MYITKYINA - Yangon Airways

Yangon Airways Inflight Magazine
MYANMAR’S
ENIGMATIC
PYU CITIES
THE MAGICAL
BEADS OF
PYU
Issue 15, Jan-June 2014
TRIP TO MYANMA’S
ROOFTOP
PUTAO
MYITKYINA
WALKING
IN THE
FOOTSTEPS
OF
PIRATES
LIFE IN A
NORTHERN TOWN
KACHIN STYLE
WORN
Jan-June 2014
CONTENTS
14
MYITKYINA LIFE IN A
NORTHERN TOWN
14
Kachin State is famous for being rich in
natural resources such as gold, teak and
jade, the high quality of the latter drawing
explorers and entrepreneurs from China as
early as the 13th century.
22
22
TRIP TO MYANMA’S
ROOFTOP (PUTAO)
Putao town in Kachin State situated in the
northern part of Myanmar and this place
also is waiting to fulfill the expectation of
visitors.
30
WALKING IN THE
FOOTSTEPS OF PIRATES
The Europeans have long since vanished
from Myeik, but their legacy lives on in the
fascinating collection of colonial-era buildings and churches.
38
38
KACHIN STYLE WORN
WITH PRIDE IN MYANMAR
The image of her beautiful dress, with its
distinctive yellow, blue and pink pattern on a
black background.
Regulars
Corporate Profile ........................... 10
Myanmar Folktale:
Monk and his donor ....................... 70
Kachin Recipe:
----- - - - - - - - 30
- - - - - - -- - .................................. 72
Horoscope ................................... 74
Yangon Airways Destinations ......... 78
Yangon Airways Route Map ........... 85
Travel Tips .................................... 86
Yangon Airways Agents ................. 87
Flight Schedule ............................. 88
4
CONTENTS
44
Jan-June 2014
MYANMAR’S ENIGMATIC
PYU CITIES AIM FOR UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
STATUS
Yangon Airways Inflight Magazine
MYANMAR’S
ENIGMATIC
PYU CITIES
THE MAGICAL
BEADS OF
PYU
Issue 15, Jan-June 2014
TRIP TO MYANMA’S
ROOFTOP
PUTAO
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World
Heritage List – and is not likely to be the first
site in Myanmar to earn that distinction.
MYITKYINA
52
THE MAGICAL BEADS OF
PYU
The types of beads that Pyu people wore
include, patterns like tiger pictured beads,
pictures of elephant and pig while there are
patterns like cylinder shaped beads of red,
black or green colors.
56
U THAW KAUNG, CONNOISSEUR OF LITERATURE
AND HISTORY
When U Thaw Kaung started reading at the
age of five, his father encouraged him by
buying poetry collections and storybooks.
66
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
AT GOVERNOR’S
RESIDENCE
66
WALKING
IN THE
FOOTSTEPS
OF
PIRATES
LIFE IN A
NORTHERN TOWN
KACHIN STYLE
WORN
Publishing License
U Tin Soe
Editor
Douglas Long
Writers
Douglas Long
Maw Maw San
Zon Pann Pwint
Lwin Mar Htun
Nuam Bwai
Advertising Contact
Yangon Airways
Business Development Department
Ph: 01- 383083, 383218
Photographers
Kyaw Kyaw Winn (MPS), Anthony Powell,
Myo Swe Than, Zin Min Swe, Lin Tun,
Naing Naing Tun, Thiha (Exposure)
Design & Layout
Kyaw Khaing
Genius
Printed in Myanmar by
Shwe Zin Printing (0368)
No. 192, 39th Street,
Kyauktada Township, Yangon
Distribution
Yangon Airways
All rights reserved. No part of this publishing may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means
including electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the
prior consent of the Publisher in writing.
Opinions expressed in Swesone are solely those of the
writers and are not necessarily endorsed by Yangon
Airways or the publisher, who are not responsible or
liable in any way for the contents or any other the
advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations
contained in this publication.
6
YANGON AIRWAYS
corporate profile
CORPORATE PROFILE
CORPORATE IDENTITY
Yangon Airways was established in October 1996 as
a domestic airline in a joint venture between Myanma
Airways, the state-owned national airline and KrongSombat Co., of Thailand. In October 1997, MHEMayflower Co., acquired Krong-Sombat's shares in
Yangon Airways and since then the airline has evolved
into a principal domestic airline operating scheduled and
charter services from Yangon to 13 prime commercial and
tourist destinations in Myanmar.
Elephants, in Myanmar history and civilization, are
significant creatures in helping society with strong and
loyal service. They are hard working and their loyalty to
their masters is as outstanding as their mighty strength.
In our history, elephants are noble animals which played
an important role in the development of various Myanmar
kingdoms. They served as the royal carriages for all our
famous kings. Their service in the armed forces and the
production and transportation industries has also been
significant in the development of the nation.
CORPORATE POLICY
Yangon Airways adopts a progressive approach for
upgrading service and performance. Maintaining our fleet
to the highest standards of operational readiness, safety
and reliability is always high on the agenda of Yangon
Airways. We strongly believe that by taking a greater
sense of responsibility in serving our passengers, we will
earn their trust and confidence.
Sin Phyu (the White Elephant)
is very rare and Myanmar kings
took great pride in possessing
Sin Phyu Taw (the Royal White
Elephant) as their royal insignia.
They used them as their personal
mount for royal ceremonial
occasions and tours. Yangon
Airways, with the spirit and power of the Sin Phyu Taw
enhanced by a pair of wings, will bring the service and
faithfulness of the legendary Sin Phyu Taw Pyan (the Flying Royal
White Elephant) into Myanmar skies to serve all our valued
passengers.
EUROPEAN AVIATION SAFETY AGENCY (EASA) PART-145 APPROVED
FOR MAINTENANCE FACILITY AND STANDARDS.
10
SERVICE PHILOSOPHY
Yangon Airways embraces the Myanmar philosophy that
one's kindness and affection will be reflected to oneself.
Sincerity, politeness and honesty are unique attributes of the
Myanmar people.
Passengers are the most important people for us. We are here
for the passengers and we will give them the most courteous
treatment. We are sensitive to the feelings and needs of our
passengers. We are proud of our airline and expect our
passengers will also take pride in travelling with Yangon
Airways.
OUR VISION
Yangon Airways believes that efficient communication is
an essential component of the modern world environment.
