” - one never knew the catch is actually the “okay” part. This cuts the deepest in my memory of my “Leadership” experience! There are other lessons, of coz… (visit here and get inspired: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/team18_ohyes/).

After that, things happen, because of “seasons” and “reasons”, I suppose…

Also, people “come” and “go”; the only person that has to stay is myself…

Although for my parents, I am definitely nutty in even considering going to Myanmar for a change of air!
Nevertheless, I went (and as always, they supported me never the less!!) for 7 days: Aug 16th till Aug 23rd inclusive. Half backpacking, half arranged by friends! Friends met before Myanmar and in Myanmar are AWESOME!! So I felt immediately home, again…

For more detail click here

Bangkok - Breaking News - Army releases Thaksin ministers

2006-10-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

Three former ministers and the secretary general to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who were detained shortly after the bloodless coup d'etat launched by the military on September 19 were released Sunday morning, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, leader of the Council for National Security and army chief announced Sunday.

Released were Pol. Gen. Chidchai Vanasatidya, former deputy prime minister and justice minister, Newin Chidchob, ex-minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, Yongyut Tiyapairat, former natural resources and environment minister, and former secretary general to the Prime Minister's Office Prommin Lertsuridej.

Gen. Sonthi told journalists that the four men were set free Sunday morning and it was now up to police to monitor their activities.

After his release, Gen. Chidchai returned to his residence in suburban Bangkok's neighbouring Nonthaburi province immediately and told journalists who followed him to depart. He refused to give an interview. (TNA)

Reference by Bangkok post.

Asia Hotel Reviews

2006-09-30T03:04:00.000-07:00

We have a wide selection of hotel reviews for you to enjoy and benefit from written by seasoned travel journalists and business travellers.

While we try to maintain all hotel reviews as up to date as possible the hotel industry is extremely fast paced and keeping up can be difficult. We are though constantly travelling around Asia, staying in and inspecting hotels to bring you some of the most in depth and informative hotel reviews anywhere.

When doing a hotel review we look for what you the traveller wants to know and not just what the hotel wants you to know!!

If you would like to make a secure hotel reservation online please select from our extensive list of Hotels in Asia where you can read about the hotels, select rates and makes reservations etc. See also our guide on how to best choose your Hotels and what to look out for, whether City Hotels or Pool Villas.

Please select the hotel reviews that interest you from the countries below:

Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand

Hotels in Phuket, Thailand

Hotels in Koh Samui, Thailand

Hotels in Hua Hin, Thailand

Hotels in Manila, Philippines

Hotels in Cebu, Philippines

Hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia

Hotels in Bali, Indonesia

Hotels in Hong Kong Island

Hotels in Hong Kong Mainland

Hotels in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hotels in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh), Vietnam

Hotels in Singapore

Hotels in Dubai

Hotels in Phnom Penh

Asia Hotels Discounts and Reservations

For more detail click here.

Indonesia - Food festival "enak-enak " held in S Jakarta

2006-09-29T02:21:00.000-07:00

The management of Pasaraya Grande mall in South Jakarta is holding a food festival called "Enak-Enak" (delicious food ) on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of Indonesian independence, from August 15 through 31, 2006.

Hadi Lubke, general manager of Pasaraya Grande, said here Friday that he invited cafe owners to serve special food.

At least 25 different foods from many parts of the country, like Rawon "Setan" Embong Malang (meat soup ) of Surabaya, nasi campur (mixed rice ) Warung Made Semiyak of Bali, soto kuning (meat soup ) Pak Yusuf of Bogor, are offered to visitors.

"Those who like the special foods can enjoy them here and no need to go to their places of origin," he added.

He also said that the "Enak-Enak" food festival was aimed at promoting the specific delicacies. Damira, a visitor, welcomed the festival.

According to her, the festival was expected to compete foreign food festivals.

"Such a festival must be held regularly so that the local people will get to love their own food," she added.

Honeymoon trip to Phuket - Thailand

2006-09-29T02:02:00.000-07:00

After 4.5 of hard travels as backpackers. sleeping in Tajik tents, crashing into Tibetan restaurants, arriving into random places in Laos or just staying in $2 dumps in diffrent places, we had a completely different 2 weeks to finish our trip

We stoped being backpackers and became honeymooners. To start the metamorphosis we got hair cuts (actually only Hagit got one - Yaron likes his hair long as it is), bought new swimming suits and beachwear. then we made flight reservations to take us between all the islands - no more long buses for us!

Finlay, we made reservations to good hotels. only once in the past 2 weeks we slept in a place that had "guest-house" in it's name. the rest were all "resorts". the most expensive place we stayed with backpacking cost $15 (in Beijing). the cheapest we stayed in the past 2 weeks was $25. we also stayed 4 nights in 2 different holiday-inn retorts for FREE courtesy of Yaron's club points from all the nights he spent in Dallas from work.

Our diet also changed. for drinking margarita in the pool-side bar 4.5 months KFC was considered the most mouth watering gourmet dinner possible. but the variety and quality of the food we had (not to mention the hotel buffets) help us get some of 7kg of weight-lost back.

But the most important change is that in the 16 days we spent on the islands we did absolutely NOTHING. compare that to 16 days we spent in Cambodia and Myanmar together to understand how much, and how little, we could do in that period of time. (come to think of it we did manage to do one thing - after days of examining we are now able to accurately predict the tide with high accuracy)

The truth is we needed the rest. now after 2 weeks of rest we have our batteries full ...
at least for the next few days.

We could use another month of rest but surprisingly, if we had another month, we would go on backpacking... the world is just to big for us to rest. Just one more conundrum left to solve before we retrun - how do we bring home 70kg of stuff when the flight weight allowance is 20kg per person?

Fore more detail click here.

The Great Wall of China

2006-09-29T01:55:00.000-07:00

If there is one image of China that was in my mind before I came to this country, it was that of the great wall… pictures of which adorn the covers of ‘100 things you must see before you die’ (and other such books), not to mention the numerous documentaries and ‘Wish You Were Here’ TV programs we’ve all seen growing up. This wall has a lot to live up to!

The wall has scattered remains running all the way from Liaoning Province (east of Beijing) to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert. The main touristed part is called Badaling, this is where all the postcard perfect pictures are taken (they must be taken before it opens), this part of the wall is fully restored and the view of it meandering over the hilltops is said to be awe inspiring. This is also where you go if you want the Walt Disney style wall experience, guard rails, the Colonel watching over you (I’ve heard there’s a KFC here) and hordes and hordes (and hordes) of other people trying to appreciate it with you! I wish we could’ve gone just to take the pictures we see on TV but you’ve got to be realistic!

The Great Wall!!!!
Another popular option is the walk that we did… We’d pre-booked our transport to the section of the wall we wanted to see at the hostel we were staying at and we were told to be down in reception at 7:30 in the morning. 110km northeast of Beijing there is a part of the wall that runs from Jinshanling all the way to Simatai and it’s possible to walk this route. Parts of the wall are only partially restored and some parts have collapsed and much is in a state of ruin, so although it’s only 10km, we were told it’d take about four hours to make it! The minibus took about four hours to fight its way out of Beijing traffic, dropped us off at 11.30 and told us it would pick us up at the other end at 3:30. We’d better get a move on then!

