Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Wednesday, July 6
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • The HK Support Hub
    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    The HK HUB
    • What’s On

      What’s On: What To Watch In Movie Theatres This Month

      2022-07-05

      What’s On: New Restaurant & Bar Openings In Hong Kong In July 2022

      2022-07-04

      What’s On: The Most Exciting Events For All This Month

      2022-07-04

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2022-07-04

      What To Do In Hong Kong For Pride Month 2022 This June

      2022-06-13
    • Eat & Drink
      1. Bars
      2. Food
      3. Restaurants
      4. Reviews
      5. View All

      Coa Named Asia’s Best Bar For 2nd Consecutive Year; 7 More Hong Kong Bars Appear In Top 50

      2022-05-05

      10 Best Shisha Bars In Hong Kong For A Smoke & Chill Session

      2021-12-30

      Festive Afternoon Teas in Hong Kong to Enjoy This Christmas

      2021-11-30

      Our 10 Favourite Places To Fulfill Your Bubble Tea Craving

      2021-11-04

      15 Delicious Singaporean Foods You Must Try (And Where To Eat When In Singapore)

      2022-06-20

      37 Best Weekend Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong (June Update)

      2022-06-09

      Where To Get 11 Rice Dumplings (Zongzi) In Hong Kong For Dragon Boat Festival Gifts

      2022-05-24

      10 Filipino Dishes You Must Try When In The Philippines

      2022-05-13

      37 Best Weekend Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong (June Update)

      2022-06-09

      9 Best Yakiniku Restaurants In Hong Kong For Japanese BBQ Feasts

      2022-06-07

      10 Father’s Day Restaurants In 2022 To Treat Your Dad With

      2022-06-02

      Sugar & Salt: 27 Best High Teas To Try in Hong Kong

      2022-04-28

      Restaurant Review – Modern Chinese Vegetarian at Miss Lee

      2020-03-05

      Restaurant Review: Middle Eastern Brunch at FRANCIS, Wan Chai

      2019-12-04

      Restaurant Review: Hue, Modern Australian with Harbour Views

      2019-11-27

      Review: Micasadeco & Café, Langham Place

      2019-09-20

      15 Delicious Singaporean Foods You Must Try (And Where To Eat When In Singapore)

      2022-06-20

      37 Best Weekend Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong (June Update)

      2022-06-09

      9 Best Yakiniku Restaurants In Hong Kong For Japanese BBQ Feasts

      2022-06-07

      10 Father’s Day Restaurants In 2022 To Treat Your Dad With

      2022-06-02
    • Lifestyle
      1. Beauty
      2. Fashion
      3. Entertainment
      4. Interviews
      5. Outdoor
      6. Shopping
      7. View All

      10 Best Hotel Spas In Hong Kong For Luxurious Massages & Spa Packages

      2022-04-26

      Our Review of LifeHub’s IV Drip Treatment For Glowing Skin

      2021-12-09

      Our Review Of EstheClinic’s OXYPURE Oxygenation Facial

      2021-11-18

      5 Fantastic Spas In Central For Stress Relief Massages & Luxurious Beauty Treatments

      2021-09-16

      15 Local Hong Kong Fashion Brands For Stylish Women, Men & Kids

      2022-02-02

      Hong Kong-based fashionpreneurs Rock Atoll promote sustainable and year-round witty apparel

      2021-04-30

      M+ Cinema, Hong Kong’s Brand New Cinema Destination, Opens 8 June

      2022-05-31

      6 Best Bowling Spots In Hong Kong: Glowing Bowling Alleys & Outdoor Lawn Greens

      2022-04-20

      20 Dating Apps In Hong Kong For Meeting Friends, Lovers & Forever Partners

      2022-03-16

      Experience LOST Hong Kong’s Virtual Escape Rooms With Up To 8 Teammates

      2022-03-15

      “There’s A Lot To Be Done When It Comes To Laws” Protecting Women And Sexual Minorities In Hong Kong, Says SCMP Editor Salomé Grouard