Better transportation will bring about the smoother flow of
traffic and will contribute to the development of the economic
and social well-being of the society in which we live.
We shall serve our society and be worthy of earning fair
rewards from it.
THE FLEET
Yangon Airways operates new ATR 72-210s
powered by Pratt & Whitney PW-127 engines
and fitted with state-of-the-art avionics systems. The
aircraft have an impressive exterior and appealing
interior, a highly efficient performance and extra
quiet operating conditions. They are configured
to carry 70 passengers with 30-inch seat pitch.
Yangon Airways' aircraft are maintained to the
highest standards of airworthiness requirements.
OUR MISSION IS TO CONTINUOUSLY STRIVE
TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND;
TO OFFER OUR CUSTOMERS SAFETY,
RELIABILITY, AND HIGHEST POSSIBLE
SERVICE AT LOWEST POSSIBLE COST; AND TO
GENERATE NECESSARY PROFIT
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COMPANY.
THE PEOPLE
Yangon Airways employs highly qualified flight
and cabin crew as well as ground service and
maintenance staff.
Yangon Airways' employees are thoroughly
trained, both in-house and abroad, prior to active
duty. Yangon Airways pilots constantly keep up
their level of competency with simulator and flight
training under the supervision of qualified flight
instructors. Engineers also update their knowledge
and expertise by attending training courses,
technical seminars and operators' conferences.
Training programs for in-flight staff are designed
to meet the objectives of our service policy.
Our skilled in-flight staff, with their charming
personalities, courteous attitudes and traditional
Myanmar hospitality, will make your journey a
most joyful experience.
11
Destination
Kachin State is famous for being
rich in natural resources such
as gold, teak and jade, the high
quality of the latter drawing
explorers and entrepreneurs
from China as early as the 13th
century.
Photo and Text By
Anthony Powell
14
myitkyina
LIFE IN A
NORTHERN TOWN
15
Destination
W
hen travel guidebooks
describe a town as
lacking sights of real
interest to visitors, or as
being the kind of place
that tourists simply pass
through on their way to somewhere else, it’s
a good indication that stopping and having
a look around might offer a unique, unusually
rewarding travel experience.
The Manaw
Festival field,
with its huge
totemic posts.
This is the site
of the biggest
Kachin cultural
festival of the
year, held each
January on
Kachin National
Day.
16
This is especially true for travellers who enjoy
meeting regular locals. In popular tourist
areas, it’s tempting to rely on contact with
smiling service-industry professionals and
restaurant wait-staff, but where few tourists
tread, it becomes necessary to cultivate the
nerve to engage with the normal folk.
Such is the case with Myitkyina, the capital
of Kachin State in northern Myanmar. It’s far
removed from the Yangon-Mandalay-BaganInle tourist circuit, and is most well known
among the backpacker set as the jumpingoff point for boat trips south along the
Ayeyarwaddy River.
It doesn’t help the town’s reputation that
Kachin State has been wracked by the
revival, since June 2011, of a decades-old
civil war between the Myanmar army and
ethnic Kachin rebels. In fact, the region has
had a fairly tumultuous history, coupled with a
longstanding reputation for wildness.
The region is home to the Kachin (or
Jinghpaw), one of the eight main ethnic
minorities of Myanmar. The group also
encompasses several subgroups, including
the Lawngwaw, Lashi, Zaiwa, Rawang and
Lisu. Kachin State is famous for being rich
in natural resources such as gold, teak and
jade, the high quality of the latter drawing
explorers and entrepreneurs from China as
early as the 13th century.
During the colonial era (1886 to 1948),
the British held little control over northern
Myanmar and administered it as a frontier
region. Despite (or perhaps because of)
this loose management, during World War
II the Kachin immediately joined the British
and American troops in the fight against
invading Japanese forces, even while the
ethnic Burman majority initially threw in their
lot with the fascist Japanese before switching
sides back to the British when the tide of war
started to turn in favor of the Allies.
In 1947 the Burmese government under
leader Aung San – the father of Aung San
Suu Kyi – forged the Panglong Agreement
with the Shan, Kachin and Chin ethnic
minorities, promising these groups “full
autonomy in internal administration for the
frontier areas”. However, this agreement
was shunted aside when the military took
control of Myanmar in 1962 under General
Ne Win, and Kachin soldiers subsequently
quit the national army and formed the Kachin
Independence Army (KIA) under the Kachin
Independence Organisation (KIO).
For three decades the KIA fought the
Myanmar army (known as the Tatmadaw) in
an effort to maintain the autonomy of their
homeland. But in 1994 the Tatmadaw took
control of the jade mines at Hpa-Kant, after
which a peace treaty was signed granting
the KIO control of much of Kachin State, but
under the supervision of the Myanmar army.
An uneasy peace prevailed until June 9,
2011, when renewed fighting broke out
between the two sides after the Tatmadaw
tried to force the KIA to withdraw from the
site of the Dapein hydropower plant being
built by a Chinese company. Subsequently,
foreigners were strongly discouraged, even
occasionally prevented, from travelling to
Myitkyina through most of 2012, but by early
2013 the situation had calmed enough for
the town to reappear on the government’s list
of approved tourist destinations.
My wife and I jumped at the renewed
opportunity to travel to Myitkyina. Even
though peace talks have been ongoing
between the government and the Kachin,
they’re shaky enough that we feared the
town might be closed again at any time. We
flew up from Yangon via Mandalay on a
Saturday, touching down around 3:30pm,
which was only 30 minutes later than our
scheduled arrival time and therefore not bad
by Myanmar’s modest punctuality standards.
It took another 30 minutes for the checked
luggage to be transported 200 feet from
where it had been unloaded onto the runway
(the plane had long since departed for
Putao); we were eventually able to retrieve it,
and we hired a jolting tuk-tuk for the ride to
Union Hotel near the center of town.
18
We flew up
from Yangon
via Mandalay
on a Saturday,
touching down
around 3:30pm,
which was only
30 minutes
later than our
scheduled
arrival time and
therefore not bad
by Myanmar’s
modest
punctuality
standards.
The main order of business on our first
evening was finding a decent place to eat.
As part of our effort to connect with locals,
we eschewed the dining suggestions in our
guidebook and instead ventured out into the
street to ask for recommendations. It wasn’t
hard to find someone who spoke good
English – many people in Myitkyina learn the
language at Christian schools – and the first
woman we met pointed us in the direction
Mya Ayer Restaurant on the main road
heading west out of town.