We walked up the road to where the walk starts, following the map on the back of our ticket. Upon first sight, the wall is as impressive as you imagine it to be… It’s large exterior looming over you as you approach the stairway leading into it. We climbed the stairway onto the wall proper and couldn’t believe we were actually there, standing on the Great Wall of China. We were at the bottom of a valley so when we looked over the side we couldn’t really see a lot in either direction, we turned to the first set of steps that lead up to the top (aw no, not more steps) and started walking. When we got to the top the sight that greeted us was simply mind-blowing. Snaking off into the distance of the rugged hilly terrain was the wall we’d be walking over, it was simply breathtaking, everything I imagined and wanted it to be. We couldn’t wait to get going, the sun was shining, we could actually see blue sky (which with Beijing’s smog problem is rare) and with huge smiles we set off.

Dotted along the wall are watch towers, which if they were complete with roof provided some shelter from the harsh midday sun. They were also home to locals selling water so were the perfect place to grab a break as and when we needed, and although we set off in a group with everyone else on the bus, as The Great Wall!!!!

everyone walks at their own pace it wasn’t long before Faye and I were ambling along on our own. A lot of the time we were on our own for entire stretches of the walk without being able to see another soul in either direction, with this and no traffic noise and glorious sunshine this was turning out to be an amazing experience. The walk wasn’t that strenuous (especially after tackling Tai Shan) just very sweaty because of the heat so we could enjoy every sight that confronted us. We enjoyed every moment.

Towards the end of the hike (just before entering the Simatai section) there was a river that cuts through the wall, so we had to take a chain bridge crossing the river by the side. At the end of the bridge they had the cheek to ask for 5 Yuan for the privilege. The toll collector had a uniformed guard with him so there was no getting out of it, it just left a bitter taste in our mouths as our only other option was to wade/swim through the river, so it’s not as if we really had a choice. It’s not enough that we had to pay twice because we were seeing ‘two’ parts of the wall. We grudgingly paid and made our way up the final steep ascent. When we were near the top I looked over at the bridge and saw a crowd gathering at the toll collector, obviously another group of disgruntled walkers. I quickly learned that nothing is free in this country, if the Chinese can charge for it, they will! I saw many of the crowd try and make a run for it only to be chased down by the guard and ordered back, at least they tried I suppose.

Faye and I strolled to the car park where the bus was waiting, we completed the walk in 4 hours and five minutes, we grabbed something to eat and waited for the rest of our group to reach the end before heading back into Beijing. This day will be hard to beat as THE highlight of this trip. It was truly amazing and met all my expectations.

Fore more detail click here.

India - Experience of one guy who had been to India

2006-09-29T00:45:00.000-07:00

Visit to Rishikesh was a little bit longer than we initially expected due to the availability of train tickets, but we managed to keep busy with little effort. We decided to take a hike to the nearbye waterfall up the hill behind our hotel and through a local village. I’m not sure what the name of the river is that we followed (or more of a stream really) (or the village either) but we were never positive we actually found either. Instructions from the hotel guys were that it was 20 minutes up the path, however after going twice that distance it was still nowhere to be seen. We found a spider infested and relatively inaccessable access to the river (once we were certain that we had travelled far enough away from the village so as not to be poisoned by all their unpleasant things discharged into the water) and we took a dip. The water was great and within moments we were splashing around like schoolboys.

The next day found us on a 1 hour ride southeast to Hardiwar where we were to board our train for Varanasi. In probably one of the strangest coincidences of the
Spider

Jord gets all the credit for this one. On our little river trip he found it, freaked out about it a...
trip (or some kind of prank that Jord still hasn’t admitted to) Jord randomly bumped into Sesha in the lobby outside our restaurant (and Sesha’s hotel). We had planned to eat a meal here before getting on our train and Sesha had planned a trip up to the Delhi area sometime ago to visit many of the various holy sites. For those of you who don’t know who Sesha is, I worked with him at Selkirk/Thomson for almost 2 years before me leaving on the trip and him returning to India to raise his daughters. In a country with well over a billion people and thousand(s) of kilometers away from where he lives in Chinai (sp?) it was a staggering coincidence indeed. However surprising, we enjoyed a meal and catching up before having to dart for our 18 hour train ride onward.

The train to Varanasi was much like most of the other trains we’ve rode here: long, boring and overloaded with people. While we never cease to attract attention, this might have been some kind of record as through some means that’s still unkown to me, 17 Indian youths crammed into our compartment to get a look at
Produce Man
Even though the produce clerks at home never acknowledge my produce shots, I still take them constan...
us, shake our hands, listen to my iPod and murmer in disbelief at the concept that I, Jason from Canada, am unmarried (all the while causing a general stir).

We finally arrived in Varanasi hours late and tired as hell. The train station, like any train station in India is in a state of complete and utter madness (even that is an understatement). It’s slowly but surely been sinking in lately just what it means to exist in a country with so many people and little or no services to speak of whatsoever. People vomiting, urinating and shitting in open areas of the train stations is perfectly normal. Walls plastered in bodily excriments, urban monkey gangs urinating on families that sleep on mats in the train station all while rats wander around and silently rob nearbye crumbs is just one of the many disturbing scenes to keep one occupied while waiting. Outside the train station? Hundreds of people sleeping on the pavement amongst litter. The bicycle rickshaws and motor rickshaws all attempt to dodge them in hope of scoring a foreigner client. The smells are out of this world and the only thing I can safely say exists in
Burn!

The wood grunts prepare the kg's and kg's of wood in order to consume the ever-appearing stream of c...
a higher potency/quantity than people in India is litter. I also can’t seem to get over so many faces, everywhere. Day after day I see so many people that I get the strangest feelings that I’ve seen them before. I guess with so many people there is only so little diversity. That guy I passed in the Rickshaw, wasn’t he the guy that unclogged our toilet in Jaipur? No wait, he was the guy who tried to sell me trinkets behind the Internet cafe in Delhi, but that’s impossible! Is it a relative? I don’t understand anymore.

We actually found AND arrived at a hotel after our customary argument and battle with the rickshaw drivers. Then after the customary shinanegans played by the hotel manager where he refused to give us prices, then gave us the foreigner price, then lowered it when we pretended to leave, then tried to raise it again with more lies, then lowered it again when he saw the rage fill my eyes, then finally got the last word when he cut our power in the middle of the night much to the shagrin of my iPod.

I failed in my experiment to emulate
The Rickshaw

We're so close to fitting into a bike rickshaw comfortably, so close. Although slightly uncomfortab...
Mom’s rice pudding with special requests to the chef and had to make up for it with a dish of ice cream which I then mixed with the rice pudding and converted it into a soupy mess that left me somewhat satisfied. The next night however I had a taste of good beef for the first time since Egypt which was pure bliss.

Yesterday we visited the ghat lined shores of the Ganges River and took a day long walk from one end to the other. The river brought on a real mix of emotions to be honest, excitement: balancing on the mud/cow shit laden walls so as not to slip into the river, disgust: bodies of both man and beast floating by you casually and staring at you from the underworld, joy: the moment you finally manage to get the touting boat captains to leave you alone -last but not least: simple strangeness (or lack of emotion) that I can’t quite describe as I watched dozens of human bodies burn for over an hour. The buildup to Varanasi has been fairly big since Jord and I have both been quite excited about the prospect of seeing dead and
Wowzers!

