If you have no much time for your Myanmar tour while the intended destinations (commonly Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake) are extremely far from each other, traveling by air may be the best choice. Booking domestic flights in Myanmar, particularly flights from Yangon to Bagan, is not so difficult, but it’s not easy as the transportation in the Golden Temple Country generally remains backward compared to some of the neighbor countries such as Thailand. As a result, below we want to share some tips on booking flights from Yangon to Bagan.General information for flights from Yangon to BaganThere are quite a few daily flights from Yangon to Bagan severed by domestic airlines such as Mann Yadanarpon Airlines, Asian Wings Airways and Air KBZ. Ticket price is about $95-155, depending on the airline you choose and the booking time (the price is always high at the peak of high season of December every year; you have to book your ticket at least 3 days in this time). It takes about 1h10 for a direct flight from Yangon to Bagan and 1h50 for a non-direct one. Many flights may be canceled in the rainy season (May to October) The Yangon terminal is Yangon International Airport, which is 30 minutes driving from the city center. However, it will take you 2 hours for that journey in rush time. Traveling by taxi will cost you $7-10. The Bagan terminal is Nyaung U Airport, 7 km from New Bagan. It will take about 15–20 minutes by car and cost 7,000 – 10,000 kyat to travel from the airport to New Bagan. Tips on booking flights from Yangon to BaganBooking online: you can, but be careful!Although the airlines offering flights from Yangon to Bagan allow customers to book tickets via their websites, some of the websites respond very slowly (even they cannot respond) to your access request. However, there are several airlines that are quite good at online booking service; Air Bagan is one of them. If you are having a Myanmar travel, we advise you not to think about booking your ticket online. The Internet in the country is always said that “very slow speed” and “instability”. You will never know what could happen to your booking process due to “the Internet error”. Another reason why we do not recommend booking online your ticket is flight cancellation. Some flights will be canceled without updated notifications sent to you. Booking via your hotel: a good choice if you canYou, of course, can choose this option if you stay in a Yangon hotel for a particular time. In case you just consider Yangon as a transit place and traveling to Bagan without staying here, the option is impossible. Ask the hotel’s receptionists to book your ticket; they are very experienced. However, note that a small fee may be surcharged for the service (commonly 7% of price ticket). Booking via local travel agents: the best choiceLocal travel agents have a close relationship with the airlines. They know exactly sale promotion programs and flight cancellation information. It’s the best choice for you to booking your ticket via the agents for your Burma tours. Before you travel to Myanmar, google some prestigious names, save their addresses and even contact them if you want more information. Some travel agents in Yangon are Unique Myanmar Travels & Tours, Myanmar Golden Image Travels & Tours, Exotic Myanmar Travels & Tours, etc. Everything, even very little ones, may contribute the success of your Myanmar trips. As a result, pay attention to the tips on booking flights from Yangon to Bagan so that you would have best travel experience in Myanmar. See more:http://voyagevietnam2017.weebly.com/
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Yangon is the largest city and main gateway to the foreign country of Myanmar. The ancient city of Bagan, the home to more than 2,200 Buddhist sites, is the most important tourist destination of the Golden Temple Country. A journey between Yangon and Bagan is commonly included in the itinerary of almost all Myanmar tours. As a result, a popular question raised by the visitor is that, “How to travel from Yangon to Bagan?” The following are some options we recommend.Travel from Yangon to Bagan by airIt can be said that airline service in Myanmar is quite expensive. You will have to pay $95-155 for a Yangon Bagan flight (from Yangon International Airport to Nyuang U Airport). However, this is the easiest and quickest way to travel from travel from Yangon to Bagan. In need, a direct flight takes only 1h20 and a non-direct one (via Heho Airport or Mandalay airport) takes about 1h50. There a lot of daily flights offered by 7-8 domestic airlines; the flights sometimes are canceled due to bad weather condition, especially in the rainy season (May to October). The Air Bagan is probably the best airline flying the route from Yangon to Bagan, but you can also choose from Air Mandalay and Myanmar Airways. Note that Nyuang U Airport is 7 km far from Bagan, so check to see if your hostel or hotel will pick you up. Travel from Yangon to Bagan by busBoth day buses and night buses are available for the 611-kilometer journey between Yangon and Bagan. In general, travelers are apt to choose night buses for Myanmar travel to feel less tired and save a hotel night. A bus ticket is quite cheap, only US $11-15.5 for normal class and US 18.5-0 for VIP class. Travel from Yangon to Bagan by bus will take about 9-10 hours. The