Mingalaba…Myanmar Impressions

This journey will take you on a pilgrimage to sacred sites, seeking blessings and auspiciousness for your life. Our destination is Yangon, Bago, and the Golden Rock, all within a 2-day, 2-night timeframe, fulfilling our goals while utilizing our holidays without needing to take leave. We will embark on a journey back in time, just 30 minutes away, but feeling like we've traveled back almost a century. (Time in Myanmar is 30 minutes behind Thailand.)

The first step is to find a promotional airfare. Yangon has many airlines competing for business, but Air Asia is the first airline that made it easy for us to fly at an affordable price. We chose to fly on a Friday evening at 4:20 p.m. and return on a Monday morning at 8:20 a.m., arriving in Thailand at 10:15 a.m. We took a half-day leave, which gave us a satisfactory promotional fare. Once we had our tickets, we made a rough itinerary and booked a car and hotel.

We ended up hiring a car through a friend's recommendation. The driver was good, had a pleasant personality, and spoke a little Thai. If you are interested in using his services, his name is Hla Min, his email is [email protected], his line ID is hlamin7, and his phone number is hlamin7 (the cost of the car rental for the entire trip was 220USD). For accommodation in Yangon, we chose Little Yangon Hostel, a clean and affordable dormitory-style room that met our needs. For accommodation in Kyaiktiyo, we decided to walk in to a guesthouse in Kimpun village near the "pig truck" station (a truck station that is often called the "pig truck" station). We planned to leave for Kyaiktiyo at 5:00 a.m. because accommodation on top of the mountain is too expensive for our budget. Once we had our transportation and accommodation arranged, we could focus on our prayers and meditation.

*** This article is based on personal beliefs. :) When visiting temples and pagodas in Myanmar, it is important to remove shoes and socks, and to avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or low-cut clothing. Please dress respectfully as a sign of respect for the sacred site.

1. Shwedagon Pagoda

Shwedagon Pagoda is the largest and most sacred pagoda in Myanmar, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. "Shwe" means "gold" and "Dagon" is the former name of Yangon. Both Mon and Burmese people believe that worshipping the Shwedagon Pagoda brings merit and leads to liberation from suffering and disease. Visitors can chant, meditate, and pray at the pagoda, as well as pay respects to the guardian spirit of their birthdate for good fortune. The entrance fee is 8,000 kyats (approximately 8 USD).

Local youths, both male and female, joined hands to clean and tidy the Shwedagon Pagoda compound.

A young Burmese woman asked to take a picture with me.

All ages are welcome to enter the temple. Dress modestly according to Burmese customs.

This generation's young monks are adorable. They enter the temple and become ordained at a young age. It's truly admirable.

Another touching image that captures the essence of pure respect.

Twilight has arrived.

It's time to take a stroll through downtown Yangon and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city's nightlife.

Wrapped in betel nut leaves, they are chewed as a snack. :)

This time, I found a rooftop photo spot of Shwedagon Pagoda at Sakura Tower, 20th floor. The entrance fee is 10,000 kyats or 8 USD per person, which can be exchanged for one drink.

2. Thep Thanjai (Nat Bo Bo Gyi) – Thep Kasip (Amadaw Myat) – Botahtaung Pagoda

**The Botataung Pagoda**, a revered site in Burmese culture, houses the **Maha Wizaya Pagoda**, enshrining a sacred hair relic of Buddha. Following restoration efforts after World War II damage, the pagoda revealed valuable artifacts. A new structure was built, featuring a labyrinthine base and an exhibition showcasing the recovered treasures. The Buddha's hair relic now rests within a glass-encased pavilion at the pagoda's center. The interior boasts vibrant golden tiles, and designated areas within the pagoda facilitate meditation practices.

**Thakin Tan** is a highly revered sacred site located on the left side of the Bodawtha Pagoda, held in great esteem by both Burmese and Thai people. It is believed that wishes made to Thakin Tan will be granted, but only if the request is singular and attainable.

The worship of Than Than is facilitated by staff who provide guidance on the proper way to pay respects. The necessary offerings are also prepared by the staff and include coconuts, bananas, a winning leaf, a neck scarf, a paper umbrella, and flowers. Two banknotes, either dollars, baht, or kyats, are then rolled into a cone and placed in the hand of Nat Bo Bo Gyi. The worshiper then touches their forehead to the fingers of the statue while making a wish. After completing the prayer, one of the banknotes is retrieved and kept as a lucky charm.

On the right side of the Bodh Gaya Pagoda, there is a golden Buddha statue enshrined in the temple, which is in the posture of subduing Mara.

Cross the street to pay homage to The Whispering God (Amadamee). Legend has it that she is the daughter of a Naga with great faith in Buddhism. It is believed that if you whisper a wish, it will come true. You must whisper softly and not let anyone else hear. To worship the Whispering God, offer milk, rice flakes, flowers, and fruits. There will be a worship set prepared by the staff for you to worship.

3. Kyauk Htat Gyi Buddha (Reclining Buddha with Sweet Eyes)

The Reclining Buddha with Sweet Eyes

The Reclining Buddha with Sweet Eyes is a large reclining Buddha statue located in Yangon, Myanmar. It is known for its beautiful face and eyelashes. The face is well-proportioned and painted white, with long, curved eyelashes. The eyes are made of glass with blue eyelids and red dots at the corners. The lips are painted red, and the robe appears to flow naturally. Due to its captivating features, it is also called the Sweet-Eyed Buddha.

The soles of the Buddha's feet are adorned with the Dharmachakra symbol, surrounded by 108 auspicious symbols representing the three realms: 59 symbols for the physical world, 21 for the animal world, and 28 for the world of conditioned phenomena.

Roses for offerings to the deity with sweet eyes.

4. Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda

Wat Ngathatejee is located opposite Wat Phra That Wan, featuring a five-story-tall white marble Buddha statue in the Marawijai posture, adorned with royal attire. The metal regalia and intricately carved teakwood backdrop are inspired by the Buddha statues of the Yatanabon era.

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5. Kyaikpun Pagoda (Four Faces Pagoda)

**The Jeti Pun Pagoda** is located in the city of Bago. It is a pagoda with four Buddhas facing the four cardinal directions. "Jeti" means "pagoda" and "Pun" means "four". Legend has it that it was built by four sisters who were devout Buddhists and vowed to remain celibate for life.

The entrance to the temple is lined with souvenir stalls. Don't miss the opportunity to take a photo with the beautiful Burmese vendors and try out their Thanaka products. You can test the products right there and then, and we guarantee you'll have flawless, acne-free skin like the Burmese women.

**Visiting temples and other attractions in Bago City requires a fee of 10,000 kyats per person. This fee grants access to all temples and attractions in the city.**

6. Shew Thalyang Reclining Buddha

**The Kyaukse Chaungtha Buddha**, a contemporary of Cambodia's Banteay Srei temple, is the most beautiful reclining Buddha in Burma. Located in the city of Hpa-An, it is approximately 1,018 years old and is the second largest reclining Buddha after the Shwethalyaung Buddha. The Buddha is depicted in a relaxed reclining position, with his eyes open but his head resting flat on the ground, unlike the Shwethalyaung Buddha, whose head rests on his hand.

To follow in the footsteps of one's predecessor.

The temple area offers a variety of souvenirs, gifts, and local snacks.

7. Mahar Zedi Pagoda

The Great Pagoda was built by King Bayinnaung to house the Sacred Tooth Relic brought from Sri Lanka. However, the relic was later taken to Sagaing, Mandalay. Only men are allowed to climb the pagoda.

The Victory Point of King Bayinnaung

This passage describes the "Victory Point" of King Bayinnaung, a Burmese monarch who reigned in the 16th century. It is believed that walking around this point three times while making a wish will bring victory in achieving that wish.

A common sight is parents bringing their children to the temple to pay respects to the Buddha.

Okay, here is the translation of the sentence:

"After distributing snacks to the children, I will become a stylish model like this."

8. Naung Daw Gyi Mya Tha Yung Buddha

Located near the Mahar Zedi Pagoda in Hpa-An.

English:

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9. Kambawzathadi Golden Palace (Bueng Na Rong Palace)

The Royal Palace of Bayinnaung

The Royal Palace of Bayinnaung served as the residence of King Bayinnaung, acting as the center of administration and governance. Following the king's death, the Burmese government unearthed the palace's remains, which consisted only of wooden stumps protruding from the ground. A replica of the palace was constructed, entirely covered in gold paint. Remnants of the original wooden structure are displayed, each piece inscribed with the name of the city responsible for its creation.

A group of adorable Burmese children, dressed in traditional attire complete with diagonal sashes, visited the temple during their school break, accompanied by their teachers. The sight of these young ones exploring the temple grounds was truly heartwarming.

10. Shwemawdaw Pagoda

**Shwemawdaw Pagoda**, a sacred pagoda of great importance in the city of Bago, Myanmar. The Burmese call the pagoda "Shwemawdaw", which means "Great Golden Pagoda". It is one of the five most famous and grandest pagodas in Myanmar. The Shwemawdaw Pagoda is a great stupa containing the most important relic of the Buddha's hair of the Mon people.

11. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as Golden Rock

The Golden Rock, also known as Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, is a precariously balanced boulder covered in gold leaf, perched on the edge of a cliff in the Mon State of Myanmar. At 1,100 meters above sea level, it is a breathtaking sight and a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The boulder's seemingly gravity-defying position has made it a popular tourist destination and a symbol of faith and resilience.

We stayed at Kimpun village, which is near the truck station that goes up to the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. We arrived at the station at 5:30 am to wait in line, and there were already a lot of people there. It seemed like they had been there since 4:00 am. Seeing so many people gave me goosebumps. Everyone had the same goal: to reach the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. Some people even slept on top of the pagoda.

The latest version of the truck is like this, it has a roof now. The fare is 2,000 baht per trip, and 3,000 baht if you sit in the front.

It is unclear whether this constitutes queuing. As vehicles approached, individuals swiftly ran alongside them and jumped on board.

Passengers scrambled to board the bus, squeezing into any available space. After a short while, the bus started moving and the crowd naturally dispersed, finding their own comfortable positions. As the bus approached the checkpoint, it stopped to collect fares.

The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. After disembarking from the truck, walk to the temple. The entrance fee is 6,000 kip per person, and you will receive a tag like this.

A large number of villagers gathered, some setting up tents to spend the night, others forming groups to eat. There was a constant stream of people coming and going.

Offering

This is available here.

Sold by this gang of kids, after much discussion, we have to support them, right?

A miniature replica of the Phra That In Hang, a revered Buddhist temple in northern Thailand, adorns this necklace pendant.

The total expenses incurred were as follows: round-trip airfare of 2,700 baht, a contribution to the group fund of 100 USD per person (40,000 kip and 400 baht). Payments were made in various currencies. Notably, the USD bills used must be crisp, unfolded, and free of any markings.

The trip has come to a perfect end. Thank you to the fellow travelers who are fans of the "Traveling and Still" page for joining us unconditionally, without any fuss, and being easygoing with food and accommodation. When we organize another trip, we will invite you again ;)

Thank you all for following and traveling back in time with us. When visiting Burma, we will have a slow and leisurely life. No need to rush, just relax and enjoy reading and watching.

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Photography by LingPle | [email protected]

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