Yangon Airways In-flight Magazine

Issue No.3

Your Complimentary Copy

10th ANNIVERSARY

I S S U E

OUR THREE MAIN NATIONAL CAUSES

Non-disintegration of the Union................... Our cause

Non-disintegration of national solidarity ...... Our cause

Perpetuation of national sovereignty........... Our cause

PEOPLE’S DESIRE

• Oppose those relying on external elements, acting as stooges,

holding negative views

• Oppose those trying to jeopardize stability of the State and

progress of the nation

• Oppose foreign nations interfering in internal affairs of the

State

• Crush all internal and external destructive elements as the

common enemy

FOUR POLITICAL OBJECTIVES

• Stability of the State, community peace and tranqulity,

prevalence of law and order

• National reconciliation

• Emergence of a new enduring State Constitution

• Building of a new modern developed nation in accord with

the new State Constitution

FOUR ECONOMIC OBJECTIVES

• Development of agriculture as the base and all-round

development of other sectors of the economy as well

• Proper evolution of the market-oriented economic system

• Development of the economy inviting participation in terms

of technical know-how and investment from sources inside

the country and abroad

• The initiative to shape the national economy must be kept in

the hands of the State and the national peoples

FOUR SOCIAL OBJECTIVES

• Uplift of the morale and morality of the entire nation

• Uplift of national prestige and integrity and preservation

and safeguarding of cultural heritage and national character

• Uplift of dynamism of patriotic spirit

• Uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire

nation

COVER STORY

Cooling Down in Pyin Oo Lwin

PHOTO FROM

Ko Aung

DESIGN BY

MTH

All information correct at time of printing

Printed by Siri KhittrA publication

48AMAZING HOLIDAY

IN AMAZING MYANMAR

20DAILY ROUTINE OF

A MONK

26TAZAUNGDING FESTIVAL

OF A TIME ENJOYMENT

40TOURING AROUND

YANGON

34TURNERY

EDITOR

Robin Carter

PUBLISHING LICENSEE

Capt. Tin Maung Aye

PHOTO

Ko Aung

DESIGNER

MTH

PRINTING

Shwe Zin Printing House(0368)

PRODUCTION

Siri KhittrA publication

DISTRIBUTION

Yangon Airways

COVER PERMISSION

5409680610

MD’s Message

Corporate Identity

Myanmar Shopping Gguide

Cooling Down in Pyin Oo Lwin

Daily Routine of a Monk

Tazaungdine Festival or A Time of Enjoyment

Turnery

Touring around Yangon

Amazing Holiday in Amazing Myanmar

Htamane

Leave My Jackfruit Tree Out Of It

Horoscope

PSA, GSA List

Route Map

Flight Schedule

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5

8

10

20

26

34

40

48

52

54

56

58

59

62

Shopping guide

Destination

Life

Festival

Arts & Crafts

City Life

Myanmar Holidays

Traditional Food

Folk Tale

Your Future

Travel Information

Guide Map

Travel Information

All rights reserved, copyright ©2005 by Siri KhittrA aviation products; Opinions expressed in Swesone are solely those of the writer and are not necessarily endorsed by Yangon Airways or the publisher, who are not

responsible or liable in any way for the contents or any other the advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations contained in this publication. All inquiries to the above address

c o n t e n t s

52HTAMANE

TRADITIONAL FOOD

10COOLING DOWN IN

PYIN OO LWIN

20DAILY ROUTINE OF

A MONK

n this auspicious occasion, of the 10

years anniversary of Yangon Airways

I extend my very best wishes to all

our customers, friends and associates wherever

they may be for their staunch support to Yangon

Airways.

In brief I would like to give you a short history

on the origin of Yangon Airways. Yangon Airways

was formed in 1996 as a Joint Venture undertaking

with Myanma Airways and registered under the

Special Companies Act of the Union of Myanmar

on approval by the Myanma Investment

Commission of the Ministry of National Planning

and our inaugural flight was on the 16th

October 1996.

From the outset Yangon Airways has methodically

adopted planning, maintenance organisation,

and operations measures by skilled professionals

trained by ATR in Toulouse. Our main objective

being, comfort, safety, reliability and punctuality for

our passengers. Yangon Airways ATR aircraft were

acquired new from the manufacturer and are

subjected to periodical checks on Airworithines

by French Civil Aviation Authorities and Civil

Aviation Authorities of Myanmar. In addition,

Maintenance facilities are supervised by the

European Air Safety Authority. Our Pilots and

Engineers also hold French Certification on ATR

aircraft. I am proud to say that Yangon Airways

over this period of 10 years has held the highest

Safety record.

Greetings fromthe MANAGING DIRECTOR

TIN SOEManaging Director

Yangon Airways

message

5

O

coporate identity

6

CORPORATE PROFILEYangon Airways was established in October 1996 as a domestic airline in a joint

venture between Myanma Airways, the state-owned national airline and

Krong-Sombat Co., of Thailand. In October 1997, MHE-Mayflower Co. acquired

Krong-Sombat’s shares in Yangon Airways and since then the airline has evolved

into a principal domestic airline operating scheduled and charter services from

Yangon to 13 prime commercial and tourist destinations in Myanmar.

CORPORATE POLICYYangon Airways adopts a progressive approach for upgrading service and performance.

Maintaining our fleet to the highest standards of operational readiness, safety and

reliability is always high on the agenda of Yangon Airways. Wwe strongly believe that

by taking a greater sense of responsibility in serving our passengers, we will earn

their trust and confidence.

CORPORATE IDENTITYElephants, in Myanmar history and civilization, are significant creatures in helping

society with strong and loyal service. They are hardworking and their loyalty to

their masters is as outstanding as their mighty strength. In our history, the

elephants are noble animals which played an important role in the development of

various Myanmar kingdoms. They served as the royal carriages for all our famous

kings. Their service in the armed forces, and the production and transportation

industries is also significant in the development of the nation.

Sin Phyu (the White Elephant) is very rare and Myanmar kings took great

pride in possessing Sin Phyu Taw (the Royal Wwhite Elephant) as their royal insignia.

They used them as their personal mount for royal ceremonial occasions and tours.

Yangon Airways, with the spirit and power of the Sin Phyu Taw enhanced by a pair of

wings, will bring the service and faithfulness of the legendary Sin Phyu Taw Pyan(the

Flying Royal White Elephant) into Myanmar skies to serve all our valued passengers.

THE FLEETYangon Airways operates new ATR 72-210s powered by Pratt & Whitney PW-127

engines and fitted with state-of-the-art avionics system. The aircraft have an

impressive exterior and appealing interior, a highly efficient performance and extra

quiet operating conditions. They are configured to carry 70 passengers with

30-inch seat pitch. Yangon Airways’ aircraft are maintained to the highest standards

of airworthiness requirements.

European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-145 approved for

maintenance facility and standards.

coporate identity

7

“Our mission is to continuously strive to improve and expand; to offer

our customers safety, reliability, and highest possible

service at lowest possible cost; and to generate necessary

profit for development of our company. ”

THE PEOPLEYangon Airways employs highly qualified flight and cabin crew as well as ground service and maintenance staff. Yangon

Airways’ employees are thoroughly trained, both in-house and abroad, prior to active duty.

Yangon Airways pilots constantly keep up their level of competency with simulator and flight training under the

supervision of qualified flight instructors. Engineers also update their knowledge and expertise by attending training

courses, technical seminars and operators’ conferences.

Training programmes for in-flight staff are designed to meet the objectives of our service policy. Our skilled

in-flight staff with their charming personalities, courteous attitudes and traditional Myanmar hospitality, will make your

journey a most joyful experience.

SERVICE PHILOSOPHYYangon Airways embraces the Myanmar philosophy that one’s kindness and affection will be reflected to oneself. Sincerity,

politeness and honesty are unique attributes of the Myanmar people.

Passengers are the most important persons for us. Wwe are for the passengers and we will give them the most

courteous treatment. We are sensitive to the feelings and needs of our passengers. We are proud of our airline and expect

our passengers will also take pride in travelling with Yangon Airways.

OUR SHARED VISIONYangon Airways believes that efficient communication is an essential component of the modern world environment.

Better transportation will bring about the smoother flow of traffic and will contribute to the development of the

economic and social well-being of the society in which we live.

We shall serve our society and be worthy of earning fair rewards from it.

shopping guide

8

The Na-Gar Glass Factory, where handmade recycled glass utilities

are produced, is one of THE places to visit in Yangon. This is an old

family business that has been passed down for generations.

Whiskey glasses, wine glasses, cocktail glasses and many

other kinds of glasses are displayed under a thatch-roofed,

open-sided hut, along with lamps, flower vases, ashtrays, glass toys

and other decorative glass pieces. Sweet elderly women take care

of sales, making every visit unique. One interesting aspect of the

site is the fact that most of the stock, much of it broken, has been

piled like mountains in the huge factory compound for years.

Going through the piles and looking for what you want is fun

and exciting. The whole compound is covered with big trees and

bushes, making the visit seem more like an excursion into the

forest than a day out in Yangon.

Glass colours include white, brown, blue, green and even

red. A free tour of the factory, which includes demonstrations of

glass-blowing techniques, is available for all visitors.

Na-Gar Glass Factory, No. 152, Yawgi Kyaung St., Hlaing Tsp.

Silver ware and silver accessories have always been a big hit, but in today’s modern

world, silver has become a strong favourite among the younger generation. Silver

accessories are cool and detailed, go well with modern clothes, and are popular

among the truly fashion conscious. Trendy pure silver is even attracting the

attention of the gold-obsessed older generation, who now like to highlight large

silver items in their homes to enhance the décor.

At Aung Kyaw Oo there is an almost overwhelming choice of silver items

to choose from: a large variety of earrings, rings, brooches and lockets, not to

mention foot chains, necklaces and bangles. All pieces are made from 95 percent

silver, the workmanship is top quality and most of the designs are original with

plenty of modern influences.

Aung Kyaw Oo also stocks traditional designs such as Myanmar green

tea sets and big vases.

Aung Kyaw Oo, 450 Theinbyu Road, Botahtaung Township

SHOPPING GUIDEmyanmar

By Su Myat Hla

The grand décor gracing the River Gallery is an art in itself, with a golden entrance

featuring glass mosaic, ancient royal architecture and stylish furniture. A visit to the

gallery is guaranteed never to be boring even if you don’t take into account the beauty

of the paintings! But who can ignore the paintings themselves? The gallery’s devotion to

contemporary art sets it apart from most other Yangon galleries, making a visit here a

truly unique experience.

The River Gallery’s 35-member group comprises most of Myanmar’s leading

modern artists who deliver work covering a dazzling variety of subjects using many

different compositional styles. The works of some famous painters such as Zaw Win Pe

and Khin Zaw Latt can only be found at the gallery.

