Explore Myanmars' destinations with Travels & Tours Co. Ltd.

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Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar is situated strategically at the sea front. Well chosen by the British as the country’s largest seaport, Yangon became the capitol and trade center of British Burma

Planned and designed by the colonial British government, the city has a grid-like pattern with the Sule Pagoda at the center. Five major thoroughfares run east to west and the north-south side streets lace through roads which bear the names of heroic figures.

With a growing economy, Yangon has modern skyscrapers among the old colonial structures and older religious buildings. Visitors should not miss a walk along one of the streets filled with the Victorian designed colonial buildings.

Among the famous strolls, a walk down the Pansodan Street from Yangon Railway Station up to the end where the street joins the Strand Road is worthwhile. Turning left, one can see the Old Strand Hotel built in 1901, and if one keeps on walking  the General Post Office.  There is also the Australian Embassy which used to be the annex of the Strand. The British Embassy can  be seen adjacent to the Red Brick GPO.

Yangon offers many tourist destinations including markets, Chinatown, riverfront, parks, museums, playgrounds and amusement parks, hotels and restaurants.

For families, the zoo, as well as game and amusement parks are safe and enjoyable.

To explore life in suburban areas, one can take the City Circle train which  goes around the city on the British-scale railway track. To feel the city life, why not take a local bus?

You might be surprised to learn that although Myanmar is a Buddhist country, there are also  Muslim Mosques, Christian Churches, Hindu Temples, a Sikh Temple and even a Jewish Synagogue present in Yangon.

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Sittwe: The city of western Myanmar and the capital city of Rakkhine State, Sittwe is the starting point for visiting the ancient city of Mrauk U. Although Sittwe seems far away from the major cities of Myanmar, it has the feel of a capital city. There are universities, colleges, high schools and hospitals.

Sittwe can be reached by flight, car, and boat also although it takes more time and the route goes via some towns in the state. It shares most of Myanmar Coastal Line where all the beach are lying. Fishery is the major business of the State while agriculture is no less important for the people of the state.
The word, Rakkhine derives from Pali, Sanskrit and is translated as Ogre and Rakkhine People say themselves as Sea Ogres. The color of skin complexion proves it true and the look of the people with the wide eyes and square face adds facts to the former

proof. Nevertheless, Rakkhine was until 18th century, once dependent rich kingdom.

Mrauk U; The ancient city, Mrauk U, or as the locals call it, Myauk U, can be reached either by motorway or by boat from Sittwe. It takes the same whether you go it by car or boat. However, by boat is more recommendable with the opportunity to see the river-side activities along the Kaladan River, which is translated literally as the river that prevents from the Indians or Bengali intruding from the western part.

After 5-hour trip, you will arrive at Mrauk U with the 15 and 16-century Buddhist monuments. The Ancient Temples of Mrauk U have been built of mainly the sand stones by which the tourists call it as Borobudur of Myanmar. Among other famous centuries old temples, Shit Thaung Temple and Kothaung Temple are resembling to the Borobudur of Indonesia.

According to the history, the Buddha himself visited the area in his lifetime and since then, the people were converted into Buddhists. As the trace of Buddha’s visit, people from Mrauk U and Rakkhine State say that the Buddha image inside the Bandoola Monastery was embraced by the Buddha to give life to it. Later on the kings of Mrauk U, having believed in the Buddha’s Teachings, became Buddhists and constructed the Temples dedicating to the Buddha.

Mrauk U is now a small village with many old temples and apart from the Temples, one can visit the village enjoying the ways of life of the local people. A visit to Mrauk U market should not be missed.

After exploring the temples and monuments, the next day, you can also visit the Chin villages situated along the Lay Myo River, so called, because of the Four Ancient Rakkhine Kingdoms, namely Waitharli Kingdom, Laung Kyat Kingdom,

Danyawaddi Kingdom, Mrauk U Kingdom. The old ladies at the Chin, one of the Ethnic Majorities in Myanmar, have the tattooed designs on their face as a protection.

The villagers from Chin Villages always give a warm welcome to the visitors. They will take you around their village taking you to the rest house of the village, and then to the school where you may be provided with the fresh coconut juice. Take as many photos as you like with the ladies and talk to them asking the ways of living in the remote area of the country.

