China is a giant country with so many spectacular cities as well as incredible nature, rich culture and history. One of the must-to-see city is Shanghai, also my most favourable city in China. How many days is enough to explore this city? Two days is a perfect timing; however, to see the neighboring of Shanghai, it might need one more day to Suzhou and 2 more days for Hangzhou.

Shanghai is the largest city and the most developed metropolis city of China located in the East of the country. Not to mention, the rich culture and exquisite gastronomy are incredible. The place is also the homage of Chinese Opera House. These are the main thing that make Shanghai my favourite city. It’s such an inspiring city of the nee 1

Bangkok, the gateway to South-East Asia, is well known for its modernity and shopping heaven with international luxury brands and local domestic products. It really takes time for the visitors to discover Bangkok city’s inner charm. Additionally, from Bangkok, there are many day trip options to see the nature, wildlife and history of Thailand. What are different experiences that I have between two time visiting Bangkok?

1. Staying in different places in Bangkok offering really different observations

Like the majority of travelers, I chose a hotel in Khao San Road or the Western Street of Bangkok for the conveniences in controlling the sightseeing plan. With the first time, there is a fear of unexpected situations such as traffic congestion, fail in getting to the Bangkok city attractions, no good place to eat and so on. Khao San Road is an ideal place to stay for the visitors. Beside, China Town is preferred too for the easy exploration. There are many choices of accommodations with moderate budgets.

On the second go, I arranged a hotel in city center which is closed to the citizen areas. Out of any anticipation, I stayed in the area of jewelry traders. Along the street, except for dining restaurants and office buildings, almost the rest stores earn the business with jewelries and jades. Some do wholesales only, some go with both wholesales and retails. This is explained easily as there is a big communities of Chinese in Bangkok. Strolling to the neighborhoods, we found authentic streets and local people, watched the traffic and saw Thai people moving with their daily life like school, work, excercises, talks, etc. It was so exciting to gain such entirety difference interactions.

2. Dozens of things to do in Bangkok

After two times experiencing the city, I found it’s difficult to get bored in Bangkok.

Bangkok Main Attractions to visit:

For a glance of Bangkok, every ones tend to look for the most highlighted attractions like The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Khao San Road, China Town, Wat Tiramit, weekend market and floating market.

Plus, look for the chances to try Thailand famous food like mango sticky rice, tom yum, etc. Or if strolling around the China Town, get the seafood at renown restaurant. Or call by shopping centers to buy so many stuffs and enjoy Thai food at food courts.

In my second trip to Bangkok 3 days 2 nights, I didn’t feel rush to have the visits to must to see places in Bangkok. On the first day morning, I took a leisure walk around the Jewelry streets and stop at local venders and eat the local breakfast of variable choices like sticky rice, grilled chicken, fish, pork, Thai salad cooked in local styles, etc. Then keep walking and stop for an Amazon coffee before arriving at China Town (45mins slow walking). In China town, beside the main streets of Gold stores and good restaurants, I came across many alleys where local people, mainly Chinese origin do business of many goods like shoes, clothes, souvenirs, bags, decorative items, nuts, fresh food, etc. It’s such an heaven for shopping and having snacks. After awhile, I stopped at a local restaurant for a soup bowl. The first doubt was that this soup is weird and seems not healthy. After the serve, the soup has been so impressively delicious as it’s the crab soup.

Finish the China Town which is said the backbone if Bangkok is the dragon, I move to Wat Pho or known as the Pagoda of reclining Buddha with dozens if colorful and giant stupas. This place is also renown as the first massage school in Thailand; and the school still teach as well as provide massage services for visitors these days. Last but not least, one of the value that visitors will enjoy when entering the pagoda is that daily the respectable monk gives the chants at 9am. I did last time in the morning and sit together with locals to hear from him who sit separately and higher than local residents. Local people can sit either inside the main hall of the pagoda nearby the monk or outside with a focused and deferential mind.

Again, I came back to another pagoda that I do enjoy in Bangkok which is Arun Temple or Wat Arun mean the temple of dawn. Just a short walk from the back exit of Wat Pho, I find the familiar ferry pier where I can buy the ticket to cross the Chao Phraya River where there are so many big fish dancing on then water surface which is rarely seen in Hanoi.

