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Greeting from Popular Myanmar Travels “Mingalarbar"

Dear Sir/Madam

Let me greet you “Mingalarbar”-a charm and warmth address From Popular Myanmar Travels and Tour Co. Ltd.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our company –Popular Myanmar Travels & Tours Co. Ltd.

is Government registered authorized travel company to handle tourist in Myanmar. We have most experience helping overseas clients who wants to enjoy the mystic of Myanmar.

We have our own fleet of comfortable, luxurious and well-maintained A/C coaches, English & others language speaking guide to make our guests to feel comfort & understanding.

This skill that we have acquired through diligent interest and absolute dedication has helped us to work all the more efficiently and provide a better understanding of the kingdom

to visitors from abroad.

What Myanmar has to offer for you and your client?

Yangon and Environs

Yangon once the capital of Myanmar remains as commercial Hub of Myanmar. The lush tropical trees, the beautiful lakes and the glittering golden pagoda entitle Yangon as “The Green City of Grace”. Dating back to 1755,King Alaung Phaya of the Third Myanmar Empire conquered Dagon and renamed Yangon meant End of Strife. The present city was laid out a chessboard pattern with road running north to south and east to west stretching 223 sq miles comprising 31 township . Currently about 6 million people are residing in and around Yangon. The globalization has not yet overwhelmed the city and it still offers the atmosphere of the typical Asian city.

Famous sights in Yangon are Shwedagon Pagoda built over 2500 years, towering hundred meter above the city which is the most prominent land-mark. Sule Pagoda, situated right in the center of the town is an excellent landmark since over 2000 years ago. Kandawgyi, the rayal lake encompasses by a scenic park where city dweller can relax peacefully .The lake is adorned with artful Karaweik Barge.Chaukhtattkyi,the Colossal Reclining Buddha Image should not be missed. Bogyoke Market (formerly know as Scott Market) is of the varieties of Myanmar traditional costumes, jewellery, artifact and souvenirs. The Htaukkyant WWII cemetery is beautifully kept compound which has 27,000 tombstones of fallen Common Wealth and Allied soldiers. Explore some bustling with magnificent architecture remind Yangon’s past for those who try to enjoy life away from city life.

Thanlyin (Syriam) and Kyauktan

Thanlyin (formerly called Syriam) is situated at the confluence of the Yangon and Bago Rivers. Thanlyin dated from the early years of this millennium .There were many Mon settlers and some immigrants from India probably from the Orissa region in those earlier days. In the late 1500s till early 1600s Thanlyin east h base of the Portuguese adventurer Philip De Brito. Old Roman Catholic Church in ruins built in 1750 AD can still be seen. Thanlyin continued to be a major port until it was destroyed by King Alaung Phaya in 1756 during the Mon revolt.Kyaik Hkauk Pagoda rising on the hillock at the outskirt of the town by the road to Kyauktan is a landmark.

About 20 km south of Thanlyin is the old town Kyauktan.As its name implies it is on a rocky ridge which runs from Thanlyin .Kyauktan is most known for its Yeh Lel Phaya, a collention of temples and pagoda situated on a small island in the middle of the river. Another interesting feature is the presence of many large tame catfish which are teeming in muddy waters around the pagoda .They are fed popcorn by the pilgrims and visitors.

Twantay

Aboat trip to Twantay (24 km sounth-west of Yangon) along the canal takes about two hours. According to the Shwesandaw Pagoda’s history the most ancient name was Kwunte built by the great Mon kings .It lies at the east of Twantay canal which was dug during the time of British rule in Myanmar to be short navigation from Yangon. The boat journey feasts you contrasting images country vistas and the calmness of the countryside. Agriculture and fisheries are the main business for populace. Moreover this small town is known for its pottery manufacturing the art of making pot had originated since about eight thousand years ago. Looking around through the many workshops where clay pots are being made manually you’ll have chance to observe this very traditional craft. Another way of excursion Twantay is walking to Shwesandaw Pagoda through the outer circuit road from where you could snatch country appearance. The old Mon pagoda Baung Daw Gyoke Located at outskirt of Twantay depicts artful structure done in early Mon period.

