This trip takes us to a neighboring country once again, returning to Myanmar. This time, we will fly directly from Bangkok to Mandalay. This trip can be simply called a dream-fulfilling trip, as I had the opportunity to watch a movie that was not shown in theaters and had to be found on YouTube. After watching the movie, I felt that it was not enough, so I did some research and found a book to read. I had the chance to read the book "The End of the Shan Light" written by Ingyin Zargen, or Sujantra Mahedevi of Sipo in the past. The book is filled with many different emotions, which made me think that I must find an opportunity to visit Sipo City someday.

This time, we won't be delving too deeply into Mandalay and Bagan, as I've already written about them in several previous posts. Instead, we'll be exploring some new destinations. If you're interested in reading about Mandalay and Bagan, feel free to check out my older posts. Here's a quick overview of what we'll be covering in this post.

First post: Seeking blessings in Burma, 18 temples in 4 days.

The second post: A journey back in time at Inle Lake.

Link to a Thai forum discussion on the topic.

The third post: An 8-day, 7-night trip to Burma, including a boat procession ceremony at Inle Lake.

https://pantip.com/topic/35730779

Take a peek and get to know me better. There are a lot of pictures, so feel free to browse.

Rough plan

**Day 1:** Depart Bangkok for Mandalay on Flight FD244 at 12:25 PM.

Day 2: Mandalay – Mingun – Amarapura

DAY 3: Mandalay Station - Hsipaw Station (12-hour train journey)

Day 4: Morning exploration of Hsipaw, followed by an afternoon drive to Pyin Oo Lwin.

DAY 5: Pyin Oo Lwin (morning) – Bagan (sunset)

DAY 6: From the sunrise in Bagan to the bustling city of Yangon.

Day 7: Yangon - Syriem Park - Dinner

DAY 8: Yangon all day – Depart for Bangkok on flight DD4239 at 9pm DAY 1: Bangkok to Mandalay

A direct flight from Bangkok to Mandalay is available with several airlines. For this trip, I chose to fly with Thai AirAsia.

AirAsia Platinum Credit Card holders from Bangkok Bank can access the Express Lane for faster check-in. Additionally, they receive a free baggage allowance coupon and a complimentary Hot Seat upgrade. Onboard, they enjoy a free beverage worth 60 baht, with unlimited usage throughout 2023.

I just noticed that there are many new shops at King Power in Don Mueang Airport. Now there is MAC too! I'm so excited!

Additionally, for those who wish to shop before their flight, King Power in Soi Rang Nam offers a convenient option. Purchases can be collected at Don Mueang Airport, where a dedicated lane for Thai nationals ensures a swift and hassle-free experience.

After completing the X-ray, there will be a counter for exchanging money, purchasing SIM cards, tours, and taxi services. You can exchange Thai baht for Burmese kyat at the counter.

The weather here is very hot, and the sun is very strong.

Let's head to the hotel first.

This time, we decided to stay at a hotel near Mandalay Railway Station because we had to continue our journey to Hsipaw by train. Upon arrival at the hotel, we were pleased to find it conveniently located directly opposite the railway station.

While waiting to check in to your room at the OWAY GRAND HOTEL, the staff will serve you a refreshing welcome drink.

I quickly took my bag upstairs and stored it. There was a food vendor selling fried snacks in front of the hotel, so I decided to grab a bite to eat. There were many options to choose from.

We then headed to the train station to purchase tickets for the day after tomorrow. The ticket office is located on the second floor, so we had to climb some stairs. The staff informed us that tickets can only be purchased one day in advance. Therefore, tickets will not be available for sale until 9:00 AM tomorrow.

Mandalay Hill

Today, we will be going to Mandalay Hill to enjoy the view and watch the sunset. Foreigners will need to pay an entrance fee of 1000 kyats per person.

In the late afternoon, many Burmese people and tourists come to visit because the atmosphere is very good.

It is worth noting that the novices enjoy conversing with tourists, which also serves as an opportunity for them to practice their English skills.