Shopping in Bangkok

There are many places to do shopping in Bangkok from local markets to shopping malls. The first time, I visited a couple and spend the second time to see some others. All the shopping areas in Bangkok look similar with bunches of goods; however the product varieties and the dining experiences are different. It’s just your own needs and interest; Bangkok never disappoints the visitors in term of shopping places.
The most famous markets could be named including:

Local markets in Bangkok

Chatuchak weekend market: This market is opened during weekend only. It’s a large market divided into 4 mains blocks A,B,C,D with diverse goods of clothes, shoes, leathers, pets, household amenities, furnitures, souvenirs, books, second-hand clothes, etc. To discover all the stuffs, it might take nearly a day. Then, decide on specific type of goods that you are interested to design suitable walking route.
Pratunam Market: This is a famous market for clothes with very reasonable costs. The prices even come lower if the quantity to buy is from 3 pieces.
China Town market: The area is popular and convenient to do shopping during the tour.
Patpong night market: Located on Patpong street at the intersection between Silom and Surawong streets, this market is not impressively large but there are many bars in the areas for those want to chill-out.

Shopping Malls in Bangkok

Shopping malls with air-conditioners and well distributed stalls are good choices too. Especially, a part from shopping, there are courts with food and drinks to get refilled after walking for so long.

Terminal 21: located on Sukhumvit street, Terminal 21 is outstanding itself with each floor is designed and decorated like a big city in the word like Roma, Tokyo, Paris, London, etc. The products are at different ranges from local to international brands, of many categories to shopping. The foodcourt and restaurants in Terminal 21 are also highly recommended.
Plantinum Shopping mall: A mall with clothes at moderate costs. You’ll feel overwhelmed by the stalls of clothes, accessaries, and pretty items attached closely to each other.
Mega Banga: This shopping mall is not located in Bangkok city center; however it’s ideal for shopping lover with over 200 clothes stores, 100 cafes, over 30 cometic stores, Ikea furniture stores and other hundreds stores adapting clients’ daily needs.
Siam Square: A complex including Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery where are displayed with so many stores from moderate to high-end and international brands goods.
Others centers: IconSiam, MBK, Central World, Asiatique, Gaysorn, etc.

3. Sightseeing extensions from Bangkok

With 2 nights in Bangkok, it might be only enough to see around the city and feel local ambience. When return the second time, I could reach some provinces located around 60 -85km from Bangkok which could reach by 1 hour to 1.5 hour car transfer or local train. The recommendations are Ayuthaya ancient capital, Damnoen Saduak floating market, Kanchanaburi and Khao Yai. Of course I couldn’t visit all of those places in the second return, but will consider to come in my next trip.

Ayuthaya Ancient city:

Ayuthaya is located around 76km to the North of Bangkok City taking around 01 hour drive by car and 1.5 hour travel by local train. It was the glorious island capital of Siam till 1767 when being sacked by the Burmese. The place is beloved by the enigmatic temple ruins, peaceful countryside landscape and lovely restaurants on river banks.
Among so many temples, you can see below main temples in Ayuthaya with nicest remain and significances:  

• Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit  
  • Wat Phra Si Sanphet   
  • Wat Mahathat   
  • Wat Yai Chaimongkol   
  • Wat Ratchburana   
  • Wat Lokayasutharam   
  • Bang Pa-In Summer Palace  

Damnoen Saduak floating market

This is an exciting popular floating market in Thailand to learn of a bygone way of life – floating life in Thailand. It also.offers chances for photo taking, taste great local food enjoy and the busy atmosphere of a floating market.
Car is the suggested transportation to travel from Bangkok to Damneon Saduak Floating market. It takes over 1 hour to travel in between. En route, there are chances to stop to pay a visit to fruit orchards, salt farm and enjoy the luxuriant countryside landscape.
Upon the arrival at the floating market, there will be some long-tail boats for the visitors to board on and sail along the river for roughly 20 minutes to delve into this hectic life.
This activities might take half day to discover the market. To save the long driving distance, you can combine with the elephant farm nearby in Kanchanaburi.

Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi firstly know as the gateway to the wild nature in the west of Thailand with alluring national park and the lush riverside resorts. This province is also reminded with the harrowing history during the Second World War. So this province will work for those are interested in the war history.