Walking through streets, taking horse-cart or riding trishaw fills you a memorable trip.

Bago

Bago formerly called Hantharewaddy is situated 80 km north of Yangon. The legend had it that the place where Bago stands today submerged in the water. One day a small patch of land appeared above the sea and in the course of time the delta expended and nowadays known as Bago. The small patch of land today is known as Hinthagon hillock.

Hantharwaddy became the ancient capital of Mon Kingdom called Ramanya which was founded in 573 Ad by two Mon princess from Thaton a lower part of Myanmar.

There were 42 Mon kings in Taungoo Dynasty and among them King Bayintnaung eas the founder of Second Myanma Empire .King Yazadrit,Tabin Shwe Htee, Queen Shin Saw Pu and King Dhammazedi were great monarchs.

The ancient Shwemawdaw Pagoda towering 375 feet was built in 840 AD and one of the major attractions in Bago. The Shwethalyaung huge reclining Buddha image built in 994 AD is the masterpiece of Myanmar perfection in stucco and symmetry. The Kyaikpun pagoda was built in 1476 AD by King Dhammazedi is the form of four gigantic Buddha images all in sitting posture placed back to back is impressive. Shwe Gu Gyi(the great golden cave )Pagoda was built after the model of Buddhagaya temple in India.Kambawzathadi place was built by King Bayintnaung and the present one is rebuilt but can keep its magnificence. Today Bago is famous for cheroot factory and various kinds of handicrafts.

Pyay

Present Pyay is 290km north of Yangon. Myanmar people referred to Pyay as Sriketra whose existence is testified by the discoveries near the village of Hmawza 8km south of Pyay. Present Pyay is situated at the confluence of Ayeyarwaddy and Nawin rivers .Pyay is at theeast bank of Ayeyarwaddy river between the rich land of the Delta in the south and land of peanut, cotton, tobacco ,sesame seed and toddy palm in the north. According to the legend Buddha once sojourned on Pho Oo hill a hill on the other side of the river. The place in those days was a primeval forest inhabited by spirits and celestial gnomes fairies and mythical beings. All of them assembled to learn what the Buddha taught .All of them rejoined in Buddha’s words and stayed together in loving kindness .Finally Buddha prophesied to the place where Pyay stands today that there would arise a prosperous city called Sriketra.Historically interesting places around Pyay are Shwenattaung pagoda some 14km south of Pyay; once it was called Shwetaung (golden hill) .Pho Oo hill is connected with back ground history. Shwesandaw pagoda(The Sacred Hair Relic Shrine)is the one which tells about the retrospective glory of the town. Mingyi Taung (Hill of King)where the story of Sriketra began is a remarkable birth place of Beydayi, whose son King Duttabaung established Sriketra; a very ancient city of Pyu Era 1-5 AD.

Mandalay and Environs

Mandlalay " the last capital of Myanmar Kingdom"was built in 1857 by the King Mindon of Kongbaung Dynasty. The famous name ,Yadanapura means"city of jewels".Later it was called Mandalay after the Mandalay Hill.

The Mandalay Palace was built in 1857 AD and completed in 1861 AD. The palace surrounded by splendid moats and palace walls make the city magnificent.

Mandalay is not only the center of Myanmar culture for its exquisite arts and crafts silk weaving incredible gold leaves making ,stone, wood carving and bronze casting but also as religious center for its numerous pagodas and monasteries .Mandalay is also originated place for the traditional dance and drama.

The focus of the city is Mandalay hill where spiraling staircases lead to sweeping view of the city and its temples, among them the nearby Kuthodaw Paya , which contains the world’s biggest book, the workshops of gold leave making, tapestry making ,woodcarving, marble carving and bronze casting .The Rakhine Buddha image of Mahamuni Paya is the most revered one in Mandalay.