About 40 paintings are on display at the gallery and these are regularly changed

so you will always find something new and stimulating. Temporary exhibitions are also

often held.

River Gallery, Strand Hotel, 92 Strand Road, Kyauktada Township

GLASS FACTORY

SILVER RULES

THE GALLERY OF ART

Something Myanmar, something modern, something exclusive

shopping guide

9

Old timber need no longer be

wasted wood, especially in the

caring hands of Jamie Humphries

at Burma Chindits. It’s quite a

surprise to discover that the

older the wood is, the more

beautiful it can be when skilfully

carved. In fact, the reclaimed

timber can be even more

attractive than new wood.

Jamie Humphries

works wonders with aged

wood from old buildings, wood

that was destined to simply

become firewood.

His love for his craft is

evident in his showroom, where

the old timber is rendered into

GOOD OLD WOOD

ELEGANT RATTAN

Jewellery designs are at their most

vibrant and striking at the Tan Collection.

Beads of different shapes, colours and

designs compete with one other with

eye-catching force at Terrance Tan’s

showroom.

Tan is not only one of the few

jewellery designers in Myanmar, but also

an artist who has succeeded at the

international level. His first show was

held in New York this year and created

much interest.

The themes of his designs are

“East meets West” and “Past meets

Present”. He uses natural beads, ancient

beads and traditional beads from national

groups throughout Myanmar, beads that

represent intriguing history and culture.

He mixes those beads with imported

crystal and other man-made ornaments

to create jewellery that truly is art.

Tan Collection, 12A Pyay Road, 6½ Mile,

Hlaing Township

WEARABLE ART

The Rattan House is definitely the place to find the

finest rattan furniture and utilities in Yangon.

The skilled workmanship and

superb finishing make just visiting Rattan

House a worthwhile experience, but it’s

even more worthwhile if you choose some

smart furniture for your home. Items at

Rattan House range from accessory boxes,

under plates and mirror frames to large

dressing tables and settees. But it’s the cute

rattan lamps that are always the centre of

attention.

And the Rattan House collection

does not stop with just rattan. It also

includes accessories made from burl wood,

mother of pearl and bamboo. Multi-coloured

silk and cotton cloth from Mandalay and

Inle are also stocked and are perfect for cushion

covers.

Rattan House, 23(A) Golden Valley Road (near the

Australian Club), Bahan Township

Myanmar Architecture: Cities of Gold, Ma Thanegi’s latest book about Myanmar architecture,

captures the true sense of the country’s architectural uniqueness.

Myanmar is rich in historic pagodas, religious shrines and colonial buildings, and

this book features a long list of architectural highlights. Ma Thanegi’s coverage includes a

comprehensive range of historical and traditional buildings, as well as contemporary

architecture. The book also gives insight into well-known churches,

mosques, Hindu and Chinese temples, and other religious

structures such as nat (spirit) shrines.

The book doesn’t restrict itself to Yangon

architecture and features renowned buildings from

across the country, including King Hsipaw’s mansion in

Shan State, Kalaw’s colonial railway station, and pagodas

in many popular tourist destinations. The book shows

how local architectural styles differ across the nation.

Photographer Barry Broman’s pictures

admirably capture the grandeur of the buildings chosen for

the book.

Available at Nandawun, 55 Baho Road, Ahlone Township

works of beauty and art. The

showroom display includes

the usual Buddha statues,

plus Buddhist symbols and

decora t i ve i t ems l i ke

candleholders, gong holders

and coffee tables. But none

of the designs are “fixed” or

identical; they are individual pieces

incorporating the character and

flaws of the wood itself: Some

pieces have weather-beaten

holes or stains, which Jamie

leaves to add character to

each piece. Even items made

from termite-eaten wood

yield interesting designs.

Burma Chindits, 79 Mingalar

Street, 4th floor, Sanchaung

Township

UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE

PYIN OO LWINPYIN OO LWINPYIN OO LWIN

destination

10

PYIN OO LWINCooling down in

By Michael Rasmussen

destination

11

Kandawgyi National Gardens

is a 437-acre park with a

70-acre lake, forestland and

flowers galore. The park was

originally built in 1915-1916 by

a British forestry official,

Mr. Charles Alex Rogers.

destination

12

lthough only 70 kilometres

from Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin

is worlds away climate-wise,

a refreshing antidote to the

hot, dusty and hectic streets

of Myanmar’s last royal capital. In that distance,

the road between the two towns climbs from 74

to 1050 metres above sea level, winding through

pine forests and past mountain vistas. This change in

elevation, and the accompanying drop in temperature,

accounts for much of the difference.

Pyin Oo Lwin can be nearly 8 degrees

Celsius cooler than the plains below, the

perfect climate for growing flowers,

fruits and vegetables year-round.

Combine this abundant plant

growth with colonial-era

buildings and a stunning

mountain backdrop,

A

Purcell Tower stands in downtown

Pyin Oo Lwin.

Colourful vegetable market

Pyin Oo Lwin is surrounded by tree-covered hills.

Shwe Hnalone Taw Catholic Church

destination

13

and the result is one of the most

uniquely picturesque towns in

Myanmar.

Pyin Oo Lwin was originally a Shan

Danu village, but in the late 19th

century it was occupied by British

colonial forces. In 1896 it became a hill

station that served as a retreat for

European civil servants stationed in

Mandalay during the hottest months,

from March through May. Many of

these seasonal residents built

Edwardian-style summer cottages, a

good number of which are still standing

on grassy plots around town despite

the heavy damage sustained by the

area during World War II.

My visit to Pyin Oo Lwin occurred last

December, and although Mandalay is not

at its hottest at that time of year, it

was still a relief to drive up into

the tree-shaded hills. We climbed for

more than an hour, passing cargo-laden

trucks making their way to the Chinese

border at a snail’s pace. We stopped

halfway to let the engine of our hired

car cool down and to eat delicious

Shan noodles at a roadside restaurant.

When we had our fill we continued

our ascent, and every few minutes

it seemed like

the temperature

dropped one

or two degrees

Celsius. Then the

road levelled

and we found

ourselves in Pyin

Oo Lwin, a

town that was,

as advertised,

sprouting with

trees, flowers and vegetables.

It wasn’t hard to find a place to stay.

We chose a reasonab ly pr iced

guesthouse on the main road, but there

are also pleasant mid-range hotels

nestled on quiet backstreets. In early

2007 the accommodation options will

expand with the opening of Hotel Pyin

Oo Lwin, the town’s first four-star

Thiri Myaing Hotel

Chinese Temple on the outskirts of town

Nan Myaing HotelKandawgyi Lodge

Kandawgyi Lodge Club House

destination

14

resort. The facility is expected to include a restaurant and a

tram service for rides around town, as well as to and from

the nearby airport currently under development.

In the meantime, the literary-minded might want to stop

by Thiri Myaing Hotel, which was once Candacraig, where

Paul Theroux stayed in the early 1970s, as recounted in his

book The Great Railway Bazaar. For those with a taste for

nocturnal horror, the government-run Nan Myaing Hotel

is purported by locals to be haunted by restless spirits of

the dead.

We started our exploration of the downtown area on

foot, taking our bearings from Purcell Tower, whose hourly

chimes duplicate the 16 notes played by Big Ben in

London. The main street is a mix of colonial-era buildings

and graceless modern Chinese architecture, which, aside

from guesthouses, also accommodate restaurants and

teashops. Many of these are run by descendants of the

thousands of Nepalis and Indians who moved to Pyin Oo

Lwin during the colonial era.

Our immediate goal was to buy gifts unique to the area

for friends back in Yangon. Our first stop was one of the

numerous shops on the main road selling attractive

hand-knit sweaters and hats to guard against the chilly

nights. Maybe they weren’t the best purchase for people

living in the steamy climate of lower Myanmar, but it’s the

thought that counts. We also went to the central market

to buy fruit jam, produced using strawberries grown in the

hills around town. The fruits are also used to make a variety

of dried snacks, shockingly sweet wine and ice cream.

Butterflies and flowers in KandawgyiNational Garden

Swans roam freely in the park.

Exotic orchids bloom in the garden.

A pony cart in the rain

destination

15

We sampled the homemade

strawberry ice cream at

Golden Triangle Café and

Bakery, where we also

drank cappuccino while

sitting in wicker chairs on

the covered deck listening to

Indian music from a teashop

across the street. Golden

Triangle is also a good place

to buy another local product

that was much appreciated

by our friends back home:

organic coffee made with

locally grown beans.

The shopping out of the

way, it was time to do some

sightseeing. We hired one

of the local pony carts that,

aside from the colourful

paint job, looked like they

had rolled straight out of

America’s western frontier

circa 1880.

Our destination for the day

was Kandawgyi National

Gardens, a 437-acre park

with a 70-acre lake ,

forestland and flowers

galore. The park was

The island pagoda with Nan Myint Tower in the background

We wandered the

grounds, admiring the

immaculately

landscaped

flowerbeds,

exotic orchids,

wide-open meadows

and whispering pine

forests.

destination

16

originally built in 1915-1916

by a British forestry official,

Mr. Charles Alex Rogers.

When it opened in 1917 it

was about 170 acres in size,

and has slowly expanded

over the years to its current

size.

We wandered the grounds,

admiring the immaculately

landscaped flowerbeds,

exotic orchids, wide-open

meadows and whispering

pine forests. The lake

featured an island with

a small stupa that could

be reached via a wooden

bridge. Swans and ducks

roamed freely among the tour

groups and picnicking families.

Overlooking it all was the

10-storey Nan Myint Tower,

from the top of which the

park looked l ike an

impressionistic collection

of colour splashes expertly

arranged to maximise

aesthetic effect.

Dat Taw Gyike waterfall

The lake featured an

island with a small

stupa that could be

reached via a

wooden bridge.

Sswans and ducks

roamed freely among

the tour groups and

picnicking families.

destination

17

Just outside of Kandawgyi National Gardens we saw

another project under development, a “national landmark”

park that when completed will contain miniature models of

famous sights from all the states and divisions of Myanmar.

Slated for inclusion were scaled-down versions of

Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon Division), Golden Rock (Mon

State), Chaungtha Beach (Ayeyarwady Division), Shittaung

Pagoda (Rakhine State), Hkakabo Razi Mountain (Kachin

State) and Inle Lake (Shan State).

The next day we hired a car to range farther from town. The

area around Pyin Oo Lwin is known for its natural beauty,

which includes wooded hills and a number of waterfalls.

We opted for the easily accessible Pwe Kauk Falls about

8 kilometres outside of town on the road to Lashio. It’s a

popular area with the locals, offering shady picnic areas and

inner tube rentals for those who want to get wet. We had

a blast watching kids and adults alike float in the water, fully

clothed, in the pool beneath the cascading water.

