Asterix goes to Myanmar

[SamPaul]

Sorry Asterixsg, one more question: To go Inle lake, do we fly to Heho?

 

[asterixsg]

Tks! Asterixsg....looks like my budget for hotel is alright..will take domestic flights within as suggested by u..

Sorry, forgot to answer that. Yeah, S$150 for a night is too much in my opinion

Sorry Asterixsg, one more question: To go Inle lake, do we fly to Heho?

Yeah, you fly to Heho. From there, its almost an hour's drive to Nyaung Shwe. From Nyaung Shwe, its around 45 minutes by motor boat to Nampan village (where the Golden Island Cottages is). For the best experience, you have to stay on the lake (a bit expensive - around the USD 35-40 range) and not at Nyaung Shwe (where most backpackers stay).
I think Hosea stayed at a different resort than GIC and it looks very nice in his photos (but then Hosea produces exceptional photos :bsmilie

Have a good trip. Will look forward to your captures of Myanmar :thumbsup:

 

[SamPaul]

Tks again Asterixsg! You've really help me alot....

 

[bhteh]

Excellent series and what a wonderful write up. You just pushed me over the threshold to visit Myanmar very soon. To help me plan I would be most grateful if you can tell me:

1. if you are to visit Myanmar again what would be your itinerary in terms of nos of days, hotels (assuming money not a concern) and the places you would visit?
2. would you use a travel agent for the whole trip?
3. what about the need of a photography-friendly guide?

Thanks so much for sharing.

 

[asterixsg]

Excellent series and what a wonderful write up. You just pushed me over the threshold to visit Myanmar very soon. To help me plan I would be most grateful if you can tell me:

1. if you are to visit Myanmar again what would be your itinerary in terms of nos of days, hotels (assuming money not a concern) and the places you would visit?
2. would you use a travel agent for the whole trip?
3. what about the need of a photography-friendly guide?

Thanks so much for sharing.

Glad that you enjoyed the photos and I am delighted that you want to visit Myanmar.

First and foremost, you have to pick the best time to visit. Based on what I've read so far, its between Nov and Feb. Summers in Myanmar can be really really hot. Also, as per what shuttergraphy has written in his Myanmar thread, you won't get the colours of sunset in Bagan in summer, as the sun disappears into a cloud of dust...

1. If I were to visit Myanmar, I would stay the maximum stay that my visa (I don't mean my credit card :bsmilie will permit.

I only went to 4 places during my visit. So, I can comment on only those.
Yangon - 2 nights instead of 1. I would spend an entire day at the Shwedagon Pagoda. Its too beautiful. I would look for a vantage point to shoot it from evenin and at night from far. Maybe wake up early to capture its glory at dawn too.
Inle Lake - 10 nights instead of 3. I would sleep whole day and stay awake all night, watching the stars and enjoying the stillness of the lake. Probably venture out into the hills for trekking. Not miss a single sunrise or a sunset.
Mandalay - stay 2 nights instead of 1. The only reason I would probably go back to Mandalay would be to visit UBein. I would find accomodation close to UBein and watch it come alive every morning too.
Bagan - stay 10 nights instead of 3. The beauty of Bagan is in its mornings and evenings. The colours are simply magical. I would eat and sleep during the day. Sunsets don't necessarily need to be viewed/photographed from top of pagodas (though the height is always an advantage, because you can choose a spot with nothing blocking your view)
I would photograph the sunset from ground level too, with the sihouettes of the pagodas. I would arrange to do long exposures of the pagodas at night. Star trails can be amazing, because there is relatively no light pollution (though have to watch out for snakes).

If I still have more days left, I might venture northwards Myitkyina and Putao (to experience the Myanmar Himalayas).

Where would I stay ?
Yangon - don't know. You can find plenty of 4-5 star hotels I guess, if that's what you are looking for.
Inle Lake - Golden Island Cottages, Nampan. This is where I stayed.
Mandalay - don't know. Won't be hard to find expensive and comfortable hotels.
Bagan - Arthawka Hotel. This is where I stayed. There are plenty of expensive options in Old Bagan running into hundreds of dollars, but they don't appeal to me.