In our hotel where we got the massages I stumbled upon what I now refer to as the "Western Cabinet" ...
burnt humans and other sick things in a holy river (all bodies are burned unless they are infants, too poor, killed by snake bites or are impregnated). I have to admit, it didn’t dissapoint. There are ghats all over India where they cremate corpses, but here in Varanasi it is extra special and where depending on where you rank in life you are positioned accordingly near the ghat (and river) then set on fire by your closest male relative. Some higher ranking people have special platforms, most however are simply set alight in close piles where goats and dogs feed on them while not closely watched. The whole process was quite enlightening and to be honest, the only thing that disturbed me wasn’t the ash all over my shirt or the cracking of the half burnt skulls with bamboo (it releases the spirit) but simply the compassion I had for the people who bathed in the river only metres away from floating carass’. Sure hundreds of people bath everyday down the river, but during the whole ceremony they first wash the corpse and then typically the husband or son bathes himself in the same spot. While I don’t profess to either know or understand the possible health risks, it left me quite curious as to what they might be.

We certainly retreated from the entire show more educated, and found ourselves navigating a series of maze-like alleyways back to the rickshaw drivers where we returned to the train station to buy tickets to Nepal. Tonight we’re off for what we hope to be about half a month in Nepal. While we killed time today before the train we managed another massage, which was very pleasant although again like everything in India -different. Jord went in first and an hour later they called for me. As I entered the room I knew immediately something was wrong as Jord was gone and his underwear was lying suspiciously on the floor. Odd I thought. I stripped down into my boxer-briefs and casually went to the table before the kind gentlemen gestured I was to remove those as well. So I did, and while I laid there naked as a baby getting oiled by a kind and surprisingly gentle Indian man I couldn’t help but to think that he, Ramish, was now in a very, very (but small) elite club of people who have massaged me naked with oil. I felt quite honoured welcoming him into this union and quickly snapped out of my daydream to see Jord had returned from the steambath. Well, at least it all happened to him as well.

The Great Ancient Architecture City of the world - Bagan

2006-09-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

History
Bagan dates back almost to the beginning of the Christian Era. It lies on the bend of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Bagan can be marked to have started with King Anawrahta. He ascended the throne of Bagan in 1044. At that time, the kingdom was under the Mahayana religion. After Shin Arahan's arrival to Bagan, it converted to Theravada Buddhism. It was said to be that each and every household was able to donate an enshrined Pagoda, because of their faith in Buddhism believe and also because of their wealth.

The great Shwezigon was one of King Anawrahta's donation during his time.

Getting Around
Horse carts are popular ways travelling around Bagan. Visitors can also hire bicycles at some hotels and guest houses to roam around. The charges are taken per hour service. Ferry boats can also be hired to flow in the Ayeyarwaddy. The ferry stand is near the Bu Pagoda. The views from the Ayeyarwaddy is also an interesting way to explore Bagan.

Bus and Express
There are Daily Expresses from Yangon and other major cities.

Car
One can hire a car from a car rental agency or from a travel agent. Different types of cars, coach seaters are available.

Train

Air
There are daily flights from Air Bagan, Yangon Airways, Air Mandalay and Myanmar Airways to Nyaung U Airport, Bagan. The flight schedules may change from time to time depending on the weather. But this is the fastest way to explore Bagan.

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Former capital of Japan - Kyoto

2006-09-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

There has a lot of interesting places to go around in Kyoto. There are most interesting places you shoud go.

Sanjusangen-do Temple -- One of two of the most famous and beautiful temples in Kansai, this is not to be missed during a visit to Kyoto!

Kinkaku-ji Temple -- The famous golden temple of Kyoto, this small temple is one of the most famous monuments in Kyoto.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple -- Probably the most famous temple in the city, the temple grounds are dotted with shrines, sakura, and tourists.

Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine -- Off the beaten path, this mountain shrine is one of Kyoto's best-kept secrets!

Kyoto Life -- An assortment of miscellaneous shots taken in Kyoto: monks, geisha, temples, and scenery.

Nijo-jo Castle -- This terrific castle is set right in central Kyoto.

For more detail click here.

Some interesting things about Japan

2006-09-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

Did You Know...
Some interesting things about Japan
which you might not have known!

A can of Coca-Cola costs more than one dollar US from a vending machine.

Japanese people, in general, can't drive very well.

Restaurants in Japan (including many fast-food places) give you moist towels or wipes before or with your meal.

At many businesses in Japan, they offer alcohol to the employees after six pm.

It is usually mandatory to give a landlord a gift of money of $1,000-$2000 when moving into his apartment building.

On Respect for the Aged Day, tobacco companies will hand out free cigarettes to the elderly outside of train stations and department stores.

The Japanese love corn, sesame seeds, and mayonnaise on their pizza.

There are no 24 hour ATMs in Japan (closed on holidays and many only open during normal bank hours).

Many Japanese teachers think that Japanese parents are lazy.

The green traffic light is called "blue".

Slurp your soup.

Newspaper editors make their headlines so as to not attract attention.

KFC is the place to be on Christmas Day.

Japan has about 1,500 earthquakes each year.

In the Japanese language, it is considered rude to say the word "no" directly.

It is nearly impossible to become a naturalized citizen of Japan.

You can smoke just about anywhere.

Japanese people take a hot bath every night, some do not have showers installed in their bathrooms.

There is no insulation in Japanese homes' walls.

Japan has roughly 200 volcanoes.

It is considered rude to show signs of affection toward a loved one in public.

When you go to a funeral or a wedding you must take a gift of money.

Three words: "heated toilet seats".

In Japan, flower arranging is an art.

The new generation of Japanese people are not as short as Westerners think.

You can buy batteries, beer, wine, condoms, cigarettes, comic books, hot dogs, light bulbs, and used women's underwear from vending machines.

Many Japanese people eat rice with or for their breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Never stick your chopsticks upright in your rice. This is an old Japanese custom and is what is done when food is offered to the dead. When it is not an offering it is considered to be a very ill omen.

In Japan you will find cars by the names of "It's", "Let's", "Sunny", "Perky", "Gloria", "Move", "Toppo", "Lepo" and "Dump".

McDonalds employees will run outside to give you your drive-thru order.

The Japanese visit shrines and give eachother money for New Year's.

It is impolite to tear the wrapping paper off of a gift.

Japanese junior high school students do not need to pass any of their classes to graduate. Education only through junior high school is compulsory.

Young women will hand you toilet paper outside of train stations.

There is almost no vandalism in Japan.

Gas station attendants will bow as the car pulls out of the station.

It is socially acceptable to pick your nose in public and urinate at the side of the road, but you cannot blow your nose in public.

Approximately 85% of Japanese people have never tasted turkey.

Japan is about the size of California and has half the population of the entire United States.

Snowmen in Japan are made of two large snowballs instead of three.

It will always take one to two hours for a pizza to be delivered.

There is at least one vending machine on every corner.

All you ever wanted to know about the world's largest phallus festival can be found here.

It is not uncommon to pay $2 for a single apple.

The sun is red in Japan and the country itself is referred to by Japanese people as "the land of the rising sun"

Japan - the world's largest phallus festival

2006-09-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

Here it is, folks. The moment you've all been waiting for!
Just to hoist the wooden phallus and it's palanquin up
onto the shoulders of these men was a chore and a half!