      2022-06-30

      Founder Of Africa Center Hong Kong, Innocent Mutanga: “It’s Time We Take Ownership Of The African Story”

      2022-05-23

      Brian Eagen Lau On Transfeminism: “In Hong Kong, I Get Stared At A Lot; In Thailand, I Don’t Experience That”

      2022-04-07

      HER Fund On Intersectionality & Letting Marginalized Lead In Journey Towards Gender Equality

      2022-03-17

      20 Beautiful Gazetted & Non-Gazetted Beaches In Hong Kong

      2022-05-12

      Top 10 Hong Kong Hikes With Trails For Families, Hardcore Hikers & Nature Lovers

      2022-04-14

      Dazzling Waterfalls Dotted Around Hong Kong To Refresh Yourself After a Hike

      2021-09-02

      Your Complete Guide to Scuba Diving in Hong Kong

      2021-08-16

      Vipop, Bringing Environmentally Conscious Latin American Fashion & Jewelry To Asia

      2022-07-04

      13 Dad-Friendly Ideas For Father’s Day Gifts From Local Businesses

      2022-06-01

      7 Stores To Get Gourmet Hampers & Gift Boxes For All Special Occasions

      2022-05-18

      10 Local Businesses Offering Inspired Mother’s Day Gifts

      2022-04-29

      Vipop, Bringing Environmentally Conscious Latin American Fashion & Jewelry To Asia

      2022-07-04

      “There’s A Lot To Be Done When It Comes To Laws” Protecting Women And Sexual Minorities In Hong Kong, Says SCMP Editor Salomé Grouard

      2022-06-30

      The Beginner’s Guide To The Metaverse: What Is The Metaverse & Why Does It Matter?

      2022-06-15

      13 Dad-Friendly Ideas For Father’s Day Gifts From Local Businesses

      2022-06-01
    • News
      1. Covid Pandemic
      2. Local News
      3. View All

      Hong Kong Considering Changes To Quarantine Period, Says John Lee

      2022-07-05

      What Happens To Compulsory Covid-19 Testing During A Hong Kong Typhoon?

      2022-07-02

      Social Distancing Rules And Negative Antigen Tests To Enter Nightlife Venues Extended Till Mid-July

      2022-06-27

      New Anti-Scalping Measures To Regulate Quarantine Room Booking And Prices; Three New Hotels Added To 8th Cycle

      2022-06-25

      Hong Kong’s New Trial Traffic Lights To Target Smartphone Users

      2022-07-06

      Here Are The 10 Most Expensive Cities In The World To Live In (And Hong Kong Ranks #1)

      2022-07-05

      [UPDATE] : Typhoon Signal To Be Lowered To Strong Wind Signal, No. 3, Between 4 And 8PM

      2022-07-01

      How Is Hong Kong Celebrating Its 25th Anniversary Of The Establishment Of The HKSAR?

      2022-06-30

      Hong Kong’s New Trial Traffic Lights To Target Smartphone Users

      2022-07-06

      Here Are The 10 Most Expensive Cities In The World To Live In (And Hong Kong Ranks #1)

      2022-07-05

      Hong Kong Considering Changes To Quarantine Period, Says John Lee

      2022-07-05

      What Happens To Compulsory Covid-19 Testing During A Hong Kong Typhoon?

      2022-07-02
    • Family
      1. Activities
      2. Education
      3. Kids
      4. Pets
      5. View All

      Hong Kong Palace Museum Opened On 3 July, A Day After Typhoon Chaba’s Passing

      2022-07-05

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2022-07-04

      52 Amazing Summer Camps In 2022 Your Child Will Love

      2022-05-26

      Hong Kong Disneyland Fireworks To Resume Next Year

      2021-11-04

      52 Amazing Summer Camps In 2022 Your Child Will Love

      2022-05-26

      4 Tips For Parents To Be Proactive Against Bullying At School

      2022-05-03

      Filling The Gap For Underprivileged Children & Non-Chinese Speakers With Adapted Education: IBEL