The fresh Chinese food made the short tuk-tuk
ride worthwhile, and we joined some other
diners in knocking back a few glasses of
whiskey while watching television coverage
of Miss Universe 2013, in which a contestant
from Myanmar was participating for the first
time in 50 years. Afterward my wife and
I walked partway back to the hotel on the
darkened road, and then hired a trishaw to
take us the rest of the way. We negotiated a
33 percent reduction from the original fare,
but we ended up paying the driver his full
asking price because he had gone out of his
way to take us to our hotel despite being on
his way home with dinner for his family when
he picked us up.
The next day was earmarked for a long
excursion out of town, but we started with
a quick stroll near our hotel. It was Sunday
morning and the noodle shops and fruit
vendors were doing brisk business. We
walked to the market along the Ayeyarwaddy
River, where women were washing clothes
and girls were trading gossip. Circling
back to the hotel, we passed a Sikh temple
where we talked to a bearded man who
was carrying his one-year-old niece on his
shoulders – she was the daughter of the man’s
brother, who was back for a visit from his
current home in Texas.
confluence, which would put the entire area
underwater; in fact, thousands of villagers
have already been relocated in preparation.
But the project has raised the ire of many
Kachin, who felt they had not been properly
consulted before the deal was made, and who
were upset that most of the energy generated
by the dam would be sent to China. At
the same time, domestic environmental
groups started promoting the notion that the
Ayeyarwaddy River was the cultural lifeblood
of Myanmar, and the dam would result in
its permanent destruction. Responding to
the criticism, in September 2011 U Thein
Sein, the country’s first post-junta president,
declared that the dam was suspended
indefinitely. The project still hangs in the
balance, with CPI keen to move forward but
most people in Myanmar strongly opposed to
its completion.
Back at the hotel, we met our driver and his
20-year-old Toyota Corolla. We drove out
of town on a well-paved road that passed
through Kachin villages characterised not
by golden pagodas but by small churches
and wooden houses with white crosses
prominently displayed in front. We eventually
turned onto a rough dirt road through the
jungle, with plenty of small bridge crossings
along the way.
After about 1 hour and 15 minutes of driving
we reached our destination, the famous
Myitsone (confluence). This is the place
where the Maykha and Malikha rivers join
forces to form the mighty Ayewarwaddy,
which then flows south for 2170 kilometers
through central Myanmar before emptying
into the Andaman Sea. The Myitsone is an
attractive area, with green hills surrounding
the rock-bottomed waterways, which are
lined with banks that are, in turns, sandy and
stony. There’s a small pagoda nearby, as
well as a few ramshackle restaurants on the
bluff overlooking the confluence where weary
visitors can eat snacks and gulp down energy
drinks as they strive to enjoy the scenery.
The small structures already in place at the
Myitsone are insignificant compared with
the potential environmental disaster that
hangs over the valley. The previous military
government had signed a deal with the
Chinese state-owned company China Power
International (CPI) for the construction of
a 152-metre-tall hydroelectric dam at the
Many Kachin,
who felt they
had not been
properly
consulted
before the deal
was made,
and who were
upset that most
of the energy
generated by the
dam would be
sent to China.
For now, the Myitsone survives as a “beauty
spot” that attracts visitors from throughout
Myanmar. My wife and I joined the handful of
locals who were walking along the riverbank
taking photos and tossing rocks into the water.
We talked to a couple of villagers who were
panning for gold the old-fashioned way:
using a shovel to dig up silt from the riverbed,
and then sifting through it using a concave
wooden plate in hopes of spotting a nugget
or two among the dirt and small rocks. We
rounded out our visit by sitting at one of the
makeshift pavilions along the river enjoying
fresh grilled fish.
The rough road to the confluence proved too
much for the Corolla’s radiator gasket, and on
the way back to Myitkyina we were forced to
make frequent stops to let the engine cool and
top off the radiator with water. Still, our driver
was keen to avoid disappointing us, and he
insisted on making a brief detour at Nawng
Nang village, driving up a steep, rocky road
to Jam Bum, a forested hill
with a monstrously ugly
viewing tower at the peak
– the best spot is on top
of the hideous structure,
thereby allowing you to
enjoy the 360-degree view
without actually looking at
the tower itself.
Our last stop on the way
back to the hotel was the
20
We also learned that an outdoor Christian
gospel festival was being held in town that
evening, with local musicians as well as
preachers from Europe. When we arrived at
the festival, we found thousands of Kachin
gathered in front of a huge stage where a
preacher from the Netherlands was delivering
a fiery, Pentecostal-style sermon complete
with promises of faith healing. This particular
brand of Christianity isn’t really my cup of tea,
but the crowd was very engaged and excited.
The event provided great insight into the depth
of religious faith among the Kachin, the vast
majority of whom hold strong Baptist beliefs.
Speaking of religion, on our last morning
in Myitkyina we visited the well-organised
Kachin Cultural Museum. The galleries held
informative displays of Kachin clothing, farm
tools and musical instruments, but offered
no acknowledgement that most Kachin are
Christian. Instead, there were displays of
Buddhist images from non-Kachin areas of
Myanmar, as well as some animist artifacts
dating back to Kachin State’s pre-Christian
era.
Manaw Festival field, with its huge totemic
posts. This is the site of the biggest Kachin
cultural festival of the year, held each January
on Kachin National Day. Unfortunately,
security fears have prevented the festival from
being held during the past two years, and it
looks likely to be cancelled in 2014 as well.
When we asked about this obviously
intentional oversight, one staff member
said it was because the museum was run
by the government, which has never been
renowned for promoting minority religions.
It’s unfortunate that the museum is being
used not to educate, but as a means to
stifle information on a key aspect of Kachin
culture. One hopes that this sort of institutional
censorship will be corrected as Myanmar
moves toward a more transparent, democratic
system of governance.
In the evening we met a couple of locals who
ran a fruit wine distillery. They invited us to
Jing Hpaw Thu Kachin restaurant where we
ate delicious shat jam (flavoured rice with
chicken and vegetables), snails and an odd
collection of random meats, washed down
with Myanmar beer. Our new friends gave us
a bottle of their super-sweet wine as a parting
gift before hopping onto their motorcycles and
driving away into the night.