It is so sad to know that the later generation, the Chin girls of today, will not have the tattoos designed on their faces and the current ladies are only the remnants of the Traditional Chin Tribe. One of the reasons for not being able to tattoo their faces of the girls today is that the Tattoo master died years ago.

So, why not visit the Chin Ladies with the Tattooed faces near Mrauk U?

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Mawlamyaine is the biggest city in southern Myanmar. It was the first Burma colonial capital after the second Anglo-Burmese War. Many colonial buildings remain in town along with modern skyscrapers.

Ruyard Kipling wrote describing the town as Old Moulmein in his poem Road to Mandalay. He may have seen the old pagoda on the river bank where the city Moulmein, as it was then called, rests at the delta of the Thanlwin, the second longest river in Myanmar. Boat cruising from Mawlamyine to Pha-an, the capital city of Karen State, is the best river tour in Myanmar.

Besides the colonial influence, Mawlamyine has ancient monasteries. Among them is Sein Tone Queen Monastery donated by one of the queens of the founder of Mandalay Palace.

Mawlamyaine has famous pagodas. Kyaikthanlan sits atop a hill overlooking the whole city and the river delta provides a panoramic view of many pagodas in the city, colonial buildings, islands in the delta, and in the distance, Bilu Island where villages line the sea shore.

Mawlamyaine is also famous for its fruits, especially pomelo and durian.

Outside the city is the largest reclining Buddha in the country. It is longer than 600 meters.

Also nearby is the Pa-ouk Taw Ya, Forest Meditation Camp where those who are interested may participate in Buddhist Vipassana Meditation and may stay to study. Situated in the rubber forest and surrounded by many streams, peace and tranquility reign over the whole place.

Another outstanding site in the area is the Kyaikmayaw Sitting Buddha in European Posture. Flanked by the two disciples, Buddha sits in the chair in the mood of stepping forward. The scenery is very beautiful and stopping for photos is encourged.

Nearby, Pa An can offer you additional sites to explore including natural lime stone caves, local villages, and famous pagodas.

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No tourist visiting Myanmar should miss Bagan. For more than 900 years, the pagodas, temples, monasteries and libraries which still stand today have defied natural disasters and weather. The total number of monuments used to be more than four thousand. Thanks to archaeological and cultural heritage awareness, more tham half that number are still present with restorations increasing yearly.

Called the sister cultural site of Ankor Wat,Cambodia, most of Bagan’s monuments were built in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries. Despite being the same age as Ankor Wat, the basic materials are different; in place of sandstone, Bagan has most of its structures made of bricks. instead of laying the blocks on piling, the temples of Bagan used special glue as mortar is used today to affix the brick to the bases.

Means of Transport for Site Visits

Car, Walking, Horse-cart, Bicycle

Activities

Visiting local markets, temples, stupas and perhaps climbing on top for a birds eyes view at sunset, taking a boat ride on the Ayeyawaddy River, and checking out local lacquerware production .

Bagans Surroundings

Mt. Popa, Salay with wooden monastery and the biggest lacquer Buddha and typical upper Myanmar villages where one can enjoy the daily life

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Putao is the base station where mountaineers start their difficult hiking over the snow-capped mountains in Northern Myanmar.

We visit Putao is to observe the natural and cultural heritage of northern Myanmar. Some of the sights include Mt. Hakaborazi, the highest icy mountain of South East Asia, ever-green rain forest mountains, crystal white water rivers and the natural biodiversity of Hakaborazi and Phoneganrazi national parks.

Red panda, Takin, Apollo butterflies, icy fish, white belly heron and black orchid are the treasures of Putao. The climate, environment, culture and topography of Putao make her to be well-known in Myanmar tourism.

No visit to Putao is complete without touring to Putaung village , Kaungmulone Pagoda, Spirit lsland(Nat Kyun), Hopine Shan village, Upper Shankhaung village, Mularshidee Lizu village and Mula River, Nankhan Rawan village, Zewon village, Machanbaw View point and Malikha river.
For photographers, it is recommended exploring Namshalkut Lisu village, Pamati village, Nanbala Creek, Wasaw village, Lamawachi village and Mudon village to take your fine photos.