      2022-04-13

      A Hong Kong School Issues Cautionary Bulletin About Squid Game

      2021-10-28

      Camp Beaumont Brings 40 Years Of Expertise For Its Multi-Activity Summer Camps (And We Got You 10% Off)

      2022-05-26

      52 Amazing Summer Camps In 2022 Your Child Will Love

      2022-05-26

      10 Awesome Playgroups In Hong Kong To Prepare Your Toddler For Kindergarten & Beyond

      2022-05-12

      8 Tips For Working From Home Productively With Kids

      2022-03-03

      Hong Kong Gets 12 More Pet-Friendly Parks

      2022-06-29

      Hong Kong To Introduce New Measures To Prevent Cruelty To Animals, May Require Cats To Be Microchipped

      2022-04-28

      Hong Kong Government To Conduct Spot Checks On Dog Licences Starting April 25

      2022-04-25

      Hong Kong Opens 62 More Pet-friendly Parks, Bringing Total to 103

      2022-04-20

      Hong Kong Palace Museum Opened On 3 July, A Day After Typhoon Chaba’s Passing

      2022-07-05

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2022-07-04

      Hong Kong Gets 12 More Pet-Friendly Parks

      2022-06-29

      Camp Beaumont Brings 40 Years Of Expertise For Its Multi-Activity Summer Camps (And We Got You 10% Off)

      2022-05-26
    • Culture

      The Cultural Guide To Kwan Tai’s Birthday, The Chinese God Of War

      2022-07-06

      Hong Kong Palace Museum Opened On 3 July, A Day After Typhoon Chaba’s Passing

      2022-07-05

      The History Of Hong Kong Establishment Day On July 1, The Birth Of Modern Hong Kong

      2022-06-23

      Jumbo Floating Restaurant, A Hong Kong Cultural Landmark And Fallen Kingdom

      2022-06-16

      All You Need to Know About Dragon Boat Festival: The Meaning Behind Races & Where To Watch Them In 2022

      2022-05-17
    • Sustainability

      Vipop, Bringing Environmentally Conscious Latin American Fashion & Jewelry To Asia

      2022-07-04

      Where To Buy Environmentally-Friendly Clothing, Beauty, Home Products In Hong Kong?

      2022-07-04

      Eco-Fashion Advocate Sheryl Bolden’s Book ‘Sustainably Stylish’ Is A Guide To Building An Ethical Wardrobe

      2022-05-03

      KaiJai, Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats That Get Grippier As You Sweat

      2022-04-27

      Eco-Friendly Jewellery: What You Need To Know About Lab-Grown Gemstones

      2022-04-20
    • Wellness
      1. Diet
      2. Fitness
      3. Health
      4. View All

      Bust the Belly Fat: Nutrition for Healthy Weight Loss and Maintenance

      2018-02-27

      Hong Kong’s Top Gluten Free Restaurants and Cafés

      2014-12-01

      KaiJai, Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats That Get Grippier As You Sweat

      2022-04-27

      Where To Go Rock Climbing and Bouldering In Hong Kong?

      2021-10-28

      Free Daily Online Dance Classes in Hong Kong!

      2020-04-16

      Great Ideas to Keep Busy While ‘Social Distancing’

      2020-04-02

      The Kare Lab Launches Anti-Viral & Anti-Microbial Screen Protector That Kills 99% Of Coronavirus In 30 Minutes

      2022-05-18

      What Is Loneliness: How To Connect In The Throes of Pandemic Isolation

      2022-04-21

      Turn Critical To Compassionate #4: There’s Nothing Wrong With Embracing Negative Feelings

      2022-03-03

      Turn Critical To Compassionate #3: Perfectionism Is Paralysis By Overanalysis

      2022-02-24

      The Physical Effects Of Fear And How To Effectively Overcome Fear When It Cripples

      2022-06-22

      The Kare Lab Launches Anti-Viral & Anti-Microbial Screen Protector That Kills 99% Of Coronavirus In 30 Minutes

      2022-05-18

      KaiJai, Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats That Get Grippier As You Sweat