Our plan for the next day was to go on an
excursion to Nan Na Waterfall. We had a
new driver with a new car. He took us across
the Ayeyarwaddy, but we were stopped on
the other side of the bridge by immigration
officials who said the waterfall was located
in no-man’s land between KIA and Tatmadaw
forces. They sent us back to the main
immigration office in town, where we were
told the area had too many landmines for safe
travel. The officials were very friendly, but our
driver later said they had been lying: He had
been to the waterfall a few days before, and
there were no landmines there; the officials
were just being indolent and unhelpful.
We let our driver go and went for a walk
around town. We ate lunch at a small Shan
noodle shop, and afterward the daughter of
the proprietor invited us to visit her workplace:
a school for physically handicapped children.
She took us on a tour of the classrooms,
where the children were studying in small
groups of four to six students. They seemed to
enjoy singing, and we were treated to one or
two impromptu vocal performances.
22
we had time to
visit the main
market to buy
beautiful Kachin
longyis for our
friends back
home.
Before heading to the airport, we had time
to visit the main market to buy beautiful
Kachin longyis for our friends back home.
We also found a couple of elderly women
selling jewellery made from amber collected
in the forests outside of Myitkyina. One of the
women, an ethnic Lisu, gave us two pieces
of amber and yellow string to make our own
necklaces.
On the way out of the market, we ran into
a German tourist who said I was the first
foreigner he’d seen in the past two days. Like
other backpackers, he had come to Myitkyina
to hop on the boat heading south on the
Ayeywarwaddy. But security along the river
was sketchy at that time, and officials had not
allowed him to board the ferry.
Instead, he had decided to spend a few days
exploring the town, and was excited about
the unique experiences he had enjoyed: not
the religious or museums he had visited, but
personal encounters like the game of chess he
had played with a local man that morning.
That particular memory, he said, would likely
remain vivid in his mind long after all the
temples of Bagan had faded into a distant
recollection.
23
Destination
rooftop
TRIP TO
MYANMA’S
Putao town in Kachin
State situated in
the northern part
of Myanmar and
this place also is
waiting to fulfill
the expectation of
visitors.
Photo and Text By
Zin Min Swe
Translated By
Maw Maw San
24
M
any different races are
residing in Myanmar and
as a result, Myanmar has
variety of culture, tradition
and languages. Many
of these races have their
own culture, tradition, languages, dressing
style, different types of recipes and one can
study those on Myanmar land. Moreover,
Myanmar’s beautiful landscaping is still less
known and that is why scenes in Myanmar
are still unspoiled. Tourists will have
unforgettable experience by visiting those
areas. Putao town in Kachin State situated in
the northern part of Myanmar and this place
also is waiting to fulfill the expectation of
visitors.
25
The name Putao
came from
Khan Thee
Shan’s name
“Pu Taung”
and in Ya Wan
language, its
name was “Kwin
Mel” meaning
“Meeting Point
for all”.
Additionally, it is the place where May
Kha and Malikha rivers meet and becomes
Myanmar’s main river, Ayeyarwaddy.
Attractions of Putao include surrounded
Himalaya mountain ranges, unspoiled
environment and snow mountains for
those interesting in mountaineering. In
other words, Putao is the starting point for
mountain climbing trek to Ma Dwei, Phone
Ka Ran, Phone Ka Ra Zi, Kafarborazi,
Ganlanyarzi mountains which are parts of
Himalaya’s ranges.
Putao can be reached from Yangon and
Mandalay by air. The duration of flight time
from Mandalay to Myitkyina; a capital city of
Kachin State is one hour. From there, it takes
26
35 minutes to get to Putao. Putao is formed
with 8 wards. Before the city was lack of
foods and clothes but these days, different
types of commodities are available in this
town. Many restaurants serve Chinese foods
and Myanmar restaurants, Kachin restaurants
and tea shops can be found too. For
accommodation, visitors can choose the one
which suits with their budgets from luxurious
hotels like Putao Trekking House to cheap
guest houses.
Putao situated 1498 feet above sea level but
it has cold and humid weather all year round.
The name Putao came from Khan Thee Shan’s
name “Pu Taung” and in Ya Wan language,
its name was “Kwin Mel” meaning “Meeting
Destination
Point for all”. These days, Lee Su, Ya Wan,
Kachin, Myanmar and Khan Nee Shan live in
harmony in the city.
Things to do in Putao include not only
mountaineering to snow mountains but also
rafting and a visit to Ma Chan Baw village
which is 14 miles away from the city. At the
village, visitors can study life style of locals.
Mularsheedar
village situated
on the south
of Putao and
it is only 8
miles away.
Mularsheedar
is famous for
its suspension
bridge and
elephant camp.
Another destination worth to visit is Nat
Kyune (spirit island) which situated in Malikha
river. One can get there by motor boat from
Naung Khine jetty near Ma Chan Baw. The
ride to the island takes about 20 minutes but
the flow of the river is very fast and it is quite
an adventurous trip for most travelers. Nat
Island has about 800 square feet and the
significant of island includes sharp stones,
stones in the shape of saws and unspoiled
environment.
Mularsheedar village situated on the
south of Putao and it is only 8 miles away.
Mularsheedar is famous for its suspension
bridge and elephant camp. Zee Yar Tan
village is used as the base camp for snow
mountain climbers. There are few more
villages on the way to the range of Snow
Mountains and they are Mar Mue Lel, Nant
baw etc. Unusual custom of these villages is
that travelers can have meals at every house
they like even if the host is not at home. After
having meals, they can leave money if they
feel like it and it is fine not to leave any. Hosts
just assume that travelers have meals at their
house because their houses are sweet and
pleasant. Moreover, if visitors lost money or
coats with money on the road, they do not
need to worry as locals will hang them on
trees without taking any valuables. I can say
it from my very own experience and I have
acknowledged their honesty and sincerity
since then.
From the visit to this area, visitors can not
have a look at life style of locals but also at
the forests on the base of Snow Mountains.
In these forests, different types of orchids,
mushrooms, rare pines, colourful butterflies
and birds can be found. So visitors can enjoy
not only beautiful scenery but also can gain
knowledge about biological and botanical.
These days many travel companies provide
12 days return trip to Phone Ka Ran mountain
and 9 days return trip to Phone Kan Ra Zi
mountain. Depending on time and money
spending power, climbers can also climb
to less known mountains apart from Ma
Dwei, Gan Lan Ra Zi and Kha Ga Bo Ra Zi
mountains.