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Kengtung is a small town near the famous Golden Triangle.  It is a gateway to several hill tribe villages.

Myanmar has 133 tribal groups and Shan Ethnic has 33. Kengtung is the place where you meet most of the Shan Hill Tribes on your exploring to the remote places. Not only the trekking and hiking, but the town itself, which is considered the biggest town in the Eastern Shan State has the famed places to visit; Lonely Tree Hill with a big and old tree overlooking the town and nearby the tree is the ancient Palace Wall.

There is also a few Lacquer Wares Workshops that produce the items in unique designs only seen here in the Eastern Shan State.

The Naung Tung lake that lies in the middle of the town where you can take a walk around to view the town’s evening activities and many more temples and Buddha Images including Mahamuni which is very much similar to the one in Mandalay.

Nearby villages where you can do  day-in Trekking tours are Hokyin Village with 4 Akha Hill Tribe village tracts, Pin Tauk Village where Ann tribal people live on the hill-lock, Lahushi Village which is located on the top of the hill, and Akhe villages.

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Mergui Archipelago

For snorkeling, rafting,and scuba-diving. Myanmar offers more than 800 islands in the Mergui Archipelago. There we culture pearls and one can make a visit to the Salone people who are known as Sea Gypsies. They are believed to be descendents of Tibeto-Burmans who came down from China in search of new land. They finally arrived at the southern peninsula and settled there.

The Salone People have used the same techniques of fishing and building house boats for thousands of years.

One could spend several days in the Mergui region studying the life of Sea Gypsies, pearl culturing, and snorkeling.

Diving in Mergui Archipelago
To dive in the Mergui Archipelago, there is no other way than joining in Seat-in-coach Liveaboards or rent a charter boat. The SIC liveaboards we offer vary from 3 nights to 6 nights while the charter boat can stay as long as you like.

Accessibility
To enter the Mergui Archipelago, we recommend the following ways;
(1) Yangon – Kawthaung – Mergui Archipelago – Kawthaung – Yangon
(2) Yangon – Kawthaung – Mergui Archipelago – Ranong – Thailand
(3) Thailand – Ranong -  Mergui Archipelago – Kawthaung – Yangon
(4) Thailand – Ranong – Mergui Archipelago – Ranong – Thailand

Diving Season
From October to May, the period is the main Burma/Myanmar diving season and also this is the only period when the liveaboards run in Mergui Archipelago. At this time of year, the seas are mostly calm, the skies are significantly clear and even the most remote dive sites are easily accessible and enjoy great conditions for the divers. For optimum diving conditions in the Mergui Archipelago, we’d like to recommend you to visit between the months of November and April.
The period from February to May tends to be the most frequent manta ray and whale shark sightings, attracted by feeding opportunities represented by the plankton blooms that occur at this time of year. As you may imagine visibility is reduced since the water is so nutrient-rich. These nutrients bring in the plankton feeders and explain why the hard corals reach such impressive sizes and there is such an array of life, both large and small, at the dive sites.
Water temperatures do not vary hugely during the season from a generally cooler 26-27°C early in the season to a balmy 30°C around the end of the season. The visibility also tends to improve a little towards the latter half of the season.

Reef Summary
Good for: Large animals, small animals, underwater photography, value-for-money and advanced divers
Not so good for: Wrecks, beginner divers, snorkeling and non-diving activities
Depth: 5 – >40m
Visibility: 5 – 50m
Currents: Possibly strong
Surface conditions: Possibly rough
Water temperature: 25 – 28°C
Experience level: Intermediate – advanced
 

Ayuda Myanmar Travel Tours Agency provides the following tours and activities in Mergui Archipelago.

1) Scuba Diving in Mergui Archipelago

2) Sailing in Mergui Archipelago

3) Adventure Cruising in Mergui Archipelago

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Inle Lake

Situated nearly 900 meters above sea level, Inle (Inlay) Lake is naturally surrounded by high mountains. The name Inle has two meanings; small lake compared to the bigger one in northern Myanmar and Lay which means four, representing four villages that were the first settlements on the lake. The dwellers of those original villages, according to history, came from southern Myanmar where the Myanmar language is spoken with a strong dialect. Innthas as lake residents are called today, speak Myanmar with that same dialect.