The view from here is panoramic.

The round sun has risen, its colors vibrant today.

The light began to dim as the sun set over Mandalay Hill. While not particularly high, the hill offers stunning panoramic views of the city.

Take this elevator. When I came, there were foreign guests visiting, so the elevator was closed. So, I had to walk up.

As dusk settled, we disembarked and drove around Mandalay Palace. Seeing many people exercising, we asked my brother to stop the car so we could take a look. My father even joined in the exercise while waiting for his daughter to take photos. There were also a lot of mosquitoes.

Night Market

Note: The original text did not mention a night market, so I have not included it in the translation.

Feeling peckish, we decided to take a stroll through the night market. It was brimming with fresh produce, all at reasonable prices. However, navigating the market proved a bit challenging due to the constant flow of traffic. The majority of the fresh fruits and vegetables seemed to have originated from Hsipaw. We decided to head back and get some rest, as we had to wake up early the next day to witness the Mahamuni Buddha's face-washing ceremony. DAY 2: Mandalay – Mingun – Amarapura

Woke up at 3 am, washed my face, brushed my teeth, changed clothes, and prepared to go to the temple.

Arriving at the temple around 4:00 AM, the gate was still closed, so I had to wait outside.

The ceremony has begun. This ceremony is held daily, starting around 4:30 AM.

The ceremony consists of numerous intricate steps.

Brush down.

After applying Thanaka, I wiped my face repeatedly. The more I wiped, the more it gleamed.

The final step is to fan, and I changed several fans.

The bathing ceremony of Phra Mahamuni Buddha image takes about 1 hour. There were a lot of local people and tourists. Seeing everyone's faith gave me goosebumps. After the ceremony, men can buy gold leaf to apply to the Buddha image.

The father then called the gibbon to come and look at the side closely.

As I walked back, I saw a man in a disheveled state standing there, watching me for a long time. I could hear him chanting something, though I couldn't make out the words. I didn't feel scared or disgusted by him; I was simply stunned by the fact that despite his appearance, he still held such strong faith in Buddhism. As a practicing Buddhist myself, I rarely find the time to visit the temple, only doing so when I'm feeling particularly distressed.

The father called me over to see a small dog curled up under a pink scarf. He said that the little dog was sleeping next to a woman who must have wanted to listen to the morning sermon. The woman had sacrificed her own scarf to cover the dog, and then she got up and left. At that moment, my eyes welled up with tears because I am a huge dog lover. But if it were me, would I be willing to give up my scarf for a dog? It made me think that even though most Burmese people are not very wealthy, they are always ready to sacrifice and share. I don't know what karma the dog did in its past life to be born as an animal, but in this life, it still has the opportunity to listen to the Dharma.

As I was about to leave the temple, I saw people sitting all along the way.

The group then laid out cloths on the ground, which made us curious about what they were doing. Suddenly, an elderly man pulled our scarf away. We were shocked! It turned out that he was using our scarf to cover the ground so that the monks performing the cleansing ceremony could walk on it while chanting prayers. We finally understood why everyone was laying scarves or handkerchiefs on the walkway.

Our Burmese brother must be hungry, so we invited him to have a Burmese-style breakfast. Fried rice mixed with chili paste and dried fish. It's delicious, but in a strange way, because I don't eat spicy food.

Let's split the bill. Our meal today only cost 800 baht, which is very cheap.

We returned to the hotel for breakfast and then went to buy train tickets for tomorrow. The tickets were 3750 kyats for an Upper Seat from Mandalay to Hsipaw. We wanted to book two seats on the left and two on the right, but they were already full, even though we came early in the morning. So we had to settle for seats on the right side. Oh well, it's better than having the tickets sold out and not being able to go. Don't forget to bring your passport, as the officials will not sell you a ticket without it.

Train Schedule

The train departs from Mandalay Station at 4:00 AM. However, it is recommended to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure, which means arriving at 3:30 AM. According to the schedule, the train should arrive in Hsipaw around 3:00 PM, barring any unforeseen delays or breakdowns. Some travelers have experienced delays of 3-5 hours, so it remains to be seen what time the train will actually arrive tomorrow. Once we arrive, we can continue our journey.

