WESmile Magazine October 2018

Once Upon a Time
in Myanmar
Above left:
Myanmar’s many
sacred sites are
home to stunning
Buddha statues.
Above right:
For Buddhists from
all across Myanmar,
pilgrimages to
significant religious
landmarks are a
frequent event.
Since childhood Thais are told the long
history of relations between Thailand and
Myanmar. Experiencing the real Myanmar
is so different, it leaves us with magical
impressions and unforgettable memories.
Once viewed as a country shrouded in
mysticism, Myanmar is now accessible to
visitors who wish to admire its past glories,
beautiful temples, and a local way of life
that continues to hold fast to faith. This
change has attracted tourists from all over
the world.
Locals in Myanmar still happily lead
simple lives, spending time with their
family and helping each other earn their
livelihoods. Often they are shy when
meeting foreigners, but we can see their
friendly smiles and sense their warm
welcome.
Buddhism is the official religion of this
country, and locals visit temples as part
of their daily routine. Even older temples
continue to serve as spiritual centers, and thus
are well- preserved and in great condition.
Traveling around this country is
convenient as groups or as couples, and it
is easy to rent a car with a driver. You will
need a tour guide to help tell you about the
history of each site and to inform you about
the rules in entering various sacred spaces.
Locals normally eat rice, of which there
is a variety in different regions according
to local preferences. Simple dishes like
fried eggs, fried chicken and vegetables
are served to visitors who may not be as
adventurous.
If your time is limited these are the top
five must-visit places:
SHWEDAGON TEMPLE
Shwedagon temple is located in Yangon.
Shwedagon means “Gold of Dagon”
(“dagon” is the ancient name of Yangon).
Legend says if you make a wish there, it will
come true. It has a history full of magic, and
the beauty of the long-gone golden city. A
must-visit site!
KYAIKTIYO PAGODA
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is a well-known Buddhist
pilgrimage site in a town called Kyaikhto at
approximately 3,600 m above sea level. It
is surrounded by spectacular mountains.
Thus one has to climb up hills to pay
homage to this sacred, historical place.
SHWEZIGON PAGODA
Shwezigon Pagoda is located in the picturesque
city of Bagan. It is a beautiful Buddhist stupa
and is a long-time, iconic Myanmar landmark.
SHEWMAWDAW PAGODA
Shewmawdaw Pagoda holds the record of the
tallest pagoda in the country. It was built in
the Mon architecture style, and is believed to
enshrine strands of the Buddha’s hair. It was
a spiritual center for both Myanmar people
and Thais in the past. It was rebuilt after an
earthquake and is still a popular pilgrimage site.
It is believed your life will be secure if you place
a piece of broken wood that has never touched
the ground at the pagoda.
MAHAMUNI BUDDHA IMAGE
According to legend, the Mahamuni Buddha
statue was moved from Rakhine state to
Mandalay by transporting it along the Irrawaddy
River during a war. The Mahamuni Buddha
statue is clothed elegantly and majestically like
a king, and has been a spiritual center for locals
since ancient times. It is considered a “Living
Buddha”, so every morning believers perform
sacred rituals to wash and clean the statue’s
face, as a highly venerated gesture of serving
Buddha.
Another place we simply felt we had
to witness with our own eyes is the “most
beautiful sunrise in the world”: the sunrise over
2,200 Bagan stupas. Birds flocked around the
structures, which softly reflected the sun’s rays.
Overall, it’s a beautiful example of the
charm of Southeast Asia’s ancient civilizations.
Friendly locals continue to worship at gilded,
religious sites, each still a reflection of history
passed down from ancient times to later
generations – all this confirmed our impression
of Myanmar – of its magnificence.
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