bus journey is relatively pleasant thanks to a road condition and quality of the bus itself (all buses are air-conditioned). However, it will be better for you to prepare medicines if you have to suffer from motion sickness, and you should be aware of the fact that the bus may be noisy until midnight as the driver turns on movies or Burmese traditional music very loud. The bus normally leaves the downtown Yangon at 7.00pm and arrives in Bagan around 5.00am (the next day). So make sure to book your hotels in Bagan in advance and prepare for the transfer from bus station to your hotel. Travel from Yangon to Bagan by trainDuring your Burma tours, you should understand comprehensively that a journey by train from Yangon to Bagan will be very long (15-17 hours) and mostly unpleasant. The train is hot and noisy and its speed is incredible slow. However, the traveling train is very cheap that it costs 16,500 (17 USD) kyat for an upper-class sleeper ticket and even only 4,500 kyats (4 USD) for an ordinary class seat one. Food and drink are not included in the ticket price. In addition, note that you cannot buy the tickets at the train station. Instead, you have to buy them from some travel agents in Yangon center. You should also prepare warm clothes as the temperature may be much reduced at night. Trains normally leave Yangon station at 4.00pm, and arrive in Bagan around 10.00am (the next day). Choosing the way to travel from Yangon to Bagan totally depends on you. Consider thoroughly your budget, timing and also your adventure mind to make the best decision. See more: http://voyagevietnam168.blog4ever.com/ Yangon is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Myanmar. Some travelers say that there is nothing in Yangon except noises and dust, and they just consider it as the transit city to other destinations in Myanmar such as Bagan or Inle Lake. In fact, Yangon itself is really an attractive destination, which is full of life colors, majestic pagodas, tranquil green parks and friendly people. Here we provide you with useful Yangon travel tips on the sites and activities you should not miss on your Yangon tour.1. Shwedagon PagodaBeing the most important pagoda in Myanmar, Shwedagon Pagoda is a must on your Yangon tour. Legend has it that the gilded pagoda with 99-meter-high main stupa was built more than 2,600 years ago, but this information is not confirmed by historians. According to archeological reports, the structure is about 1,000-1,500 years old. It’s said that the pagoda houses relics of 4 Buddhas, so it’s considered as the most sacred place in Myanmar. You do not need to worry about the shortage of things to visit as there are various mini-museums and photo displays throughout the pagoda. It will take at least 2 hours to see everything inside. Shwedagon Pagoda is open every day from 4 am until 10 pm. Entrance fee is 8,000 Kyat ($8) per person. 2. Sule PagodaThe pagoda is much smaller than Shwedagon Pagoda, but it is a very peaceful and relaxing place. Burmese people believes that it’s was built even before Shwedagon Pagoda. Visiting the pagoda on your Yangon tour or Myanmar travel, you will have a quiet time to see local people praying and admire its beauty without feeling annoyed by a mass of tourists. Sule Pagoda is open every day from 6 am until 10 pm. Entrance fee is 3,000 Kyat ($3) per person. 3. Night market at Maha Bandula roadLocated on the main road leading to the Sule Pagoda, the night market full of noises and smells may not attract you at first sight. However, if you like night like and are interested in Burmese street food, do not miss the market on your Yangon tour. Here you can eat local food, drink traditional Burmese bear (called Myanmar) and even try fried insects! 4. Yangon zooA visit to the zoo on your Yangon tour which is more than 100 years old would be a good… or bad experience. Indeed, it’s always a very controversial place: some people accuse that the animals here have very poor living condition and that it’s not very safe place because of lack of bars and cages. It’s true that in this zoo you can be really close to deadly animals like hippos. If you lean out, you could even touch them. No one is there to take care of the safety of tourists. You can take really awesome photos and hand-feed the animals here at the zoo, but if you are not careful enough, you can be hurt by animals. Yangon Zoo is open every day from 8 am until 6 pm. Entrance fee is 3,000 Kyat ($3) per person. See more:http://voyagevietnam2017.over-blog.com/ 5. Kandawgyi LakeKandawgyi Park is one of the lush green lake parks in Yangon. Making a visit to the park, you will be able to choose either of the options. On the east side of the park are a number of restaurants, including the Karaweik Palace, where you can eat and have a drink. It costs you 300 Kyats ($.30) to enter this area. The other section is the lake boardwalk, an ideal elevated platform where you can enjoy wonderful views of the lakes, the Karawiek Palace, and the Shwedagon Pagoda in the background while doing exercise or walking. If you come here on a nice day when it’s not raining, you will be able to contemplate a stunning sunset view of Shwedagon Pagoda. Visiting Kandawgyi Park is one of the great things to do on your Yangon tour because its tranquility and freshness are completely opposed to the busy and hectic downtown Yangon. 