Snake Pagoda (Hmwe Paya)

…

Located approximately 40 minutes from Mandalay in Paliek, every day at around 11:00 AM, three snakes are bathed. These snakes do not eat meat and are fed three eggs each day by officials. They are then returned to the Buddha statue, Luang Pho Laphamuni, which is considered sacred for granting good fortune. It is said that the snakes that guard the statue have never harmed anyone. If one of the snakes dies, a new one will always appear to take its place, and this has been happening for generations. This temple is very famous, and many Burmese celebrities, actors, and businessmen come to pray for blessings.

Let's buy flowers to pay respects to the Buddha inside first.

This cage houses the temple's original serpent, a creature of remarkable size.

This female snake, she must be cold, so she came out to sunbathe. Anyone can catch it, the snake is not fierce.

Three snakes are sleeping. You can catch them if you are not afraid. The snakes are not aggressive.

Snakes usually slither and sleep around the Buddha statue. However, the area is currently undergoing renovations.

Mingun

There are three main attractions located approximately 50 minutes by car from Mandalay. Alternatively, a 30-minute boat ride from Mandalay is available. The drive follows the Irrawaddy River, offering scenic views reminiscent of the Mekong River in our country.

The entrance fee to the city is 5,000 kyats per person.

The Mingun Pahtodawgyi

The Burmese currently refer to this pagoda as "Patodogi," which translates to "the unfinished great pagoda." If completed, it would have been the world's tallest pagoda, reaching an impressive height of 150 meters.

Inside the giant pagoda

The Giant Pagoda, true to its name, would be truly colossal if completed.

On the opposite side, you will see a lion that is also very large. It is said that to see how big the temple or pagoda is, look at the size of the lion in front of the temple. However, it is still not finished.

The front of the lion faces the Mingun River and harbor.

Giant Mingun Bell

This tree on the side, I can't remember its name, but it's a beautiful tree.

Young children are eagerly awaiting your arrival. Come visit us in large numbers!

Hsinbyume Pagoda

"The Taj Mahal of the Irrawaddy Basin" This pagoda is a Buddhist art built with a cosmic landscape. The pagoda is located in the center of Mount Meru, which is believed to be the center of the world and the universe, surrounded by mountains and oceans according to the Traiphum cosmology. The pagoda's base is built in seven tiers, creating a spiral walkway.

You can walk up to pay respects to the Buddha at the top, but it is quite high.

A view from above

From this point, you can also see the giant pagoda.

For a full view of the photo, please take it from the left side. You can enter through the side door. After visiting all three places, we returned to Amarapura for lunch at Renaissance Cafe & Restaurant, near NagaYone Pagoda.

After lunch, we drove past a textile factory and decided to stop by. We were impressed by the beautiful fabrics and the incredibly low prices. Unfortunately, the owner didn't have a wide selection of designs, as she mainly produces textiles for export to Yangon. Continuing our journey, we reached the U Bein Bridge, where we saw a crowd gathered around a food stall. Intrigued, we decided to try the local dish, which resembled Burmese pork stew served with a dipping sauce.

The world's longest teakwood bridge, spanning 1.2 kilometers, was constructed from salvaged teak from the old palace in Ava when the capital was relocated to Amarapura. King Bodawpaya commissioned a nobleman named "U Bein" to oversee the bridge's construction, hence the name U Bein Bridge. The bridge's 1,208 teakwood pillars, which are over 200 years old, stretch across Lake Taungthaman, leading directly to the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda on the opposite shore. Visitors can take a paddle boat ride to observe the lives of people who live around the lake.

We will take a boat to watch the sunset. They will take us for a spin under the bridge first.

And then we will take you back to wait for the sunset.

Waiting indefinitely.

The weather is pleasant today, not too hot. The number of tourists remains high as usual.

No need to fear loneliness, as tourists also gather here to witness the breathtaking sunset.