Himalaya mountains go through many
countries and each country has their own
unique natural beauty, culture and tradition
and Myanmar’s beauty can beat with any
of them. So forget your city life for a while
and visit Putao, you will see the tranquil city
welcoming you warmly.
28
Destination
30
WALKING
IN THE
FOOTSTEPS
OF
pirates
The Europeans have
long since vanished from
Myeik, but their legacy
lives on in the fascinating
collection of colonial-era
buildings and churches.
By Simon Whiting
31
Destination
V
1600s.
iewing the busy and
picturesque Tanintharyi Region
town of Myeik today, it’s
not too hard to imagine that
it once harboured a British
pirate captain in the late
Described in charming olde worlde terms
as an “interloper”, “filibuster” and “pirate”,
British merchant and seaman Samuel White
called the town of Myeik, then known as
Mergui, home from 1684 to 1687.
At that time, Mergui was part of Siam (now
Thailand) and was an important trading port
that linked Siam with Persia, India, Burma
and China. The town was then, as it is now, a
crucial land link at the far eastern edge of the
Myeik Archipelago, a collection of hundreds
of islands in the Andaman Sea.
White’s town – he eventually became its
shahbander or provincial governor – was an
ethnic and religious melting pot of Europeans
(mostly British and longer-settled Portuguese),
Burmese, Siamese and Muslims of Indian
or Persian extraction. The Europeans have
long since vanished from Myeik, but their
legacy lives on in the fascinating collection of
colonial-era buildings and churches.
The imprint of earlier Muslim inhabitants
also survives, with several large mosques
sharing the skyline with Christian churches,
while the Buddhist pagodas, as usual, occupy
the hilltops. Nearly all of the religious sites
appear to be well maintained and frequently
visited – a concrete sign of the religious
diversity of the community.
Another shared feature between White’s
Myeik and the town of today is the commerce:
It’s a trade centre for commodities such as
locally produced rubber and palm oil, as
well as oddities such as bird’s nests (which
are eaten for health purposes) and lustrous
pearls. Myeik is also the hub of a sizeable
fishing fleet operating in the archipelago.
Visit the town’s markets in early morning and
be prepared for a dazzling array of fresh
seafood, including tuna, mackerel, sea bass,
32
local kids on
school holiday
resting beneath
a huge tree as
they watched
the water
buffalo graze.
The younger
children shouted
and played tag
in the dry rice
terraces.
swordfish, stingray, sardines and prawn.
But White did not have to contend with the
fleets of motorcycles zipping their way around
town, which is quite a shock for somebody
coming from Yangon, where motorcycles
are banned. The upside to the motorbikes,
however, is the availability of quick and
cheap transportation at all times of the day –
an invaluable resource for travellers.
An unexpected challenge of negotiating
Myeik is the language hurdle – the provincial
accent is a tricky one to understand. Even
native Burmese speakers find the local accent
tricky – my wife had to regularly repeat herself
when ordering food, and my efforts to locate
33
Destination
White’s house
was likely
located, as well
as several of his
cannons and
other objects of
interest. But on
my recent visit to
the town, I was
unable to repeat
his success.
toilet paper in broken Burmese had one shop
assistant reaching for the fridge.
In 1930s, British author Maurice Collis
published a book titled Siamese White in
which he detailed Samuel White’s exploits.
In the book, Collis wrote of visiting Myeik in
the early 1900s and finding the site where
White’s house was likely located, as well as
several of his cannons and other objects of
interest. But on my recent visit to the town, I
was unable to repeat his success.
However, my failure to find evidence of
34
White’s occupation did not distract me from
having a good look at what Myeik offers
to explorers who boldly step off Myanmar’s
established tourist trails.
For anybody who has visited Yangon’s
iconic Bogyoke Market, the main bazaar
in Myeik is sure to seem familiar, albeit on
a smaller scale and with a lower roof. And
the town’s pagodas, spangled in gold and
often occupying the highest points, are much
like what you find elsewhere in Myanmar
but nonetheless very pleasant to behold –
and a delight to photograph, particularly in
the dying light of late afternoon. The most
prominent, Lay Kyun Si Mee, or Four Candle
Pagoda, sits high above the town at the top of
a steep and crumbling stairway, and offers an
unobstructed vista over the town.
However, for a truly perfect view of Myeik,
it’s necessary to hire a boat and cross the
harbour to Pahtet Island just off the coast.
With a small mountain at each end linked by
a flat, lowland area in between, the island is
a natural attraction for tourists.
To get there, however, you must confront
one of the town’s less attractive sights – the
rubbish-strewn waterfront. It’s a tremendous
shame that the local authorities have not
seen fit to keep the area trash-free, but with
so many boats moored in the bay, as well as
the nightly market set up along Strand Road,
it would be a daily battle to clear away the
refuse.
The boat ride across the bay is best
negotiated in a small private ferry, which
should cost less than US$10 return. The
journey takes about five minutes, but it’s also
possible to motor all the way around the
entire island if you wish.
Arriving at the main pier on the island,
you’re greeted by the sight of a vast reclining
Buddha tucked underneath a corrugated
iron rooftop and gazing serenely over the
narrow waterway to Myeik. From there you
can wind your way up the nearest hill, first
passing a monastery, then two small stupas
set into the hillside, and finally, at the end
of multiple flights of mossy steps, a golden
pagoda that offers a commanding view over
the bay and the town beyond. For White, the
hill would have made an ideal watch station
for incoming vessels, but for the modern
visitor it’s the perfect place to take landscape
pictures of the town.
35
Destination
During our visit at the tail-end of monsoon,
the walk up the hill was slightly treacherous
– not least because of the enormous tropical
millipedes feeding on plant matter on the
steps. And given that thick jungle foliage
encroaches on the path at many points, it
seemed a natural place for snakes to lounge
in the sun. I was therefore extremely watchful
of serpentine danger.
Overall, Myeik surprised me by being so
busy, and I enjoyed my time there a lot.
However, there are a couple of things about
Myeik that make it less than ideal as a tourist
destination, and that need to be improved
before it’s ready to start welcoming large
numbers of foreign visitors.
36
Myeik surprised
me by being
so busy, and
I enjoyed my
time there a lot.
However, there
are a couple of
things about
Myeik that make
it less than ideal
as a tourist
destination.