Things to do in Kanchanaburi:

Visit the Elephant World: Built in 2008 for the sick, disable and abused elephants. The visitors can join gathering food, feeding and bathing for the elephants.
Death Railway Bridge: a 300m bridge constructed by the imprisoned Allied POW were ordered by Japanese forces to connect Burma and Thailand. It was bombarded since 1945. The visitors can come and see the relics, and also visit the Death Railway Museum.
Half day visit to Erawan National Park: A national park with emerald green, dense jungle and thundering waterfalls. Beside hiking through the jungle, you can bath your self into the crystal clear water.
Other historical places: Hell Fire Pass Memorial Museum, War Cementary, Bamboo Rafting on Kwai River, etc.

Khao Yai

Khao Yai is around 140km (2.5 hour drive from Bangkok) to the north east of Thailand with Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site and also the third largest national park of Thailand.

Things to do in Khao Yai:

Exploring the national park: This is a large national park of over 2000 sqm including rain forests and grassland. The national park is opened from 6am to 6pm for the visitors to delve into the jungle and observe great wildlife habitants.
Night Safari in the jungle: In the evening, there are jungle trucks taking visitor into the jungle to explore the night safari with mysterious sound of the night and see nocturnal animals like slow loris, civets, deers, elephants and so on.
Pay a visit to hilly Gran Monte winery where is with moderate climate, grape plantations. You can taste the prime wine of Thailand while doing the vineyard tour.

No matter it’s the first time or the second time, there are many things to do in Bangkok for your considerations. Just pick-out the suitable ones best match your interests. It’s excited to arrive in and pleasant when leaving the place!

For any well travelers, local culinary is one of the essentials for visitors. Vietnam is renowned and beloved for great local dishes. Let’s explore the top 10 popular Vietnamese dishes that must try when explore the country.

1. Pho/ Bun (Vietnamese noodles)

Thanks to the globalization, Vietnam food restaurants are opened in many countries in the words of which mainly selling Vietnam Noodles. Undoubtedly, this dish is the most popular one to the people over the world. However, a little known fact is that Vietnamese people cook and make the noodles in diverse styles as well as ingredient combinations that create dozens of dishes with totally different tastes and experiences. 

Then, when travel to Vietnam, the visitors are recommended to taste different versions of noodle instead of the popular one widely known. 

The rice noodle itself is also made with different shapes, mainly are Phở (flat noodle stripes) and Bún (the rounded noodle thread). Below are the most popular and favourable noodle dishes in Vietnam:

Phở (Noodle soup): The common and traditional one of rice noodle with toppings of fresh beef or chicken. The broth probably is the most important factor contributing how good the Pho is.

Phở Trộn (dried mixed noodle): The rice noodle is mixed with herbs, soya sauce, sweet taste, sour taste, slight spicy taste from fresh chillies, peanut, protein from beef or chicken. 

Bún Bò Huế (Hue beef noodle soup): A representative noodle in Hue, the central region of Vietnam. Apart from beef, local people in Hue combine more ingredients with the Bun such as pig’s trotter, boiled pig’s blooded, lean pork paste, etc. Especially, this noodle type will be served with special regional chilly paste.

Phở Cuốn (Fresh rolled noodle): Stirred beef mixed been sprouts and fresh herbs are wrapped by a noodle sheet. Sound simple, but the perfect taste blending of this dish is favored by many Vietnamese. 

Phở Chiên Phồng (Deep fried pillow rice noodle): The noodles turn crispy when being deep fried. The way of eating this pillow rice is fun and delicious, of course.

Bún Chả (Rice noodle with BBQ pork): One of the names shouted by tourists when traveling in Vietnam. When visiting Vietnam, Barack Obama President and talented chef Anthony Bourdain had Bun Chat together at a local restaurant. The photo of them dining together, along with Barack Obama Bun Cha combo get soon become viral.

Bún Riêu (Crab soup noodle): This dish is least known by the foreigners however its a type of nostalgic one when Vietnamese travel abroad. Bun Rieu is a traditional dish cooked in countryside style by using the ingredients of villages like field crabs, tofu, pork ribs, tomato, local herbs vegetables, banana flower fresh salad, etc.

2. Banh Cuon (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls)

One of popular dishes for Vietnamese cooked on a cloth covering steaming pot. A thin layer of rice liquid stuffed with minced pork and ear-mushroom. The last step is spreading homemade deep fried onion. It’s simply served with traditional fish sauce with addition of pepper, rice vinegar, and herbs. This could be a breakfast or midday/ midnight snack.