The sun is very strong.

Today is another day to wake up early. Yesterday, we informed the hotel that we would check out at around 3:30 am. The staff prepared breakfast boxes for us. We didn't carry our luggage because my brother's friend will drive us from Mandalay to Hsipaw. We only carried our essentials on the train.

Arriving at the train station at 3:30 AM, the hotel was conveniently located just across the street. Upon arrival, the train was already crowded with foreign passengers securing their seats. We were able to sit in our assigned seats as indicated on the tickets. It is important to keep the tickets safe as they will be checked by the staff.

The train departed promptly at 4 am, right on schedule. The frigid air and cool breeze against my face were ideal for a nap. I decided to rest and gather my strength as it would soon be dark and there wouldn't be much to see. I drifted in and out of sleep throughout the journey, too drowsy to reach for my camera. When I finally woke up, it was already 8 am.

A very classic station.

This station may require a longer stop due to the need to connect trains as there are a considerable number of foreign passengers waiting to board at this station. We therefore disembarked to explore and use the restroom.

Let's go see the train parade.

It's time to move on.

Move aside, the train is coming.

The train journey offered a unique perspective, revealing glimpses of villages, fields, and forests along the way. The anticipation of the unknown added to the excitement of the experience.

The journey took us through numerous villages, where children would wave at us as we passed by.

A smile can be charming too.

It was noon, time for lunch. The train would be stopping at this station for a while, but I wasn't sure how long. My mother and brother ran down to buy boxed lunches, while I opted for stir-fried noodles. They looked delicious and were only 500 baht. As soon as I bought mine, the foreigners started buying them too. I figured it was better to fill up first, and then worry about the rest later. But when I took a bite, I was pleasantly surprised. They were delicious and piping hot. The vendor even came to the train to sell them.

Fried noodles on the train to Sipo, affordable and delicious.

Would you like more oranges or corn?

Satiated, the train began to resume its journey. But that wasn't all. The auntie vendors even followed to sell snacks on the train. Food was everywhere.

Food stalls line the entire route.

The long-awaited moment is finally here. I am filled with excitement.

Gok Tiek Bridge

The longest and oldest bridge in Myanmar, crossing which is a must on the way to Hsipaw, a dream destination for many travelers, including myself.

Approaching.

The bridge is truly long.

Wandering around, the roadside flowers are beautiful.

The bridge is now before us. It is a moment of excitement for everyone in the procession, as they reach for their phones and cameras to capture the moment.

The train will slow down before going up the bridge. Fortunately, there is no train coming from the other side today, so we don't have to wait long. This is because only one lane can be used on the bridge at a time, so trains have to take turns.

The view from the window shows towering mountains and an equally impressive bridge.

My mom wanted to record a video, but she must have been nervous and accidentally took a photo instead.

Look down, it's very high.

Crossing a bridge like this indicates that you are approaching the city.

Lush green rice fields

Abundant

It's time for the students to finish school and walk home.

The train from Pyin Oo Lwin terminates at Lashio, but due to time constraints, we will only travel to this point.

Waving goodbye to the child

Accommodation in Sipo City: We chose to stay at Mr. Charles Hotel, booked through Agoda. The room for 3 people, including breakfast, cost 1,850 baht. The room condition was much better than in the pictures, much better than we expected, and the room was spacious. We quickly packed our things and moved on, as we didn't want to miss the sunset.

Sunset Hill

The first point we will encounter is the nat shrine of this place.

Thein Daung Pagoda is located on the top of the hill, where you will be greeted by the local residents.

The bridge we mentioned earlier, the one you must cross to reach Sunset Hill.

The sun has already set behind the mountain, we need to hurry down or we won't be able to see the road.

DAY 4: Hsipaw half day – Pyin Oo Lwin by car

Good morning, new day. The morning air is very cold, and the fog is very thick. I can't believe that Burma can be so cold. I like it. It's time to say goodbye to our hotel. The staff came to see us off.

