Tag: Yangon

11-Days in Myanmar Chronicles Itinerary and Travel Budget

Post author By Ferdz
Post date May 23, 2012
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Pre-departure area at Yangon International Airport

Admittedly, it was hard to pack my stuff on the day of my leaving the country. I thought that the time I stayed there was too short but really memorable. I had my breakfast at Motherland Inn 2 and rode their free shuttle to Yangon International Airport. Checking-in, passing through the immigration was a breeze and gave me enough time at the pre-departure area. And there were no exit 10,000 kyat exit fee as I read on some old text. All that kyat I was saving went to some souvenir ref magnets for home. Sitting at the chair looking at the runway, looking at my notes. I spent 11 days in Myanmar spending a little over P23000 during the trip.

Tags Airports, Burma, Downloads, Itinerary, Travel Budget, Yangon

Myanmar Myanmar Travel Yangon

Yangon: A Monk’s Guided Tour of Shwedagon Paya

Post author By Ferdz
Post date May 17, 2012
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A family lighting on a planetary post in Shwedagon Paya

“You can take a picture on this spot. You’ll get a better view of the stupa here” a voice told me in somewhat a better Burmese-English while I was taking a photograph inside one of the pavilions in Shwedagon Paya. I looked back to see a young monk with glasses. He introduced himself as Xanther. He volunteered to take my photo. Thinking about it, I don’t have a personal photo here yet so I obliged. He seemed like a friendly guy and offered to take me around the paya if I wanted. I wasn’t sure at first but he might be one of those young monks trying to practice their English so I let myself be entertained.

Tags Burma, Pagodas, Stupas, Temples, Yangon

Myanmar Myanmar Travel Yangon

Yangon: On Foot to Shwedagon Paya from Downtown Yangon

Post author By Ferdz
Post date May 14, 2012
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I let the wind lull me to sleep inside room 205 of Motherland Inn II. I arrived early morning in Yangon from Mandalay, took a shared taxi to town, had the free buffet breakfast at the inn and headed to my room at the upper floor. Finding the wide open view at my window, I opened the glass windows and was delighted to feel the gust of wind coming in. I turned of the aircon and left the window open except for the screen and let myself drift to dreamland.

Tags Burma, Cathedral, Market, Walking Tour, Yangon

Myanmar Myanmar Travel Yangon

Yangon: Chaukhtatgyi Paya’s Reclining Buddha, Monk’s Quarters and Meditation Centre

Post author By Ferdz
Post date January 5, 2012
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The Beautiful Reclining Buddha of Chaukhtatgyi Paya

The tranquil face of a gigantic Buddha filled my vision as I enter a large open shed with metal roof. He seemed contented there, reclining on the floor with his crown adorned with diamonds and precious stones glittering for everyone to see. This is Chaukhtatgyi Paya, home of this gigantic Buddha, uncommonly known but is considered one of the most beautiful reclining Buddha in Myanmar.

Tags Buddha, Burma, Pagodas, Paya, Rangoon, Reclining Buddha, Yangon

Myanmar Myanmar Travel Yangon

Yangon: Walking Downtown and Crossing through Sule Paya

Post author By Ferdz
Post date January 2, 2012
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The Mahabandoola Road at the Indian Quarters with Sule Paya on the Horizon

“Where are you from?” is the usual ice-breaker question people here would ask. “I’m from the Phillippines” I replied with a smile as I bite into my toasted slice of bread with a healthy layer of butter and strawberry jam while having breakfast. Young adults here like to engage in a conversation to practice their English. “Where are you going today?” I told him that I’d be leaving tonight for Bagan but this morning I’ll hit the streets of Downtown Yangon first to do some sightseeing.

Tags Burma, Culture, Pagodas, Paya, People, Rangoon, Street, Town, Yangon

Myanmar Myanmar Travel Yangon

Yangon: Mesmerized by the Golden Shwedagon Pagoda

Post author By Ferdz
Post date December 22, 2011
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The Magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda at twilight

Surprisingly, the endless stream of people didn’t bother me at all. My sight was fixated at the cone-shaped stupa piercing the sky. The afternoon light strikes its slab of gold layers making it shimmer magnificently under the sun. I am humbled by the towering presence of the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred, the most ancient and the 2^nd oldest Buddhist pagoda not only in Burma but all over the world. Surrounding the main stupa are numerous mini stupas, shrines, pavilions and prayer halls that it’s easy to get lost on the platform on a hill and be overwhelmed by the many details.

Tags Buddhism, Culture, Heritage, Landmarks, Monks, Pagodas, Paya, Rangoon, Structures, Yangon

Myanmar Myanmar Travel Yangon

Yangon: A Walk to Botataung Paya and Monk’s Robe Weavers Encounter

Post author By Ferdz
Post date December 15, 2011
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Maps are my best friend when I’m exploring a new place. Starting from where I am, the Motherland Inn 2, I asked the girl at the reception for the location of the Thian Phyu Money Changer Center on the map and found out it was about 3 blocks south west. Since I don’t have any kyat yet, I just decided to walk. Besides, exploring on-foot is the usual way for me to get to know the city. Botataung Paya is on the way so it might be a good place for a side trip.

Tags Burma, Pagodas, Paya, Weaving, Yangon