All the men who carry the large wooden penis are 42 years old. An age which is thought to be unlucky and, like the women aged 36, requires spiritual labors such as carrying a gigantic phallus through the streets of one's town.
It takes 60 men working in alternating shifts to deliver this offering to Tagata Shrine. The 8-foot long phallus by itself weighs in at 280 kg (620 pounds), but inside it's wooden palanquin.. together they weigh an astounding 400 kg (885 pounds)!

The appearance of the phallus changes a bit from year to year. Sometimes it is very smooth and some years it is carved with many veins. It has also grown larger over the years.
The presentation of the phallus has changed, also. For example, many years ago the wooden phallus was attached to a straw effigy of a warrior. Can you imagine holding a festival like this in Europe or North America?!?

I could tell it wasn't easy. All the men who carried the wooden phallus seemed to be completely drunk! Even rotating out the tired ones with well-rested men frequently they almost lost it a couple times!

Once the phallus and mikoshi arrived at the shrine, the phallus was spun
furiously and it seemed to dance at the door to the shrine. Some final
prayers were said and then it was time to start the Mochi Nage...

Fore more detail click here.

Japan - Sumo Culture

2006-09-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

"Yagura-daiko" refers to a drum that is played on a yagura (tower) to announce the performance of Sumo. The yagura is 16m high and constructed of cryptomeria logs. It is said to have been built high so that the surface of the Sumida river would reflect the sound of the drum so that it could be heard far and wide.

There are two occasions for "yagura-daiko"; "yose-daiko" is played early in the morning to gather people, and "hane-daiko" is played at the end of the performance to request a return visit of the audience. "Hane-daiko" is not necessary on the last day or on a one-day performance.

In old days there were also "ichiban-daiko" and "niban-daiko". The former was played to announce the entrance of rikishi who were still below the rank of sekitori and the start of a bout. The latter was played to notify the entrance of sekitori. These performances were held on the dohyo as entertainment in stead of on the yagura.

For more detail click here.

Interesting Japan

2006-09-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

Japan for many years has had the reputation of being prohibitively expensive. While in some cases this can be true, anyone on a budget can also enjoy most of what this beautiful country has to offer. This is not to say Japan is not expensive, it can be, but with a little homework you can visit the Land of the Rising Sun on your own terms and allowance.

Japan is located between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan, and is nearly the same size as Germany and Switzerland combined. Japan is made up of of four major islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands. The four major islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.

Japan's population is over 126 million, with most Japanese residing in densely populated urban areas. The Tokyo Metropolitan Area including the city, some of its suburbs and the surrounding area is believed to house a staggering 12 million.

Language can still be a problem but over the years more and more Japanese speak better and better English, but we still recommend you to carry a handy phrase book and learn a few essential words, especially if you plan to travel to some of the more remote areas of Japan.

In this section of ASIA Travel Tips.com we aim to provide you with some useful information on Japan. What to see, where to stay, when to travel, what to do and of course some special rates available from hotels in the major parts of Japan.

For more detail information click here.

Phuket Gay Festival

2006-09-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Taking place in Patong at the beginning of February, the festival itself runs over four days with parties, a volleyball tournament and a street parade that is the highlight of the festival.

Patong Beach is the most famous beach on Phuket Island and has a wide variety of day time activities and a amazing night life.

Stay in Patong if you want to be near to exiting gay night life. In the daytime you can enjoy any of Phuket's 17 sandy beaches or walk down to the gay section of Patong Beach and enjoy the afternoon beach volleyball game.

If you stay outside Patong and want enjoy the night life in Patong you will probably spend a lot of money on tuk-tuk (local taxi) drivers taking you back and forth. Patong is the only beach with a Gay scene on Phuket Island.

If you want solitude there are several secluded islands and beaches only minutes away from Patong, so we are sure that you always will find something or somebody new to discover.

The Saturday Gay day tour from Connect is a "must" even if you not stay in Patong. Follow the link to explore photos from previous tours.

This site contains hundreds of pages on over 1000 photos from Gay Patong and GAY Phuket. Take your time to surf this site and we hope that we will see you here soon in real life.

Welcome to surf this site and if you have any questions or comments please email to us and we will answer within 24 hours.

Thailand military vows new PM this weekend

2006-09-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

BANGKOK - Thailand's new ruling generals said Wednesday they would name a new prime minister this weekend as they pressed ahead with plans to revamp the nation a week after seizing power in a bloodless coup.

A popular retired general and a former head of the World Trade Organization emerged as the front-runners to replace Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire tycoon toppled by the military and now living in exile in London.

Coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin would meet Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who approved of Thaksin's ouster, to present the draft of a new national constitution on Saturday, a spokesman said.

Find out more detail...

Asia - The World’s Largest Bell

2006-09-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

King Dhammazedi's bell may or may not be lost forever, but even if it is, the world's largest accessible and ringing bell is still not in Russia. Where is the world's largest bell???????

That title is owned by Burma's Mingun Bell, which rings near the city of Sagaing, at the Mingun pagoda, some 11 km (7 miles) upriver from Mandalay, in the center of Burma, on the opposite bank of the Ayeyarwaddy and accessible only by river. A 45-minute boat trip to Mingun is very pleasant with plenty of life on the river to see.

This bell was cast by King Bodawpaya on 28 April 1808 and is about 13 feet tall. It weighs 55555 peik-thar, or 90.55 metric tons (about 200 US tons). (Peik-thar are a traditional unit of weight equalling 3.6 lbs (1.63 kg)— that's what the five characters that look like 9's on the side of the bell in the picture to the right mean.)

The pagoda itself was the main jewel in the crown of an ambitious building campaign sponsored by King Bodawpaya (ruled 1782-1819). The largest brick temple in Asia, its outline broods over the western bank of the Irrawaddy River from the hamlet of Mingun. Its base is 256 feet square and it rises some 150 feet. It is now viewed as little more than a curiosity, enhanced by dramatic fissures in its wall created by an earthquake in 1839-- visitors can even climb to the top by a modern stairway mounted on the most ruined corner fo the monument, though no access to the summit existed originally.

The Mingun is Asia's, and indeed, the world's, largest bell. Cast by Bodawpaya to complemlent the huge pagoda, it stands in its original location some 50 yeards to the northeast of the pagoda. The pagoda is still considered unfinished, since it is without a tower, but historians believe King Bodawpaya may have intended to sacrifice height for girth from the very beginning, and thus it may have been considered finished by the king himself. Pagodas were built to venerate sacred objects interred beneath them-- in fact, the word "pagoda" derives from *dagaba* (relic chamber), a term adopted into English after it was encountered in Buddhist Sri Lanka.