The surroundings of Mandalay comprise four ancient royal cities ruled by the several kings of Kongbaung Dynasty Inwa, Amarapure, Sagaing and Mingun each of them has its own character and interesting sights.

After the British had conquered Mandalay in 1886 they turned the royal palace of Mandalay into their military headquarters and christened the complex Fort Dufferin.

Pyin Oo Lwin

Piyin Oo Lwin is an old colonial hill station eists 1050 meter above sea level,68 km south east of Mandalay.It was built by Colonel May in 1886 and formerly called Maymyo(May’s town) Because of its geographical existence , Pyin Oo Lwin has moderate temperature cool in average all year round.

Pyin Oo Lwin can be reached by road or rail. The uphill and downhill by road has a couple of S-bends before it gets to Pyin Oo Lwin.One can have the bird’s eye of Mandalay and surrounding panorama when reaching to the view point at the 21 mile (34 km) enroute.

The town is also famous as “the city of flowers” for its abundance in varieties of flowers like asters dahlias and chrysanthemuns etc. Today coffee and strawberries are widely grown in large plantations as a commercial basis.

The Purcell Tower builts in 1936 is the famous historical landmark in the old colonial town with still standing old English style building including gables , turrets and chimneys. Taking horse drawn carriage along shady trees streets let you enjoy the vistas of charming complex of course remains you unforgettable experience. National Kandawgyi Garden(formerly called Botanical Garden ) support to fill another impression of town which covered about 400 acres of land filled with various kinds of flowers.shrubs and plants, lawns, lake, trees and indigenous medicine plantations. A watch tower in it is able to view the whole garden.

Pwegauk waterfall a place for relax Datawgyaik waterfall the highest waterfall in Myanmar as high as 70 meter and over 200million years old Peikchinmyaung natural cave are the natural beauties nearby Pyin Oo Lwin.

Monywa

Monywa lies on the eastern bank of the Chindwin river. The journey to Monywa takes about thee and half hours drive from Mandalay via Sagaing which is approximately 136 km west to Mandalay.

The ancient name was Thalawadi said to be a large village in the Bagan Era. Monywa serves as a major trade center for agricultural produce especially bean, pulses, sesame, cotton and jiggery(palm sugar).Copper is mined near Monywa , Poe Win Hill after crossing the Chindwin river, another 25 km of dusty road will lead to system of sandstone caves situated in a cleft of the Poe Win Hills.The caves and surrounding hills are named after U Po Win a famous zawgyi (alchemist)who once lived among them. Its stome carving and mural painting are marvelous work.The caves themselves contain Buddha statues most exhibit the Inwa(Ava) style as far back as the 14^th century and murals dating to the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Dozens of large and small caves in the area filled up over 460.The hills had probably been occupied since the dawn of human habitation in Myanmar.To the south west lies th Pondaung Pon Nya mountain range where the fossilized remains of “Pondaung Man” who might have lived 30 millions years ago were found.

Thanbuddhae pagoda The complex of 582363 Bddha image was built in 1903.It is the prominent attraction of Monywa and is the magnificent, Mt.Meru type, structure .From the outside, the central stupa is vaguely reminiscent of Borobudur in Indonesia, though considerably smaller than that. Small stupas numbering 845 surround the richly decorated central stupa.

Bodhitahtaung-(one thousand Bo trees complex)is a viewing scenic spot. The gigantic lying , reclining and standing Buddha statues tell you a remarkable works done by Buddhist devotees.

Sagaing

Sagaing is situated at 21km south west of Mandalay on the west bank of Ayeyarwaddy river. Sagaing became a capital of an independent Shan kingdom around AD 1315 after the fall of Bagan. The days of that dynasty were not so important in Myanmar. It was moved to Inwa (Ava) in AD 1364. Today the enormous dome shaped pagoda Kaunghmudaw built by king Thalun in 1636 is a distinct landmark. The real attraction of Sagaing is the Sagaing hill where the whole area is covered with many pagodas, temples and very green shady trees.