      2022-04-27

      10 Best Hotel Spas In Hong Kong For Luxurious Massages & Spa Packages

      2022-04-26
    • Travel
      1. Hotel Reviews
      2. Staycations & Hotels
      3. Travel Guides
      4. Travel To Hong Kong
      5. View All

      Review: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

      2022-02-09

      Review: Four Seasons Sayan, Bali

      2018-11-09

      Review: Weekend Escape At The Grand Lapa, Macau

      2015-10-02

      Review: Family Staycation At The Grand Coloane Resort, Macau

      2015-08-19

      12 Luxurious 5-Star Hotels In Manila, The Philippines’ Capital Region

      2022-06-08

      20 Staycation Packages In Hong Kong To Book For A Self-Care Retreat

      2022-04-28

      The Ultimate List Of Hong Kong’s Best 5-Star Hotels

      2021-10-27

      8 Best Budget-Friendly Hostels in Hong Kong

      2021-09-13

      20 Places To Visit In Singapore And How To Get There

      2022-06-28

      The Traveller’s Guide For Exploring Palawan Island: What To See & What To Do

      2022-05-17

      18 Getaway Destinations In Asia-Pacific To Travel To During Covid (With Entry Requirement Details)

      2022-04-01

      Top 10 Things To Do in Seoul

      2020-01-15

      The Updated List Of Hong Kong’s Government Designated Quarantine Hotels

      2022-06-21

      The 8th Quarantine Hotels Cycle List Is Out And Available For Bookings From August 1 to October 31

      2022-06-17

      Starting May 1, Non Residents And Tourists Can Enter Hong Kong While Flight Ban Will Be Reduced To 5 Days

      2022-04-23

      Travelling To Hong Kong Checklist: Who Can Enter, Necessary Arrival Documents, Booking Quarantine Hotel & More

      2022-03-29

      20 Places To Visit In Singapore And How To Get There

      2022-06-28

      The Updated List Of Hong Kong’s Government Designated Quarantine Hotels

      2022-06-21

      The 8th Quarantine Hotels Cycle List Is Out And Available For Bookings From August 1 to October 31

      2022-06-17

      12 Luxurious 5-Star Hotels In Manila, The Philippines’ Capital Region

      2022-06-08
    • HK Living
      1. Around HK
      2. Essential HK
      3. Helpers
      4. Neighbourhoods
      5. Work
      6. View All

      50 Interesting Things You Must Do In Hong Kong

      2022-04-21

      10 Awesome Gazetted Swimming Pools For Olympic Pools, Water Slides & Kids’ Facilities

      2021-10-07

      Your Guide To Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery

      2021-09-23

      French May 2021 Imagines A New World Full of Art And Fantasy… and Gastronomy!

      2021-04-30

      Hong Kong’s Typhoon Signals & Weather Warnings, Explained

      2022-07-02

      Your Comprehensive Guide To Preparing For A Typhoon In Hong Kong

      2022-06-09

      Hong Kong Public Holidays In 2022 & 2023

      2022-05-16

      Leaving Hong Kong Checklist: How To Withdraw MPF, Clear Taxes, Get Rid Of Furniture & Much More

      2022-03-24

      Domestic Helpers Left Stranded In Parks & Outside Hospitals After Testing Covid-Positive

      2022-02-18

      NGO Helping Hong Kong Helpers Access Justice & Better Conditions, HELP for Domestic Workers

      2021-11-03

      Helper Insurance Options in Hong Kong

      2020-08-05

      Uplifters, Helping Domestic Helpers

      2019-01-25

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Exploring Kennedy Town

      2022-06-30

      A Local Guide To Living, Dining & Playing In Discovery Bay

      2021-10-20

      Where to Eat and Drink in Wan Chai

      2019-10-16

      Things to do in Sai Kung

      2019-10-10

      Hong Kong’s New World Group To Have 4.5 Work Week This Summer

      2022-07-06

      All You Need To Know About Employee’s Compensation Insurance In Hong Kong

      2022-06-28

      All You Need To Know About Business Insurances in Hong Kong

      2021-08-11

      The Best 4 Ways to Structure Your Day and Accomplish Your Goals

      2020-04-29

      Hong Kong’s New World Group To Have 4.5 Work Week This Summer

      2022-07-06

      Hong Kong’s Typhoon Signals & Weather Warnings, Explained

      2022-07-02

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Exploring Kennedy Town

      2022-06-30

      All You Need To Know About Employee’s Compensation Insurance In Hong Kong

      2022-06-28
    The HK HUB
    Home»Travel»Travel Guides»Myanmar With Kids : 7 BEst Things To Do & See
    Travel Guides