Our next stop was the spectacular Peik Chin Myaing

Buddha cave complex. Outside, there were groups of

visitors and pilgrims posing for photographs and splashing

in the waterfall that issued from the cave mouth. Inside, the

scene was a bit more serene, and very otherworldly. We had

removed our shoes in deference to the sacredness of the

site, and the water that flowed from hidden tunnels over

our feet was icy cold. We were in a place that seemed far

from the sun and indeed far from the earth as we knew it,

Pwe Kauk Falls

The main shrine in Peik Chin Myaung Buddha cave complex

The Buddha image inMaha Anhtoo Kantha Paya

destination

18

as the dim lighting revealed subterranean pagodas and niches containing scenes

from the Buddha’s life. We followed the mysterious cavern about one kilometre

to the main shrine before retracing our steps back to the land of sun and sky.

On the way back to town we stopped at Maha Anhtoo Kantha Paya which, after

the time we had just spent underground, seemed to shine so brightly in the sun

that it made my eyes water to look at it. The pagoda has an odd story behind

it: In April 1997, a truck passed through the area carrying three marble Buddha

statues from Mandalay to their new home in China. Just past Pyin Oo Lwin, one

of them fell from the truck and, despite many attempts, could not be reloaded

due to its weight. What to do in such a situation? While the other two statues

continued their journey to the border, the wayward image stayed where it was,

and a pagoda was built by locals to house it.

As I ambled around the hilltop pagoda, I thought maybe the story was not so

strange after all. Surrounded by vistas of strawberry fields, feeling the cool air

brush against my skin, I realised that I, like the statue, had no desire to be

anywhere other than where I was at the moment.

Maha Anhtoo Kantha Paya is located on a hilltop just outside of Pyin Oo Lwin.

On the way back to

town we stopped at

Maha Anhtoo

Kantha Paya which,

after the time we

had just spent

underground, seemed

to shine so brightly in

the sun that it made

my eyes water to

look at it.

No (652) , 78No (652) , 78 thth S t reet , Bet 37 S treet , Bet 37 thth x 38 x 38 thth S t reet , Mahar Aung Myay Township, Mandalay , Myanmar. S t reet , Mahar Aung Myay Township, Mandalay , Myanmar.Tel : 952-71584, 952-71585, 952-71586, Fax : 952-71587, E-mai l : hote lmdy@myanmar.com.mmTel : 952-71584, 952-71585, 952-71586, Fax : 952-71587, E-mai l : hote lmdy@myanmar.com.mm

O U R G O A L I S O U R C U S T O M E R ’ S S A T I S F A C T I O NO U R G O A L I S O U R C U S T O M E R ’ S S A T I S F A C T I O N

“Complimentary Buffet Breakfast”

Special Room Rate & Discount For Long Stay Guests, Tour Group & Regular Guests.

4 STARS HOTEL4 STARS HOTELD o w n t o w n A r e aD o w n t o w n A r e a

SMARTWAY

Smart Way Travel Co.,LtdRoom No. 1208A, Yuzana Tower,

Shwegondine Street,Bahan, Yangon, Myanmar

Tel : ( 95-1 ) 558288Fax : ( 95-1 ) 558299

life

20

A MONKA MONKA MONK

life

21

A MONKDaily Routine of

By Myintzu

Monks are considered to

be sons of the Buddha, who

joined the order of monks

during his quest for nibbana,

that eternal peace in which all

human passions are stilled and

the painful process of

repeated rebirths

comes to an end.

life

22

S a devoutly Buddhist

country, Myanmar is

home to countless

monasteries. Every

village, no matter

how small, has at least one monastery

where phongyis (monks) live. These

monks are considered to be sons of

the Buddha, who joined the order of

monks during his quest for nibbana,

that eternal peace in which all human

passions are stilled and the painful

process of repeated rebirths comes

to an end.

It is obligatory

for every Buddhist

boy to become

a koyin (novice)

once in his

lifetime, and

spend some

time living in

a monastery.

In ancient times,

novices spent

three months in the monastery, but

these days, changes in lifestyles dictate

that many boys only stay during holiday

periods, such as the Thingyan Water

Festival, or the second quarter of the

year to avoid missing any of their

education.

It is the responsibility of parents in

Myanmar to send their male

children into novicehood. Even

poor parents save money for

the day of the novitiation ceremony.

Both parents must be present at the

ceremony so together they can hold a

white sheet to catch the boy’s hair as

it is shaven off by an elder monk. If one

of the parents has died or is unable

to participate, it becomes cause for

sorrow at the ceremony.

Any male who has reached the age

of 20, regardless of his social class,

background or statement of belief, can

join the order of monks. However, he

must posses the eight items necessary

ABoth parents must be

present at the ceremony

so together they can hold

a white sheet to catch the

boy’s hair as it is shaven off

by an elder monk. Iif one of

the parents has died or is

unable to participate, it

becomes cause for sorrow

at the ceremony.

Relatives participatein a novitiation.

An ordination ceremony at a consecration hall Monk receive food offered by tourists.

A layman washes a laquerware bowl as part of his daily routine.

life

23

for the order, including three robes, an

alms bowl, waistband, sewing kit, razor

and water strainer (to remove living

creatures from water). He must also

have someone to sponsor him at the

ordination ceremony. This takes place

in a consecration hall called a thein,

involves at least five qualified monks

and takes about four to five hours to

perform.

Apart from the eight necessary items, a

monk entering the order can take little

else with him to the monastery. There

is no requirement to make a vow to

stay in the monkhood for a lifetime,

so a monk can leave the monastery

and return to normal life at any time.

However, many younger monks spend

several years learning the Buddhist

scriptures from elder monks.

The daily routine of a monastery starts

around 4:00am, usually signalled by the

beating of a wooden stick or the

ringing of a gong

hanging in the

monastic com-

pound. The ring-

ing starts s lowly,

and then rises

to a crescen-

do of regu-

lar rhythmic

beats before

becoming slower

once again. This is

the signal for the

laypeople at the

monastery to start cooking rice and

other food for the monks, who have

been fasting since 12 noon the previ-

ous day.

Before the rising of the sun, everyone in

the monastery gathers in the prayer

hall to sit before the Buddha image

and say a group prayer for about 30

minutes. Following this, u n d e r t h e

supervision of a senior monk, the

Many younger

monks spend several years

learning the

Buddhist scriptures from

elder monks.

Monks enjoy their last meal of the day.

Novices learn scripture at monasteries.

life

24

novices and other young helpers gather water to clean

the shrine room and other parts of the compound quickly,

quietly and efficiently. Then it is time for a simple breakfast

of rice or rice gruel.

After breakfast, young students take classes on Buddhist

scripture taught by elder monks. Around 8:30am, the

monks leave the monastery in a single-file line, walking

through town to receive alms in the form of food from do-

nors waiting in front of their homes. Most monks receive a

spoonful of rice, but some well-to-do households hand out

bowls of curry as well. The monks receive these offerings

in silence and with downcast eyes, but in understanding of

the merit gained by all parties – for the donor, the merit

of giving (dana) to help attain nibbana, and for the monk,

the merit of observing the Buddhist precept of receiving

alms with humility.

Upon returning to the monastery, the monks bathe, and

then gather for lunch around 11:00 or 11:30am. They sit

on the floor at low, round tables and eat their last meal of

the day. The best food is offered to the taikoat (presiding

monk). After all the monks have finished, the novices eat

their meals, and then wash all the plates and bowls.

While some older monks might take a post-lunch nap,

younger ones may spend time mending their robes or

meditating. At about 1:00pm scriptural lessons are

resumed. This period might include breaks for informal

discussions or talks about what they have learnt. As

Pali-language passages from the Buddhist scriptures are

expected to be memorised, lessons are repeated over and

over until about 5:00pm.

Many monks spend the early evening hours outdoors,

tidying the monastic compound or strolling around engaged

in walking meditation. Others sweep the prayer rooms or

change the water in the small cups that are placed in front

of the Buddha images as an offering.

After dusk, the monks gather, and those who broke rules

are reprimanded by their elders. This is followed by an

evening scriptural lesson and a period of prayer. The young

monks are then quizzed on their comprehension of the

lessons taught throughout the day. These activities continue

until about 10:00pm, when everyone in the monastery goes

to sleep. The monastic compound then falls into complete

silence, at peace and in harmony with the tranquil

surroundings.

At about 1:00pm scriptural lessons are

resumed. This period might include breaks

for informal discussions or talks about what

they have learnt. As Pali-language passages

from the Buddhist scriptures are expected

to be memorised, lessons are repeated over

and over until about 5:00pm.

A monk cleans a Buddha image.

A monk says a prayer before a sitting Buddha image.

message

5

festival

26

On the night of the full moon of

Tazaungdine, lanterns, candles

and electric lights are used to

illuminated streets, homes and

pagodas throughout the country.

TAZAUNGDINEFESTIVALTAZAUNGDINETAZAUNGDINEFESTIVALFESTIVALTAZAUNGDINEFESTIVAL

festival

27

or A Time ofEnjoyment

By Myo Thiri

festival

28

yanmar is known as the

Golden Land, but it can

also properly be called

the Land of Festivals, as

religious and cultural celebrations take

place all across the country and

throughout the year.

The biggest and most popular annual

festival is, of course, Thingyan, the

traditional Myanmar Water Festival that

celebrates the coming of the Buddhist

New Year in the lunar month of Tagu. In

villages and cities throughout the country,

many young people celebrate the three-

or four-day festival by pouring or spraying

water on each other, while the more devout

stay home with their families or retreat to

monasteries to meditate.

Another popular festival is the three-day

Thadingyut Festival of Lights that marks

the end of Buddhist Lent in October. This

is followed one month later by the

Tazaungdine Festival of Lights, which is

accompanied nationwide by donation

ceremonies and lighting festivities.

The month between the two Festivals of

Light is known as Kahtein, when people

donate new robes or other supplies they

think monks might need to local monasteries,

M

On the night before the

Full Moon Day of

Tazaungdine,

obe-weaving contests are

held at famous pagodas

like Shwedagon in Yangon

and Mahamuni

in Mandalay.

Crowds of onlookers

wander around buying

food and handicrafts at

the many vendors’ stalls

set up for the festival.

Lu Ping festival celebrated the Pa-O

Kahtein offerings on the streets of Taunggyi

festival

29

including cash, alms bowls, umbrellas,

slippers, fans, brooms, cups and

furniture. Schools and business

offices make donations by collecting

contributions from students or

staff. The donations are hung on

wooden frames, while cash is folded

into different shapes and stapled

onto the frames.

During the month, lines of people

led by dancing troupes and pretty

ladies carry the frames to their

chosen monasteries. According to

tradition, each monastery can only

accept one set of wooden frames,

Myanmar can properly

be called the Land of

Festivals, as religious and

cultural celebrations take

place all across the

country and throughout

the year.