Over 400 monasteries for monks and nuns are located for Buddhist studies and meditation. The place is co serene and peaceful that it is recognized by all Buddhists as a religious retreat where true peace and tranquility can be found .From the hill top one can enjoy the fascinating view of Ayeyarwaddy river with boats, bamboo and timber rafts floating up and down. The fantastic view of the British built Inwa Bridge and the newly built Sagaing Bridge across the Ayeyarwaddy river indeed adds a real pleasant sight.The contemporary silverware making is the maintained art of the ancient Myanmar shich makes Sagaing still famous for its fabulous silverware artifacts.

Mingun

Mingun is located on the western bank of the river Ayeyarwaddy, approximately 11 km northwest of Mandalay. It is reachable by boat from Mandalay across the river-1 hour for up-river and 40 minutes for down- river. While heading to Mingun village, watching either side of river is a pleasure. Small villages with backdrop shrines , monasteries, meditation centers feast you enjoy. Mingun Pahtodaw-gyi is onwe of the famous buildings. It was started in 1790 but while its height was reached at 162 feet, it was stopped due to the death of the King Bodaw-paya. Although the unfinished structure was badly damaged with cracks by the earthquake in 1838,it is still the largest brick base in the world. Two enormous statues of lion are at the east stairway which faces the Ayeyarwaddy river. From there, you can enjoy natural scenic beauty of Ayeyarwady river, green and pleasant Mingun hill. The Mingun gigantic ringing bell cast in 1790is the biggest un-cracked ringing bell in the world weighing 89 tons.Myatheindan pagoda built in 1816 is the representation of the Sulamani pagoda which according to the Buddhist plan of the cosmos stands atop a Mt. Meru.tha seven wavy terraces around the pawgoda represent the seven mountain ranges around Mt.Meru . Mingun Home for the Aged was founded by Daw Oo Zun herself in 1915 with a view to looking after destitute old aged people. Another place you can study is the monastery where Riverend Sayadaw U Viseitta Sara Vivams, the winner of Tipi-taka Title resided. Thr Sayadaw was listed in the Guinnes Book of records as one of the most intelligent men in the world.

Inwa(Ava)

Just about 20 km southwest of Mandalay Inwa one of the important old cities lies at the confluence of Mytinge and Ayeyarwaddy rivers.The former Inwa a capital of upper Myanmar from AD 1364 until 1841 .Farms ,villages, monasteries and ruined pagodas are scatted around the area within the old city walls. Some parts of the wall are in particularly good condition while some have been restored. Some monuments erected during the Inwa era still remain as worthy some visiting sights. The Watch Tower 27 meter high is one of the famous remains in the palace compound is called the leaning tower of Inwa. Maha Aungmye Bonzan monastery built in AD 1881 depicted the fine masonry art of those days. The Bargaya monastery is a typical wooden work of a later period of Inwa. Riding in a horse cart through the old city is a really memorable and pleasurable.

Bagan and Environs

Bagan " The First Myanmar Empire ", was founded by the King Anawrahta(1044-1077)lies on the eastern bank of Ayeyarwaddy river covering about 25 sq km at the central part of Myanmar .Tradition carried by the local chronicles has it that a long line of fifty-five kings ruled over this kingdom during the twelfth century.

King Pyinbya was the builder of the present day Bagan city wall erected in 849 AD .But the authentic history of the dynasty began only with the reign of King Anawrahta.In 1057 Anawrahta conquered Thaton and brought back to his capital the Theravada scripture a number of literate Buddhist monks artists and craftsmen.Theravada Buddhism was introduced by King Anawratha with the help of Shin Arahan a missionary monk from Thaton the Mon Kingdom and the king also established contacts with Sri Lanka.

During the 11^th to 13^th centuries Bagan became a truly cosmopolitan centre of Buddhist studies attracting monks and students from as far as India Sri Lanka as well as the Thai and Khmer kingdoms. It was from this momentous date that there began the extraordinary architectural and artistic activity which covered the city and its environs with thousands of splendid monuments in various shapes and sizes the inner walls most of which were decorated with incredible frescoes. It is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia today still stands over 3300 religious monuments.