    Myanmar With Kids : 7 BEst Things To Do & See

    The HK HUBBy The HK HUB2017-07-07Updated:2021-12-12No Comments12 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter WhatsApp
    Bagan, Myanmar

    Myanmar (previously also known as Burma) had long been on our bucket list. The only question was: would it be doable with young kids in tow, 6 and 5 years old?

    Content of this article hide
    Yangon I: Shwedagon Pagoda
    Yangon II: Stop and Go to Colonial Mansions
    Bagan I: Where Ancient Sites Spring up Like Mushrooms
    Bagan II: Horses, Hot Air Balloons and Temple Cats
    Inle Lake I: Sightseeing by Boat – Farms, Workshops and Pubs on Stilts
    Inle Lake II: A Magical Picnic and More Ancient Sites on the Water
    Unwinding at Ngapali Beach – One of the Most Beautiful Beaches in Asia

    Long story short: Once we woke up to a beautiful blue sky in Yangon, we fell in love with this tropical country. I only regret that we didn’t have a second day for Yangon. Though not the capital anymore, it’s still the country’s largest city with a unique mix of temples, lakes, markets and teahouses. Most notably, it boasts amazing architecture from those exciting times when Yangon was a real hot spot in Asia. In 1852 the British took over as new masters, rebuilt the heavily damaged city and even changed its name to “Rangoon”. Hard to believe today, but by the early 20th century the busy trade hub was one of the most modern cities with an infrastructure rivalling that of London!

    Yangon I: Shwedagon Pagoda

    Shwegadon Pagoda
    Shwegadon Pagoda

    A tour guide greeted us after breakfast and off we went to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, glittering in plain gold high above the city. For once upon a time there was a great king, Okkalapa, who was presented with some strands of hair of the REAL Buddha – and was told that he should guard it well. The king built a temple of gold on the summit of a sacred hill.

    The pagoda has been rebuilt and extended many times for hundreds of years – and is still the holiest of all religious sights. The entrance fee includes a lift ride to the platform of the stupa – which was greatly appreciated at temperatures of 37 degrees and given the overwhelming size of this monument.

    Me @ Shwegadon Pagoda
    Me @ Shwegadon Pagoda

    We missed the fortune-tellers at the famous weekday-corners where you are supposed to bring offerings – apparently a very important thing here as we learnt only after our visit. But we enjoyed watching the activities of upbeat pilgrim-families and those cute little future monks. As summer means three months holidays for most of Myanmar’s kids, many parents send them to the nunneries for a few weeks– hoping to get a direct link to Buddha later. And despite their future dignity, most boys engaged in practical jokes and enjoyed their candy donations.

    Future monks at Shwegadon Pagoda
    Future monks at Shwegadon Pagoda

    Our kids were more interested in posing as Buddhas themselves or ringing the gongs and bells than exploring every corner of the overheated Pagoda. (There is some debate whether it’s better to visit in the morning or late afternoon. Now we would definitely go for a sunset-tour!) So when the tour guide suggested to visit Bothahtaung, another famous Pagoda – our daughter firmly objected. We opted for the National Museum instead, a four storey building with air condition whose beautiful artefacts didn’t fail to impress. The most famous is the lion throne of the last king of Myanmar – at least 10 metres high.

    Yangon II: Stop and Go to Colonial Mansions

    For lunch we headed to Yangon Teahouse, a bubbly restaurant led by a young, creative chef on Pansodan Road. The wide road builds an important artery of the colonial quarter, which we planned to explore next by feet. But our tired kids insisted in sightseeing by bus, which made the tour fairly swift – yet it was still interesting.

