MYA NMAR
F IVE TOP D ES TI NATI O N S K ATE E DWARDS A SIA E XPE RT
Myanmar – formerly Burma - is firmly on the tourist radar after years of turbulence. Right now, before the country becomes over-popular and loses some of its authenticity, is the perfect time to visit. KALAW ELEPHANT CAMP
Up in the cool hills of Kalaw, where trekking to visit the hill tribes is the main draw, there’s a camp for orphaned and retired elephants that have spent their lives working in the logging industry. Here they are given a good home and cared for in their old age. After the heat of midday has passed, you can walk these gentle animals down to the river, help clean them in the water, feed them banana snacks and learn about their backgrounds and how they came to the sanctuary.
PINDAYA CAVE
This limestone cave, located about one mile from a sleepy village and on the banks of a tranquil lake, hides around 8,000 glittering Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes. Some have been donated from as far afield as Los Angeles and Switzerland. Don’t forget to explore all the nooks and crannies, including the smaller side chambers in which Buddhist pilgrims often practice meditation.
IRRAWADDY RIVER
Cruising down the Irrawaddy River – sometimes called the ‘Road to Mandalay’ after the Rudyard Kipling poem – is a relaxing way to travel between the two major destinations of Mandalay and Bagan, particularly as a break in a busy itinerary. Put your feet up and watch the world go by from the deck, as you pass tiny riverside villages and the expansive countryside of Myanmar.
BAGAN
Bagan is one of the most impressive sights in Asia, with over 2,000 ancient pagodas scattered across the plains by the river. There are several temples from which the view is incredible, but I prefer the ones that only the locals know about. A sunrise hot air balloon ride is a must-do. Soar above this temple-strewn landscape and watch the sun slowly illuminate these relics of ancient Asia.
INLE LAKE
Flanked by mountains, this great lake is home to the famous leg-rowing fishermen of Inle. Hop in a boat and marvel at the effortless way the fishermen use a single leg to power the oar. Pass local villages along the sides of the lake, where monks stroll, children play, women wash their colourful clothes and blankets, and water buffalo cool off.
PACK YOUR BAGS Classic Myanmar Explorer >> Travel for 10 days through Mandalay, Inle Lake, Bagan, Ngapali Beach and Yangon – from $3,559 per person. THE EXPLORER | AUTUMN / FALL 2015 | 43