3. Cha Ca (Grilled fishes)

This is the specialty of Hanoi but loved by Vietnamese. A Street in Hanoi Old Quarter is named after this dish. When you step into the restaurant, they serve only one dish of traditional grilled fish of fish fillet (different type of river fishes are used depending on season like sturgeon,anchovy fish, etc.) soaked in fresh natural ingredients mainly including turmeric, galangal root, and lemongrass; then will be grilled on charcoal and ready to be eaten.
When serving to the restaurant guests, a small pan will be heated with light jelly fire to make the sizzling fish and then you will add more and more green onion and dill. You can mix the fish with rice noodle, fish sauce or stronger taste of shrimp paste, peanut, herb and enjoy.

4. Nem (Deep fried spring rolls and fresh spring rolls)

Deep fried spring roll is a traditional dish and very popular in Vietnam. It takes time prepare the ingredients, wrapping them in rice paper and patiently deep fry them. This dish is regularly prepared during family union events. Due to the ingredients of making this dish like minced pork, bean thread, green onion, carrot, ear-mushroom, shiitake mushroom, bean sprout, coriander, fresh egg and so on, it’s smell is attractive when being deep fried. 
There are two types of Nem which are deep fried spring roll and summer rolls which are both wrapped with a rice paper. While the spring roll is crispy and should be eaten with sweet and sour fish sauce and some salad, the soft summer rolls is made with fresh and boiled ingredients like boiled pork or prawn, thin slices of carrot, cucumber, coriander, fried egg, etc. and also be eaten with fish sauce.

5. Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette) 

Among 2 dishes of Vietnam whose names are featured in Oxford Dictionary (Pho and Banh Mi), Vietnamese baguette is influenced by the colonial culture. As cheese, milk and fruit jam weren’t available over Vietnam at the time, the local people adjust the taste by adding the ones familiar to them like fried egg, pate, roasted pork, cucumber slices, herbs, etc. In modern time, people are more creative in creating more tasty tastes and sell delicious baguette with higher rates. The price to get a Vietnamese baguette then varies from around $0.5 to $2.

6. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepe Wrap)

In Vietnamese, Banh Xeo means sizzling cake which is probably due to the sizzles when the cake is being made. It’s believed to come from the central region of Vietnam. However, these days there are variable versions of Banh Xeo all over Vietnam and in different sizes, regional vegetables. 
One of the reasons that Vietnamese enjoy the crepe wrap is the crispy yellow crepe, wrapped in the rice paper with so many vegetables which taste delicious when being dipped with sweet, sour and slightly spicy source.

7. Xôi (Vietnamese Sticky Rice)

Sticky rice is one of the most popular breakfasts for Vietnamese because of its convenience. While the neighbor Laotian prepare plain white sticky rice and served separately with lap or other meat, Vietnamese input all in the combo for the convenience ready-to-eat.
The sellers only need a bamboo basket covered well by thick cloth to keep the heat as long as possible and some bottle to contain the toppings like minced peanut, green bean.  In some special traditional occasions like wedding party, death anniversaries Vietnamese people also prepare the steamed sticky rice decorated nicely. There are so many toppings to combine with the plain sticky rice. Some popular ones to call out ground mung beans & fried onion, chicken stirred with mushroom, steam corn, peanut, black bean, coconut, etc. 

8. Lau (Vietnamese steamboat)

The steamboat is a favourable choice for small group dining. Everyone gather around a hot pot to talk cosily and enjoy meal together by dipping fresh ingredients into the hot pot. This dish is available in many Asian countries but each other unique and different in the selections of ingredients, broth preparation and dipping sauce. There are options of beef, chicken, seafood or mixed steamboats. 

9. Com Tam Suon (Broken steamed rice with bbq pork)

A Saigonese simple and convenient served with broken steamed rice and barbecued pork cutlet and some cucumber salad. Fish sauce and fresh chillies are free of charge and always available on the dining table. 

10. Bun Dau Mam Tom (Rice noodle with fried tofu and shrimp paste)

The dish is with simple appearance but cause nostalgic feelings whenever Vietnamese are abroad. This dish is a combination of rice noodle, deep fried tofu, vegetable, sliced pork and especially the fermented shrimp paste. For those who can’t stand this sauce’s strong smell will be afraid of it can go with fish sauce, but who, major of Vietnamese, can enjoy the paste will find a unexplained joy with it. The shrimp paste could be less strong and become tastier when mixed with some sugar, chilly and kumquat juice.