Unique things on the lake include: single leg rowing, floating islands, and lotus weaving workshops that use the lotusfiber from lotus flower stems grown in the area.

The people adopted leg rowing for several reasons. One advantage is that standing enables the rower to have a better view of traffic and fish. Another is that having both hands free that allows easier handling of fishing implements, tobacco or coffee.

Floating islands allow movable hyproponic gardens to grow food for individual families and villages.

The lotus strands are used alone or with silk to make fabrics found nowhere else in the world.

There are many activities available in the area.  One of the most popular is trekking, particularly the hike to Kalaw.  This trek passes through beautiful mountain scenery and visits many local tribal villages some of which are suitable for overnight camping.

Nyaung Shwe: The town is the gateway to Inle lake. One has to arrive at Nyaung Shwe in order to access to Inle Lake. The town has many restaurants, hotels, travel services booths, internet cafes and so on.

Kalaw: The town is famous as a summer retreat in Myanmar. Built by the British Government as a Hill-station, one can still see many colonial buildings, and feel some British air! The town is a base to do trekking and around the town, there are many tribal villages to visit to.

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Mandalay, was the historical old capital and the center of Myanmar culture  in the past.   It is situated about 600 kilometers north of Yangon on the Ayeyarwaddy river, has about half a million inhabitants and is Myanmars second largest city. It abounds in historical landmarks, cultural memorials, Buddhist edifices and traditional arts and crafts.  It is the richest historical landmark next to Bagan.

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.

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. When King Mindon passed away, his son King Thibaw ascended the throne, and in M.E 1247, Myanmar  became a British colony.

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.

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.

Around Mandalay, there are 3 Major Ancient Royal Capital Cities and one Tourist Destination called Mingun very famous for its monuments; Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing

Amarapura

Amarapura is famous for its Longest Wooden Bridge in the world built in the mid of 19th century, Silk Weaving factories that provide the best silk hand-woven longyis, and one of the biggest monasteries called Mahagandayon with over a thousand monks studying Budda’s teachings under the strict rules.

Ava

Before the Royal Palace was moved to Amarapura, Ava was the capital and as the whole palace was dismantled the re-assembled at Amarapura, a few unmovable things remain nowadays inside the palace. In Ava, one should not miss Bagaya Teak Wood Monastery where you will see the biggest teak columns from more than 150 years. And one of the few things that is left inside the palace is Palace Tower, it is also called ‘Leaning Tower of Ava’. You can also visit Maha Aung Myay Bon Zan Brick monastery where you will see one of the best masonry works of the Ava Period. To all of these sites, you can make a looping visit on a pony-drawn cart.

Sagaing

When one is tired of layman’ life, he or she take refuge under the shelter of Sagaing Hills, that means he will join one of the meditation centers that sits on the Sagaing Buddhist Silence. Many Buddhist monasteries, nunneries, meditation centers lie along the Sagaing Mountain Range. One can see those monuments from the Mandalay site or bank of the famed Ayeyawaddy River.

Sagaing is famous not only for the outstanding Buddhist Shrines but also Myanmar Traditional Handicrafts such as Silversmith Workshops, Bronze Ware Workshops, Potter’s Shops, Cane Furniture.

Mingun

Mingun, despite a small village, is full of World’s biggest Things; The Biggest Hanging Bell in the world weighing 90 metric tons, The Biggest Unfinished Temple called Mingun Patho. Besides those big monuments, Mingun has a Home for the Aged, and lovely Bullock-carts providing as Mingun Taxis.

Shopping

Mandalay  has  great variety in shopping. The new Mandalay Zaycho is the main market place in Mandalay. You can get almost anything from there. Things to  buy include: Acheik (Mandalay silk Longyi), cotton clothing, Hto Moat (greasy cakes), Laphet (pickled tea leaves), Kadipar slippers (velvet slippers), silverware, lacquerware, Jewelry, gems and more. Motorcycles Motorcycles can be seen everywhere in Mandalay , may be very convenient, and   can be rented  almost 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. Entertainment There are movie theaters, spas and karaoke lounges in the most populated parts of the city. There are also many well-known astrologers and psalmists in this city. Food Mandalay is a city with great historical heritage. Many traditional foods can be tasted in this city.

