The first destination of the trip is Yangon, the former capital city of Myanmar. It is also the main gateway to Myanmar from Mingalardon Airport. My first impression was Kyauk Taw Gyi marble sitting-Buddha image, which is the largest one in Myanmar made in 1998 by the present government. Along the way to downtown, there were quite a few lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, which might reason why Yangon has earned the name of “The Garden City of the East”. According to on-site lectures, Yangon was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small settlement called Dagon when he conquered Lower Myanmar in 1755. The name Yangon means “Ends of strife” which was Anglicized as Rangoon by the British.
- Nguyen Anh Nguyet (Moon)
Yangon, nowadays, is representing the modernization in Myanmar. When colonialism came, the British brought innovation and change to Myanmar. Indeed, many colonial style buildings can be seen in every corner of Yangon. The change started in 1883, the year that British ruled over Myanmar. Myanmar keeps all colonial styled buildings. Even though the political situation changed, Myanmar did not change. They fought for independence and were successful in 1948. Now they face political unrest, but they still keep their living as in the past.
- Yoothasart Ngamin (Aon)
Infrastructure is also another problem in Myanmar. In Yangon, we can see old buildings built during the British colonial days. Almost all of them are low buildings. In the outskirts of the city, we can see people live in low, simple, and temporary houses. Along the streets, we can see a lot of generators because of regular blackout.- Nguyen Anh Tai
A person who is not familiar with Burmese customs might be puzzled why most Burmese women and girls, and a few men and boys have yellowish-white cosmetic paste on their face. This paste is originally from ground bark from a ‘thanaka’ tree. The “thanaka” bark is believed to be able to help remove acne and create smooth skin. In other words, thanaka is a great non-chemical and low-cost cosmetic for common people.
- Patarin Khaochan (Nat)
Thanaka cream is made by grinding the bark, wood, or roots of a thanaka tree with a small amount water on a circular stone slab called kyauk pyin which has a channel round the rim for the liquid to drain into.- Nat
No matter how long the country was a British colony, It still maintains Myanmar culture and traditions, such as the way people wear Kalongi (Sarong). I tried wearing them and noticed that wearing Kalongi made Myanmar people smile when they saw me. In rural areas of Thailand, people still wear Sarong when they are in their houses or villages, but they do not wear it as formal dresses whereas Myanmar do.
- Aon
Bago, an ancient capital of the Mon Kings of the 14th to 16th century and second Myanmar Empire created by King Bayinnaung. It was located only 80km from Yangon with Shwethalyaung Buddha, a famous reclining image of a huge Buddha. It was “lost” for many years as it was covered with earth in the scrub jungle, until an Indian contractor dug the place. Since then it has been known as “the golden reclining image”. Kanbawza Thadi Palace was built by King Bayinnaung, the founder of the second Myanmar Empire.
- Moon
The great King Bayintnaung palace in Bago is newly built. although I did admire its beauty, I felt that the touch of antiquity had been lost because of the new bright paint.
- Nat
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