If you have tried any dishes mentioned above, why not leaving a comment sharing with us the experiences of yours. 🙂

Highly recommended travel itinerary to visit Vietnam and taste the local cuisine: VIETNAMESE CUISINE 11 DAYS

Bangkok, the gateway to South-East Asia, is well known for its modernity and shopping heaven with international luxury brands and local domestic products. It really takes time for the visitors to discover Bangkok city’s inner charm. Additionally, from Bangkok, there are many day trip options to see the nature, wildlife and history of Thailand. What are different experiences that I have between two time visiting Bangkok?

1. Staying in different places in Bangkok offering really different observations

Like the majority of travelers, I chose a hotel in Khao San Road or the Western Street of Bangkok for the conveniences in controlling the sightseeing plan. With the first time, there is a fear of unexpected situations such as traffic congestion, fail in getting to the Bangkok city attractions, no good place to eat and so on. Khao San Road is an ideal place to stay for the visitors. Beside, China Town is preferred too for the easy exploration. There are many choices of accommodations with moderate budgets.

On the second go, I arranged a hotel in city center which is closed to the citizen areas. Out of any anticipation, I stayed in the area of jewelry traders. Along the street, except for dining restaurants and office buildings, almost the rest stores earn the business with jewelries and jades. Some do wholesales only, some go with both wholesales and retails. This is explained easily as there is a big communities of Chinese in Bangkok. Strolling to the neighborhoods, we found authentic streets and local people, watched the traffic and saw Thai people moving with their daily life like school, work, excercises, talks, etc. It was so exciting to gain such entirety difference interactions. 

Glamorous Myanmar is a large country in southeast Asia region. This country shares borders with 5 countries Laos, Thailand, China, India and Bangladesh. The first thing pop up in my mind is the branch of Buddhism. Buddhism was divided into 2 branches after the Buddha got Nirvara. While the Mahayana (or the Greater Vehicle) was developed toward the North and preached in countries like Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, northern Vietnam; the Hinayana (the Modest Vehicle) is spread down to the southern trails over Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, southern Vietnam, etc. This is the reason the pagodas are appeared everywhere in those Buddhism countries. 

The pagoda with golden stupas or sharp pagodas are very typical and fairly similar in Laos, Thailand, Myanmar as the locals practice same type of Buddhism branch.

Many travelers are concerned about the unstable politician in Myanmar. So Are you safe in your Myanmar Travel? The comfort but true answer is the conflict does exist and get tensed at the frontier areas between Myanmar and Bangladesh. The rest cities, as you know Myanmar is very large, are definitely very peaceful. 

Myanmar’s capital is Naypyitaw. However the tourists would not or hardly come to this political hub. The mains cities worth visiting, or the Big Four of Myanmar are Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake. Plus, Golden Rock and Hispaw are interesting spots and highly recommended if you can include in your Myamar trip. 

Why you can no longer delay your trip to Myanmar?

• Myanmar is among very a few countries remained intact and not yet affected by mass tourism
• Myanmar is a peaceful Buddhism country of holy pagodas and temples scattered all over country, and with high concentration in Bagan.
• Exotic nature from mountains to giant lake and authentic countryside
• Multi-ethnic country of rich culture
• Regional cuisines are variable and amazing. Curry isn’t the only cooking type in Myanmar. Come and get involved, you will find amazed how tasty the local food is.

How to get there?

+ Two big cities in Myanmar with international airports that you can fly to and access Myanmar are Yangoon and Mandalay. From Mandalay, you can take a unique day boat from Mandalay to Bagan included with many cultural and local experiences. 

+ To travel internally: Each travel city/ region are a few hundreds from each other. Then, flying is the most optimal choice with shortest traveling hours and the airfares are pretty reasonable if you don’t mind taking Myanmar local air-fleets with less fancy and less comfortable seats. There is another way is night buses taking 7 -12 hours to traverse in between depending on the distance. A could not be better news is that the bus quality is very good. Myanmar night buses are quiet big and comfortable with spacious legging space for the passengers’ stretching. There are attendants dressing nicely in the uniform support and provide snacks, mineral water and blanket to the guests onboard. Last but not least point is that most of buses set up a screen in front of each passenger with entertaining videos, Hollywood movies, etc. but aren’t the trending ones.

What are main places to visit in Myanmar?