A hot-air balloon flies over Taunggyi during the festival.Sticky rice with steamed beans (Mote-phat-htote), a popular dish during Tazaungdine

festival

30

whose items are distributed by

lottery to the resident monks.

Buddhists believe that making these

donations will gain them merit

towards their next life.

Many robes (Kahtein thingan) are

also donated to monks during the

festival, and on the night before

the Full Moon Day of Tazaungdine,

robe-weaving contests are held at

famous pagodas like Shwedagon in

Yangon and Mahamuni in Mandalay.

Lasting all night long, these contests

feature teams of female weavers

competing to finish their projects

During the month, lines

of people led by dancing

troupes and pretty ladies

carry the frames to their

chosen monasteries.

A kahtein procession walks to a local monastery.

festival

31

before dawn. The resulting robes are

offered to the Buddha images at

the pagodas. The weavers are usually

surrounded by crowds of onlookers, who

might watch in respectful silence for a

while before wandering off to buy food or

handicrafts at one of the many vendors’

stalls set up for the festival.

On the night of the full moon, lanterns,

candles and electric lights are used to

illuminate streets, homes and pagodas

throughout the country. Pilgrims travel

from all over the country to see a special

ceremony at Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda (Golden

Rock) in Mon State, where 9000 candles

are lit as an offering to the Buddha. Seeing

thousands of pilgrims praying at the pagoda,

with the platform surrounding the stupa

ablaze with thousands of candles as the

cool wind sweeps across the mountaintop,

is a sight to behold.

Another special Tazaungdine festival takes

place in Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State,

where a hot-air balloon contest is held.

Known locally as the Lu Ping Festival, it is

thought to have been originated by the

local Pa-O people. Competitors put a lot

of time, effort and money into preparing

for the daytime and nighttime contests.

The daytime balloons are mostly made in

Pilgrims travel from all

over the country to see

a special ceremony at

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda

(Golden Rock) in Mon

State, where 9000

candles are lit as an

offering to the Buddha.

Another special

Tazaungdine festival

takes place in Taunggyi,

the capital of Shan State,

where a hot-air balloon

contest is held.

A bird-shaped hot-air balloonfloats over Taunggyi.

Candles are lit on the platform of Kyaikhtiyo Pagodaon the night of the full moon.

festival

32

the shapes of pagodas and animals such as dragons, elephants, mythical

hintha birds and ducks, while those shown at night usually take the form

of illuminated globes.

In Sagaing Division, Kaungmudaw Pagoda and other pagodas are famous

for Tazaungdine festivities that include markets where village products

such as hand-woven cotton clothes, rattan mats, sandalwood and thanakha

are sold. Another common practice throughout Myanmar is making

mezali bud salad on the Full Moon Night, believed to have the power to

cure all ailments if eaten at the proper time. People

gather at homes to make the salad under the magical

light of the full moon, and it is often handed out for

free to pilgrims at local pagoda festivals.

Another common practice

throughout Myanmar is

making mezali bud salad

on the Full Moon Night,

believed to have the

power to cure all ailments

if eaten at the proper

time. Kahtein procession

Kahtein procession

message

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TURNERYTURNERYTURNERY

art & crafts

34

TURNERYBy Myat Noe

art & crafts

35

Turnery products on display at a souvenir shop

A turnery workshop does not need to

be a big one. It is more like a family

business in Bago. The minimum work

force is about ten workers-five turners

and five who do finishing work.

art & crafts

36

lthough woodcarving is a more popular

handicraft than turnery, it is the latter craft

from which many small Myanmar souvenirs are

made.

Turnery is the process of making spindles, legs for furniture and

other small items on a lathe, which is a machine on which a piece

of wood, metal or another material is rapidly spun and shaped using

a cutting tool.

Many turnery souvenirs are items suited to practical applications,

such as vases, kitchen utensils and containers, but the beauty with

which they are made also suggests decorative uses.

While the lathe plays a key role in making turnery products, like

all handicrafts, human skill is also important. In fact, turnery can

be seen as collaboration between a simple machine and a skilled

artisan. Skilled turners are defined by precision, patience and

experience. With the help of the lathe, they are able work quickly

and create large quantities of products in a short time.

Bago, located 80 kilometres north of Yangon, is the main source

of turnery products in Myanmar. Many turnery workshops are

located throughout the town, at which a wide variety of souvenirs

are made for both domestic and export markets. The roofed

A

Lathes are used to create

the basic shape from raw wood.

Wood is cut in preparation for the lathe.

Rough edges are removed.

Material is spun and shaped using a cutting tool.

Sandpaper is used to complete the smoothing process.

Basic tools used in the art of turnery

art & crafts

37

passageways leading up to Bago’s many historic pagodas are lined with

handicraft shops selling wooden toys, flower vases, boxes and bowls

of different shapes and sizes, pens and many other items made at

these turneries.

Turnery workshops do not need to be big to be productive. Most of

them are run like family businesses with a minimum staff of about 10

workers: five turners and five who do the finishing work.

Many different kinds of wood are used to make turnery products,

although unlike other handicrafts in Myanmar, teak is rarely used.

Turners prefer wood with more attractive, eye-catching colours.

Favourites include pale yamanee wood, which is similar to oak, and

dark brown thinwin wood.

Even more desirable is wood from padauk trees, with its reddish colour,

straight grain and even texture. Burl wood from these trees, which

is hard to find and therefore very expensive, is considered especially

striking, with its nice pattern and beautiful colour combinations.

Making a turnery product requires several steps. First, the turner

creates the basic shape from raw wood using the lathe. Rough edges

are removed before turning is complete. The piece is then taken off

the machine and handed over to a finisher, who uses sandpaper to

complete the smoothing process. Something like a cheroot holder

requires plenty of skill and patience due to its difficult shape. The long,

narrow container needs to be smooth inside and outside.

After that, the piece is nearly done, requiring only a few finishing

touches. When the desired shape is achieved, the piece is covered

with a base primer. Then a polisher covers it with two coats of

lacquer to create a beautiful souvenir from Myanmar.Two coats of lacquer are used to create the finished product.

Finished products

Turnery products sold at a shop in a pagoda

Basic shapes

Basic shapes

Shaped pieces smoothed with sandpaper

38

1010thth Anniversary of Yangon Airways Anniversary of Yangon Airways10th Anniversary of Yangon Airways

The Management of Yangon Airways is pleased to welcome you on Yangon Airways ATR

72 Aircraft on this auspicious occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the Airline, October 1996 to

October 2006.

As you are aware, Yangon Airways Aircrew are all trained by ATR in Toulouse, France and

hold French Licences of competency. Our Engineers, responsible for maintenance, have also been

trained by ATR, in Toulouse, France on individual lines of maintenance. The operation of aircraft and

regular air safety checks ariworthiness by the French Civil Aviation Authorities in collaboration

with the European Air Safety Authority. These factors of precautions and regulations enable Yangon

Airways to maintain an excellent record and high standard of safety and punctuality

to the satisfaction of our customers over this period of 10 years. You are also covered with best

insurance with Lloyds, London.

The Management of Yangon Airways invite you to share with us a Happy and Joyous

Journey on our ATR aircraft.

Further to our Gift Presentations on the 10th Anniversary of Yangon Airways flights we are

happy to announce that Yangon Airways will include a Lucky Draw for our valued guests who have

honoured us with their presence today.

Thank you

Paradise Hotel Group Contact InformationParadise Hotel Group Contact InformationSales Offi ce & ReservationSales Offi ce & Reservation

108, 52nd Street (Ground Floor), Pazuntaung Tsp, Yangon, MyanmarTel: 95-1-293425, 700957 Fax: 95-1-293425

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city life

40

YANGONYANGONYANGONYANGONTouring around

By Theingi Myo

city life

41

I headed straight for the top level, which provides the

best views of life in the river, as well as the sunset. Ii

ordered some food and a drink, then settled back and

enjoyed the river breeze on my face. Ah, fresh air! On

one side of the river, colonial buildings, modern high-rises

and golden pagodas emerging from the lush greenery,

while the opposite bank was even more green, with

small docks and village houses hidden among the palm

trees and other vegetation.

city life

42

NE Sunday morning

not too long ago, I

woke to find the

e a r l y m o r n i n g

sunlight streaming

through my bedroom window, invit-

ing me to jump out of bed and rush

outdoors. For months I had had the

urge to spend a day reacquainting my-

self with the city in which I l ived,

and the warm sunlight promised the

perfect weather in which to do so.

About 30 minutes later, after I had

taken a bath, I was at the front door of

my apartment tying my walking shoes.

Donning my cap and strapping on my

backpack, I stepped out into the green

city, ready to explore the streets and

parks lined with tropical tress, palms,

vines and perennial flowers, and ready

to taste delicious foods and observe

the lifestyles of people in the varied

neighbourhoods.

I started by walking from my apartment

to Sule Pagoda, a landmark religious

monument that serves as the

centrepoint of downtown Yangon and

the hub around which the city’s hustle

and bustle circulates. Since it was early

on a Sunday morning, I saw almost

no cars on the streets. It was quite a

change seeing Sule Pagoda Road as a

scene of peace and tranquillity rather

than the crowded and hectic place I

was used to seeing.

As I approached the octagonal

pagoda, a school of pigeons burst into

flight, the sound of their flapping wings

sounding like an explosion in the quiet

of the early hour. It is quite common

to see people seeking to gain merit by

O

Sule Pagoda is

a landmark religious

monument that serves as

the centrepoint of

downtown Yangon and

the hub around which the

city’s hustle and bustle

circulates.

Sule Pagoda serves asthe centrepoint of downtown.

Myanmar traditional snacks

Teashop culture is booming in Yangon.

city life

43

treating the birds to dried corn before

they pay homage inside the pagoda,

which is said to enshrine a hair relic of

the Buddha. Here, too, the scene was

quiet, the watch-repair shops, photo

studios and astrologers’ stalls around

the stupa not yet open for business.

I crossed the street and passed by the

huge City Hall building on the left,

designed by Myanmar architect U Tin

in the early 20th century during the

British colonial period, and Mahabandoola

Park on the right. As I continued past

the Supreme Court building, which was

looking quite Victorian with its British

architecture and red-and-yellow paint

scheme, the city was starting to come

to life, with a growing number of cars

on the streets and vendors claiming

their spots on the sidewalk.

I turned left off the main road and

walked to one of my favourite

teashops, which served a variety of

Myanmar breakfasts, including mohinga

and sticky rice. I opted for rice with

beans, and a cup of tea. As I sat and ate,

more people filtered into the teashop

to meet friends and catch up on

gossip. Just like in the West, teashops

and coffee shops provide a great

meeting place for Yangonites.

After breakfast, I decided to leave the

colonial architecture of downtown

behind for awhile to take a taxi to

Shwedagon Pagoda. Built on top of

326-foot-high Theinguttara Hill, the

golden stupa is visible for miles around.