6. China townIf you are a foodie, head to Chinatown town on your Yangon tour. This is one of the busiest and most eventful places in the city, especially in the evening when food vendors appear on sides of the streets, and provide you with everything from ready-made foods to fresh produce. The Kheng Hock Keong Temple, Sule Pagoda and Night market at Maha Bandula road are all located in the China Town area, so can make a day tour to these places. 7. Kheng Hock Keong TempleThis is the largest, oldest and most important Chinese temple in Yangon. Although the pagoda is really small comparing to Sule Pagoda or Sule Pagoda, it is still worth visiting. Peaceful atmosphere and sophisticated Chinese architecture are typical characteristics here. The admission to the Kheng Hock Keong Temple is free. 8. Bogyoke Aung San MarketThe market is the biggest traditional one in Yangon and a wonderful destination for shopping for Burma tours. Indeed, you will be able to find almost all products there such as artwork, handicrafts, souvenirs and Burmese dresses. More particularly, the market is a famous address in selling jewelry and gemstones. If you want to give your friends and relatives unique or valuable gifts brought back from your Yangon tour, you can purchase them with reasonable price at the Bogyoke Aung San market. However, don’t forget to bargain! The first price you will get is always too high. The market is open between 10 am and 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday. After visiting these places and other interesting ones on your Yangon tour, you must ask yourself that why some people could say, “there is nothing in Yangon except noises and dust”. Yangon and Bagan are 2 out of 4 most typical tourist destinations of Myanmar. The former is the largest city and the latter is the most important archaeological sites of the country. Most international visitors spend several days in Yangon and its surroundings and then travel to Bagan on their Myanmar tour. How to get to Bagan from Yangon? It depends on your budget, timing and also your adventure mind. Here is useful information for transportation from Yangon to Bagan.1. Overnight Bus from Yangon to BaganNormally the overnight bus will take around 9 – 10 hours to complete the 611-kilometer journey between Yangon and Bagan. The road condition is quite good and the quality of overnight buses is better than you imagine or hear about transportation services in Burma. Traveling by overnight bus from Yangon to Burma can help you save money quite a lot (it costs 15,000 – 18,000 kyat for a ticket bus and you can also save 1-night hotel). It is a very good choice if you don’t suffer from motion sickness and can sleep in noises as the driver turns on Burmese music very loud until midnight. The bus normally leaves the downtown Yangon at 6.00pm each evening and arrives in Bagan around 4.00am (the next day). So make sure to book your hotels in Bagan in advance and prepare for the transfer from bus station to your hotel. If not, you may have to stand around with the cockerels and cows for several hours until a more sociable hour! 2. Local Train from Yangon to BaganDuring Myanmar travel, the journey from Yangon to Bagan by train is very time-consuming (15-17 hours) and mostly unpleasant. The train is noisy and hot, and your bed in the cabin is quite hard to sleep. In addition, the speed is incredible slow. It’s a little odd that you can not buy train tickets at the train station. Instead, you have to buy them from some travel agents in Yangon center. It will cost 16,500 (17 USD) kyat for an upper-class sleeper ticket, 12,000 (12 USD) kyat for an upper-class seat ticket. If you must travel as cheap as possible, an ordinary class seat ticket of 4,500 kyats (4 USD) may be an economical choice. However, remember that it will not be a particularly enjoyable journey. Food and drink is served throughout the journey, but they are not included in ticket price. Trains normally leave Yangon station at 4.00pm, and arrive in Bagan around 10.00am (the next day). 3. Short Flight from Yangon to BaganFor Burma tours, a Bagan-Yangon flight is an easiest and most time-saving way to travel between two sites. The Air Bagan is probably the best airline flying the route of International Yangon Airport and Nyuang U Airport (the closest airport to Bagan), but you can also choose from Air Mandalay and Myanmar Airways. Flying from Yangon to Bagan will cost you around 95 – 155USD/ ticket, depending on which airway company you choose and booking time. Note that Nyuang U Airport is 7 km far from Bagan, so check to see if your hostel or hotel will pick you up. See more: https://voyageauvietnam2017blog.wordpress.com It can be said that cuisine, especially street food, is one of the most standout characteristics of Yangon tourism. The city seems to be built for snacking with delicious dishes that are equally diverse compared to any street food heavens in Southeast Asia such as Vietnam or Thailand. You can find the best street food in Yangon at temporary carts set up by vendors each morning, and the snacks and stews are sold throughout the day, reflecting a wide cross-section of different and ethnicities and cultures. Here are the best courses of stress food you should not miss on your tours in Yangon.MohingaThis is the unofficial national dish of Myanmar. A pungent fish broth is flavored with turmeric, pepper, and