Yangon

Yangon is not the capital of Myanmar but it’s more popular to tourist as well as businessmen than Naypyitaw. In the past, Yangon is the only city of Myanmar with international airport that all tourists will enter Myanmar via Yangon. This city must be more convenient to the business too. There are only cars in this city, motorbikes have been restricted since 2008; while the narrow roads and infrastructure haven’t been improved that traffic jam or slow transfer hours should be anticipated in your Myanmar tour.

There are significant golden temples sited right at the end of the main road, or on a hill in Yangon. You can take a stroll to Shwedagon Pagoda with ticket validity up to 24 hours so that the visitors can return at night when the stupas are lit up and appeared shiny, Octagonal Sule Pagoda, Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda with a reclining Buddha of 65 m long and so on.

Busy China town of old style attached houses with atmospheric nightlife of local food, drinks, beer for a chill-out. In the China corner, there is a religious Kheng Hock Keong Temple. 

For shopping, let’s troll to wholesale Bogyoke Aung San Market but sell retails too. Walking over, you can find dozens of goods like clothes, Myanmar milk-tea, Myanmar jade and silver products, candies, etc. 

Another experiences to delve into local life is Myanmar circular train taking you around the city, stop at a local market and observe daily exchange activities, see the hustle but happy life, and find fruits, chickens, shopping baskets here and there on the train, etc. There are scheduled train with 30 – 45 minutes one after another daily. 

Mandalay

Mandalay known as the second biggest city of Myanmar. To reach Mandalay, there are flights from other regions of the country, or there is a day boat sailing along river from Bagan with many cultural activities on board as well as stops at local villages for interaction. There are direct flights from outer cities to Mandalay including Bangkok, Singapore, Chiang Mai and around 15 cities of China.

Mandalay – the last royal city in Myanmar is a region formed and developed nearby Mandalay Hill. Right in city center, you can pay a visit to huge Mandalay Palace surrounded by the royal citadel. Aside and belonged to the palace ground is the impressive teak wood Shwenadaw Kyaung Monastery. This is a sophisticated teak monastery showcasing the histories as well as glorious Mandalay. 

Out of the Palace, taking a short drive in 10 – 15 minutes, you will find the largest book in the world which are Khuthodaw and Sandamuni Pagodas with 729 stone pages of which with a stupa each. This impressive book is very unique in terms of the inscribe and the peaceful ambience. There is a natural suncream thanaka grinding table and thanaka root for the visitors to grind then put on their faces at their own to protect themselves from the intense sunshine.

Following the main route, you will find 2 super big guardian lions from where you can walk up to Mandalay Hill. There is another slightly winding road with the lush shadow of greenish canopies for car and motorbike to get to the peak. Standing from Sutaungpyi Pagoda which crowns the hill, you can cast a panoramic view to the region.

Apart from these spots in city center, a journey out is a definite must. To the south of the city center, U Bein is the longest teak bridge in the world and also an iconic landscape of Mandalay. Walking leisurely on the bridge and feeling the fresh breeze is engaging. The sunset over the bridge is stunning and intriguing. Boarding a local boat and sail to the middle of river, you will be able to admire the larger and whole view of the bridge hold up by thousands of teak pillars. 

In the past, all the monks are gathered and sent over here the Amarapura region due to political and religious issues. Day-to-day, there are around 2000 monks in Amarapura will show around the U Bein Bridge. It’s a nice chance to stop by and learn more about the monks. U Bein Bridge is a definite must in your Myanmar itinerary.

In the same direction with U Bein Bridge, it’s Inwa (Ava) with iconic ancient temples and Buddhism relics. It’s worth exploring around this countryside region. Not so far from Inwa is Sagaing hill offering another panoramic views to the river and land. You will find many monasteries and the monks come around.

From Mandalay City, let’s cross the river by seamless local boat of only 5000 kyat/ person/ way and travel to Mingun. There are choices of riding cow cart, walking or biking to visit around. You will able to admire the temples and pagodas of very unique designs as well as meaning including Pahtodawgyi Pagoda appearing like a brick pile which is not intact due to the severe affection of earthquake twice. Another special one is the Hsinbyume white pagoda named after Bodawpaya King’s queen and yet constructed to dedicate to her. Built with waved terraces surrounded the core gradually lead up to Mount Meru representing the cosmology in Buddhism ideology. 

Beside, you also see the big Elephant surrounded by large shadow of ancient tree and huge Mingun bell. This half day trip to Mingun is a very unique and of course memorable experience when staying in Mandalay.

