A few months ago, I was fortunate to have booked a flight to Yangon. I arrived in the morning so I was able to see a lot. Fortunately, my former college roommate was living in Yangon and we planned to meet. Before we met, I had some time to explore the area near my hotel.
Sule Pagoda- one of the famous Buddhist temples in Yangon. The structure consisted of a large golden pagoda in the center surrounded by buddha statues and flanked by shrines. Please note, that when visiting temples in Myanmar, you must walk barefoot as a sign of respect (no socks). I've been to many temples in my travels and this was the first time I had to walk barefoot. It wasn't the cleanest of floors since wild birds roamed around and the floor was wet and covered partially in mud. I was a bit hesitant at first, but it was essential for me to follow such protocol so I did. The pagoda was unlike other temples I've seen in SE Asia. Water was poured onto Buddhist statues (based on birth month). The main structure is a tall golden conical pagoda.
Baha Mandoola Park - Site of a former British colonial park, it is nearby the Sule Pagoda. It was a medium sized park with an independence obelisk at it's center. There is a fountain and it's perimeter is surrounded by deteriorating colonial era buildings from British Burma.
After, I met up with my friend, I saw a few more sites.
People's Park- This large metropolitan park is filled with colorful flowers, trees, streams, droves of locals, and a huge courtyard to house events. It was nice to see a great use of green space in a rather large and crowded city. Near it's entrance is a newly built strip mall with cafes, restaurants, and stores. This strip mall wasn't as crowded as expected, but it is a symbol for modernization and economic investment into tourism. My hope is that business will continue to grow so locals can be employed and benefit from it.
Shwedagon Pagoda- One of the holiest, sacred, and venerated sites in Myanmar and SE Asia, this pagoda is believed to house Buddha relics inside it's golden structure. This massive complex is surrounded by large Buddhist shrines with statues, ornaments, and beautifully gilded walls and murals. This ancient site has faced numerous renovations due to earthquakes and disrepair throughout the centuries. Watching tv programs or reading books about it do not do it justice. It must be seen and experienced. The day I visited it was more crowded than usual since it was a religious holiday. Hundreds of worshipers had traveled from all the corners of Myanmar and neighboring regions to visit the holy site. It was truly a site to see and am glad to have seen all the revelry and celebratory processions.
Food
For meals, I was eager to try local cuisine as I think the best way to immerse in a culture is through it's food. Luckily, my friend introduced me to traditional foods including: noodles, soup, melted tofu, and biryani.
Kyay Oh: Vermicelli noodles in broth with pork offals and vegetables. Very tasty.
Si gyet khauk swè: Wheat noodles with pork ribs, fried garlic, and chopped green onions. Very simple but has great flavor.
To hpu nway (Shan Tofu): Soft warm creamy tofu. It was so delicious and almost tasted like alfredo sauce minus the calories. One of the best dishes I tried in Myanmar.
After a long first day, I was satisfied for my first taste of the sights and smells of Yangon. Despite the humidity and scorching heat, I enjoyed exploring and getting to know such a culturally diverse country.
Sule Pagoda- one of the famous Buddhist temples in Yangon. The structure consisted of a large golden pagoda in the center surrounded by buddha statues and flanked by shrines. Please note, that when visiting temples in Myanmar, you must walk barefoot as a sign of respect (no socks). I've been to many temples in my travels and this was the first time I had to walk barefoot. It wasn't the cleanest of floors since wild birds roamed around and the floor was wet and covered partially in mud. I was a bit hesitant at first, but it was essential for me to follow such protocol so I did. The pagoda was unlike other temples I've seen in SE Asia. Water was poured onto Buddhist statues (based on birth month). The main structure is a tall golden conical pagoda.
Baha Mandoola Park - Site of a former British colonial park, it is nearby the Sule Pagoda. It was a medium sized park with an independence obelisk at it's center. There is a fountain and it's perimeter is surrounded by deteriorating colonial era buildings from British Burma.
After, I met up with my friend, I saw a few more sites.
People's Park- This large metropolitan park is filled with colorful flowers, trees, streams, droves of locals, and a huge courtyard to house events. It was nice to see a great use of green space in a rather large and crowded city. Near it's entrance is a newly built strip mall with cafes, restaurants, and stores. This strip mall wasn't as crowded as expected, but it is a symbol for modernization and economic investment into tourism. My hope is that business will continue to grow so locals can be employed and benefit from it.
Food
For meals, I was eager to try local cuisine as I think the best way to immerse in a culture is through it's food. Luckily, my friend introduced me to traditional foods including: noodles, soup, melted tofu, and biryani.
Kyay Oh: Vermicelli noodles in broth with pork offals and vegetables. Very tasty.
Si gyet khauk swè: Wheat noodles with pork ribs, fried garlic, and chopped green onions. Very simple but has great flavor.
To hpu nway (Shan Tofu): Soft warm creamy tofu. It was so delicious and almost tasted like alfredo sauce minus the calories. One of the best dishes I tried in Myanmar.
After a long first day, I was satisfied for my first taste of the sights and smells of Yangon. Despite the humidity and scorching heat, I enjoyed exploring and getting to know such a culturally diverse country.
Travel tip: There are few direct flights from the U.S. to Yangon so you might have to layover or fly from Seoul, Bangkok, or Beijing. If you are in Asia, there are several budget airlines like Air Asia, Dragon Air, Bangkok Airways, Tiger Air. Note, most visitors need a visa prior to arrival. The process is quick and easy. You must apply and pay online at the Myanmar Government website: http://evisa.moip.gov.mm/.
Next post will be on my excursion to Kyaikhtiyo & Bago! Stay tuned!
Next post will be on my excursion to Kyaikhtiyo & Bago! Stay tuned!
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