The hotel also offers tours for adventure enthusiasts, including hiking and overnight stays in the mountains. However, we will save this for another time as we are traveling with our parents.

The morning market was deserted today, with hardly any customers. It was so quiet that it could be considered closed.

Fresh fruit

Fresh vegetables grown right here in Si Po.

These large oranges are also grown in Si Pho. They are very juicy and sweet. The vendor also speaks Thai.

Found the delicious SHAN NOODLE, a favorite of the Princess Mother and my brother.

HSIPAW:

Mahamyatmuni Pagoda

The Mahamuni Buddha Temple, a replica of the original in Mandalay, is the largest temple in Hsipaw. It is located on Namtu Road.

The temple was quiet and relatively deserted.

Replica of the Phra Maha Muni Buddha Image

The drum has a beautiful pattern.

National Shrine, Sao Paulo

This is a sacred place where the Burmese people worship Nats, revered spirits in their belief system. The large crowds attest to the deep respect the Burmese hold for these deities.

Nats are the spirits of those who died tragically. The Burmese people believe in 36 Nats. Burma is a country with a strong belief in spirits and ghosts, as well as a strong faith in Buddhism.

Now

The same as the one guarding the pagoda in Pyay, which the gibbon visited last year.
This Buddha statue is located in the central pavilion, and many people come to worship it.
Little Bagan, The Wooden Madahya Monastery: Bamboo Buddha Monastery

Just above the Nat Shrine, there is a village with small pagodas, which is why it is called "Little Bagan".

The bamboo section will be located in this pavilion.

The sun has just set.

The bamboo Buddha statue is located on the second floor.

Shan Palace

The allure of this place stems from the legendary love story of a Shan prince and an Austrian woman, a tale I had the opportunity to read in a book.

The side is also a palace.

I listened to the true story from Aunt Fern, who is a granddaughter who welcomes visitors and tells various stories. As I listened, tears welled up in my eyes until I couldn't hold them back any longer.

The love between Sujantra and Chaojasaeng was truly immense.

Ultimately, the story does not end in a happy ending like in a drama.

Behind the palace

Fortunately, this palace is still open to tourists.

This young child is likely the one who takes care of the palace.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Khun Ja Fern for her warm hospitality and detailed explanation of the stories.

To experience the true essence of this location, it is crucial to check the timings beforehand. Typically, access is granted between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, with signage displayed at the palace's front gate. The final viewpoint en route to Pyin Oo Lwin offers a panoramic vista of what appears to be an ordinary curved road, reminiscent of the "Ping Ngu" curve in Thailand. However, upon descending, the experience becomes more thrilling than the train journey. Navigating each bend is a nerve-wracking feat, amidst a constant stream of trucks. Cars are unable to pass simultaneously, necessitating a staggered approach, resulting in hours spent traversing this mountainous stretch. If you intend to continue to another city, such as Pin Oo Lwin from Hsipaw, it is advisable to depart before noon, as darkness descends rapidly.

PYIN OO LWIN

We arrived at the hotel after 7 pm and were very hungry. We checked in at the Royal Green Hotel, which we booked through Agoda for 1,577 baht per night for a room for three people, including breakfast. It was so cold that we had to sleep with the window open, as even the fan was too cold. The air conditioning in the room was unnecessary, as the outside air was colder than the air conditioning.

This evening, I entrusted my stomach to a restaurant near the hotel. They actually have a resort, but it was fully booked. The food was delicious, and I would recommend it to anyone. However, I didn't take pictures of everything because I was very hungry.

The view from the bed is of the vegetable garden next door, making for a refreshing atmosphere. This morning, I had breakfast at the hotel and then checked out.

No matter which city you visit, don't miss the opportunity to explore the morning market. Let's visit the Pin Oo Lwin market together.

The market is bigger than I thought, so the city must be big too.

Burmese domestic chickens are large. My brother said they are more expensive than regular chickens.

Large bean sprouts

This city is renowned for its flowers.

The majority of the people in this city have features that resemble those of Indian people.