I walked up one of the long stairways

to the platform, past the flower sellers,

astrologers and souvenir vendors. It

Built on top of

326-foot-high

Theinguttara Hill,

the golden stupa is visible

for miles around. Ii walked

up one of the long

stairways to the platform,

past the flower sellers,

astrologers and souvenir

vendors.

Locals exercise at Kandawgyi Lake.

Bogyoke Market from the outside.

Bogyoke Market on the inside.

city life

44

was still early in the day, so there were

fewer people there than during my last

visit in the middle of the afternoon. I

walked among the local pilgrims, all

of whom were dressed modestly in

traditional longyis and blouse, as I

admired the majestic architecture and

paid visits to several of the numerous

shrines on the platform.

I departed Shwedagon by way of the

east entrance, walking through the

market at the bottom of the long

stairway on my way to Kandawgyi

(Royal) Lake, where a few people were

walking and exercising in the still-cool

morning air under the blue sky. I ad-

mired the sun sparkling on the water

of the lake, strolled in the shade of the

many trees in the park, and then re-

turned to the main road to take a taxi

back downtown.

By the time I was dropped off on Strand

Road near the entrance of Nanthida

Jetty, the activities of the day were in

full swing. The Yangon River was busy

as a beehive, with small boats and larger

ferries full of people travelling back

and forth across the water, most of

whom at this time of day were coming

to Yangon from the village of Dalah on

the far bank to work or sell produce.

Many of these sellers were on their

way to the nearby wet market, where

all sorts of vegetables, meats and, of

course, fish were for sale. Located in

a three-story building, the market

is active 24 hours a day with sellers

looking to make a profit and buyers

aiming to find bargains.

As I emerged from the market, I felt a

rumble in my tummy, which could mean

only one thing – it was time for lunch!

I flagged down my third taxi of the day

and dashed to Shwe Myo Daw Indian

Restaurant on Sule Pagoda Road near

Sule Pagoda. The excellent food, clean

environment and attentive service

were just what I needed to satisfy my

cravings, and when I was finished I was

inspired to walk west along Anawrahta

Road to pay a visit to Little India near

the intersection with Shwebontha

Street. The neighbourhood is famous

for its raw gem sellers, and it’s not

unusual to see people crowded around

a popular vendor perusing the stock of

precious stones.

Not far from Little India is Yangon’s

Chinatown, where the streets are

filled with vendors selling everything

from toys to traditional medicines.

The Yangon Rriver was

busy as a beehive, with

small boats and larger

ferries full of people

travelling back and forth

across the water, most of

whom at this time of day

were coming to Yangon

from the village of Dalah

on the far bank to work

or sell produce.

Flower stalls on one of stairways leadingup to Shwedagon Pagoda

Stairway to Shwedagon at night

Food vendors in Chinatown Fresh vegetables at a wet market

message

5

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city life

46

There are also plenty of goldsmith

shops, and anyone who feels even the

least bit hungry should be sure not to

miss the chance to eat Chinese snacks,

such as rice balls or glass noodle soup

with fresh vegetables.

From there I walked up to Bogyoke

Aung San Road to the impressive

colonial bui lding that houses

Bogyoke, or Scott, Market. It can only

be described as a paradise for shoppers

looking for exotic arts and crafts,

clothing, musical instruments, jewellery,

gemstones and nearly anything else

you can imagine. There are also plenty

of stalls selling traditional Myanmar

food like fruity motesainpaung (a snack

made of rice powder and fruit flavouring)

or laphet (pickled tea leaf salad).

Feeling a bit dazed from my shopping

foray into Bogyoke Market, I walked to

the corner of Bogyoke Aung San and

Sule Pagoda roads for a visit to Sakura

Tower, where I took the elevator to

the 20th floor to relax in Thiripyitsaya

Sky Lounge. Sitting in a comfortable

chair, coffee in hand, listening to the

pleasantly soothing music, I admired

one of the best views in the city. From

the lounge, it’s possible to see across

the river to Dalah and well beyond

glittering Shwedagon to the northern

outskirts on Yangon.

While sitting in the lounge, I felt the

urge to do some reading, so I paid my

bill, took the elevator back down to

earth and walked to Pansoden Street,

where a number of street vendors sell

books and magazines old and new, as

well as old coins and banknotes. There

were so many books I wanted to buy

that I could have easily emptied my

pockets of money then and there, but

I limited myself to just a few. I was

saved from further temptation when

I overheard someone ask another

peson for the time. The response

– 5:25pm – reminded me that I had

wanted to spend the evening on the

Yangon River, taking a dinner cruise on

the Myat Thandar ship.

Newly purchased books in hand, I leapt

into a taxi to Sint-O-Tan Jetty, arriving

just in time to make the boat before it

pulled into the river. I headed straight

for the top level, which provides the

best views of life in the river, as well as

the sunset. I ordered some food and

a drink, then settled back and enjoyed

the river breeze on my face. Ah, fresh

air! On one side of the river, colonial

buildings, modern high-rises and

golden pagodas emerging from the lush

greenery, while the opposite bank was

even more green, with small docks and

village houses hidden among the palm

trees and other vegetation.

By the time the boat docked 90

minutes later, night had fallen and the

stars had come out. After the

non-stop activity of the day, I could

hear my comfortable bed calling me to

a night of well-deserved rest before I

had to return to work the next day.

A ferry crosses the Yangon River. Dalah port at dusk

Books on display onPansodan Street

Small boats gather to ferry passengers across the Yangon River.

There are also plenty of

stalls selling traditional

Myanmar food like fruity

motesainpaung (a snack

made of rice powder and

fruit flavouring) or laphet

(pickled tea leaf salad).

5

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AMAZING HOLIDAYAMAZING HOLIDAYAMAZING HOLIDAY

myanmar holiday

48

AMAZING HOLIDAYin Amazing Myanmar

By Michael Rasmussen

27, Inya Myaing Road, Bahan, Yangon, Myanmar.

Tel : 95 1 502901, 502902, 502903 Fax : 95 1 502906, 502907

Email : zayya@myanmar.com.mm, resvmkt-am@myanmar.com.mm

www.amazing-hotel.com

myanmar holiday

49

yanmar is a country of beautiful

landscapes. From sea to central plains to

mountains, there is much for the traveller to

explore and admire. But even in a region

so full of splendour, a few destinations

stand out above the rest. Beyond Yangon, amazing locations

such as Mandalay, Inle Lake and Ngapali Beach beckon those

who are seeking an escape from everyday life.

Although the sights themselves are the main draw for

travellers, vacations are always that much more remarkable

when complemented by high-quality accommodation and

excellent food. Luckily, many places in Myanmar offer a perfect

combination of these elements to ensure an unforgettable

experience.

Take Ngapali Beach, for example. It is hard to imagine

anywhere that comes closer to heaven on earth than this

three-kilometre stretch of coast on the western

edge of Myanmar, where the pure white sand of Rakhine

State meets the crystal-clear water of

the Bay of Bengal.

Visitors can look forward to spending

long, relaxing hours lounging on the

breezy beach, swimming in the ocean

and watching the sunset over the

mel low waves . But what about

accommodation that will match this

bounty of nature?

The beachfront Amazing Ngapali Resort

is a great option for those looking for a

small taste of paradise within paradise. It

features a choice of 24 Deluxe Rooms,

10 Studio Suites and 3 Amazing Suites,

all equipped with modern luxuries

such as satellite TV, minibar, and

tea and coffee-making appl iances.

The 165-square-metre Amazing Suites

even have Jacuzzis, outdoor showers and

kitchen facilities.

But the rooms are only part of the

appeal. As a resort, Amazing Ngapali also

offers a shady swimming pool, as well as

a world-class spa where traditional

massage , foot ref lexology and

aromatherapy services are available. Zee

Phyu Gone Restaurant, serving Asian

and European cuisine, and Bar El Mar

will ensure that guests do not go hungry

or thirsty during their stay. And all of this

can be enjoyed without ever stepping

out of view of the deep blue sea.

A trip to magical Inle Lake in Shan State

can be equally luxurious. Rather than

leaving the scenic mountain lake behind

after a day of sightseeing by boat, why

not spend the night on the water?

Built on stilts to stand in the middle of

the lake, Paramount Inle Resort was

designed with the aesthetics of the local

Intha people in mind, so that it blends

with its spectacular surroundings, both

natural and cultural. There is plenty of

space for everyone, with 16 Superior

Teak Rooms that harmoniously combine

tradition with modern comforts, and 12

Intha-Style Deluxe Cottages featuring

M

This and facing page: Amazing Ngapali Resort

myanmar holiday

50

35 square metres of comfort as well as balconies for viewing

the beautiful surroundings.

With the Sky Lounge Restaurant (serving European, Intha and

other Asian cuisines) and a bar on the premises, guests will

not have to worry about jumping into a boat to find food and

drink. And when you do want to leave, Paramount Inle

Resort offers boat rental and traditional Intha canoe service.

For guests with a hunger for culture, boat racing ceremonies

and traditional Shan/Intha dance performances can be

arranged upon request.

For those visitors to the Inle area who prefer to spend their

nights on dry ground, there is the landmark Hotel Amazing

Nyaung Shwe, located in the heart of the biggest town in the

immediate vicinity of the lake.

While Nyaung Shwe offers a huge range

of restaurants serving everything from

Italian pasta to Shan delicacies, the hotel

has added its own Mai Li Restaurant and

Mingalar Bridge to the mix. It is open for

breakfast, lunch and dinner and features

Inthar, Myanmar Chinese and European

food. Bar Montanya also serves snacks

and light meals, and is the perfect place

to enjoy a fresh fruit juice or cocktail

while watching the sun sink behind the

green mountains of Shan State.

This boutique hotel – located near the

vibrant morning market and Mai Li Creek

– has 16 rooms, including one Amazing

Suite , two Exquis i te Suites and

13 Deluxe Rooms, all showcasing

traditional materials such as soothing

Myanmar teak and handcrafted

lacquerware. However, modern

ameni t ies such as sa te l l i te TV,

international direct dial telephones and

air conditioning have not been forgotten.

Paramount Inle Resort

Hotel Amazing Nyaung Shwe

myanmar holiday

51

While touring the western Shan State area, be sure to stop

by Mya Nandar Restaurant in Pindaya, 45 kilometres from the

charming colonial hill station town of Kalaw and site of an

ancient Buddhist cave complex. Seating on the ground and

first floors, as well as in the garden area, provides guests with

stunning views of the surrounding Shan plateau as they dine

on traditional Danu cuisine, or on contemporary foods from

other Asian countries.

And speaking of Kalaw, which is widely known for its colourful

market and as a jumping-off point for trekking excursions,

another option for accommodation, the Amazing Kalaw

Resort, is expected to open there in 2008.

