ASEAN Life Vol 1 March 2016 | Page 60

PRESS RELEASES Popular destinations For first time visitors, it’s great to explore some big cities in Myanmar, such as Mandalay and Yangon. For culture, you can visit the religious sites in Hpa-An, Bago, Pindaya and Mon State. If you’re looking for nature trails, then head to Pyin Oo Lwin, Putao, Kyaing Tong and Inle Lake. You can experience the Myanmar of old when you explore the ancient cities of Mrauk-U and Bagan. To set foot on glorious, dazzling beaches with fine white sand, visit Myeik, Maungmagan, Ngwe-Saung, Chaung Tha and Ngapali. When you’re in Myanmar, you’ll understand why it’s called “The Golden Land.” You’ll be dazzled by its golden temples, like the Shwemawdaw, an imposing Buddhist temple that you can see from most points in Bago. It’s the tallest pagoda in the country, measuring almost 114 meters (375 feet). Surrounding it are several smaller pavilions and pagodas that are also clad in gold. Adding to the dazzle of this magnificent structure is its diamond-studded top. In Mandalay is another golden building, the Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace). This is a beautiful structure, with parts of its exterior covered with magnificent teak carvings. When you reach Yangon, you’ll find that the other golden pagodas cannot compare to the magnificence and grandeur of the 2,500-year-old Shwedagon or Greater Dagon Pagoda. For sheer tenacity (and something else) you should also see the Golden Rock, or KyaikHtiyo Zedi. The huge boulder, which balances precariously on the edge of a cliff, has a pagoda on top of it. Both are covered in gold leaf and located about 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level. If you still have time, experience one of the most breathtaking of views – the Buddhist monastery of Taung Kalat on top of Mount Popa, an extinct volcano, near Bagan. It can be reached by going up the 777 steps carved on the side of the volcano plug. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be treated to another surprise - the expanse of awesome natural landscape. For something idyllic and relaxing, join a cruise of the Ayeyarwady, the longest river in Myanmar. Or you can visit Inle Lake to see the stilt houses of the Intha tribe, various pagodas, workshops and the floating gardens. One key attraction at Inle Lake is the fishermen who propel their boats in their very unique leg-rowing technique. Infrastructure Today’s Myanmar has a complement of family guest houses, cozy boutique hotels as well as five-star accommodations to offer visitors a comfortable stay. There are also great beach and mountain resorts. Modern activities are now being offered, including mountain trekking, river rafting, hot air ballooning and world-class diving. Visit Myanmar, where the first to greet you is a very warm welcome. 60 asean life