lemongrass, which swirls around slippery thin noodles. If you taste the dish for the first time on your tours in Yangon, you will hardly recognize fish immediately; it’s mixed with chickpea flour to make an appetizing thick stew usually served for breakfast. The assault of flavors in the early morning is the perfect way to start your day tour day tour Yangon. Although mohinga is sold all over Yangon by vendors, at Myaung May Daw Cho shops, the broth is brighter, thicker and pungent with ginger. In terms of food safety, it’s more comforting to know your fish broth was at least made in a kitchen with walls. The famous mini-chain of mohinga shops has several locations in Yangon, one of which is located 5 minutes walking from the Shwedagon pagoda, and it will cost you $3 to have a mohinga serving. Note that mohinga usually sells out by 9 a.m., so it’s better to you to get up early. Myaung May Daw Cho 118A Yay Tar Shay Old Street, Bahan 01-548501 Mont Lin Ma YarRoughly translated as “husband and wife snacks,” these tiny bites are a visual delight for your Myanmar travel. Skillful vendors add dollops of rice flour batter to a large sizzling cast iron pan which resembles a muffin tin. Toppings such as roasted chickpeas, quail eggs, scallions are added to half of the dollops, and then, the two halves, like a husband and wife are joined to make a little cake. The Mont Lin Ma Yar version with quail eggs is the perfect breakfast food. Although you can find Mont lin ma yar vendors all over the downtown Yangon, the place you will find out the best vendor on your tours in Yangon is on Anwaratha between 29th and 30th. Here the quail eggs are cooked perfectly, not oily or dry like at other vendors, and the fried bites are extra crisp. Nameless Street Vendor Anawrahta between 29th and 30th Streets, near Bogyoke Market, Dagon Grilled SkewersLocated on 19th street between Anawrahta Road and Maha Bandoola Road are a variety of Barbecue restaurants, where storefronts display skewers of meat, fish, and vegetables ready to be rushed back into the kitchen and then they’re grilled over intense flames. Grab a plastic basket, fill it with raw skewers, wait your turn and it’s sure that you will have one of the most wonderful cuisine experiences on your tours in Yangon. Kaung Myat, easily identified by its bright green interior matching the label of the omnipresent “Myanmar” beer, will first serve you a particularly appetizing skewer of peeled baby potatoes. Then there are delicate strands of enoki mushrooms, clumped together along with broccoli and okra; all are marinated in the same sweet lime chili sauce. A whole grilled fish is another mouth-watering course here. The fish is cut into sections, so you can easily peel away with chopsticks. When you run out of beer, make kissing sounds to draw the attention of waiters. Kaung Myat 110 19th Street, Latha See more: http://www.cap-vietnam.com/blogs/blog-de-voyagevietnam2017.html Shan NoodlesThe Shan state in Eastern Myanmar shares borders with Thailand, Laos and China. It has been a region of civil war and conflict since Burmese independence in 1948. Chinese factors have affected not only by the politics but also on the cuisines. Shan cuisine has various variations of a simple noodle course with a thin broth of black pepper and fragrant garlic. The noodles of this region are usually of the thicker rice variety, and they’re tossed in a spicy and sweet pepper-based sauce with bits of pork or chicken meat. The red pepper sauce reminds of a Thai sweet chili sauce, but it’s more fragrant as if mixed with Chinese five-spice powder. If you want to enjoy a real San noodle bowl on your tours in Yangon, go to Aung Mingalar, a bright and airy restaurant located just behind Bogyoke Market. Here there is an English menu that makes it easy to order. The sticky chicken noodle salad is extremely delicious. Thick rice noodles sit in brown sweet soy based sauce and served with a side of a herbaceous clear soup and a tiny plate of pickled greens. Aung Mingalar Shan Noodle Restaurant Bo Yar Nyunt Street, Dagon Special street food has made tourism in Yangon more attractive and likely. Enjoying these dishes on your tours in Yangon, you will not only have memorable experiences but better understand Burmese cuisine and culture as well in your Burma tours. Click herYangon – or Rangoon as it was known – the former capital of Burma, is the bustling city full of colors, amazing sights, and wonderful experiences. It is also a great place to shop – handicrafts, antiques, textiles jewels and the beautiful lacquerware that Burma is famous for. Here is our guide to the best popular places to go shopping on your Yangon tour.1. Augustine's SouvenirsThis treasure used to be called Augustine’s Antiques; however as the Burmese government doesn’t allow antiques to be sold outside the country’s border, its name has been changed. Today, the shop concentrates on newer items but the quality remains to be guaranteed. Visiting Augustine's Souvenirs when you tour Yangon, you can find carvings from Mandalay workshops, colonial-style furniture, lacquer from producers in the Shan States, gilded wooden statues and some beautiful 20th-century silver and brass temple offering bowls, which are sold by families in need of the cash. Make sure that you receive a receipt and a stamped letter proving that the items you purchase are not