In 1287 the kingdom was fallen to the Mongolians after refusing to pay tribute to Kublai Khan. Thousands of pagoda were despoiled and said to have dismantled a considerable number of the monuments to collect materials for building forts.

The Bagan museum built inside a large court yard houses ancient Buddha images in stone bronze and wood guardian figures stucco decorative elements and lithographic slabs .Notably there is the famous four-faced Myazedi stone inscriptions in Pyu,Pali, Mon and Myanmar .

Contemporary Bagan is synonymous with lacquer wares which are meticulously crafted into varieties. So long as the Ayeyarwaddy river flows, so long will Bagan be the inspiration of Buddhism loving kindness.

Mt. Popa

Mt. Popa about 1518 meter high is the oasis of the arid zone situated 60km southeast of Bagan. It stands completely alone above the low ridge of sandstone, sparsely scattered over the country. It is one of the National Parks in Myanmar.The two places of interest are the main mountain the extinct volcano and Taungkalat (table mountain) Which was formed after the eruption took place about 320,000 years ago. It is precipitous and one can get to the along the winding stairway. Tame group of monkeys keep accompany with the visitors all the way up. The view of the countryside from there is breathtaking.

The main mountain looks like an ordinary volcano a conical silhouette and concave slopes, steepest near the crater rim. One can visit to sandal wood plantation education center regarding the flora and fauna of Mt. Popa and other nooks and cranny. There are many springs on this mountain from where water constantly comes out. The soil is naturally fertile so that medicinal plants and trees such as banana, jackfruit, papaya , plums , grape and vegetables can be grown on the slopes and at the foot of Mt.Popa

Another ritual belief is the home for the “Nat”(unseemly spirit).Those who believe in “Nat” come and pray to for their well being and perform “Pwe” aim to 37 “Nats”.The symbol of mountain is champak flower.

Inle Lake and Environs

Inle Lake ,the second largest natural lake in Myanmar located at Western Shan Plateau ,is a site of an aquatic landscape. Inle Lake is roughly 14mile long by 4 miles wide and is situated at 2950feet above sea level with an average depth of about 10feet and a maximum depth of 20feet .

The lake is the home to the In the people famous for its leg-rowing fishermen who stand upright at the stern of their boats and paddle with one leg wrapped around the oar and do their fishing with conical fish traps that are thrust into the water and held down with one foot while a pole. Many of whom live off the lake by farming “floating gardens” made up of aquatic vegetation, composted foliage and soil which is staked to the lake bottom with bamboo poles.

The lake is also well-known for its ”rotating market runs on a five-day cycle” with Shan ethnic people its artisans and its cottage factories that produce hand-woven silk and fabric Shan bags ,jewellery, hand-formed metal work and cheroot. The lake is idyllic with thatched huts perched on stilts above the water across thick mats of floating hyacinths and floating gardens segregated by bamboo fencing with their images mirrored in the still water.

The highlight of the trip to Inle Lake is Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda which contains Buddha images that have had so much gold leaf rubbed on them that they almost look like gilded eggs the hand-woven silk factory the blacksmith shop the Cheroot factory the silversmith shop and Nga-Phe-Chaung monastery known as jumping cats monastery with the collection of old ware religious artifacts.

Intha are totally Buddhist so that Phaung Daw Oo pagoda festival is the most majestic held in late September and early October. The four of five Buddha images do a round tour within the lake and it is very splendid Inndein Pagoda located at the western part of the lake is surrounded by the cluster of ancient stupas in the bushes .Inndein Pagoda compound can be accessed along narrow creek and along the way you could observe county type the farms, buffaloes and kids who are washing and swimming in the creek.