Visit to this website for more detail of the world's largest bell

Travel Asia - Special Trip VIII

2006-09-27T02:21:00.000-07:00

Yangon-Heho-Mandalay-PyinOo Lwin-Mandalay- Bagan-Yangon(10 Days/9 Nights)

Day 1 - Arrival To Yangon
Day 2 - Yangon - Inle
Day 3 - Travel around in Inle and departure to Mandalay
Day 4 - Travel around in Mandalay
Day 5 - Yangon - Mandalay
Day 6 - Mandalay - PyinOoLwin
Day 7 - Travel around in PyinOoLwin and departure to Bagan
Day 8 - Travel around in Bagan
Day 9 - Drive to Mt.Popa and return to Yangon
Day 10 - Travel around in Yangon, transfer to Int' airport for departure

Yangon-Heho-Mandalay-PyinOo Lwin-Mandalay- Bagan-Yangon(10 Days/9 Nights)

Day 1
Arrival To Yangon
• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Bo-ta-taung Pagoda and river front
• Su-le Pagoda
• One of wonder of the World, Shwe-da-gon Pagoda
• Welcome dinner at a local standard restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Yangon - Inle
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Transfer to Airport and departure to Hehos by flight
• Visit Pin-da-ya Cave and surrounding
• Proceed to Inle Lake via Nyaung Shwe by coach
• Dinner at the restaurant on the way
• Overnight at hotel in Nyaung Shwe

Day 3
Travel around in Inle
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Inle Lake
• Phaung Daw Oo
• Discover the Intha people’s floating gardens, fishing technique, beautiful landscape village
• Monastery near Inle
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Transfet to Heho Airport
• Departure to Mandalay by flight
• Transfer to the hotel
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 4
Travel around in Mandalay
• Breakfast at hotel
• Sightseeing around Mandalay
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda (the World Lagest Book)
• Golden Monestery (Shwe Kyaung)
• Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
• Enjoying scenery from Mandalay Hill
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 5
Yangon – Mandalay
• Breakfast at hotel
• Start Mandalay city sightseeing
• Mahamuni Buddha Image
• Wood and stone carving
• Visit to Amarapura
• Maha Gandayone Monastery
• U Pein Teak Wood Bridge
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Sa-gaing passing Ava Bridge
• Visit Kaung-mu-daw Pagoda
• Silversmith
• Proceed to Sa-gaing hill
• Visit famous pagodas, enjoying sunset from the top of the hill.
• Back to Mandalay
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 6
Mandalay – PyinOoLwin
• Breakfast at local restaurant
• Visit to Mingun by boat
• Mingun Bell (the world largest ringing bell)
• Unfinished Pahtodawgyi Temple
• Mya-thein-tan Zedi
• Return to Mandalay
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Going toPyin Oo Lwin
• Kandaw gyi National Park
• City sightseeing at Pyin Oo Lwin
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at hotel

Day 7
Travel around in PyinOoLwin
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Visit to Peik Chin Myaung Cave
• B.E waterfall
• Maha Anghtoo Kantha Buddha Image
• Lunch at the local restaurant
• Departure to Bagan by flight
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 8
Travel around in Bagan
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Nyaung-U Market
• Gubyauk Gyi (Wet-Kyi-In)
• Shwezigon Pagoda
• Kyansittha cave
• Tharabor Gate
• Anawyahta Temple
• Law-Ka-Nanda
• Bu-Phaya (river side)
• Oakkyaung
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Bagan Museum
• Shopping at lacquer ware home industry.
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 9
Bagan - Mt.Popa - Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Mt.Popa
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Return to Bagan
• Return to Yangon by flight in the evening

Day 10
Travel around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit to Botathaung Pagoda
• A royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik) and Kantawgyi lake
• Visit to Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• 1 pax - 1935 $
• 2 pax - 1520 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 1385 $ (each person)
• 4 pax - 1315 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 1273 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 1245 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 1225 $ (each person)

Travel Asia - Special Trip VII

2006-09-25T05:55:00.000-07:00

Yangon – Sittwe - Mrauk Oo - Sittwe – Ngapali - Yangon (8 Days/7 Nights)
Day 1 - Arrival To Yangon
Day 2 - Yangon - Sittwe
Day 3 - Sittwe – Mrauk Oo
Day 4 - Travel around in Mrauk Oo
Day 5 - Travel around in Mrauk Oo and go to Nga Pa Li by flight
Day 6 - Relax whole day in Ngapali Beach
Day 7 - Relax half day and return to Yangon by flight
Day 8 - Travel around in Yangon, transfer to Int' airport for departure
Yangon – Sittwe - Mrauk Oo - Sittwe – Ngapali - Yangon (8 Days/7 Nights)

Day 1
Arrival To Yangon
• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Pick you up by our tour guide
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Visit to one of the wonder of the world, Myanmar Land mark (Shwe-da-gon Pagoda)
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Yangon - Sittwe
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Visit to the pagoda that is located in city center (Su-le Pagoda)
• Departure to Sittwe by flight
• Transfer to Hotel
• Lunch at the local restaurant.
• Visit to cultural museum of Rakhine.
• Enjoying the sunset view from Sittwe View Point.
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 3
Sittwe – Mrauk Oo
• Breakfast at hotel
• Go to Mrauk Oo by boat in the early morning .
• Lunch at the local restaurant.
• Visit to Bandoohla Monastry
• Shithaung Pagodas
• Five Victory
• Andaw Pagoda
• Koethaung Pagoda
• Htukkanthein Temple
• Shakama vallage
• Sightseeing Mrauk Oo.
• Enjoying sunset from Harry Mountain
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel in Mrauk Oo

Day 4
Travel around in Mrauk Oo
• Drive 5 miles rugged road by car to Sin Oh Village
• Continue to go Kritchauung, 5 miles up-stream boat trip It’s a mountainous terrain where rivers and streams of Rakhine land begin.
• Scenic are superb. Sin gay Village, another 5 miles up-stream, is one of scattered hamlets. Tatoo culture of these Southern Chin tribes is called Pa-Yea, facial tattoo, and they differ in patterns with tribes.
• Cruising on a meandering river in steep gorges is all outdoor funs at delightful environ. It is a mild adventure destination, authorities have recently allowed
• Return trip down-stream to Mrauk Oo
• Enjoying the sunset view whilst sailing down by the river
• Overnight at hotel in Mrauk Oo

Day 5
Travel around in Mrauk Oo
• Visiting to museum
• Mrauk Oo bazaar
• Take the boat trip of Mrauk Oo to Sittwe
• Go to Nga-pa-li by flight
• Overnight at the hotel in Nga-pa-li

Day 6
Relax in NgaPaLi
• Relax whole day in Ngapali Beach
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel
• Overnight at hotel

Day 7
NgaPaLi - Yangon
• Breakfast and Lunch at hotel
• Return to Yangon by flight.
• Dinner on the Rivering Cruise with culture show. Can be watching the sunset from the cruise
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 8
Travel around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Botathaung Pagoda
• A royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik) and Kantawgyi lake
• Visit to Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• 1 pax - 1522 $
• 2 pax - 1187 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 1075 $ (each person)
• 4 pax - 1020 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 986 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 964 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 948 $ (each person)

Travel Asia - Special Trip VI

2006-09-25T05:32:00.000-07:00

Yangon – Sittwe - Mrauk Oo - Sittwe – Yangon (6 Days/ 5 Nights)
Day 1 - Arrival To Yangon
Day 2 - Yangon - Sittwe
Day 3 - Sittwe – Mrauk Oo
Day 4 - Travel around in Mrauk Oo
Day 5 - Travel around in Mrauk Oo
Day 6 - Travel around in Yangon, transfer to Int' airport for departure
Yangon – Sittwe - Mrauk Oo - Sittwe – Yangon (6 Days/ 5 Nights)