Bagan

If there is only one city to be chosen, exotic Bagan would be the most prioritized one. This land was the capital of Pagan Kingdom which is Myanmar these days. There were 10,000 big and small temples and pagodas erected in this land. Due to the human being fight and the natural earthquake that many of them had been destroyed. The remained number is only 2,000 temples. 

Nesting itself along Irrawady River, Bagan is a amiable region. The idyllic landscape, friendly people and rich culture will leave you with a life time experience. It’s highly suggested to spend at least 2 nights in Bagan. The further you spending for your Myanmar travel, the deeper you could delve into the local heart. To divide, there are 3 main regions in Bagan which are Old Bagan, New Bagan and Nyaung U. As most of pagodas and temples are concentrated in Old Bagan, visitors have to arrange the transfer to Old Bagan no matter where they overnight. The distance between regions is not a big matter and could be travelled in between easily by car, electric bikes, electrics motorbike or bicycles. 

Back to the three areas, it’s definite the best to stay right in the Old Bagan among and get blended into thousands of brownie temples and pagodas nestled in the lush jungle. Due to its location, hotel in Old Bagan generally will be at the higher costs. Then alternative stay could be New Bagan with a quiet and lovely countryside trail leading to Old Bagan. For whom prefer lower cost hotels in Bagan and nightlife, Nyaung U is a good choice.

So what to visit in Bagan? The answer will be temples, pagodas and villages. It’s never boring to wanderlust whole day among those temples which each of them is designed with different architecture and meaning as well as worship purposes. The trails connecting temples are intriguing and mysterious. It brings a feeling that you are totally lost into a mystic land and you can freely admire the temples and pagodas from different angles. At times, you will caught a cow school wandering or some cows pulling the cart come slowly over. 

Some of prominent and must to see temples in Bagans are Ananda Temple, Dhamma Yangi Temple, Shwezigon Temple, Thatbyinnyu Temple, Htilominlo Temple, Shwesandaw Pagoda, etc. There are dozens of unnamed temples emerging over Old Bagan. Take your time and call in the one you feel interested. To enter these temples, you are mostly asked to walk with barefoot and proper costumes.

For Bagan sunrise and sunset, you can choose the Ta Wet Hpaya Temple located in the central of Bagan Archaeological park; Thitsawadi Temple is where most of Bagan hot air-balloon fly over; Law Ka Ou Shaung is where you can capture the sunrise with Shwesandaw Pagoda captured into background; or Pyatheygyi Pagoda for sunset but a bit crowded; lastly counted is Bagan viewing Tower where you can cast a 360 degree view of the archaeological park and amazingly pleasant sunset moment. The cost to go up is 6500kyats with inclusion of a welcome drink and using of binoculars. The Balloon over Bagan is very wonderful and available during dry season from Nov to Mar only, however Bagan, to me, is beautiful whole year. 

On the way travel around the temples, you will encounter a few local villages. Just come and learn more about local life. If you look for places to eat, just stop at any local restaurants – with many domestic eater, experiences shared by Anthony Bouder. I have tried and would suggest some choices that I found the food are very nice and tasty like The Moon vegetarian restaurant right in the Bagan archaeological zone, Black Rose restaurant in New Bagan – we had dinner there with very good food and some tamarind candies after the meal or it can help releasing the hot if you eat spicy food, and Nanda Restaurant.

Culturally, you can have a dinner of Burmese traditional dishes listed in your Myanmar itinerary and enjoy the Myanmar Puppet Show at Nanda Restaurant. 

If the trip is not tight, spend haft a day for the Popa Mount a religious center of local people which could be said as important as the Batu Cave in Kuala Lumpur. A small note is keeping an eye on the monkey bunches. Plus, for the whole long way walking up, local keep their feet bared which might not comfortable and clean on rainy days. But it’s the local religious respect that you should not come unless you can do as local doing. The view on top, fairly say is not an wow. 

Inle Lake

Inle Lake is located in the north-east part of Myanmar. The weather here is cooler and less humid. Accordingly, local people will have brighter skin color. With such moderate weather, the stilled and stunned mountain ranges shadow themselves onto the giant lake that present a picturesque and tranquil landscape. The trip to Inle Lake also granted us a wonderful and very different experience to other regions of Myanmar when learn about the floating living. The culture here bears it own Myanmar breath that similar to no where.

