I decided not to watch the morning alms in Luang Prabang. Many people I met on my way said it is not as genuine as it used to be. So, instead I decided to go and see it somewhere else. I didn’t plan it to see it in Inle Lake, but one morning I got […]
Visiting Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung monastery in Nyaungshwe (Inle Lake, Myanmar)
Myanmar is full of temples, stupas and monasteries. Sometimes it can be a bit too much, and you might feel as you are tired and fed up with seeing yet another one. However, there are a couple of holy places that are worth visiting. One of them is Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung monastery in Nyaungshwe (Inle […]
How to make a cigar Burmese style
When you go on a boat trip around Inle Lake you will be taken to the cigar factory, where 8 or 9 ladies sit on the floor and you and other tourists will be watching the whole process. It is interesting and (for some) quite exciting. However, it is so much better when the whole […]
A cruise on Inle Lake
Mr Aung Wyn is 62 years old. For the last 40 years he’s been a boat driver on the famous Inle Lake. -20 years I worked for the government – he says – but didn’t like it. They didn’t pay enough. For the last 22 years I have been working for myself – he adds […]
Schwedagon Pagoda – the jewel of Yangon
It seems that pagodas are everywhere in Myanmar. Burmese are very religious and each town and village has its own shrine, local monastery or golden stupa. No wonder that when you travel around the country you might feel a bit overdosed on temples. However, Schwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is the one not to be missed […]
A first time visit in Yangon
A taxi ride from the airport to the city centre takes two hours. First the road is surrounded by palm trees and flowery bushes. ‘I think I’m going to like it here’ – I think when we pass through it. It doesn’t take too long before some women wearing longhyi, holding baskets of flowers and […]
What you can expect from the accommodation in Yangon
When you arrive in Yangon it might be a little difficult to find your bearings. It is a big city, it is hot and noisy. If you don’t have a booking, then it might be a challenge to find a free room. This post is to help you a little in choosing a room.If you are […]
6 reasons why Burma is a little different from your usual backpacking destination
As backpacker you are used to certain things: showing up at a place, and not having too much trouble with finding accommodation; you know that everything’s cheap and if you speak English you are able to communicate with everyone.Burma is a country of lovely people, exotic culture and sights, still raw and undiscovered, but you need to […]
One day left. Getting ready for The Trip
There is something magical about getting ready to set off on your trip. Your stomach is turning, you feel so excited it’s hard to fall asleep at night, you can’t eat..It’s a bit like being in love. There’s no better feeling than preparing for your trip, crossing off items off your list and waiting for […]