antiques. Address: 23 Attiyar Street, off Thirimingalar Street, Kamayut Township, Yangon, Burma 2. Shwedagon PagodaThe stunning Shwedagon Pagoda, nicknamed “the jewel of Yangon”, is considered the symbol of Yangon tourism and an absolute must-see for any visitor to the city. The pagoda symbolizes the cultural and religious life of the former capital in particular and Burma in general. Additionally, it’s an amazingly wonderful place to shop. Lots of small stalls line the staircases up to the pagoda selling exquisite flowers religious icons and votive offerings, as well as handmade crafts and other unique souvenirs. Address: Shwedagon Pagoda, Dagon, Yangon, Burma 3. Bogyoke Aung San MarketThe Market is commonly included in the itinerary of any Yangon tour. Built by the British in 1926, the market was considered as the larger and oriental version of London’s Covent Garden market. It’s now largely given over to stalls designed to draw tourists: woven textiles from the Chin and Naga tribes, woodcarving from Mandalay and lacquerware from Bagan. Friendly saleswomen will size you up for a traditional longyi skirt and blouse, made-to-measure upstairs in minutes. Make your outfit more perfect with a pair of traditional velvet slippers which are sold on the south side during your Myanmar travel. Along the west side is a range of antique shops although much is new-made-old these days. Some negotiation on prices seems to be acceptable and expected. If you go with a local Yangon guide, sellers will tend to quote fair prices. On the south side are also several currency shops with goods with good rates for changing dollars into kyats. Do not pay attention to the roving moneychangers. Address: Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Pabedan Township, Yangon, Burma 4. Myanmar Gems MuseumThe Myanmar Gems Museum plays exactly the role of a museum; however, it also houses 82 vendors over three floors, selling high-quality raw gems and finished pieces with sapphires, rubies, jades and pearls, semi-precious stones, gold and silverware - some exquisite pieces of jewelry here such as Burmese carved jade. Address: 66 Kaba Aya Pagoda Road, Yangon, Burma 5. Myanmar Traditional Manufacturing CompanyIn your Burma tours, you can see umbrellas everywhere in Burma. People are using colorful ones to protect themselves from rains and sunlight. Moreover, they hold religious and cultural significance that the ornamented final on pagodas is called Hti (which means “umbrella in Burmese language) and history the umbrella was part of royal regalia. It still denotes high honor in Burmese monastic life. If you want to bring back beautifully decorated, traditional handmade Pathein parasols from your Yangon tour as original souvenirs for your beloved, friends and even yourself, the shop will be an ideal place to purchase them. Address: 276, Strand Road, Pabedan Tsp, Yangon, Burma The addresses mentioned above may help you have good decisions on shopping in Yangon. We will provide you with more Yangon tourist information in other articles so that you would get wonderful travel experiences in the city. e to edit. Rangon (or Yangon), the former capital of Myanmar, is a fascinating blend of buildings that have gone unchanged for nearly a century, plus modern café and bar. Many travelers consider Rangon as the first stop on their Myanmar tours and spend two or three days exploring the city and its outskirts. Here we suggest some useful tips for Rangon tourismTop three tourist sites around RangonShwedagon PagodaThe pagoda is the most important Buddhist shrine in Myanmar and considered as the symbol of Yangon tourism, nicknamed “the jewel of Yangon”. Surrounding the main gilded 95-metre stupa topped with a thousand diamonds is a wide platform filled with shrines and pavilions. Here visiting nuns, monks and pilgrims from all over the country pray, chant, eat and snooze beneath beautifully carved eaves. A visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda can last all day or half of day. You do not need to worry about the shortage of things to see as there are various mini-museums and photo displays throughout the pagoda. It will cost you $8 for an entrance fee. Bogyoke Aung San MarketThe market is another attractive destination of Yangon tourism. The market, built in 1926 under a design from the British colonial period, is a wonderful destination for shopping. In need, you will be able to find almost all products there such as souvenirs, artwork, handicrafts and Burmese dresses. More particularly, the market is a famous address in selling jewelry and gemstones. beforeA day trip to Bago is a great way to get away from the busy and dusty Yangon and admire a dozen impressive pagodas during your Myanmar travel. To get around and explore the city, it’s best to hire a Tuk Tuk (a motor with a cart attached with wood planks on which to sit) for the day. The Tuk Tuk drivers know the many temples know the most typical temples and where tourists want to go. They also know the good local restaurant to stop for a quick lunch. Restaurants in YangonThe diverse cuisine is a bid plus point for Rangon tourism. Here you can find from the street food to fancy places that prices of those in large European cities. One that is worth visiting multiple times, for price, taste, and ambiance is Shan Noodle 999. The restaurant is located behind city hall, having appetizing