Day 1
Arrival To Yangon
• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Pick you up by our tour guide
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Visit to one of the wonder of the world, Myanmar Land mark (Shwe-da-gon Pagoda)
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Yangon - Sittwe
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Visit to the pagoda that is located in city center (Su-le Pagoda)
• Departure to Sittwe by flight
• Transfer to Hotel
• Lunch at the local restaurant.
• Visit to cultural museum of Rakhine.
• Enjoying the sunset view from Sittwe View Point.
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 3
Sittwe – Mrauk Oo
• Breakfast at hotel
• Go to Mrauk Oo by boat in the early morning .
• Lunch at the local restaurant.
• Visit to Bandoohla Monastry
• Shithaung Pagodas
• Five Victory
• Andaw Pagoda
• Koethaung Pagoda
• Htukkanthein Temple
• Shakama vallage
• Sightseeing Mrauk Oo.
• Enjoying sunset from Harry Mountain
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel in Mrauk Oo

Day 4
Go around in Mrauk Oo
• Drive 5 miles rugged road by car to Sin Oh Village
• Continue to go Kritchauung, 5 miles up-stream boat trip It’s a mountainous terrain where rivers and streams of Rakhine land begin.
• Scenic are superb. Sin gay Village, another 5 miles up-stream, is one of scattered hamlets. Tatoo culture of these Southern Chin tribes is called Pa-Yea, facial tattoo, and they differ in patterns with tribes.
• Cruising on a meandering river in steep gorges is all outdoor funs at delightful environ. It is a mild adventure destination, authorities have recently allowed
• Return trip down-stream to Mrauk Oo
• Enjoying the sunset view whilst sailing down by the river
• Overnight at hotel in Mrauk Oo

Day 5
Go around in Mrauk Oo
• Visiting to museum
• Mrauk Oo bazaar
• Take the boat trip of Mrauk Oo to Sittwe
• Go back to Yangon by flight
• Overnight at the hotel in Yangon

Day 6
Go around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit to Botathaung Pagoda
• A royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik) and Kantawgyi lake
• Visit to Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• 1 pax - 1150 $
• 2 pax - 898 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 820 $ (each person)
• 4 pax - 774 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 748 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 732 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 720 $ (each person)

Travel Asia - Special Trip V

2006-09-24T03:49:00.000-07:00

Yangon - Mandalay - Pyin Oo Lwin - Mandalay - Yangon (6 Days/ 5 Nights)
Day 1 - Arrival, transfer to Hotel and sightseeing in Yangon
Day 2 - Fly for Mandalay and visit to Pyin Oo Lwin
Day 3 - Go around in Pyin Oo Lwin and return to Mandalay
Day 4 - Go around in Mandalay
Day 5 - Go around in Mandalay and return to Yangon
Day 6 - Go around in Yangon and tranfer to Yangon Int' airport for departure

Yangon - Mandalay - Pyin Oo Lwin - Mandalay - Yangon (6 Days/ 5 Nights)

Day 1
Arrival To Yangon
• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Pick you up by our tour guide
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Visit to one of the wonder of the world, Myanmar Land mark (Shwe-da-gon Pagoda)
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Mandalay - Pyin Oo Lwin
• Leave to Mandalay about 7:00 am by flight
• Arrive to Mandalay about 8:30 am
• Go to Pyin Oo Lwin by car
• Lunch at local restaurant on the way
• Visit to Kandawgyi National Park in Pyin Oo Lwin
• Sightseeing in Pyin Oo Lwin
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 3
Mandalay - Pyin Oo Lwin
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Peik Chin Myaung Cave
• B.E waterfall
• Maha Anghtoo Kantha Buddha Image
• Lunch at the local restaurant
• Return to Mandalay
• Visit to Mandalay Kuthodaw Pagoda (the world largest Book)
• Golden Monastery (Shwe Kyaung),
• Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
• Enjoying Sunset from Mandalay Hill
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 4
Go around in Mandalay
• Breakfast at hotel
• Start Mandalay city sightseeing
• Mahamuni Buddha Image
• Wood and stone carving
• Visit to Amarapura
• Maha Gandayone Monastery
• U Pein Teak Wood Bridge
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Sagaing passing Ava Bridge
• Visit Kaungmudaw Pagoda
• Silversmith
• Proceed to Sagaing hill
• Visit famous pagodas, enjoying sunset from the top of the hill
• Back to Mandalay
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 5
Go around in Mandalay
• Breakfast at local restaurant
• Visit to Mingun by boat
• Mingun Bell (the world largest ringing bell)
• Unfinished Pahtodawgyi Temple
• Myatheintan Zedi
• Return to Mandalay
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Zaycho Market
• Return to Yangon
• Overnight at hotel

Day 6
Go around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit to Botathaung Pagoda
• A royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik) and Kantawgyi lake
• Visit to Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• 1 pax - 1119 $
• 2 pax - 915 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 855 $ (each person)
• 4 pax - 815 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 787 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 770 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 760 $ (each person)

Travel Asia - Special Trip IV

2006-09-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

Yangon - Mandalay - Yangon(5 Days/ 4 Nights)
Day 1 - Arrival, transfer to Hotel and sightseeing in Yangon
Day 2 - Fly for Mandalay and go around in there
Day 3 - Go around in Mandalay
Day 4 - Go around in Mandalay and departure to Yangon by flight
Day 5 - Go around in Yangon and tranfer to Yangon Int' airport for departure

Yangon - Mandalay - Yangon(5 Days/ 4 Nights)
Day 1
Day 1 Arrival To Yangon
• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Pick you up by our tour guide
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Visit to the pagoda that is located in city center (Su-le Pagoda)
• Visit to one of the wonder of the world, Myanmar Land mark (Shwe-da-gon Pagoda)
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Yangon - Mandalay
• Leave to Mandalay about 7:00 am by flight
• Arrive to Mandalay about 8:30 am
• Transfer to Hotel
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda (the World Lagest Book)
• Golden Monestery (Shwe Kyaung)
• Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
• Enjoying scenery from Mandalay Hill
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 3
Yangon – Mandalay
• Breakfast at hotel
• Start Mandalay city sightseeing
• Wood and stone carving
• Visit to Amarapura
• Maha Gandayone Monastery
• U Pein Teak Wood Bridge
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Sagaing passing Ava Bridge
• Visit Kaungmudaw Pagoda
• Silversmith
• Proceed to Sagaing hill
• Visit famous pagodas, enjoying sunset from the top of the hill
• Back to Mandalay
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 4
Go around in Mandalay
• Breakfast at local restaurant
• Visit to Mingun by boat
• Mingun Bell (the world largest ringing bell)
• Unfinished Pahtodawgyi Temple
• Myatheintan Zedi
• Return to Mandalay
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Zaycho Market
• Return to Yangon by flight
• Overnight at hotel

Day 5
Go around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit to Botathaung Pagoda
• A royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik) and Kantawgyi lake
• Visit to Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• 1 pax - 959 $
• 2 pax - 765 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 705 $ (each person)
• 4 pax - 670 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 655 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 645 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 635 $ (each person)

Travel Asia - Special Trip III

2006-09-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

Yangon - Inle - Yangon(4Days/3Nights)
Day 1 - Arrival, transfer to Hotel and sightseeing in Yangon
Day 2 - Departure to Heho by flight and visit to Inle
Day 3 - Go around in Inle and return to Yangon by flight
Day 4 - Go around in Yangon and tranfer to Yangon Int' airport for departure

