List of travels

In 2016, a journey to Myanmar offered an immersion into the cultural and historical richness of this Southeast Asian country, which had long remained isolated. With its history marked by diverse influences and a society in transformation, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, reveals architectural, spiritual, and scenic treasures of great variety.

The trip included a visit to Yangon, the former capital, with its famous Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most sacred sites in Burmese Buddhism. This city also presents colonial-era buildings from the British period, contrasting strikingly with traditional markets and places of worship. The Bagan region, with its thousands of Buddhist temples dating from the 11th to the 13th century, was also an essential stop. These temples, scattered across a vast plain, bear witness to the golden age of the Bagan kingdom and reflect the cultural and spiritual prosperity of that time.

The journey continued into the mountainous regions of Shan State, with a stop at Inle Lake. This lake is known for its traditional fishermen who use a unique leg-rowing method, as well as for its stilted villages, floating gardens, and bustling local markets. This region provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of ethnic minorities who maintain artisanal practices such as silk weaving and traditional cigar making.

Finally, a visit to Mandalay, the last royal capital, unveiled iconic sites like the royal palace and Mandalay Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Irrawaddy River. The surrounding monasteries and teak bridges, like the famous U Bein, are testimonies to a deeply rooted spiritual life.

This cultural journey to Myanmar in 2016 allowed for a deeper understanding of the balance between tradition and modernity in this transitional country, where each region offers a different facet of Burmese history and customs.

date of the trip: 11/2016

Travel agent: SRC

https://www.src-reizen.nl

Country: { • Myanmar (Burma) • }