Tag Archives: Bagan 蒲甘

Mandalay 曼德勒

Posted on by
Reply

Mandalay is the former royal capital in northern Myanmar (known as Burma). I took the cruise from Bagan to Mandalay on the Irrawaddy River. This is a 12 hours sail where I had to wake up before dawn to catch the 5.30am departure. There was no onboard entertainment and it was more about immersing myself into the timeless scenery watching the mist lift off the river and beautiful sunrise. I enjoyed the scenic journey. Breakfast and lunch were provided.

I stayed in this hostel that was owned by 2 young Singaporean girls and the locals. This is just oppositive the Mandalay Royal Palace.

I booked a local tour and and visited the Gold Leaf Workshop.

I followed the tour to Inwa. This is the historic, ancient imperial capital of the Burmese kingdoms for nearly 360 years between the 14th and 19th centuries. It is now a popular tourist destination known for its peaceful, rural atmosphere, featuring ruins, monasteries, and pagodas. Yes, need to take the horse cart to tour the places. It was US$10 for about an hour ride.

The U Bein Bridge was built around 1851. This is the world’s longest and oldest teakwood bridge, stretching 1.2 kilometers across the Taungthaman Lake. This place is best visited at sunset where it offers a picturesque and historic walk.

Bagan 蒲甘

Posted on by
Reply

I took the bus from Yangon to Bagan. Bagan is an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. I have to pay 25,000 Kyats to get into the Archaeological Zone.

While I was walking into the into the Archaeological Zone, this French man approached me and asked me to help him to pay for the entrance as he had no small change. I did so and later I found that we were staying in the same Lux Pillow Hostel. He paid me back the money when we reached the hostel.

I stayed in a room with 4 beds but I was the only person in the room. The French man stayed in a room with 20 beds that filled with people. Breakfast was provided but the bread was cold.

The tuk tuk driver took me to a restaurant. I did not order any thing but the staff just put the dishes on the table for me to eat at a fixed price. I asked the driver to join me thinking that he could explain to me about the food but he went to eat with the staff.

I went to the restaurant in front of the hostel for dinner. The first evening I had riced rice and the second evening I had fried noodles.

I walked around the nearby area where I was staying.

I got a tuktuk and visited some places

I took the train to Mandala. I got the “luxury” first class seat and I have the whole cabin for myself with unexpected company of spiders, ants and lizards. There are a few stops on the ways. I handed out some biscuits to the children through the window.