2. Yes, I would use Exotissimo again, throughout.

3 Photography friendly guide ?
I don't know. I would just get a friendly guide and set the expectation right upfront. Having a local guide with you keeps your mind off mundane things and lets you enjoy the place fully. But then, that's me.

Hope this helps.

 

[bhteh]

Thanks for the clear info.

I would love to stay as long as the visa allows too but the 'home minister' won't be too happy.

Anyway I have contacted Exotissimo prior to this and is awaiting more info from them. I don't know if I can wait till Nov-Feb unless I can't make it any earlier. I suppose if I can't get what I intend to achieve I can always go again later in the year, life schedule permitting of course.

After reading your suggestion I'll probably do a 2d Yangon, 5d Inle, 2d Mandalay and 5d Bagan trip since 14 days is do-able.

Thanks again. You definitely have helped a great deal. :thumbsup:

 

[asterixsg]

Thanks for the clear info.

I would love to stay as long as the visa allows too but the 'home minister' won't be too happy.

Anyway I have contacted Exotissimo prior to this and is awaiting more info from them. I don't know if I can wait till Nov-Feb unless I can't make it any earlier. I suppose if I can't get what I intend to achieve I can always go again later in the year, life schedule permitting of course.

After reading your suggestion I'll probably do a 2d Yangon, 5d Inle, 2d Mandalay and 5d Bagan trip since 14 days is do-able.

Thanks again. You definitely have helped a great deal. :thumbsup:

Cool, glad that I was of help.

A few more tips.
1. you should get a guide in Yangon as he/she will be able to take you to good vantage points of Shwedagon.
2. Since you will be going to Mandalay for the first time, you can visit some of the famous Pagodas there (I wasn't so keen, and we didn't have any time too, so skipped them). You can do Mingun in the morning, Amarapura in the evening. A guide in Mandalay would definitely help, to manage the logistics such as arranging the boat to Mingun, hiring a boat at UBein etc.
3. You can get guides from GIC in Inle Lake. We thought it wasn't necessary as we had done enough research before and we got some good recommendations from our travel agent from Exo.
4. Bagan. The horsecart driver can double up as a guide. Do get a horsecart. It will make your journeys to/from the pagodas comfortable and interesting. Will also let you experience life in the slow lane :thumbsup: I loved it. Thoroughly.

Take lots of sunblock, if you are going in summer. Since you have 5 days in Inle and Bagan, just take it slow and easy.

That's about all for now.

 

[bhteh]

More info. Cooooolll! Thanks.

 

[asterixsg]

Realized that I haven't posted some photos from Mingun. So, today belongs to Mingun

#59. Sunrise over the Ayeyarwaddy

A composition the purists will scorn at. But works for me.

#60. Settawya Paya in the morning glow of the sun

The white coloured complex looked very beautiful in the morning glow of the sun. Made the effort to be at Mingun at sunrise, all worth it.

#61. Statues at Settawya Paya

 

[asterixsg]

#62. Graffiti inside the world's largest bell

Our guide playfully said "Go underneath the bell and see..."
There was graffiti all underneath the Mingun Bell.

We had quite a bit of fun here, by placing the camera on the floor and the three of us looking into the camera. Wide angle pleasure :bsmilie:

I still prefer the rendition of the Mingun Bell by Clubsnapper sweeper, by positioning a boy monk inside. We couldn't find any such model nearby :bsmilie:

Hsinbyume Paya and its stories coming up next...

 

[asterixsg]

Our last stop at Mingun was Hsinbyume Paya as we were to get back to Mandalay and rush to Maha Ganayon Kyaung...

#63. Hsinbyume Paya

#64. Closeup of the niches on the terraces

#65. Double Buddha statues inside Hsinbyume Paya

There's an interesting story about the reason why there are two Buddha statues. Supposedly, the original statue (the one behind) was beheaded by raiders in search of gold. However, when a new head was made, it was tilted too low.

So, they made a new Buddha statue in front

Mingun. Done and dealt with.

 

[PrimePhotog]

This one is an absolute winner Awesome shot!

 

[asterixsg]

This one is an absolute winner Awesome shot!