and very low priced food (vegetarian-friendly). And like all friendly people you will meet in Myanmar, their staff are amazing. They will even help you mix noodles if they see you do that incorrectly. If you want somewhere to spend an afternoon reading, writing, or just relaxing, Pansuriya is a great place. They have great tea and tasty traditional food. Their co-owner is often there during the day and is always willing to chat with you. Rangoon Tea House offers good food at prices which are a little higher than the other two, and the ambiance is similar to any hipster hang-out in the USA. Its highlight is chocolate-filled samosas with so delicious taste. Others tips for Rangon tourismMoneyATMs seem to now be readily available in Yangon and dispense kyat. However, many of them are sometimes out of service. As a result, it’s better to bring along some cash. US dollars can be exchanged but they must be pristine with no marks, creases or damage (any kyat in this condition is rare). Some locations will accept payment in US dollars. Getting AroundIf you travel in a group of 3 or 4, taxis will be a good reasonable choice. They are very inexpensive with the average price of 2,000 kyats in town. Remember to get business cards from your hotel so that you can show it to the driver if they do not know the place by name. It’s much easier than trying to show them on a map and they will likely call directly to the hotel for directions. Buses are common but the drivers and you may misunderstand each other due to their low capacity of English. Walking is also common to see with sidewalks on most streets, often shared with vendors but still enough room to roam. Just e sure to watch the traffic as well as the lights – or better yet, cross with locals as they understand the traffic patterns. PeoplePeople’s friendliness and hospitability are the most valuable beauty of Rangon tourism. You will even meet complete strangers who actively ask if you need help and offer detailed instructions. AccommodationsYangon has a wide variety of accommodations for your Burma tours at this point. Allegedly, it is one of the more expensive than other cities in South East Asia, but you can find affordable places, some of which may be further outside the main hub of the city. Note that room rates increase remarkably in the high season of Rangon tourism, so book your room at least a month in advance. We expect that the useful tips for Rangon tourism will help you have great experiences in the hectic city. Do not stay your home and hear “someone say something about Yangon”, come hear and feel by yourself. Mandalay is the second largest city and one of 4 tourist highlights in Myanmar (besides Yangon, Bagan, and Inle Lake). The city not only is the sacred land for major Buddhists’ pilgrimages but also contains many mysterious things that await being discovered. Here we provide you with Mandalay tourism useful information so that you could have best travel experiences in the city of Mandalay and its outskirts.The best time to tour MandalaySummer in Mandalay lasts from March to May, and then temperature cools down in the rainy season. Because Mandalay is in the central dry zone, it receives far less rain than the more tropical south. Winter lasts from November to February. The peak time of Mandalay tourism season is in between October and December when it’s cool and dry. However, traveling in the high season may be much more expensive, so you can visit Mandalay in late winter (January and February) and early rainy season (June and July) when the weather is relatively good.
How to get thereBy plane: Mandalay International Airport organizes flights to most cities in Myanmar and some cities abroad, such as Thailand or China. However, the airport is 45km far from the city, and you will have to take a taxi for about 10USD. By train: You can reach Mandalay from Yangon via the rail network service. Nevertheless, the journey lasts 15 hours and may be a little unpleasant. The price for a first-class ticket is of 5USD. In your Myanmar travel, you can also come to Mandalay from Lashio, Hsipaw, Pwin U Lwin and Myitkyina. However, trains are often slow and crowded. By bus: There are three main bus stations in Mandalay. You can reach them from Pyin U Lwin, Kyaukme, Hsipaw and other cities of the country (of course including Bagan and Inle Lake). The journey from Yangon consists of a night bus which takes 9 hours to go to Mandalay. The VIP bus (18USD) offers the best value for the journey between the two biggest cities of the country. By boat: You can reach Bagan via one of the many companies that offer this route. It takes about 10 hours to go there with the price of 40USD. Note that this service is stopped between April and June when the water level is low. Get aroundTaxis: If you are travel in groups of 3 to 4, taking a taxi is a good choice. Taxi drivers, who can speak English quite good, will take you to some famous attractions in Mandalay within a day and charge you about $10 - $12/person/day. Motortaxis: Motorcycle taxis are a cheap alternative, and will usually give you a cheap helmet to wear as well. A day of sightseeing in the city (north and south sights) should cost around 10,000 kyats, and a three-city tour (Sagaing, Amarapura, Inwa) costs about 15,000-20,000 kyat for the day. Motorbike rental: If you are an experienced rider. Renting a motorcycle it