THE CENTRAL REGION
Pindaya & Kalaw
A lively little town comprised mainly of Taung yo
and Danu people, Pindaya's main attraction-and a spectacular one-is
in the limestone caves in the hills above, where a maze of chambers
contains over 6,000 Buddha statues. The short hike to the source of
the Zawgyi River takes you through some lovely scenery.
Meet people of the Pa-O and Danu tribes in small, traditional
villages. Kalaw was a British hill station which has retained its
charm, many fine colonial buildings and a colorful array of
peoples, including many Gurkhas.
Loikaw
Closed to foreigners for decades and only recently
opened, Kayah State and particularly Loikaw offers the opportunity
to explore some of the country's most traditional villages
including those of the Karreni (Red Karen) and Padaung minorities
whose women historically wore a series of rings around their neck
giving them the name "long-necked" people. With rugged mountains,
dense forest, pristine river and lakes, this area offers the
adventurous traveler one of Asia's most remote and traditional
regions.
Naypidaw
The new capital established by the military
hunta feels somewhat forced, with its zoos and broad streets.
Strictly for the political science enthusiast traveling in
Myanmar.
Kyaiktiyo
The "Golden Rock Pagoda," with its huge, precarious
boulder on the edge of a cliff is a sacred place that's quite
difficult to get to but certainly worth the effort. There's real
magic-both scenic and spiritual-in store for you at the summit,
which is reached by truck, foot and sedan chair. Accommodations are
basic here.
Moulmein
Renowned for its seafood and beautiful pagodas,
this old port has a fine beach and a World War II cemetery. The
spot recalls the classic Kipling poem Road to Mandalay-"By
the old Moulmein Pagoda lookin' lazy at the sea, there's a Burma
girl a-settin', and I know she thinks o' me."
Maymyo
A three-hour drive from Mandalay, this town with
its pleasant climate was a favorite retreat of the Brits. In
addition to delicious strawberries and miniature stagecoaches
(which act as local taxis), the place has many colonial buildings,
including Candacraig. Wile away an hour strolling through the fine
botanical gardens or hike to Anisakan Falls for a swim before
heading to the next destination on your Myanmar tour.
Mingun, Sagaing & Amarapura
Mingun, a picturesque town reached by river,
features the world's largest uncracked bell and the crumbling
remains of what was to have been the world's largest pagoda.
Sagaing is one of the most important religious centers in Myanmar
with over 600 pagodas and monasteries covering a ridge above the
Irrawaddy offering outstanding views. Briefly the capital of
Myanmar, Amarapura is now notable for its weaving and handicrafts
and for the fabulous U Bein Bridge-a mile-long structure made of
teak-which is the perfect spot for watching the sunset. It's
possible to visit these three places in a single, fast-paced
day.