These luxuries are also slated to be extended to Bagan – a

vast plain along the Ayeyarwaddy River famous for its

thousands of ancient temples – with the opening of the

Amazing Bagan Resort at the end of 2009. Guests can expect

to enjoy accommodation in one of 53 rooms featuring

Bagan-inspired architectural splendour.

Until then, visitors to Myanmar’s most famous tourist site can

enjoy Amazing Holidays’ hospitality with an unforgettable tour

of the area’s temples in a Bagan Wagon, each based on 11th

century design and pulled by two hearty horses.

Those with a taste for water travel might opt for a day or

overnight trip on one of five classically styled RV-Min Kyan

Sit vessels that ply the Ayeyarwaddy between Bagan and

Mandalay. Imagine drifting lazily on the river during a romantic

evening cruise, watching the orange sun slowly descend below

the horizon.

Once you reach legendary Mandalay, the last royal capital of

Myanmar, it is not far from the boat dock to Mya Nandar

Restaurant. Housed in a teakwood building overlooking the

river, Mya Nandar dishes up delicious Myanmar and Chinese

delicacies, and also offers the chance to learn more about

local culture by presenting traditional dances and marionette

shows.

Of course there is much more to Myanmar than famous

destinations such as Mandalay, Bagan, Inle and Ngapali.

Travellers with the time and inclination to explore quieter

corners of the country will be richly rewarded with wonderful

experiences that will not be soon forgotten. Among the many

options is a visit to the town of Taungoo, from which

adventurers can set off on daytrips to Thantaung Hill View and

Pho Kyar Elephant Camp. After a day of observing the big

animals at work and rest, guests can repose in comfort at

Hotel Amazing Kaytu, where the luxuries they have come to

expect from Amazing Holidays will be awaiting their arrival.

Mya Nandar Restaurant in Pindaya

Bagan Wagons

RV Min Kyan Sit

Hotel Amazing Kaytu

Mya Nandar RestaurantMandalay

HTAMANEHTAMANEHTAMANEHTAMANE

traditional food

52

Cooking festival

The htamane (glutinous rice) cooking festival is a traditional

event in Myanmar that occurs around the Full Moon Day

of the lunar month of Tabodwe, which usually falls in late

January or early February. During the festival, glutinous rice

is crushed and kneaded before it is mixed with other

ingredients in huge iron vats using big paddles. The first

portion of this delicacy is offered to Lord Buddha and

Buddhist monks, while participants in the ceremony and

onlookers share what is left over. In some areas of the

country, a dobat (traditional drum music) troupe performs

to encourage the htamane makers.

The tools required to make glutinous rice include a

huge, wide-rimmed iron bowl, two long-handled stirring paddles,

three bricks for the makeshift fireplace and firewood.

PREPARATIONhe glutinous rice is cleaned and soaked in water for about two hours. Meanwhile, a makeshift fireplace is built by

placing the bricks in a triangle on a cleared plot of ground. The firewood is lit under the bricks and the large iron

bowl is placed on top.

The peanut oil is then poured into the bowl and allowed to heat. The grated coconut is fried in the oil,

with care taken not to overcook it. When the coconut is finished, it is removed from the bowl and the oil is drained from

it. Then the peanuts and sliced ginger are fried, and the oil is drained from them as well. All the fried ingredients are placed

on a plate and set aside. Half the cooking oil used to fry the ingredients is removed from the iron bowl and set aside. The

soaked glutinous rice is placed into the iron bowl with the remaining cooking oil.

At this point, two strong young men wearing loincloths step forward with their paddles and begin kneading, crushing

and stirring the htamane with great vigour, encouraged by the shouts and cheers of onlookers. Salt is sprinkled over the

rice during this process, which is overseen by the head chef, who directs the men with the paddles to ensure that the rice

is well-crushed and the oil and salt are spread throughout the mixture.

After about 30 minutes of stirring, most of the fried coconut, peanuts and ginger are added to the mix. However,

a small amount of the fried ingredients is kept to the side to be sprinkled over the htamane before eating.

When the glutinous rice has been thoroughly mixed and cooked, the giant iron bowl is removed from the fire. The big lump

of htamane is placed on a wood or metal tray covered with banana leaves that have been rubbed with edible oil, and allowed

to cool. Then the delicacy is served on the banana leaves and enjoyed by all.

Meanwhile, the festivities are continued by placing the iron bowl back on the fire so that the next team of cooks

and stirrers can make a new batch.

INGREDIENTS:1) 2 pyis (5 litres) glutinous rice

2) 1 viss (1.63 kilograms) peanut oil

3) ½ grated coconut

4) 0.6 viss (1kg) peanuts (without husks)

5) Sliced ginger

6) Salt

T

MALIKHA MALIKHA TRAVELS & TOURS CO., LTD.

Yangon:No. 57, Shan Road, Sanchang Township, Yangon 11111, Myanmar.Tel : 95-1-537 904, 519 025 Fax : 95-1-510 562E-mail : htwe-m@malikha.com.mm

Mandalay:No. 110, 26(B) Road, Between 82 & 83 Street,Aungmyaytharzan Township, Mandalay, Myanmar.Tel : 95-2-72 279 , 09 511 8357

Mandalay ◄► Bagan( 6 hour Only)

River Cruise

w w w . m a l i k h a t r a v e l s . c o m

LEAVE MY JACKFRUIT TREEOUT OF IT

LEAVE MY JACKFRUIT TREELEAVE MY JACKFRUIT TREEOUT OF ITOUT OF IT

LEAVE MY JACKFRUIT TREEOUT OF IT

folktale

54

“Leave my jackfruit tree out of it” has

become an idiom to express an

unwillingness to get oneself involved in the

affairs of others. The story of its origin is

humorous, spicy and worthy of Chaucer or

Rabelais …

This meant shaving the dead man’s hair. It was quite a job, for in

those days, men wore their long hair done up into big topknots.

They dressed the body in a monk’s yellow robes and went on

with funeral arrangements.

Villagers came around to help, and the woman could not resist

going to have a last look at her unfortunate lover.

It was the custom in those days to have mourners at a monk’s

wake. They were usually women who could sing or recite old

songs or poems.

The woman, playing the part of a mourner, sang a few verses.

After some time, she slipped in something of her own: “Last night

so handsome with a sleek and shining topknot. Now shaven clean

and bare. Just because you’d been left leaning against a jackfruit

tree.”

Of course, no one knew what she meant, but the watchman did.

He came near the woman and scolded her in her ear: “Hush,

woman, hush. Cry, if you must, for your paramour, but leave my

jackfruit tree out of it!”

nce upon a time, a man coming home from a journey

found his wife with a lover. He killed the rival and the

couple was faced with the problem of disposing of the body.

It so happened that there was a monastery nearby – it was right

in the middle of a thick jackfruit grove. A layman who acted as

a watchman guarded the trees by shooting clay pellets from his

slingshot when night prowlers came to steal the fruit.

The man and his wife carried the dead body and left it propped

up against a jackfruit tree. The watchman saw them prowling, so

he let forth a barrage of clay missiles from his trusty weapon.

But the guilty couple got away, leaving the dead body under the

tree.

When the watchman came out to look, he was shocked to find a

dead man. He thought that his shots had killed him. He reported

the matter to the monks. After some discussion, they decided to

pretend that it was a visiting monk who had died overnight.

O

By Khin Myo Chit

Story taken from the book of "Colourful Myanmar" by Khin Myo Chit

☺Business Tour -

☺ F.I.T & Package Tour -

☺Hotel Reservation -

☺Car Rental Service -

☺ Tour Arrangement For In/Out Bound -

☺Domestic & Int’l Air Ticketing -

HO 05 -3 0100 4

H O R O S C O P EH O R O S C O P EH O R O S C O P EH O R O S C O P E

future

56

Your aims can be achieved, but you could experience mental fatigue thinking about money matters as expenses mount. Stagnation will be an issue, and at times you might feel as if you are competing with yourself to get anything done. Persistence will bear fruit, and steady efforts will raise your status in the eyes of others. However, much of this work will have to be completed without financial compensation. A new life course can be charted during this time, but you will also have to contend with health issues in your family. Fortune and money matters will work more in your favour if you buy a new purse or wallet. It is also a good time to clean the kitchen, but avoid leaving the broom in front of the house

Distinct changes will take place. Your life will improve, but at the expense of mental and physical fatigue. Although loans will be past due, businessmen will see an exceptional series of improvements. The realisation of your aims will be tied to coming to the aid of another. Personal efficiency in all matters should be emphasised. You will develop many ideas about how to make improvements in your life, but you will find that the practical results often differ from the specific aims of your plans. Despite wasted money, mental fatigue and physical tiredness, your efficiency will be recognised. Difficult problems will be solved. Umbrellas, footwear and old clothes must be disposed of to increase your fortunes.

Things might seem to be going well, but negative influences are at work beneath the surface. You will face obstacles in most matters. Emphasis should be placed on resolving family and social matters. Emotional traumas, obstacles and problems will arise not from antagonism but rather from your extreme goodwill, compassionate heart and tendency to spoil others with kindness. Despite these problems, it is a good time for travel. Direct contact with people living in distant lands will also prove to be beneficial, and will help you achieve your aims. A female family member might experience minor health problems. Good fortune hinges on keeping inner rooms in the home neat and tidy.

New ideas should be used for improvements in life. Aims and desires can be achieved by using time wisely. Improve-ments in life can be found in competitive work, but no matter how smoothly things are going, you will have no desire to stay in your present work. Change is desired, and if it is good, it will lead to the positive changes you are looking for. Someone will ask you for help, and you will be compelled to oblige. Money matters related to business can be successful and sound business improvements will be made, but avoid signing documents and taking financial responsibility for others. All efforts to make changes will lead to life improvements. Your luck lies with your hair, so care for it well.

Your personal efficiency must be applied to realising your aims and objectives. Good fortune will give rise to plenty of opportunities to improve your life, and taking advantage will require careful planning. This is a good time to dis-cuss money matters and outstanding loans with the family. Direct dealings with foreigners will result in success in business matters. Blocked courses will reopen and wealth will increase, but dishonest people will pose dangers. It is a good time to change house or buy a new vehicle for the family. To have better fortune, curtains at home must be washed and cleaned, or must be replaced with new ones.

This is a good time to heed whims and sudden desires. More success will be seen in work than in money matters. You will also see success in pursuits that are thought of as unfeasible or unachievable by others. Dealings with people of other ethnic groups and nationalities are greatly advantageous. Participation in auspicious deeds must be made. Studies should focus on attaining new work skills or learning a foreign language. Emotional upsets due to pity and sympathy will occur. Another person’s affairs will have to be given priority. Systematic attention given to money matters will bear fruit. A red rose bush should be planted in an earthen pot or in the ground south of the house and watered with gold and silver water.