is a great way to see the city or nearby villages. Note that motorcycles are usually not really new, so it’s better for you to check them carefully before you hire. It costs you about 12,000 – 15,000 kyat for renting a motorcycle per day. Bike rental: Cycle hire is much cheaper at USD1-2 a day. It is a very feasible option if you make a small tour to main sights in the city center. Buy a Mandalay tourist map so that you would not get lost in this “grid” city. Trishaws (cycle rickshaws) are a convenient way of getting around in Mandalay, and if you find a driver who speaks good English you can have a tour guide and transport together for a reasonable price with a little bargaining. See more: https://www.behance.net/voyagebirmanie What to see and what to doThe city of Mandalay: Golden Palace Monastery, Mahamuni Pagoda, Kuthodaw Pagoda, Mandalay Hill, Gem Market (Mahar Aung Myay), etc. The outskirts: There townships of Amarapura, Sagaing, and Innwa. Particularly, U Bein Bridge, the longest teak in the world, is the symbol of Mandalay tourism and where you can admire one of the most stunning sunset scenery in the world. Dee Doke Waterfall: About 60km from Mandalay you will find the waterfall of Dee Doke, formed by a lava flow thousands of years ago. It’s suggested that you should visit it between November and February when the water is clear and pure. Food and drinkThe cuisine is one of the most standout and attractive features of Mandalay tourism. Indeed, Mandalay has a notable array of specialties both from various regions within Myanmar as well as from other countries thanks to its history as a former capital of Myanmar, and its position as a major trading center between Myanmar and its neighbors in China, India, and Bangladesh. Cuisine from the Shan State (usually including fermented pastes, meats, and vegetables) is popular in Mandalay which has a notable Shan minority. Muslim Chinese noodles, pronounced pan-THEI-kao-sweh (flat thin noodles mixed with chicken and an array of spices), are also famous in Mandalay as well as the surrounding hills. Regardless of where you eat, try and leave space for Htou moun (to-moh), a traditional Burmese dessert which is only sold in Mandalay. Note that it is extremely sweet and contain a lot of oil. AccommodationsHotels and guesthouses in the city are very available for the development of Mandalay tourism. Many hotels are located in the Palais Royal area. However, finding accommodations with reasonable prices may be problematic during the high season of Mandalay tourism, so you should book your room at least one month in advance of your Burma tours. As the royal capital of Burmese Kingdom, Mandalay delights visitors with its wealth and diversity of monuments that can be found throughout the city. Keep the useful information in your mind when you tour Myanmar to have a favorable and exciting stay in the city. Mandalay was once the last imperial capital of Burma. It’s now the second largest city and recognized as the main religious center of the north of the country. It is said that half of the Myanmar monks live in and around Mandalay. Being one of 4 “classic” tourist destinations of Myanmar (besides Yangon, Bagan, and Inle Lake), a Mandalay tour is a great opportunity for you to explore the Burmese cultural and spiritual life. We recommend 8 places you should not miss when you tour Mandalay.1. Golden Palace MonasteryMost travelers choose Golden Palace Monastery as the first stop on their Mandalay city tour. The structure was originally a royal apartment built by King Mindon. After his death in 1878, his son, King Thibaw, moved it to the current location as he believed that his father’s ghost still lived there. Five years later, it became a monastery and has kept that role until now. The Golden Palace Monastery is famous for its unique and magnificent beauty, formed by teak carvings depicting tales from Buddhist mythology from roof to walls. In addition, it has a historically special meaning for being the only remaining wooden building of the ancient Royal palace complex. 2. U Bein Bridge - AmarapuraU Bein Bridge, stretching over scenic Taungthaman Lake in the township of Amarapura, is one of Burma's most iconic sights as well as a highlight for your Myanmar travel. It is credited for the creation of the bridge in the 1850s, using scavenged teak pilings from the discarded palace of Amarapura when King Mindon moved the capital to Mandalay. U Bein Bridge is 1.2 km, considered as the longest teak bridge in the world. As an ideal destination to admire stunning sunrise and sunset and take photos, the bridge should not be missed on your Mandalay tour, especially if you are a photographer. 