For a start, there’s a clear shortage of good
hotels and eateries. In two days of walking
and motorcycling about the town, we were
unable to find a genuine restaurant where a
foreigner would feel comfortable sitting down
to eat alone. Sure, there are restaurants – we
eventually decided Sakura to be the best
option for us – but for a town with so much
obvious wealth, it was a strange situation.
And, of course, there is the trash, which is a
problem everywhere in Myanmar – it litters
the waterfront, which would otherwise be
attractive, and clogs the small streams. But
for all that, Myeik holds as much appeal and
promise today as it did for Samuel White
more than three centuries ago.
37
Culture
The image of her
beautiful dress, with its
distinctive yellow, blue
and pink pattern on a black
background.
kachin
style
By Moh Moh Thaw
Photo By
Thiha (Exposure)
WORN WITH
PRIDE
IN MYANMAR
More people
were interested in
wearing Kachin
dress after Daw Suu
wore it. If I showed
the same design
as she wore to
customers, they just
bought it straight
away.
D
meaningful.
emocracy hero Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi’s first trip to Europe
in 2012 attracted headlines
around the world. But for ethnic
Kachin, there was one stop on
her tour that was particularly
On June 18, 2012 – her 67th birthday – Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi gave a speech in Dublin,
Ireland, wearing a Myanmar-style longyi
and blouse in a traditional Kachin design.
Inevitably, her photos spread around the globe
– on websites and television, in newspapers
and magazines – and with them the image of
her beautiful dress, with its distinctive yellow,
blue and pink pattern on a black background.
But it was not only outside Myanmar that
her homage to Kachin traditional dress was
seen. Ma Cho Win Maw, who runs Gon
Wint Thu ethnic dress shop (577/614,
East (B) Block, Bogyoke Aung San Market,
Yangon; tel 09-73147731, 09-5113731),
said sales of Kachin outfits and accessories
rose considerably after people saw Daw Suu
wearing Kachin dress on the international
stage.
“More people were interested in wearing
Kachin dress after Daw Suu wore it. If I
showed the same design as she wore to
customers, they just bought it straight away,”
Ma Cho Win Maw said.
38
39
Culture
This includes not only Myanmar customer but
also foreign residents and tourists.
“Previously, only locals bought Kachin
clothes and materials. Foreigners were more
interested in hand-made bags – they bought
shoulder bags, wallets and purses. Now, they
are interested in buying Kachin longyi as
well,” she said.
The Kachin are one of eight major ethnic
groups in Myanmar, along with the Burmese,
Chin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine and
Shan. Burmese traditional clothing can be
found throughout the country, but of the other
groups, Kachin dress is the most commonly
found, followed by the Chin, said Ma Cho
Win Maw.
“A lot of people wear Chin longyi, but
Kachin is more popular. I think it is because
of the type of the cotton they use. Chin
materials are thick and hot to wear. It is okay
to wear in cold weather, but it is too hot for
Yangon,” she said.
The patterns of
Kachin dress are
colourful and
interesting.
Kachin weavers
mostly use cotton
materials, but silk is
available as well.
“But the Kachin materials are really suitable
for hot weather. They don’t make your body
feel hot when you are wearing the clothing,
even if the sun is really hot. Also, the patterns
of Kachin dress are colourful and interesting.”
Kachin weavers mostly use cotton materials,
but silk is available as well. The patterns of
Kachin textiles are based on one design,
which is copied from the Manaw Tine, a
ceremonial pole topped with a bird symbol
that sits at the centre of the Manaw field
in Myitkyina, Kachin State, which used to
celebrate Kachin New Year every January.
From this, weavers create different looks
without deviating from the symbol.
Kachin designer Ma San Bawk Rar, who runs
the fashion boutique Shayi (45B Yay Tar Shae
Lanthit, Bahan Township, Yangon; tel 01-543306), said the character of Kachin material is
very colourful, and the patterns are difficult to
weave compared with other ethnic designs.
“This is the heritage left by our ancestors. I’m
always amazed that they were able to create
something so beautiful and complex,” she
said.
Cotton is used for daily wear. Some people
make longyi and blouses, while others use
the material for more modern designs like
skirts and gowns. The full traditional costume
is worn at ceremonies such as the New Year
Manaw Festival, weddings or funerals.
The Manaw Festival is perhaps the best time
to see the Kachin in their traditional outfits.
Women wear long-sleeved tops made from
black velvet and ornamented with silver
medallions, along with red longyi and red
cylindrical hats.
Men wear black longyi with green stripes,
together with white jackets and dark
40
bandanna-like headpieces. They also carry
red shoulders bag and decorative swords:
The bags symbolise the accumulation of
wealth for the benefit of the family, and the
swords represent defence of the family. While
the man’s longyi stretches to his ankles, the
dress for the women is only calf length, and
their calves are covered by garters.
For women, the traditional outfit can cost
anywhere from 300,000 to 1 million kyats
(about US$300 to $1000) depending on
amount of silver used, although today it
is common for silver to be substituted with
aluminium to save money.
San Bawk Rar said she avoids using
traditional materials for the products at her
boutique, Shayi, because such materials are
very expensive.
“Kachin materials are made according to
market demand. The genuine, high-quality
to spend extra time but don’t really benefit
financially. But I make the dresses because,
as an ethnic Kachin, I want to promote our
traditional clothing,” she said.
Kachin State in far northern Myanmar is
home not only to Kachin but also to several
ethnic Kachin subgroups such as the Lisu,
Rawang, Lashi and Lawngwaw. Each of them
have their own traditional clothing designs.
Lawngwaw dress is quite similar to Kachin
style, but the Lawngwaw people are proud of
their unique way of decorating clothing using
orchid threads.
Dr Saw Lwin, a member of the Myanmar
Floriculturist Association’s central executive
committee, took part in an orchid survey in
the wilderness of Kachin State in 2009.
During that trip, he was surprised to find
women of the Lawngwaw ethnic group
sewing patterns in traditional clothing
I am proud to be
Kachin, and I am
also proud to be a
Kachin designer. As
a designer, I do my
best to promote our
traditional dress.
Kachin designer
MaSan Bawk Rar
materials are very expensive and are difficult
to find. If I used them for my products, I would
have to raise the prices, which is not very
good for the customers,” she said.