Thanks bro. Its one of my favourites too. Every time I look at it, I just want to drop everything and go back to that point in time.

 

[zapper10]

Love your photos bro ...
Good job :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[asterixsg]

Love your photos bro ...
Good job :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Thanks bro. Glad you loved the journey...

#66. Devotee sticks gold leaf on the Buddha statues at Phaung Daw Oo Paya, Inle Lake

 

[giantcanopy]

Breathtaking shots. I thought #6 was my fav amongst all the great shots, until I saw # 35 :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: timing

u spent ur 9 days in a beautiful heaven indeed, and thank u for giving us the visual delight.

ryan

 

[asterixsg]

Breathtaking shots. I thought #6 was my fav amongst all the great shots, until I saw # 35 :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: timing

u spent ur 9 days in a beautiful heaven indeed, and thank u for giving us the visual delight.

ryan

ryan, thanks for the good words. Like I said before, I was just too blessed during the trip. I sure have quite a few keepers, and I am glad they turned out well.

You should consider going to Myanmar next year. Inle Lake and Bagan are worth a second honeymoon

 

[SamPaul]

I will be leaving for Myanmar tomorrow. Tks to Asterix for all the info....

I emailed to exotissimo but they never reply:thumbsd:! I even tried to call them but all the no. cannot get thru'....I ended up making all the bookings online, directly with the airlines & hotels, except for transport, will do it when arrived.

Without the help of Asterix, it will takes me much longer to plan my itinerary. Now I jst more or less followed his itinerary, Thanks again..

The only worry now is the communication. Singtel, M1, Starhub has no network there. Not sure if my family can call me if I buy a SIM card there. Heard that calling to Myanmar (from overseas) is like..vomit blood....!:cry:

 

[asterixsg]

I will be leaving for Myanmar tomorrow. Tks to Asterix for all the info....

I emailed to exotissimo but they never reply:thumbsd:! I even tried to call them but all the no. cannot get thru'....I ended up making all the bookings online, directly with the airlines & hotels, except for transport, will do it when arrived.

Without the help of Asterix, it will takes me much longer to plan my itinerary. Now I jst more or less followed his itinerary, Thanks again..

The only worry now is the communication. Singtel, M1, Starhub has no network there. Not sure if my family can call me if I buy a SIM card there. Heard that calling to Myanmar (from overseas) is like..vomit blood....!:cry:

Bro, sorry to hear about your bad experience with Exo. I've just PM'd you our travel agent's details. If you still need any help, you can call him or even find him on skype...

When you are in Yangon, you can go and visit Exo's office. They are in Sakura Tower, quite near Sule Paya. I would recommend that you pre-arrange your airport transfers in all cities and the local sightseeing trip in Mandalay. If you don't pre-arrange you are at the mercy of the taxi operators. Same goes for the transfer from Heho to Nyaung Shwe and back, and the boat from Nyaung Shwe to wherever you've decided to stay in Inle Lake. If you pre-arrange your boat for travelling around Inle Lake, it will save you a lot of time (might or might not make a lot of difference to your pocket)

See if you can get our horsecart driver in Bagan. His name is Mar Na. Very nice guy.

Carry combination of some small USD bills and some large USD bills. Exchange the big bills to Kyat in either Yangon or Mandalay. Be careful when you exchange. Do it at a reliable hotel or travel agent. Don't do it on the street. You will get scammed. We were. That's another story...

I was able to make local and overseas calls with the SIM card I bought in Myanmar (SMS didn't work, dunno why...) I am sure your folks will be able to call you on that number.

Have a fantabulous trip. Will wait for your photos and listen to your experiences :thumbsup:

 

[hope107fm]

Thanks Asterixsg for sharing your tips, thoughts and photos of Myanmar. Looks like the people and places have not changed much since I was there on business and pleasure more than 15 years ago. I took more or less the same route you did. My most lasting impression of the place was the plain of Bagan (Pagan, the old name). At certain times of the day, it can be so quiet that the silence can be unnerving, what with Singaporeans being so used to noise. The other memorable place was of course Inyle Lake.

At that time I wasn't into photography so sorry no photos to post.

Cheers