If I were in Thailand, I would buy all of the vegetables from this vendor and stir-fry them. I really want to.

My older brother raised a Burmese python, the first in his life, and he will remember it for a long time. Am I a Burmese monkey now?

Kandawgyi National Botanical Gardens: National Kandawgyi Botanical Garden

View from the dining table

This is a cold city, making it easy to grow flowers here. The soil is fertile and there are many kinds of flowers.

The other side has a Valentine's Day event zone with free photo booths.

Although it is sunny, the weather is very good.

It is surprising to see the large number of Burmese people who enjoy visiting flower gardens.

Horse-drawn carriages are another symbol of this city.

The mixed-color flowers are beautiful.

The flowers are large and vibrantly pink.

Another name for it is Maymyo.

All Saints' Church

The historic red church of Pinuville, built in 1912.

Downtown: Pyin Oo Lwin

Horse-drawn carriages are a common sight here, traversing the streets.

Enhance the classic feel with a horse-drawn carriage.

A newly constructed monument outside the city.

Lost in a maze of unfamiliar roads, we wandered aimlessly on our way to Bagan, never seeming to get any closer to our destination.

The Glass Bead Ordination Ceremony

This is a literal translation of the phrase "พิธีการบวชลูกแก้ว". However, without further context, it is difficult to provide a more specific or nuanced translation.

Here are some additional questions that could help me provide a more accurate translation:

• What is the source of this phrase? Is it from a news article, a religious text, or something else?
• What is the overall context of the phrase? What is it referring to?
• Are there any other clues that could help me understand the meaning of the phrase, such as the surrounding text or images?

Once I have more information, I will be able to provide a more accurate and helpful translation.

Thailand also has it. This year it will be held in Mae Hong Son Province on April 1-3.

Bagan: The City of Pugan

Fortunately, we arrived just in time before the sunset. We quickly climbed the pagoda to take pictures.

The round sun.

The light has begun to fade.

Today, the ox replaces the goat.

Dusk is approaching. Tourists who are riding motorcycles or bicycles should return as soon as possible, as it will be very difficult to travel after dark due to the lack of street lighting.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Dinner: Tonight's dinner is at our favorite restaurant, Queen Restaurant. No need to think twice.

We woke up before dawn, around 4:00 AM, to climb the pagoda and watch the sunrise. However, this time, the highest level of the pagoda was closed for renovation.

This year, the sun rises directly over the pagoda.

The balloon has arrived.

The sky is filled with hot air balloons. If you plan to ride one, it's highly recommended to book months in advance due to high demand and cost.

The light has come, I love it the most. Bagan is a city that makes my heart beat fast every time.

Although February this year was not as cold as last year, the fog was much thicker, creating a truly atmospheric experience.

After returning to the hotel to shower, have breakfast, and check out, we continued on to Yangon.

The sun is setting. I won't be able to take a picture in time.

As the sun sets, the lights begin to illuminate the scene, enhancing its beauty even further.

Chicken biryani

Before reaching the airport, stop by to give sugarcane to the white elephant.

Facebook Fanpage (Chaneenoy Talontour): https://www.facebook.com/sanungningdiary

Many people have been asking about car rentals and tour prices. When I go on long trips to Myanmar, who takes care of me? There are many companies to choose from in Myanmar, but once you find someone you click with who takes good care of you, it makes a difference. Sometimes we need to spend a lot of time taking photos at each location, so it's important to be with someone who truly understands us. The prices at each place probably aren't that different, but I'll tell you this: I travel so often that I've become close like siblings with Nay Linn, my Burmese brother. However, the person who takes care of me throughout the trip is usually Nay Linn's younger brother, Soe Thein, also known as SU TE in Thailand.

Many people wonder why when they talk to Nelin about work, they receive different care compared to others. It's important to understand that Nelin is the owner of the company and manages numerous groups daily. It's simply not possible for her to personally attend to every group. Therefore, she entrusts her younger brother or nephew to take care of guests. Please be understanding in such situations.

See you and your new family on our next trip!