For the most part, she only uses traditional
Kachin materials for special orders, such as
wedding outfits. She also uses them for what
she describes as her “masterpieces” – outfits
made for international fashion shows and
other special events.
“My masterpiece are made using Kachin
materials. Whenever I make designs for local
or international fashion shows, I try to create
them with Kachin inspiration,” San Bawk Rar
said.
“Honestly, if I make a dress to order, I have
using fibres from the yellow-flowered waso
orchid (Dendrobium moschatum).
“Look at how bright the colour is,” Dr Saw
Lwin said, stretching a piece of the woven
orchid material in his hands in wonder. “It
looks like gold threads.”
The outfits – which are woven on a loom,
with the orchid-fibre patterns sewn by hand
using porcupine quills as needles – are made
for wearing on special occasions.
“It has long been a Lawngwaw tradition to
decorate their traditional clothes with pretty,
bright yellow patterns made from orchid
fibre,” Dr Saw Lwin said. He explained that
the stems of most orchid species are brittle,
breaking too easily for use in sewing.
41
Culture
“But the steam of the waso orchid is soft as
silk, so Lawngwaw women use this species,
which is easily shaped into any pattern for
adorning cloth,” he said, adding that because
it is difficult to sew and orchid supplies are
limited, such clothing is quite expensive.
The traditional costumes of the Lisu subgroup
are quite different from the Kachin, and bear
some similarity to Chinese style. The women
wear long-sleeved tops, black tunics and
long, layered skirts in light colours, while the
men wear long belts wrapped around the
body several times. The outfits are decorated
with shells, which are widely accepted as
evidence that the Lisu long ago migrated to
landlocked Kachin State from coastal China.
The traditional
costumes of the Lisu
subgroup are quite
different from the
Kachin, and bear
some similarity to
Chinese style.
Rawang women wear long-sleeved tops
similar in design to the Kachin, but white
rather than black, while the longyi show
a striking design of red, black and white
horizontal stripes. The women’s hats are also
the same as the Kachin but are white instead
of red, while the men wear headpieces
decorated with animal horns.
San Bawk Rar said Kachin people love to
wear their traditional dress and care about
maintaining unity within their community.
“I wear Kachin longyi whenever I go to
church and even overseas. If you are at a
ceremony in Myitkyina, you will see all the
Kachin people wearing only Kachin longyi,”
she said proudly.
She said that like most Kachin people, she is
happy to promote and maintain the group’s
culture and customs.
“I am proud to be Kachin, and I am
also proud to be a Kachin designer. As
a designer, I do my best to promote our
traditional dress,” she said.
42
History
Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) World Heritage
List – and is not likely to be
the first site in Myanmar to
earn that distinction.
By Roger Rogerson
Photo By
Myo Swe Than
pyucities
MYANMAR’S ENIGMATIC
AIM FOR UNESCO
WORLD HERITAGE STATUS
44
45
Sri Ksetra,
Hanlin and
Beikthano were
arguably the
most important
urban areas
in what is now
Myanmar prior
to the rise of the
Bagan empire in
the 11th century.
A
s far as ancient cities in Myanmar go,
Bagan understandably hogs the limelight.
With thousands of temples, ranging from
humble stupas set among sesame fields to
the towering Thatbyinnu inside the ancient
city walls, the centre of the first Burmese
empire is one of the most breathtaking historical sites in
Asia.
But despite its obvious archaeological importance, Bagan
has not been placed on the United Nations Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World
Heritage List – and is not likely to be the first site in
Myanmar to earn that distinction.
In the coming years, the remains of three little-known cities
that pre-date Bagan are set to take some of the attention
away from Myanmar’s premier tourist destination when
they are inscribed as World Heritage sites.
Sri Ksetra, Hanlin and Beikthano were arguably the most
important urban areas in what is now Myanmar prior to
the rise of the Bagan empire in the 11th century. They are
the largest of more than a dozen known urban settlements
that emerged from Myanmar’s prehistoric period around
the 2nd century BC, existing for around a millennium until
the 9th century AD.
These cities are often described as have been part of
the Pyu civilisation or kingdom, although much remains
unclear about exactly who the Pyu were – including
whether there even was an ethno-linguistic group that
identified as “Pyu”. In the recently published History of
Myanmar Since Ancient Times, Michael and Maitrii AungThwin argue instead that what is commonly
called the “Pyu period” should instead
be referred to as the “urban period”.
The cities of this period, which
stretch from Tagaung north of
Mandalay to Thagara near
Dawei in the south, all have
a number of features that
distinguish them from the
agricultural settlements of
the preceding Neolithic
period.
46
Some of these features can still be seen today, particularly
the city walls – some, such as Sri Ksetra, also have a moat
– and what are the oldest Buddhist stupas in Myanmar.
But the cities were also renowned for their arts and
crafts, including gold and silver items that are still being
unearthed in the Myanmar countryside today.
Their occupants also followed distinctive burial rites, which
often saw the deceased cremated, their remains placed
in an urn and then interred in a mausoleum along with
valuable items. They developed their own language based
on Sanskrit, and there is some evidence to suggest at least
some residents followed Theravada Buddhism.
Elizabeth H Moore, writing in Early Landscapes of
Myanmar, lists seven common traits at Pyu cities: fingermarked bricks, fortifications, a central palace-citadel, urns,
beads, silver coins and inscriptions.
Their location appears curious in a modern context,
where cities generally abut a major river or ocean.
While these cities are
close to major rivers, they
are also set inland because
of the unpredictability of
these rivers and associated flooding.
Moore describes the choice of location as “ecological
opportunism”.
“In the arid but fertile land bordering the Ayeyarwady
[River], available streams and in-gyi or lakes were
maximised to boost cultivation,” she writes.
Beikthano in particular is well inland, but it actually sits
near the confluence of four major streams, as well as a
score of smaller waterways. Each of the cities, and others
from the era, are also adjacent to swampland and lakes
– indeed, city walls of the era are often only three-sided,
with the fourth completed by a body of water. This access
to water was crucial for cultivation to support the urban
communities.
47
History
While there are
few direct links
to Bagan– some
theories have
the Pyu cities
being subsumed
into the Bagan
empire, rather
than being
replaced by it ...
The largest – and easily the most accessible – of these
cities is Sri Ksetra, near Pyay, in western Bago Region.
