AboutNancy B Expertise One of my all-time favorites. I`ve been there more than 10 times (for at least a month each time), done the tourist loop five times and travelled to several permit-only areas. Aside from the Yangon, Bago, Inle, Kalaw, Mandalay, Pagan, Pyay route, I`ve travelled twice to Sittwe, Mrauk-U and the Chin areas and then down to Ramree Island, Ngapali and Pathein. Been on the wonderful boat from Bhamo to Mandalay and sojourned in the south a bit past Moulmein. Most recently I trekked in the northern Kachin state, camped and stayed with the Rawang tribe, for 2 weeks on the way to Phonekan Razi to see the Himalayas from the east. I`ve taken nearly every mode of transport--trains, planes, buses, boats, bikes, oxcarts, trekking on foot. I can answer logistical questions about airfare, hotels, restaurants, trekking, trains, restricted/open areas and, especially, cultural/religious sites and their significance.
Experience The world is a fascinating place and nothing reveals this more thoroughly than exploring faraway lands. I've got a penchant for the exotic, a friendly face and a true curiousity about the people, art and life.
I'm at the very beginning of researching SE Asia. Next year, I'll be coming from India, Sikkim, maybe Bhutan, then to Burma.
I'm interested in visiting beautiful religious sites. So when planning my trip, are there any shrines requiring a permit and where does one get a permit? Would I obtain it BEFORE leaving home (U.S.)? What about the rioting and violence against the monks? Has that died down? Is is safe to go there?
Answer Hi, Julie,
Actually, for the most part, permit-only areas are tribal, mountainous, logging, waterfront, borders or remote gem areas. In general, the major shrines are accessible without permits.
There are some famous historic areas in the area from Bhamo to Mandalay (Tagaung), but these are not excavated (and are earth-covered ruins at best). The three most famous and notable sites are obviously Pagan, Mrauk-U, the royal cities near Mandalay (Mingun, Ava, Amlapura, Sagaing) and Sri-Ksetra (Beikthano), near Pyay (the old Prome).
Less ancient famous (or smaller) sites include those in Yangon, Bago, Mottama (no evidence of its past is really evident), Moulmein (Mawlaymine) . . . including supposedly the new world's largest reclining buddha south of there, Kyaiktho (on the way to Moulmein), Salay (beautiful teak monastery), Mt. Popa (near Pagan), Pakkoku (outside Taunggyi), Indein (on Inle Lake), Pindaya.
Probably the only one site that you may need a permit for is the 15th century A.D., K̉gun Cave, Pha An township, Kayin State with its hundreds of clay votive tablet buddhas embedded in the rock wall.
If you're doing a more scholary treatise, there are many ancient "lost" cities like Tagaung, there's an excellent depiction of them at:http://myanmartravelinformation.com/mti-myanmar-lost-cities/index.htm
The most scenic religious sites in general in my opinion?
--I adore Pagan, never get tired of it (especially love Htilomilo, Upali Thein and some of the more remote southern temples)
--Indein on the shores of Inle (and other pagodas at the south end of the lake, especially on market day!)
--Sagaing is a fairy tale city glimmering in the hills chock full of monasteries and nunneries
--The pahto at Mingun is tremendous in scale
--Mrauk-U (especially Kotautaung) is marvelous
In short, some of the most famous are the most notable! I'd recommend looking a photo books of Myanmar to see what's photogenic!
Have fun,
Nancy B
PS--Please don't forget to rate my answer!