Yangon - Inle - Yangon(4Days/3Nights)

Day 1
Arrival to Yangon
• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Pick you up by our tour guide
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Visit to the pagoda that is located in city center (Su-le Pagoda)
• Visit to one of the wonder of the world, Myanmar Land mark (Shwe-da-gon Pagoda)
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Yangon - Inle
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Transfer to Airport and departure to Heho
• Visit Pin-da-ya Cave and surrounding
• Proceed to Inle Lake via Nyaung Shwe by coach
• Dinner at the restaurant on the way
• Overnight at hotel in Nyaung Shwe

Day 3
Go around in Inle
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Inle Lake
• Phaung Daw Oo
• Discover the Intha people’s floating gardens, fishing technique, beautiful landscape village
• Monastery near Inle
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Transfet to Heho Airport
• Return to Yagon by flight
• Transfer to the hotel
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 4
Go around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Botathaung Pagoda
• A royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik) and Kantawgyi lake
• Visit to Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• 1 pax - 757 $
• 2 pax - 645 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 605 $ (each person)
• 4 pax - 580 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 565 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 555 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 545 $ (each person)

Travel Asia - Special Trip II

2006-09-23T04:07:00.000-07:00

Yangon – Bagan – Yangon (4 Days/3 Nights)
Day 1 - Arrival, transfer to Hotel and sightseeing in Yangon
Day 2 - Departure to Bagan by flight and go around in Bagan
Day 3 - Go around in Bagan, visit to Mt. Popa and return to Yangon by flight
Day 4 - Go around in Yangon and tranfer to Yangon Int' airport for departure

Day 1
Arrival to Yangon
• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Bo-ta-taung Pagoda and river front
• Su-le Pagoda
• One of wonder of the World, Shwe-da-gon Pagoda
• Welcome dinner at a local standard restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Yangon - Bagan
• Breakfast at hotel
• Go to Bagan by flight
• Visit to Nyaung-U Market
• Gu-byauk Gyi (Wet-Kyi-In)
• Shwe-zi-gon Pagoda
• Kyan-sit-tha cave
• Tha-ra-bor Gate
• A-naw-ya-hta Temple
• Law-Ka-Nanda
• Bu-Phaya (river side)
• Oak-kyaung
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Bagan Museum
• Shopping at lacquer ware home industry.
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 3
Bagan - Mt.Popa - Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Mt.Popa
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Return to Bagan
• Return to Yangon by flight in the evening

Day 4
Go around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Botathaung Pagoda
• A royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik) and Kantawgyi lake
• Visit to Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• 1 pax - 757 $
• 2 pax - 645 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 605 $ (each person)
• 4 pax - 580 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 565 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 555 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 545 $ (each person)

Travel Asia - Special Trip I

2006-09-21T00:08:00.000-07:00

Yangon - Mandalay - Bagan – Yangon(7 Days/6 Nights)
Day 1 - Arrival, transfer to Hotel and sightseeing in Yangon
Day 2 - Fly for Mandalay and go around in there
Day 3 - Travel around in Mandalay
Day 4 - Travel around in Mandalay and departure to Bagan by flight
Day 5 - Travel around in Bagan
Day 6 - Travel around in Bagan, Mt.Popa and return to Yangon
Day 7 - Travel around in Yangon and tranfer to Yangon Int' airport for departure
Virtual Tour

Yangon - Mandalay - Bagan – Yangon(7 Days/6 Nights)

Day 1
Arrival To Yangon
• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Bo-ta-taung Pagoda and river front
• Su-le Pagoda
• One of wonder of the World, Shwe-da-gon Pagoda
• Welcome dinner at a local standard restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Yangon - Mandalay
• Departure to Mandalay about 7:00 am by flight
• Arrive to Mandalay about 8:30 am
• Transfer to Hotel
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda (the World Lagest Book)
• Golden Monestery (Shwe Kyaung)
• Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
• Enjoying scenery from Mandalay Hill
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 3
Travel around in Mandalay
• Breakfast at hotel
• Start Mandalay city sightseeing
• Wood and stone carving
• Visit to Amarapura
• Maha Gandayone Monastery
• U Pein Teak Wood Bridge
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Sagaing passing Ava Bridge
• Visit Kaungmudaw Pagoda
• Silversmith
• Proceed to Sagaing hill
• Visit famous pagodas, enjoying sunset from the top of the hill.
• Back to Mandalay
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 4
Mandalay - Bagan
• Breakfast at local restaurant
• Visit to Mingun by boat
• Mingun Bell (the world largest ringing bell)
• Unfinished Pahtodawgyi Temple
• Myatheintan Zedi
• Return to Mandalay
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Zaycho Market
• Departure to Bagan by flight
• Overnight at hotel

Day 5
Travel around in Bagan
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Nyaung-U Market
• Gubyauk Gyi (Wet-Kyi-In)
• Shwezigon Pagoda
• Kyansittha cave
• Tharabor Gate
• Anawyahta Temple
• Law-Ka-Nanda
• Bu-Phaya (river side)
• Oakkyaung
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to Bagan Museum
• Shopping at lacquer ware home industry
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 6
Bagan - Mt.Popa - Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Mt.Popa
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Return to Bagan
• Return to Yangon by flight in the evening

Day 7
Travel around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Botathaung Pagoda
• A royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik) and Kantawgyi lake
• Visit to Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------•
• 1 pax - 1345 $
• 2 pax - 1070 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 945$ (each person)
• 4 pax - 935 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 915 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 880 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 880 $ (each person)

Yangon - Bago -Thanlyin (Syriam) - Yangon Trip

2006-09-16T03:16:00.000-07:00

Yangon - Bago -Thanlyin (Syriam) - Yangon(4Days/3Nights)

Day 1 - Arrival To Yangon
Day 2 - Travel around in Thanlyin
Day 3 - Travel around in Bago
Day 4 - Travel around in Yangon, transfer to Int' airport for departure

Yangon - Bago -Thanlyin (Syriam) - Yangon(4Days/3Nights)
Day 1
Arrival To Yangon

• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Pick you up by our tour guide
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Visit to the pagoda that is located in city center (Su-le Pagoda)
• Visit to one of the wonder of the world, Myanmar Land mark (Shwe-da-gon Pagoda)
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Yangon - Thanlyin

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Thanlyin (port city of ancient Mon Dynasty )
• The pagoda encircled by Hmaw Wun River flowing past the town of Kyauk-tann Pagoda @ Kyaik-Hmaw Wun Pagoda
• Kyaik-Khauk Pagoda
• Drive back to Yangon
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit to a huge reclining Buddha image(Chauk-htat-gyi)
• Thi-ri-min-ga-lar-ka-bar-aye Pagoda (World Peace Pagoda)
• Ma-ha-pa-sa-na Guha Cave where the sixth Buddhist synod took place
• Dinner at rivering cruise with Myanmar Culture Show in the Yangon River
• Overnight at hotel