Pindaya and its natural cave

Pindaya , 1183 meter above the sea level is in Shan State , 45 km north of Kalaw. It is situated at the foot of western ridge of Shan mountains. The road to Pindaya is very scenic ,one of the loveliest in Shan State ,passing through enchanting villages of Shan, Pa-O and Danu hill tribes .One can also see the fields of potatoes, cabbages, onions, sunflower ,paddy and jute plantation, likely the beds lying on the ground, and also the plantation of tangerine orange groves, avocado and other vegetables and fruits in this fertile area.

It is another picturesque town in Shan State; famous for its natural lime stone believed to be more than 200,000 million years old. This cave have been places of worship and veneration with 8094 Buddha images made from various materials like teak wood, marble, alabaster, brick, cement and lacquer all enshrined in the nook and corners of the winding cavern. Research exposed the earliest images in the cave are dated from AD 1773.The numerous stalactites and stalagmites in this cave form fanciful shapes.

The tranquil lake with an avenue of some of the huge banyan trees are part of the beauty of this area. Pindaya is a worthy place to explore the natural existence, ancient objects and lovely trees.

Taunggyi (meaning a huge mountain)

Taunggyi (meaning a huge mountain ) lies 1435 meter above sea-level is situated at the sounthern Shan State and also the capital of the Shan State with moderate climate. It is 730 km north east from Yangon. It is situated on a plateau surrounded by high mountain. The road to Taunggyi is full of bends and zigzags and seem from above resembles serpentine. The are pines, cherry and eucalyptus trees growing all over the town and the whole area is green pleasant.

The busiest part of Taunggyi is the Myoma market, a place where people from the environs used to flock once every five day to buy and sell their regional products. But now it become the daily market and is constantly crowded with people. Another interesting place to visit in Taunggyi is the cultural museum where cultural objects, musical instruments ,traditional dress, household and farm implements, paintings , sculptures, art and crafts of the different national races residing in Shan States can be seen. There are also “Hawnans”(palatial residences) where the Shan “Sawbwas”(Shan Chieftains) used to live. The beauty of Taunggyi and its environs can be viewed from the tops of many mountain surrounding the town. The most significant festival in Taunggyi ,the hot-air balloon competition, holds during third week of November.

Lashio-Hsipaw

Hsipaw was once the centre of a small Shan State, the local capital of a Shan principality of the same name which according to its legendary history goes back to year 58 B.C .Barmar pronounces the name as Thibaw and the last Myanmar King Thibaw (1875-85 AD) got his name from this town. The old wooden traditional “Haw”, palace of the Sawbwa was destroyed by bombing during the last World War, but we are able to visit the modern Sawbwa’s residence built during colonial times by Sawbwa Sao Ohn Kya who ruled Hsipaw has a local market in the center of the town , with cinemas small guest houses and restaurants near the bus stands. The Haw is at the northern end of the town and the main pagoda, the Maha Myatmuni Phaya is right at the southern end. The roads are parallel to the Namtu of Dokhtawaddy river. We can visit Bawgyo pagoda , a very Shan-style pagoda from the 14 th century, Shan Palace and Maha Myatmuni Paya. Further along the way before we reach Lashio are some Shan villages.

Lashio is the largest town as well as a capital in northern Shan State at an altitude of 3100ft, on a low mountain spur overlooking the valley of the Nam Yao river, a tributary of the Namtu River. The famous Burma Road built by the British before the War, intersect with Ledo Road leading into the Yunnan province. The population is made up of mostly Bamar, Shan and Chinese. Man-Su Pagoda and Pyi Lone Chanthar pagoda are of common visit. Central market in the morning is packed with some ethnic groups. The natural hot spa, nearly five miles away from the city center, on the road to Muse are also worth to visit.

Muse , a small town on the banks of the Shweli River is the banks of the Shweli River is the main border gateway between Myanmar and Yunnan Province (China).Located 190 km from Lashio,it is a bustling trading center.Namkham and Kyukoke are nearby border towns.

We are able to organize trips from Mandalay via Lashio and Muse (close to the Chinese Border)to Bhamo by road and back to Mandalay by ship.