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MYANMAR, for some people, might not be the country that will be visited as a tourist destination or a vacation among other Southeast Asian countries. However, that does not mean this country really should be missed from the list of trips that you will take.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, has become the dream of many travelers in recent years. The mainstay of the country that was once led by the military regime is a tour of historic buildings or architectural tourism.
It’s called the Golden Pagoda Land or the others call it the Thousand Pagoda Land. Not a few major cities in the country that has a magnificent temple buildings or magnificent pagodas that are an attraction for travelers around the world.
If you decide to visit Myanmar, two areas that must be explored are Yangon and Bagan. Yangon is the largest city in the country. Formerly even had become the country’s capital before finally being moved to Naypyidaw.
Yangon is usually the first stop for foreign travelers traveling to Myanmar. Before moving to other regions, this city with nuances and old-fashioned impressions must be explored because it offers an intimate experience with many local community activities.
If you have to mention one place that must be visited in the city of Yangon, it is Shwe Dagon Pagoda. The great icon of Myanmar society which is worshiped as the most important place of worship. This shiny gold pagoda is arguably the main icon of Myanmar as a whole.
Of course not only that magnificent building that will amaze the travelers. Yangon still has a number of more than 2,000 years old colonial architecture that is no less interesting.
For example, Sule Pagoda, Bo Ta Htaung Pagoda, Kandawgyi Garden, Downtown Yangon, and many more. All these places can be reached by taxi, public bus or rental vehicle. Maybe also walk to several places while enjoying the land of Burmese (Myanmar people).
After being satisfied with life in the heart of Myanmar, the next favorite destination for the pelancon is Bagan, Mandalay. Perhaps, this region is the main object of tourists. Yangon is just a place of arrival and unwind after air travel.
The Bagan area is hundreds of kilometers from downtown Yangon. Generally, the two types of transportation that are often used are domestic planes (Yangon-Nyang U) with estimated trips of around 1 hour and night buses (Yangon-Bagan) with approximately 9 hours by road.
Bagan is an ancient city which in the 9th to 13th centuries was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom. It is known that there are at least around 3,000 pagodas and temples in the area that still exist today. Therefore, this area was officially designated as UNESCO World Heritage in 2019.
Travelers who come to the Bagan area, especially foreign tourists will be charged a fee in the form of kyat (Myanmar currency) or dollars, as an entrance ticket and access to explore all buildings in the region.
After paying, tourists can explore most of the places there. Entering the Bagan area means entering the ‘world of the ancient kingdom’ which gives its own impression. Magnificent stone buildings will be seen wherever the feet step.
This ancient region has a number of iconic places that should be included in the list of mandatory visits such as Ananda Temple which holds four large statues of Buddha, Shwezigon Pagoda with a giant golden stupa, or Dhamayangi Temple which features brick walls a la buildings of the former kingdoms.
Bagan also has one unique attraction that can be done, which is to see the sunrise or sunset between the magnificent buildings of the pagoda and the temple from a hot air balloon. There are many air balloon operators that offer this service with prices ranging from IDR5 million per person.
One thing to note when visiting Bagan is using closed clothing. Shirt and trousers. For both women and men. The reason is, this area is an active place for residents to worship, therefore politeness norms need to be considered when entering various temples and pagodas.
Another tip that you need to know about, the most ideal time to visit a chart is from morning to evening. At night, not much activity is carried out so returning to the place of lodging is the right choice. In addition, using glasses, masks, and sunblock is highly recommended to dispel dust and blazing sunlight in broad daylight. [business.com/photo special]
