Have you ever been to Myanmar?
Well, you should go. It’s one of our favourite travel destinations.
Is it the charm of old art deco colonial era buildings that stands steadfast against the test of time in the fast growing cities and major towns? The majestic Buddha shrines and temples? The beautiful laidback beaches of Ngapali or Ngwesaung?
For us, it is all that, and the beautiful, friendly people you meet during the journey.
An old lady at the Indein village
We returned to Myanmar recently on a little adventure that took us from Singapore to Yangon and then to Inle Lake. This trip rekindled the familiar smells, sights and sounds of busy Yangon streets with its tea houses and its longyi clad patrons, its betel nut spit stained streets, and bumper to bumper crawls that seemed to have increased with the surge of new found wealth and a growing middle class.
Golden times always at Shwedagon Pagoda
We weren’t alone in our adventure as social media influencers hailing from Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Australia, and home country Myanmar, were brought in together on an ‘explorace’ event.
A family on the circular train. The train is used by the poor and low income to get around.
Divided into country teams, we played detectives and raced frantically around Yangon, and Inle Lake collecting clues to tasks, and participated in other challenges to win exclusive prizes. We were even put through a workout session with the Shwe Daung circus troupe on juggling, tight rope walking and trapeze performances.
Here is a video montage of our excursion back to this country of thanaka painted faces and golden pagodas.
Shwedagon Pagoda – beautiful during the day, even more majestic in the evening. We suggest coming in the evening when atmosphere turns lively with monks coming out to pray together with other devout devotees.
Cheroot making on Inle Lake. We read somewhere each worker makes an average of 500 cigars a day.
Indein temple ruins. A feeling of wonderment when you witness ancient structures being unearthed by villagers
Laphet Thoke – fermented tea leaf salad that’s probably the national dish of Myanmar. Fantastic experience preparing this under the guidance of ViewPoint Lodge & Fine Cuisines
Hlay Pyaing Pwel (Leg Row Race). A rare opportunity to participate in this unusual traditional Intha sport requiring great finesse. Leg rowing is extremely difficult
What would Inle Lake be without the Intha fishermen
Beautiful genuine smiles always in Myanmar. Make eye contact with a local and they return you a warm smile of joy
Our favourite stay had been at the Novotel Inle which is probably one of the most luxurious in Naungshwe. The reason for this is you get to stay right on fringe of the lake if you choose the chalet option. Besides a majestic sunset view ending your day at its jetty, a horizon pool and bar adds further comfort options to your stay.
One of the rarely seen traditional folk dances showcased at the hotel
Eating Intha cuisine on a long boat on Inle Lake. A unique sumptuous experience organized by Asia Holidays
Have you ever been to Myanmar? What were your favourite places in Myanmar? Did something interesting happen to you on your travels here? Tell us about it.
If you haven’t already visited Myanmar, you really should.
Checkout #escapers17 on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to see the other participants postings. See more images of our trip in the following slideshows.
Disclaimer: This trip and the destinations of interest was made possible by Accor Hotels, Asia Holidays, and Tiger Air. The opinions and views of the destinations are entirely our own.