    The bar and lobby at The Strand
    The bar and lobby at The Strand hotel

    Yangon has the highest number of colonial era houses of all South East Asia. Unfortunately most of these grand old buildings and streets appear not in best shape as the socialists left them to decay over the second half of the 20th century. Trees grow out of roofs, rats cohabit peacefully with local tenants. drying laundry hangs everywhere. And the traffic is gross! Motorbikes and scooters are already forbidden – but people are still constantly on the move by bus or piled up on pick up trucks. Stop, go, another traffic light.

    Anyhow, the kids loved watching market scenes from their elevated, air-conditioned seats: How people in Myanmar buy a fish or a chicken and how the butcher acts on the street. Furthermore, we enjoyed our peeks at barbershops, street side restaurants and the ubiquitous teashops. At the same time, we ticked most recommended sights on Yangon visitor’s list – finest European colonial architecture, sometimes even mixed with Indian influences. The General Post Office, the Main Station, St Mary’s Cathedral, Customs House and last but not least the grand and beautifully renovated Strand hotel. If you have time: Please stop at the bar for a drink! We couldn’t since the kids decided ‘it’s pool time now at our hotel!’

    Bagan I: Where Ancient Sites Spring up Like Mushrooms

    Bagan
    Bagan

    The very next day we had to leave early for our domestic flight to the ancient sites of Bagan or bureaucratically the ‘Bagan Archaelogical Zone’ as visitors are told at the airport before they must hand over a maintenance fee of $15 USD. Fair enough – given the abundance of religious sights one is going to see on the grounds of the first Burmese kingdom. The exact number is unknown, but between 2000 and 3000 holy buildings are scattered across 26 sq-miles (out of 13,000 in the past!)– temples, monasteries and pagodas, many of them in ruins. Our Bagan-guide waited already at the tiny airport. Probably in his mid-forties, he wore a hipster-bun, horn-rimmed glasses and a sarong. “Call me Coco like Chanel”, he said. Questions? This guy was fun.

    The Ananda Temple
    The Ananda Temple

    We got a map, but found it still hard to keep track with all the amazing mushroom-shaped sites to our left and right. From 11th till 13th century the “heart of Burma” was the home of the kings – and each of these guys wanted to express his might. The Ananda temple might be the most elegant with its four huge golden Buddhas surrounded by red walls. But I also loved the quiet atmosphere at Htilominlo Temple with its beautiful garden. All in all, we visited probably eight or nine temples and pagodas. When the kids got tired, Coco quickly came up with some diversionary tactics e.g. he showed them sleeping bats under the roof with his torch – so that we could enjoy the splendour of the carefully restored murals in peace. I created a new hash tag #moveoverangkor – and couldn’t get it out of my head anymore.

    Bagan II: Horses, Hot Air Balloons and Temple Cats

    Sunset at the Shwesandaw Pagoda
    Sunset at the Shwesandaw Pagoda

    Sunset at the Shwesandaw Pagoda was the highlight of the day – though we were certainly not the only family there. Lots of other tourists and even pilgrims had already found their sunset spots. Coco asked us to walk up a few flights on our own now since he is afraid of heights – and my son promptly started complaining. “Too high, too hot!” he ranted. But Coco had already a plan B: “Do you see the horses and buggy carts here? If you are done with the view, I’ll organise a ride for you. Ok?” Deal! The little one smiled again and started his ascent.

    The next morning we were woken by strange sounds that belonged to hot air balloons over Bagan. No doubt, the 45 minute tour at 6.00 a.m. provides visitors with unforgettable views, but the ride doesn’t come cheap (starting price around $300 USD per person) and we didn’t have a booking either – so we had to stay on the ground.