3. Mahamuni PagodaMahamuni is the holiest pagoda in Mandalay and the second important one in Myanmar (just after Shwedagon, Yangon). Every day, a large number of pilgrims visit the pagoda to honor the giant golden Buddha, which is said to be over 2000 years and was brought to Mandalay by a Burmese king after sacking the Rakhine capital of Mrauk U. The statue was so large that it had to be divided into small parts and then reassembled. In addition, you will be able to find here inscription stones from all over the country, the sophisticated mosaic ceiling and gilded columns of the main pagoda, and a number of bronzes originally from Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. If you plan to visit your Pagoda on your Mandalay tour, note that the dress code is very strict at Mahamuni. Shoes are left at the main entrance, shoulders are covered and ankle-length trousers must be worn. Sarongs/longyis are for hire at the main entrance for both men and women. In addition, only men are able to witness the growing Buddha body up close; women are not allowed to cross the threshold. You also have to pay 500 kyats for camera fee. See more: http://www.imfaceplate.com/Laurachiset 4. Kuthodaw PagodaIf you are interested in Buddhism, especially Buddhist philosophy, visiting Kuthodaw Pagoda on your Mandalay tour will be certainly a wonderful thing. Situated at the foot of Mandalay, religious complex takes itself pride in possessing the “world’s largest book”. Indeed, the complete text of the Tripitaka (the most sacred text of Theravada Buddhism) is inscribed on 729 marble slabs, each of which is located in a small stupa and arranged in lines around the ground. The pagoda was started to construct in 1860 at the order of King Mindon Min. 5. Mandalay HillAfter 45 minutes walking through covered stairs from the foot, you will reach the summit of Mandalay Hill, which is 120 meters above sea level. Here you can visit Sutaungpyi Pagoda, one of Burma's major Buddhist pilgrim destinations and admire panoramic views of the city. If are not interested in a walk (especially when the weather is bad) or you do not have enough time, taking moto taxis (5,000 kyats) or taxis (10,000 kyats) will be a better choice. 6. Gem Market (Mahar Aung Myay)If you are an enthusiast for jewelry and sparkle things, you cannot miss a visit to the largest jade market in the world on your Mandalay tour. Here you will find jades in various shapes and size, whose colors are commonly in semi-translucent greens, ranging from pale turquoise to emerald green and sometimes in pink, orange and several other colors. Foreigners need to pay an entrance fee of one dollar to watch the trading, observe the process of creating jewelry and other items from jade blocks, and then you can purchase them to support the local economy during your Burma tours. The beauty of Mandalay is characterized by the harmonious cultural mixture and Buddhism spirituality. Visiting these places when you tour Mandalay will help you better understand the city as well as its hospitable citizens. Myanmar, the charming country with stunning natural scenery, splendid gilded pagodas and friendly people, has become one of the hottest tourist destinations in Asia for the recent year. Taking a Myanmar vacation will be certainly a wonderful travel experience. However, traveling to Myanmar is quite expensive compared to some destinations in Southeast Asia such as Vietnam or Thailand. If you want to save your money, we suggest 5 following tips so that you can book cheap Myanmar vacation packages.
1. Book during the Off-SeasonThe low season is between April and October when it’s hot and rainy, and the high season is from November to February when it’s cool and dry. You will have more chance of booking cheap Myanmar vacation packages in the low season, especially in July and August (the peak of wet season). However, note that some regions become inaccessible in this time and some, such as Ngapali Beach, close altogether in preparation for the high winds and heavy rainfall that batter the coast. In addition, you should also not book the packages including hiking and biking activities as heavy rains will destroy your trip. We suggest you should choose packages to Bagan or Mandalay in low season because those are the driest regions of the country, avoiding much of the annual rain. 2. Opt for a less expensive destinationYangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake are the key destinations in Myanmar, which is synonymous with the fact that almost all tourist services are expensive. Particularly, the price of accommodations for in Mandalay is extremely high, which contributes considerably to the high total cost of packages. As a result, it’s better for you to choose less expensive destinations such as Kalaw, Taunggyi, Pyin Oo Lwin and Monywa in your Myanmar travel. 3. Take advantage of early booking bonusesLock in your vacation plans earlier and you’ll pay less. Early booking bonuses can sometimes save thousands of dollars on the cost of Myanmar vacation packages for your family. You’ll also likely have your pick of accommodations and dates. 4. Go the last-minute routeSee more: http://www.hellocoton.fr/mapage/voyagebirmanie If you’re not traveling at peak times (such as New Year’s Day, based on Gregorian calendar) and you’re flexible about where you go, you can get some terrific last-minute deals. Note that Burmese people celebrate their New Year in early April. You should not travel to Myanmar at this time as most units such as shops, restaurants, and banks are closed. 5. Look for deals for kidsTraveling with the kids? Keep your eyes peeled for package deals where kids stay and eat for free. The mentioned tips may help you book Myanmar vacation packages at a better price. However, keep in your mind that price is not the most important criterion to choose a package. Do not book “cheap packages” of disreputable travel agencies as your Burma tours may become a disaster with low-quality services and turns out to be expensive. |
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