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

OCTOBER 2006 - JANUARY 2007

by San - Zar Ni Bo

future

57

You will have good fortune in travel and travel-related matters. Overdue or lost money and possessions will be returned. Aims and plans will succeed. You should avoid keeping anyone in your confidence, as verbal confrontations with intimates will occur. You will suffer sorrow due to another person. Avoid intervening in fights lest you, too, become involved. It is a good time to plan new important steps towards changing your life. Despite the obstacles, there will be improvements, and plans and practice will go hand in hand. Fortune will be heightened by making com-mercial contacts in far-off lands and by keeping the front of your house clean and tidy.

You are entering an exceptionally good period. Matters left unfinished by others will be completed by you. Rather than starting a new business, invest more in realising long-held plans to expand ventures already in progress. Tried-and-true methods will prove to be the most successful. Monetary income will increase, not only as a result of hard work but also from good fortune. Rash actions should be avoided. Although business ventures will be charmed, family and social affairs will be ill-starred during this period. Good people might mistake you for a bad influence. Drinking alcohol and excessive revelry should be avoided.

You will feel aggressive and will have a tendency to use words and take actions that are aggravating and unacceptable to others. You will be emotionally upset and unable to bear even the slightest teasing. Problems and mistakes will arise from deliberate stubborness. Life will not progress or improve like you think it should. However, business will be good, and plans in this area should be pursued according to plan. Work should also be put into realising desires. The study of language and literature will be beneficial. Improvement will come with persistence. You will get a good response for help that you lend through genuine goodwill rather than for money, and the favour will be returned. Keep a yellow flower in a glass vase on the dining-room table.

You will feel sorry because of the jealousy of an intimate. Difficult matters will have to be faced. All opportunities should be scrutinised before taking advantage of them. Invitations should also be well-considered before accepting them. The problems of another person can become yours in certain situations. Legal challenges will have to be faced. Many people will seek your help, but you should not give it to everyone who asks. You will encounter methodical attacks, but you can defend yourself by keeping your secrets to yourself. Revealing too much will be disadvanta-geous. Work will have to be completed to make improvements. Great efforts should be made to succeed in these ventures.

This will be a period full of emotional disturbances. You will be tired in mind and body. A confidant will give you trouble and cause emotional upsets. Avoid taking responsibility for other people’s documents and money matters, as cheating is likely to occur. Dishonest people will be encountered. Mistakes will be made due to rash actions. Disa-greements will occur. You will be misunderstood. Family affairs will also be turbulent. Despite these problems, your aims can be realised, but much work will have to be done. Intervention in fights should be avoided, as goodwill will be misunderstood. Minor accidents will have to be taken care of. Wearing red with black must be avoided.

Difficulties will come to an end and life will improve. You are entering a positive period during which you will realise your aims. New ideas should be put into practice. Monetary income will increase due to a combination of hard work, intelligence, skill and good fortune. Matters concerning your main objectives should be avoided. Doing good to others will also be advantageous to you. Joint ventures will be beneficial. Help will come from good friends. Younger people will be attracted to the opposite sex. You will be popular everywhere you go. To have good fortune, a green-leafed plant must be planted in front of your house.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

H O R O S C O P EH O R O S C O P EH O R O S C O P EH O R O S C O P E

gsa, psa list

58

GENERAL SALES AGENTS(GSA)

ASIA TOUREX TRAVEL SERVICE(HONG KONG)#206, 2nd Fl., The Centre Mark, 287-299 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, S.A.R.Tel : (852) 2541 0133Fax : (852) 2541 4218E-mail : myanmar@mtourex.com.hk

BLUE JADE (ECCR) CO., LTD. (FRANCE)Blue Jade Sales Office Europe#10, rue de Paix Héron Building, 5th Fl.,75002 Paris - FranceTel : (331) 4286 6652 {France} Fax : (331) 4903 0720 {France}Tel : (662) 664 0661-2 {Thailand}Fax : (662) 664 0663 {Thailand}E-mail : wow@yangon-airways.com

GOLDEN ROCKTRAVEL (USA)38141 Creek View Circle, Murrieta, CA 92562, USA.Tel : (951)502 479, 536 174 Fax : (951)527 379E-mail : grtt@goldenrock.com.mm, info@visitmyan-mar.com

HSIN TAITRAVEL & TOURS CO.,LTD.(TAIWAN)No. 39, 6th Fl., Min Sheng E. Rd., Sec-1, Chungshan District, Taipei City.Tel : 8862 2561 9099, 8869 2277 4937Fax : 8862 2581 3821E-mail : bill1379@seed.net.tw, bill.than@msa.hinet.net

WORLD AIR CORPORATION LTD., (JAPAN)3rd Fl., Hakatae Kimae Dailchi Sermei Bldg., 1-4-1, Hakatae Kimae, Hakata-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-0011, Japan.Tel : 092 415 3233Fax : 092 415 3255E-mail : wac@airworld-jp.com

PASSENGER SALES AGENTS(PSA)

ASIAN TRAILS LTD.,No. 73, Pyay Rd., Dagon Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 211 212, 223 262 Fax : (951) 211 670E-mail : res@asiantrails.com.mmWebsite : www.asiantrails.com, myanmar-travel.com

ADVENTURE MYANMAR TRAVELS & TOURSBotathaung Condo, Rm. No. 4-5-6, 6th Fl., Corner ofMahabandoola Rd. & Bo Myat Tun St., Botathaung Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 203 500, 203 503, 203 565, 244 204, 700 307, 704 783, 09 80 21256Fax : (951) 203 566, 297 766, 291 343E-mail : sale@amtt.com.mm, info@amtt.com.mmWebsite : www.adventuremyanmar.net

AIR TRANS T&TNo. 62-A, 19th St.(Lower), Lathar Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : 710 568, 382 394, 09 20 00141

AUTO NETTRAVELSNo. 28, 1st Fl., Sint Oh Dan St., Latha Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 226 428, 383 996, 385 710Fax : (951) 382 372E-mail : autonet@mptmail.net.mmWebsite : www.autonettravels.com

BAGAN PRINCESS INTERNATIONALTOURISM LTD.No. 337, Corner of Mahabandoola Rd. & 40th St.,Kyauktada Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 381 089, 253 726, 381 900, 09 51 42342Fax : (951) 253 726E-mail : baganprincess@mptmail.net.mm

COLUMBUS TRAVEL & TOURSNo. 586, Strand Rd., Corner of 7th St., Lanmadaw Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 221 881, 229 243, 229 245, 228 864, 228 773, 222 790Fax : (951) 229 246E-mail : columbus@mptmail.net.mmWebsite : www.travelmyanmar.com

COSMOPOLITAN TRAVEL SERVICE CO., LTD.No. 32, 4th Fl., Yadana St., Sanchang Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 701 257, 525 280Fax : (951) 525 023E-mail : costour@myanmar.com.mmWebsite : www.cos-tour.com

DIETHELMTRAVEL LTD.Dusit Inya Lake Hotel, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd., Mayangon Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 652 898, 652 905, 652 906Fax : (951) 652 907E-mail : leisure@diethelm.com.mmWebsite : www.diethelmtravel.com

DIAMOND LUCK T&TNo. 86, Konzaydan St., Pabedan Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 254 368, 254 373, 252 397, 243 767Fax : (951) 254 373E-mail : diamondluck@mptmail.net.mm

EPGTRAVELNo. 37, Rm. 702, La Pyayt Wun Plaza, Alanpya Pagoda Rd., Dagon Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 371 383, 371 384, 371 935, 371 936Fax : (951) 370 835E-mail : doug@epg.com.mmWebsite : www.epg-travel.com

EXOTISSIMOTRAVEL#0303, Sakura Tower, No. 339, Bogyoke Aung San Rd., Kyauktada Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 255 160, 255 170, 255 120Fax : (951) 255 428E-mail : myanmar@exotissimo.comWebsite : exotissimo.com

GOLDEN EXPRESS TRAVELS & TOURSNo. 97-B, Wardan St., Lanmadaw Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 226 779, 705 876Fax : (951) 227 636, 225 569E-mail : GETOURS@mptmail.net.mm

GOLDEN LAND T&T# 606, 6th Fl., M.G.W Centre, Bo Aung Kyaw St.,Botathaung Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 382 032, 256 581, 256 561Fax : (951) 256 974E-mail : smgl@myanmar.com.mm,

goldenland@myanmar.com.mmWebsite : www.goldenland-travel.com

GLOBALTRAVEL SERVICE CO., LTD.#206-207, 2nd Fl., Olympic Tower, Corner ofMahabandoola Rd., & Bo Aung Kyaw St., Kyauktada Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 243 123, 392 537, 441 2992, 706 363Fax : (951) 249 609, 392 653E-mail : gtstour@myanmar.com.mm,

gts-mt@myanmar.com.mm

INDOCHINA SERVICES TRAVEL LTD.,No. 8(A), West May Kha Lane(2), Mayangone Tsp., Yanogn, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 650 982, 661 724Fax : (951) 651 002E-mail : info@is-myanmar.comWebsite : www.indochina-services.com

KOREA UNIVERSAL CO.,LTD. (KOREA)#5-2, 8th Fl., Soonhwa Building, Soonhwa-dong, Choong-Ku, Seoul, 100-103, Korea. C.P.O Box 4331, Seoul, Korea.Tel : (822) 3706 3368, 757 3189, 011 241 5261Fax : (882) 319 0888E-mail : htkim@koreauniversal.com, yrpark@koreauniversal.com

MYANMAR KIPLINGTOURNo. 15, Bo Cho Avenue, Ngar Htet Gyi Pagoda Rd., BahanTsp, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 553 759, 546 184, 553 863, 710 108Fax : (+951) 546 184E-mail : kiplingtour@myanmar.com.mmWebsite : www.kiplingtour.com

MYANMARTOUREX TRAVEL SERVICESNo. 3(B), Myaynigone Plaza, Bargayar Rd., Myaynigone Sanchaung 11111, Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 534 773, 501 112, 538 596Fax : (951) 513 432E-mail : khakha@mtourex.com.mm, info@mtourex.com.mmWebsite : www.myanmartourex.com

MYANMARTRAVEL LTD.,No. 189-195, Pansodan Office Tower, 3rd Fl., Rm. No. 3A, Pansodan Rd., Kyauktada Tsp., Yangon.Tel : (951) 204 046, 391 015Fax : (951) 391 015E-mail : admin@myanmartravel.net.mmWebsite : www.myanmartravel.net, www.indochinaexclusive.com

NICE FARETRAVEL CO., LTD.(H.O)5, Ground Fl., Aung San Stadium(North Wing), Joephyu Rd., Mingalar Taung Nyut Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 393 049Fax : (+951) 4412 780E-mail : honicefare@myanmar.com.mm, info@nicefare.net, nicefare@gmail.com ticket-reserve@nicefare.net,