For the lake part, yet, a day cruising with local long boat with capacity up to 7 or 8 guests is a must. The captain – a local person will sit at the back and control the boat. The boatman as well as a local guide can show you around in a day to observe local livings, the initiative floating garden, floating market – will be closed by 9.30am, the local workshops with traditional handicraft like cloth made from lotus stem string, the silversmith, or a village of long neck women. 

On the lake, the men go fishing too. They work hard and skillfully when control the boat by one leg then the other leg will stand and their hands will be used for net throwing and casting. Amusingly A few of them boating on the lake but not for fishing. They will display and act passionately and cheerfully for tourist to have a closer look and best angles to shoot nicest photos of them to get gain some tip back.

The boatman also lead you to famous pagoda on the island or on river banks like Phaung Daw Oo Paya Pagoda and Shwe Inn Dein Pagoda. For Myanmar adventure tour, there are options of trekking through local villages too which will be meaningful and interesting if you are accompanied with a knowledgable local tour guide. There are options of trekking package of one day, 2 days to 3 days to Kalaw to Shan mountains, minority tribe villages and experience homie homestay.

For the mountain and land part, biking on land is alluring. Beginning from Nyaungshwe, let’s take a leisure bike to Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery and evocative Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery. If you come at right time, you can observe the young monks attending their classes. Carry on the road surrounding Lake, tranquil InLe will be revealed. You can stop en route to visit Tofu Village where local people make dozen types of tofu and snacks. If tired, jump on a boat to cross the lake at the middle to reach the other side of the it where lays a long gray wooden pier leading you to mainland. Half way is done, the biking will conquer Red Mountain on the way from pier to Nyaungshwe town. It’s not difficult to find the winery farm on Red Mountain as sign boards are helpful. Please to remind that the bucolic natural scenes always gratify your thrilling biking.

Gear up, baby for the slope to Red Mountain! On the top, you will be awarded with wine tasting of 4 types in glasses. Choose your own table and relax with captivating view over windy vineyards to the Inle Lake. Well, the actual fact is it costs USD 5 person for the taste with some peanut. Plus, if you are tired, you can leave the bike on the way under roadside parking. Afterward, just go slowly back to busier town and call to an end of this day escape.

Golden Rock

This iconic rock is inlaid with gold, really. Even these days, local men – not women because female are not allowed to get closed to this believed holy rock will bring gold leaves with veneration and affix them on the rock. Golden Rock is the short and easy to remember name; the actual local name is Kyaiktiyo Pagoda means “pagoda upon a Hermit’s head”. This pagoda is a famous pilgrimage destination for local as well as tourists. 

Golden Rock is suggested for Myanmar Photography tour too because it’s dazzling all the time – the sunrise, sunset, day time and night time. To visit this rock, visitors are arranged with local truck to ride around 40 minutes up to the station from where walk around 1km to the pagoda area. Take off your shoes and keep walking to see the golden rock. While tourists can arrange a day trip to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda with 4 hours drive each way, many spend one night at the basic hotels on the mountain. Staying nearby the golden rock is very convenient to contemplate the sunrise, sunset and flashy shining rock at night.

Hsipaw

Hsipaw, 250km (155 miles) from Mandalay is a mellow northern region and ideal for trekking, hiking, intermingling with congenial locals and admiring the appealing rural landscape, and especially the breathtaking view at Goteik Viaduct – a life time unique experience while on the train from Pyin U Lwin to Hispaw master-pieced by British Engineers for the commercial purpose of transferring the goods to Shan State.

Hsipaw could be reached by arduous minivan in 6 hours or local train in around 11.5 hours. All in all, the landscape will pay it. If your trip is happen to Mandalay and you can extend a few more days, consider to explore Hsipaw. This region is around 200km (124 miles) from frontier of Myanmar and China; then hiking around and visit the Hsipaw area is fine. If you plan for a off-the-beaten trek, get a tour guide. 

You can visit the Shan Palace, plunging waterfalls like Nam Tok and Nam Hoo Nwae, plan trekking trips in one day, 2 or 3 days over hilly agricultural plantations. The trekking tours are mainly hosted by local farmers and yet, homie and pleasant. 

Above are the most highlighted places to visit around. There are more experiences in Myanmar as well as pristine beach escape options in the southern part of Myanmar which will be introduced later. 

Feel free to share with me if you have any comments to contribute and introduce vividly about Myanmar’s beauty.