    Hot Air Balloons over Bagan Lodge
    Hot Air Balloons over Bagan Lodge

    Another popular spot for locals and tourists, the temple Popa Taung Kalat, based on an an extinct vulcano, was skipped by our guide. Not sure if he wanted to spare himself or Jonathan the steep 777 stairs climb. Instead, Coco delegated the driver on a scenic 1,5 hours ride north – where we passed farmers on ox vehicles, bringing their impressive harvest of onions or garlics home. Our goal was the village of Salay. Along some beautiful British colonial buildings there are 50 little monasteries – which are the quite opposite of Mount Popa, tiny and almost forgotten. The 100-year-old Yoke Sone monastery is the most splendid of all, with an amazing Buddha museum, showcasing lots of woodcarvings, Budddha statues and trunks. Next door live around dozen monks, upon our arrival they were lying in old lawn chairs, chanting their holy songs. They don’t speak English, but the universal language of children. And ours were over the moon when they were allowed to play with the temple cats.

    Woodcarvings at Yoke Sone monastery
    Woodcarvings at Yoke Sone monastery

    Late afternoon was spent on a so-called “sunset cruise” – a pleasant ride along the majestic Ayeyarwaddy River, where we drunk tea and ate peanuts – while Coco entertained the kids with his magic tricks again.

    Inle Lake I: Sightseeing by Boat – Farms, Workshops and Pubs on Stilts

    Village houses at Inle Lake
    Village houses at Inle Lake

    We would have LOVED to stay longer, but we had to move on via another domestic flight the next morning to Heho Airport in the eastern Shan State. A lovely young lady welcomed us, “Mon”. Probably in her late Twenties, she comes from a poor family of mountaineers. As the oldest of four girls, she had to leave her home at the age of 10 – to study at a boarding school for orphans in the city, run by monks. Only once a year she was allowed to come home. “Of course it was hard,” Mon said. “But that’s how life is in Myanmar.”

    On the mountain roads heading to our next hotel, Pristine Lotus Spa Hotel we were treated to stunning views. We passed a spectacular rail-bridge on which passengers are traversing when the trains are out of sights. And in Pindaya we stopped at a little workshop where a family produces paper-umbrellas of wet fibres of mulberry trees. Petals of flowers are added on the pulp of paper before drying for hours. What a tedious process! But it’s also an important lesson for kids to see how Burmese people make everything by hand – until today!

    Fisherman on Inle Lake
    Fisherman on Inle Lake

    Our final destination was Inle Lake, a 13 mile (21 km) long lake where 70,000 people of eight different ethnic groups make a living mostly from fishing and farming. But we were also to discover more traditional workshops in their wooden stilt houses. Our hotel not only has bungalows shaped like boats, but also its own pier, from where we started every morning in a long boat, well equipped with water and umbrellas against the heat. We met floating marketsellers, saw floating gardens (with crops including aubergines, tomatoes, cucumbers…), even pubs on stilts. My favourite picture of the whole trip was also taken there – of one extremely talented man who moved his barge using the one-legged rowing technique all local fishermen have to learn.

    Inle Lake II: A Magical Picnic and More Ancient Sites on the Water

    Jumping Cat Monastery
    Jumping Cat Monastery

    On the second day we visited the monastery in Nga Hpe Kyaung – also known as the “jumping cat monastery”. Although the monks don’t train the cats to artistic demonstrations anymore – plenty of cats still live there. And while we were in awe of the amazing old teak architecture, our kids were more than happy to find young kittens. Afterwards we headed to Heritage Hotel Inle Lake for lunch – a beautiful restored old complex, comprising a boutique hotel, art gallery and sanctuary for Burmese cats. We ate a delicious meal above rice terraces before we visited a silver smith in the neighbourhood, where our son got his best souvenir ever – a real knife for “when he is big”.

    The next morning we went to a market next to our hotel, where all the locals gather once a week. During the week it’s pretty hard to get necessities within 20 kilometres distance, so it’s better to stock up here.