PBTRAVEL AGENCY CENTER CO., LTDNo. 811/3, Phaholyotin Rd., Muang Changrai, Thailand 57000Tel : 5374 2844~9, 5371 2884Fax : 5374 2854E-mail : info@pb-travelthailand.comWebsite : www.pb-travelthailand.com

SUN FARTRAVEL & TOURS CO., LTD.No. 122-24, 38th St., Kyauktada Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.#0105, 1st Fl., Sakura Tower, Bogyoke Aung San Rd., Kyauktada Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 380 888, 379 821, 379 643, 384 681-83Fax : (951) 254 599, 256 697, 255 300E-mail : intercon@airmyanmar.com.mm

SMART WAY TRAVELNo. 1208(A), Yuzana Tower, Shwegondine St., Bahan Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 558 288, 09 50 10599, 09 99 25335Fax : (951) 558299E-mail : myint@smartway.com.mm

SEVEN DIAMONDTRAVELSNo. 65, Theinbyu Rd. (Lower Block), Botahtaung Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 203 398, 299 040, 297 154, 377 853, 09 80 22851Fax : (951) 299 040E-mail : sdmtravels@myanmar.com.mm

SANTA MARIA TRAVELS & TOURS CO., LTD.No. 233-235, 2nd Fl., 32nd St. (Upper Block), Pabedan Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 384 743, 709 488, 384 064, 09 99 20089Fax : (951) 384 064E-mail : santamaria@mptmail.net.mmWebsite : www.myanmartravels.net

SHANYOMATRAVELS & TOURSNo. 124-126, 50th St., Pazundaung Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 295 510, 204 152, 09 50 02424Fax : (951) 299 389E-mail : shanyoma@mptmail.net.mmWebsite : www.exploremyanmar.com

THANTHANTRAVELSNo. 167-173, G-3, Seikkantha Yeikmon, Seikkantha St.,Kyauktada Tsp., Yangon, Myanmar.Tel : (951) 240 625, 377 504, 704 190, 441 1112, 09 99 24847Fax : (951) 386 908, 240 625E-mail : uml@thanthantravel.com,

thanthantravel@gmail.comTHURIYA INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD156, # 73, 7th Fl., United Motor Works Building,Surawongse Rd., Siphaya, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand.Tel : 662 637 0952, 662 637 0962, 669 812 8402Fax : 662 637 0952E-mail : thuriya@loxinfo.co.th

route map

59

AYEYARWADDYDIVISION

YANGONDIVISION

THANINTHARYI

DIVISION

BAGODIVISION

MAGWAYDIVISION

RAKHINESTATE

CHINSTATE

MANDALAYDIVISION

SHANSTATE

KAYAHSTATE

KAYINSTATE

MONSTATE

SAGAINGDIVISION

KACHINSTATE

THAILAND

LAOS

CHINA

BANG-LADESH

INDIA

BAY OF BENGAL

ANDAMAN SEA

ROUTE MAPYangon Airways

travel tips

60

WATERDon’t drink the tap water. Make sure

your water is boiled, or better, buy it

bottled. Watch the ice cubes.

POLITESSEPolitesse in traditional countries like

Myanmar, many people have had little

to do with vistors from more

industrialised places. To respect

sensitivities, so as not to cause

offence, a few tips ;

FEETRemember to take off your shoes and

socks before you enter a temple,

pagoda or as a guest in a private house.

Follow the foot rule keep your feet on

the ground. Keep them off the tables

and chairs and try not to wave them

around. Also try to remember not to

point your feet directly at anybody

and try to walk around a person rather

than step over them. As a sign of

respect, the Myanmar will also try to

avoid stepping on a monk’s shadow.

HANDSAs in most Asian countries try to

remember to use your right hand

when giving and receiving. Better still,

the most gracious way to give and

receive, is to use both hands.

NAMESPeople in Myanmar place an honorific

in front of names to show respect for

age or position.

EATINGIn a Myanmar home people generally

eat around a low table, sitting on mats

on the floor. In restaurants, more

conventional to Westerners tables

and chairs a re used. Myanmar food

is generally eaten with the fingers.

Western visitors are probably more

comfortable with spoon and fork, and

this is perfectly acceptable.

CLOTHINGLight cotton clothing is most appropriate

especially for the long hot summer

months. No shorts, mini’s or sleeveless

shirts when visiting religious sites.

While the Myanmar may make no

demands, it is a mark of respect to

dress modestly and neatly.

AIRPORTTax for departing international flights

is US$ 10, domestic flights are not

taxed.

BANKOpen from 10 am to 2 pm. Hotels can

change money for resident guests.

CREDIT CARDVisa, Amex and Diners at major hotels

and shops

ELECTRICITY220V, 50 Hz, British 3 flat pin plugs

TELEPHONEPhone int’l dial 001

SHOPPINGNote that you are not allowed to

export antiques or religious items.

TAXITo the airport from Yangon; take 45

minutes.

WATCH THE SUNIn the plains around Bagan, the sun is

ferocious and can be tiring. Follow the

lead of the Myanmar and visit in the

early morning and later in the

afternoon, resting in your hotel in the

heat of the day. Don’t forget to drink

plenty of water, use sunscreen a nd

bring a hat. Or buy a Myanmar cover

their faces with Thanaka? mozzies

Bring mosquito repellent and use it.

Male Female

Adlut U(Mr.) Daw(Mrs.)

Younger person Ko Ma

Teacher or Boss Saya Sayama

To a Monk you say Sayadaw (Venerable) or Kodaw

TRAVEL TIPS

travel information

61

No. 166, Level-5, MMB TOWER, Upper Pansodan St.,

Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp., Yangon.

Tel : (+95-1) 383 100 to 383 107, 383 127, 383 091(Ext: 501, 502)

Fax : (+95-1) 383 217, 379 940

E-mail : ygnhq@yangonair.com.mm, marketing@mmb.com.mm, cmya@mmb.com.mm

Website: www.yangonair.com

AIRPORT

Tel : (+95-1) 700 359, 652 533, 700 272

Fax : (+95-1) 652 533

YANGONNo. 236, 1-A, Ground Flr., 6 Ward, Pyay Rd., Myaynigone, Sanchaung Tsp., Yangon.

Tel : (+95-1) 538 217, 538 043, 535 346

MANDALAYMMB Tower, 30th St., Between 77th & 78th St., Chan Aye Tha Zan Ward, Mandalay.

Tel : (+95-2) 68 062, 61 513, 64 554

Fax : (+95-2) 68 061

AIRPORT

Tel : (+95-2) 87 575

NYAUNG-UAnawyahta Rd., Ward-4, Nyaung U.

Tel : (+95-61)60 475, 60 476, 09 20 42250

HEHONo. 3, Min Rd., Heho.

Tel : (+95-81) 23 995, 24 641, Heho-66

TAUNGGYIMA/134, Bogyoke Aung San St., Myoma Quarter, Taunggyi.

Tel : (+95-81)23 995, 24 638, 09 52 12580

TACHILEIKNo. 1/155, Aung Chan Thar Apartments, Bogyoke Aung San Rd., Sam Saing (Kha) Block, Tachileik.

Tel : (+95-84) 51 878, 069 228 620, 061 826 668

KYAING TONGNo. 36, Zaytangyi Rd., Kyaing San Quarter, Kyaing Tong.

Tel : (+95-84) 22 300, 09 52 50860

THANDWENo. 685, Airport St., Ngapali, Thandwe.

Tel : (+95-43) 43 066

SITTWENo. 14(c), Main Rd., Sittwe.

Tel : (+95-43) 24 102

MYITKYINA#D-5, Nawarat Construction Building, Soanprabon Street, Myitkyina.

Tel : (+95-74) 25 249

DAWEI#3, Ar Zar Ni Road, Ka-Nyone Block, Dawei.

Tel : (+95-59) 22 333, 22 154

MYEIK#1-2, Opposite of Ah-Kar Office, Kan Pyar Main Street, Myeik.

Tel : (+95-59) 42 283

KAWTHAUNGNo. 425, Bogyoke Road, Anawar Block, Kawthaung.

Tel : (+95-59) 51 675

HEAD OFFICE

DOMESTIC BRANCHES

message

62

WINTER SCHEDULE OF YANGON AIRWAYS DAYS DEPARTURE ARRIVAL FLT. NO. REMARKS

FROM YANGON (RGN) TO NAY PYI TAW (NPT) 2 10:30 11:20 HK - 729 NYAUNG-U (NYU) Daily 06:15 08:25 HK - 909 via MDL Daily 06:30 07:50 HK - 917 1 17:00 19:10 HK - 823 via MDL 3,5 10:30 11:50 HK - 929 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 15:15 17:55 HK - 721 via HEH, MDL MANDALAY (MDL) Daily 06:15 07:40 HK - 909 Daily 06:30 08:35 HK - 917 via NYU 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 10:30 12:25 HK - 727 via HEH 1 13:00 14:25 HK - 821 1 17:00 18:25 HK - 823 2 10:30 12:50 HK - 729 via NPT, HEH 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 15:15 17:10 HK - 721 via HEH 3 11:00 12:25 HK - 711 via HEH HEHO (HEH) Daily 06:30 09:20 HK - 917 via NYU,MDL 1 10:30 11:40 HK - 727 1 13:00 15:10 HK - 821 via MDL 2 10:30 12:05 HK - 729 via NPT 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 15:15 16:25 HK - 721 3, 5 10:30 12:40 HK - 929 via NYU TACHILEIK (THL) 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 10:30 13:50 HK - 727 via HEH, MDL 2 10:30 14:45 HK - 729 via NPT, HEH, MDL, KET KYAING TONG (KET) 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 10:30 14:30 HK - 727 via HEH, MDL, THL 2 10:30 14:05 HK - 729 via NPT, HEH, MDL THANDWE (SNW) 1, 6 11:00 11:50 HK - 503 2, 4, 7 11:00 11:50 HK - 511 3, 5 10:30 13:55 HK - 929 3 15:00 15:50 HK - 503 SITTWE (AKY) 2, 4, 7 11:00 12:50 HK - 511 via SNW

STANDARD LAYOUT69 Seats at 31” pitch

Attendant seat Galley Toilet Baggage

0.440 m

17.3’’

0.457 m

18’’

2.263 m / 89’’

2.570 m / 101.2’’

1.910 m75.2’’

10.77 m

27.166 m(35’ 4’’)

(89’ 1.5’’)

7.65

m

(25’

1’’)

0.835 m

0.835 m

27.050 m

4.10 m

(88’ 9’’)

8.10 m(26’ 7’’)

(13’ 5’’)

3.93 m

(12’ 11’’)

message

5

Art OnlyMyanmar’s most beautiful art collection

Anton Ferwerda, 46 B, Inya Myaing Street, Bahan Township, Tel: 537 614, E-mail: artonly@myanmar.com.mm,www.artfromburma.com