Coach trips have never been my favourite form of travel but this one was different. Accompanied by my wife and son and a whole contingent of Thai family and friends we flew to Yangon in Myanmar (Burma) for a 2 night adventure.
It was amazing what we were able to see and do in such a short space of time.
The second day's adventure began with a trip to the Kya Khat Waing Monastery in Bago province, where we watched several hundred monks take their morning meal and receive donations from the hordes of (mainly Thai) tourists.
Then we headed to the nearby Kyaik Pun Pagoda to see the four faced Buddha statue, before setting off for Yangon. In downtown Yangon we visited the old Bogyoke Aung San Market (aka the Scott Market) and the gleaming new Junction City shopping mall just across the road.
Then it was off to the amazing Shwedagon Pagoda, where thousands of pilgrims walk around the shrines and make merit. It was a magical experience being there as the sun went down and the lights came on.
The final day of the trip was a busy one. We began the day by visiting the enormous reclining Buddha at the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda. This temple is basically just an enormous shed to protect the 65 metre long statue, famed for its beautiful expressive face.
Next stop was the Botahtaung Pagoda down by the river. This place has become a mecca for Thai tourists, who flock there to touch their heads against the finger of guardian spirit Bo Bo Gyi's hand and make a wish.
The final stop of the trip was the Kyauktan Yele Pagoda - a temple built on an island in Hmaw Wun Creek, a tributary of Yangon River. Accessed by long tail boat, this was a beautiful and fascinating place and a fitting finale to a very interesting adventure.
This video was shot on a GoPro Hero7 Black and features the 1991 song "Hoomba Hoomba" by Voice of Africa as its soundtrack.
1 окт 2024