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Pyin Oo Lwin or Maymyo is the most beautiful hill-station in Myanmar. It is situated on the edge of Shan Plateau. The town has 5 names; Maymyo, Pyin Oo Lwin (The Edge of Highland), Pann Myo (Flowers City), Nnin Myo (Snow City) and Taung Hlay Kharr Myo (Hill Stairs City). The British built the town because of its lovely situation in the high mountains.

The trace of British influence can still be seen although they retreated in 1948; The Stage Coaches, the Office Buildings and Private Houses in the British Style of Splendor, the trees and gardens and so on.

Things to see and visit in and around Pyin Oo Lwin now it is called: Pyi Chit Payar(The Marble Buddha Image that loves the nation), BE Waterfalls, Dat Taw Chaint Waterfalls, Peik Chin Myaung Waterfalls and Cave, Botanical Garden, Riding in one of the coaches to look around the town, the Tribal villages nearby the twon.

Try to taste the local coffee when you are there at the lovely hill-station. It is believed that the Myanmar local coffee has been cultivated there after the independence.

Why Maymyo should be visited?

-It is situated just at one and a half hour driving distance from the rich cultural city, Mandalay.

-Many nice and lovely hotels are there for staying overnihgt.

-Situated on the edge of Shan Hills, one can visit the town entering through the Chinese-Myanmar border town of Muse and Ruili(on China Side)

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Monywa is the second biggest city after Mandalay in upper Myanmar.

Many Tourist destinations around Monywa make the city famous. They are as follows; Monywa Thanbude Temple; where you can see more than half a million Buddhas inside and outside the walls of the temple and also on the pillars in the vicinity of the temple,

The Tallest Standing Buddha; many people raise the question why the builder built such a huge one here on the hill instead of bettering the existing ones, sadly the answer will be hidden for good as the founder has passed away since a few years.

Nevertheless, you should not miss it when you make a visit to Monywa. The Second Biggest Reclining Buddha;  either you have an extra day to explore in the country or out of curiosity, you will never fail for sure to make a visit to that Buddha at the base of the standing one. The Bodhi Tahtaung Pagodas; as if in a maze, those Buddhas are in complete serene posture to manifest the peace and tranquility of the presence under his shadow.

Lastly Pho Win Taung Cave Pagodas which lie across the Chindwin River. Sand-stone caves with the murals and Buddha images in them will make your visit worthwhile.

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Golden Rock @ Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda

Golden Rock or Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is situated in Mon State and about 4 hours driving distance from Yangon. When one has an extra day in Yangon, he can visit Golden Rock staying overnight there. On the way to Golden Rock by car, one can drop in and visit Bago, the capital city of Bago Division. Bago also was the capital city of the Second Myanmar Dynasty in the 16th Century.

In Bago, there are many famous monuments to visit;

1) Kyaik Pon Pagoda with four giant Buddhas sitting back to back,

2) Bago Shwetharlyaung Reclining Buddha,

3) Bago Market

4) Kyakhetwaing Monastery

5) Shwemawdaw Pagoda

6) Kanbawzathardi Palace

One can do excursion to those places on the way and then proceed to Golden Rock.

Firstly, the car will arrive at Kinpun Base Camp. From there, by either trekking for about 9 miles or sharing Open-truck, one can reach Golden Rock.

Among Myanmar people, the pagoda is known as Kyaikhiyo, called in Mon language and it means “Pagoda That Resembles to Hermit’s Head”.

The history says that the hermit who has carried the Buddha’s hair along on his head, before he died, has built the pagoda with the Buddha’s hair enshrined in the pagoda on the rock that has the shape of his head, and therefore it was called Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. Many pilgrims visit Golden Rock apart from the tourists who come to see the mysterious location of the pagoda and the rock underneath.

It is believed by Myanmar Buddhists that the Rock can stay as it is for centuries due to the Buddha’s Hair Relic enshrined in it.

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