    Weavers at Inle Lake
    Weavers at Inle Lake

    Then the boat was waiting and we went on the lake again. Our first stop was at a lotus workshop, where weavers produce their treasured threads from lotus fibres. We knew that lotus flowers are considered holy, but we didn’t have a clue that you can spin long strands of thread from the natural fibres in its centre. Another beautiful yet extremely lengthy technique! The boat headed farther and half an hour later we stopped near dozens of temples, partly damaged by a recent earthquake: Indein. But before we could visit these sites, Mon had organized a surprise. After 15 minutes walk on a river where mountaineers were washing their weekly laundry, we spotted some blankets, plates and umbrellas set up under bamboo trees. It was definitely the most magical and delicious picnic we’ve ever had.

    Picnic in forest near Indian
    Picnic in forest near Indein

    Indein’s temples have yet to be restored, but the atmosphere is surreal and movie-set lovely (think Tomb Raider). We took pictures of a Buddha-head, buried by collapsed stones. Other holy buildings were overgrown with plants – similar to the ones near Angkor/Cambodia. And the great surprise was: We were completely by ourselves.

    Unwinding at Ngapali Beach – One of the Most Beautiful Beaches in Asia

    Ngapali Beach
    Ngapali Beach

    It was then time to say ‘bye bye’ again to the lake and our lovely guide. Instead of moving on to the cultural capital Mandalay, we had opted for three days of tranquillity at the beach of Ngapali (Sandoway Resort) – and this compromise felt just right. Snorkelling and sightseeing trips would also be on offer. But we were absolutely happy with the beach – clean, white and empty – served by some lovely ladies who sold fresh fish kebabs, coconuts and pineapples for less than $1 USD. Their faces were covered by Thanaka, a beige paste made from trees that has been used by Myanmar’s women and children for more than 2000 years. Apparently it has antiseptic and sun-blocking qualities, nevertheless we couldn’t get used to the sights of this unique face paint. 10 days are simply not enough to understand this amazing country.

    Rate this post
    Asia
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Reddit WhatsApp
    The HK HUB
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram

    Created by Hong Kong lovers for Hong Kong lovers, The HK HUB offers you a daily dose of stories, deals, and tips about this unique and amazing city. If you're looking for the best places to visit, to know more about the Hong Kong Culture, to find a cool restaurant or bar to chill with your friends, or an exciting thing to do over the weekend with your family, we've got you covered. The HK HUB opens the doors to Hong Kong.

    Related Posts

    20 Places To Visit In Singapore And How To Get There

    2022-06-28 Travel Guides

    The Traveller’s Guide For Exploring Palawan Island: What To See & What To Do

    2022-05-17 Travel Guides

    18 Getaway Destinations In Asia-Pacific To Travel To During Covid (With Entry Requirement Details)

    2022-04-01 Travel Guides

    Add comment

    Partners
    CCW Hong Kong
    The Kare Lab, Medical PPE Supplier
    Latest Posts
    Hong Kong’s New Trial Traffic Lights To Target Smartphone Users
    2022-07-06
    Hong Kong’s New World Group To Have 4.5 Work Week This Summer
    2022-07-06
    The Cultural Guide To Kwan Tai’s Birthday, The Chinese God Of War
    2022-07-06
    What’s On: What To Watch In Movie Theatres This Month
    2022-07-05
    Hong Kong Palace Museum Opened On 3 July, A Day After Typhoon Chaba’s Passing
    2022-07-05
    Here Are The 10 Most Expensive Cities In The World To Live In (And Hong Kong Ranks #1)
    2022-07-05
    Hong Kong Considering Changes To Quarantine Period, Says John Lee
    2022-07-05
    Vipop, Bringing Environmentally Conscious Latin American Fashion & Jewelry To Asia
    2022-07-04
    Where To Buy Environmentally-Friendly Clothing, Beauty, Home Products In Hong Kong?
    2022-07-04
    What’s On: New Restaurant & Bar Openings In Hong Kong In July 2022
    2022-07-04
    Advertising Solutions
    Newsletters

    Receive the latest news weekly

    Subscribe to updates

    Open the door to Hong Kong and get your weekly dose of stories, deals and tips.

    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • The HK Support Hub
    • Directory
    • Privacy Policy
    © 2022 All Rights Reserved. Designed by Get Clicks.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.