Day 3
Yangon - Bago

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Bago, the ancient capital of Mon Kingdom in 15th Century
• Visit to Shwe-maw-htaw which is over a thousand years old
• Hnin-thar-gone Pagoda
• Bago Market
• Lunch at restaurant
• Shwe-thar-lyaung reclining Buddha Image
• Maha Zedi
• Kalyani Sima (Ordination Hall)
• 55 metres long and the excavation site of Kan-baw-za-thar-di Palace of 16th century
• Kyaik-pun Pagoda(four giant seated Buddha Images)
• Htauk-kyant War Memorial Cemetery of the Second World War
• Drive back to Yangon
• Dinner at restaurant
• Overnight at hotel

Day 4
Travel around in Yangon

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Botathaung Pagoda
• A royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik) and Kantawgyi lake
• Visit to Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Lunch at restaurant
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon
----------------------------------------------------------------
• 1 pax - 675 $
• 2 pax - 505 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 449 $ (each person)
• 4 pax - 420 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 403 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 392 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 389 $ (each person)

To one of the richest archaeological sites in Myanmar - Bago

2006-09-16T02:31:00.000-07:00

Bago(Pegu) is just 80 km(50 miles) north of Yangon. It is just about an hour drive from Yangon. Bago is accessible easily from Yangon. Bago is one of the richest archaeological sites in Myanmar. Apparently Mons were the first to settle at this site. Two Mon brothers Thamala and Wimala from Thaton, first founded the city about 825 A.D. In 13th century A.D. The site, which was then on the Gulf of Martaban, had already been earmarked as the location of a great city by Gautama, the historic Buddha. Bago was made the capital of the Mon Kingdom and it came to be known as Hansavati (Hanthawaddy). It was also the seaport of ancient Mon kings. Then it became the Second Myanmar Empire founded by King Bayinnaung.

Yangon - Bago - Yangon(3Days/2Nights)

Day 1 - Arrival To Yangon
Day 2 - Travel around in Bago
Day 3 - Travel around in Yangon, transfer to Int' airport for departure

Yangon - Bago - Yangon(3Days/2Nights)
Day 1
Arrival To Yangon
• Arrive at Yangon Int’l Airport
• Pick you up by our tour guide
• Meet and transfer to hotel
• Visit to the pagoda that is located in city center (Su-le Pagoda)
• Visit to one of the wonder of the world, Myanmar Land mark (Shwe-da-gon Pagoda)
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2
Yangon - Bago
• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Bago, the ancient capital of Mon Kingdom in 15th Century
• Visit to Shwe-maw-htaw which is over a thousand years old
• Hnin-thar-gone Pagoda
• Bago Market
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Shwe-thar-lyaung reclining Buddha Image
• Maha Zedi
• Kalyani Sima (Ordination Hall)
• 55 metres long and the excavation site of Kan-baw-za-thar-di Palace of 16th century
• Kyaik-pun Pagoda(four giant seated Buddha Images)
• Htauk-kyant War Memorial Cemetery of the Second World War
• Drive back to Yangon
• Dinner with cultural show at rivering cruise in Yangon river
• Overnight at hotel

Day 3
Travel around in Yangon
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to Botathaung Pagoda
• A royal floating barge(Ka-ra-weik) and Kantawgyi lake
• Visit to Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and many gems shops
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Leisure until your transfer to the airport
• Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure in afternoon
----------------------------------------------------------------
• 1 pax - 495 $
• 2 pax - 375 $ (each person)
• 3 pax - 335 $ (each person)
• 4 pax - 315 $ (each person)
• 5 pax - 305 $ (each person)
• 6 pax - 295 $ (each person)
• 7 pax - 290 $ (each person)

KyaikHtiYo - Bago - Thanlyin Virtaul Tour

2006-09-08T01:50:00.000-07:00

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Grace - Travel Asia

Grace Myanmar Return

Once in a life time opportunity!!!

The world's biggest book - Kuthodaw Paya - Myanmar

Myanmar Chinlone - Mystic Ball

Inle lake Virtual Tour - Myanmar

Mandalay Virtual Tour

Mandalay Palace, Moat, Hill and Maha-muni pagoda

British Airways offers Flights to Europe from Singapore for Sin$898

Internet Pioneer to Speak at Wired Travel Asia 2006 in Singapore

A Hindu festival of lights, and, increasingly, of meals

Shopping in Bangkok

Bangkok Shopping Malls

Spas in Bangkok - Thailand

Bars in Bangkok

Best Place to Visit in Asia - Golden Land - Myanmar

To release from your stress, Enjoy here!!!

Beaches

Ngapali Beach

Ngwe Saung Beach

Best Architecture in the world - Bagan - Myanmar

History

Gubyaukgyi

Bu Pagoda

TopBagan Museum

Beauty Queen of Myanmar - Pyin Oo Lwin

Pyin Oo Lwin

One of the most powerful kingdom in history, Mrauk Oo - Myanmar

To the base of the Portuguese adventurer from Myanmar, Syriam - Thanlyin

to the ruins of the Pyu capital of Sri Ksetra or Thayekhittaya - Pyay- Myanmar

To EIGHT WONDER OF THE WORLD - KYAIK-HTI-YO with cheapest price

Yangon - Kyaikhtiyo – Bago - Yangon(4Days/3Nights)

One of the famous historical site - Mandalay

MandalayShopping Getting around Entertainment Food Interesting places

History

The Maha Muni Buddha Image

The Mandalay Hill

Atumashi Monastery

Intersting places to travel around in Mandalay

Amarapura

Innwa

Mingun

22km long and about 11km wide lake - dwellers who rows with one-legged-Inle - Myanmar

Yangon - Package Tour with cheapest price with best services

MYANMAR NIGHT LIFE - NIGHT CLUB

Betel chewing - Myanmar

The Garden City of the East - Yangon

Shwedagon Pagoda

Sule Pagoda

Karaweik Hall

Kandawgyi Garden

Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha Image

Kabar Aye Pagoda( the World peace pagoda)

Mahapasanna Cave

Botathaung Pagoda

Everest Base Camp Trekking... Among the world's Journeys of Lifetime

Japan - Takayama Festival

Indonesia bars doctors from genital cutting

At least ten rare Irrawaddy dolphins born in Cambodia, official reports

Malaysia expects rise in tourist arrivals and revenue in 2007

White House calls for quick Thai elections

South East Asian Flood Toll, Damage Rise After Typhoon

Exorcising the ghost at Bangkok's new airport

video of the great architecture of world, Bagan, Myanmar

Visitors Medical Insurance

IMPORTANT - check toilet seats before use, for toxic spiders

Old-fashioned town in Japan

Interest in Wakayama - Japan

Cute service in car gas station from Japan

Pepsi in Japan

How to use chopsticks for asia travellers!

10 Myanmar traditional arts

Vietnam Cultural Days open in Egypt

Bagan Virtual Tour

Eight Wonder of the world - Kyaik-hti-yo

Experience of 7 Days trip to Myanmar

Bangkok - Breaking News - Army releases Thaksin ministers

Asia Hotel Reviews

Indonesia - Food festival "enak-enak " held in S Jakarta

Honeymoon trip to Phuket - Thailand

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Bagan Museum

Mandalay
Shopping Getting around Entertainment Food Interesting places

Yangon - Bago -Thanlyin (Syriam) - Yangon(4Days/3Nights)
Day 1
Arrival To Yangon

Day 2
Yangon - Thanlyin

Day 3
Yangon - Bago

Day 4
Travel around in Yangon