Pyay is just seven hours by bus and eight or nine by train
from Yangon, and Sri Ksetra (pronounced by locals as
“Thayekhettaya”) is about 10 kilometres outside of town
near Hmawza village.
Moore writes that it was the harnessing of water resources
– often through the use of bricks to create irrigation
channels, moats and similar structures – that perhaps most
differentiated the urban dwellers of the period from their
Neolithic forebears.
While they boasted a number of similar traits, each of
Myanmar’s first-millennium cities is unique, a fact that
reinforces the problems with ascribing them to a Pyu or, in
southern parts of Myanmar, Mon kingdom. There is little
evidence that there was a kingdom as such that united
the cities, although they would have controlled land in the
immediate area.
Nevertheless, these common characteristics seem
somewhat remote when touring the virtually deserted
ruins of the early urban settings. But their contribution to
the later rise of the Bagan empire in 1044 should not be
underestimated.
While there are few direct links to Bagan– some theories
have the Pyu cities being subsumed into the Bagan
empire, rather than being replaced by it – urban sites such
as Sri Ksetra, Hanlin and Beikthano were integral for what
followed – right up until today. As Michael and Maitrii
Aung-Thwin write, “Because the Urban Period laid the
foundations for the ‘classical’ state … [it] was crucial in
the making of Myanmar.”
48
While the ruins can be explored on foot, a more
picturesque (although not necessarily comfortable) way
to get around the 14.2-square-kilometre site is by oxcart,
which generally cost about 5,000 kyats (there is also
a US$5 entrance fee). The carts follow a 12-kilometre
loop that takes in the palace, cemetery and a number of
stupas. One of these, Bawbawgyi Pagoda, is about 50
metres tall and in the familiar cylindrical shape spotted so
regularly on the Myanmar landscape. Dating to the 4th
century AD, it is considered a prototype for these later
pagodas.
The two other cities are visited by only the most intrepid
or curious of travellers, and are far from any tourism
infrastructure. Beikthano is farther inland to the northeast
of Pyay, close to the modern town of Taungdwingyi.
Covering an area about half the size of Sri Ksetra,
Beikthano – also known
as Vishnu – features
many similar
elements, including
city walls, a moat,
Buddha images,
Pyu pagodas,
civic buildings,
silver coins, stone
beads and other
ornaments. It was
49
Given the
lack of tourist
infrastructure,
the cities are
unlikely to see a
flood of visitors
even if they
become World
Heritage sites.
A decision on whether the three cities make the World
Heritage List is expected in mid-2014, and the government
is clearly hopeful that they get the tick of approval.
first excavated in 1905, and radiocarbon dating on a
layer of charcoal found during a dig from 1958 to 1962
suggested that a large fire may have afflicted the city
around 1,950 years earlier. Few foreigners visit the site
– less than 100 a year, and the majority are researchers,
according to government figures.
A similarly small number of tourists visit Hanlin, around 20
kilometres east of Shwebo, which is located northwest of
Mandalay. Situated on a small rise, it is slightly smaller in
area than Beikthano, although the walls are a rectangular
shape, roughly 3.2 by 1.6 kilometres, and are the thickest
of the three cities.
The palace area, however, is less distinct, and for visitors
the excavated cemetery sites are one of the main points of
interest, with human skeletons left as they were uncovered.
Like Sri Ksetra, Hanlin has a $5 entrance fee that also
covers the reconstructed palace in Shwebo. As at Sri
Ksetra and Beikthano, there is much at Hanlin that remains
to be uncovered and understood. The digs conducted
to date – mostly in the early 20th century, the 1960s
and then around 2000 – have only begun to scratch the
surface, as Moore regularly repeats in Early Landscapes
of Myanmar.
50
U Khin Zaw, assistant director of the Beikthano branch of
the Department of Archaeology, told the state-run New
Light of Myanmar newspaper recently that officials were
preparing the sites for an assessment visit by UNESCO
officials in late 2013.
“We have made preparations for the city in accord
with the rules of UNESCO, such as facilities of roads,
accommodation, road signs and directions. In June 2014,
we may know whether the city will be included,” he was
quoted as saying.
Given the lack of tourist infrastructure, the cities are
unlikely to see a flood of visitors even if they become
World Heritage sites.
But listing will be an important factor in not only
raising the profile of the cities but also spurring further
excavations that will help understand more about the
Pyu – if such a group existed – and Myanmar in the first
millennium.
History
THE
MAGICAL
beads
pyu
OF
The types of beads
that Pyu people wore
include, patterns like tiger
pictured beads, pictures
of elephant and pig while
there are patterns like
cylinder shaped beads of
red, black or green colors.
Photo and Text By
Myo Swe Than
Translated By
Juliet Shwe Gaung
52
T
he villager wanted to show a person
who has got some beads made by
the ancient Pyu people. He said the
beads were found under a rock in
the paddy field during the plowing
season in Sar Lin Gyi, west of
Monywa. If the beads were real, they should be
about 2000 years of age and have to be drifted
away from some of the cities that Pyu people had
been populated during the Pyu eara _ the old
city called Mine Maw city, Beithanoe, Han Linn
and Thayay Kittayar cities near Pyay that were
in the middle of Myanmar. It was a surprise to
know that those beads also known as Pyu beads
was found somewhere those ancient city people
have not lived. Those doubts were even more
confirmed when the bead was seen personally.
The square and stunted small sized bead of black
color decorated with white stripes was a different
patterns from most of the originality beads of Pyu.
Although the Pyu beads were seen with differ
sizes and color pattern, from red and black stripes
made of igneous rocks to a three colored stripe
beads with a length over six inches and some
having from 2,4,6,8,10,12 to 20 stripes, I have
never seen such a square bead of that decoration.
The weight that was so light could not be made of
either igneous, carnelian or agent rocks. Except
pure plastic manufactured these days. “Something
is wrong with this. I think it is not a product of
Pyu.” Hopefully it could be demonstrated by
burning the beads. “Are you going to sell those
53
beads?” asked a friend. “No. You can
take them if you want. How can I tell you
lies? Am I going to tell likes for such beads
between you and me? You are the son of
teacher Lay, aren’t you?” said the villager
who got the beads.
Just knew that my father once worked as a
headmaster at the village and stayed at the
person’s home. Had no word to say but to
buy the beads. Experiment was ready when
I got outside the village. The gas lighter was
on and the black striped bead went into the
yellow and blue flames. Nothing happened.
Later after some days, got to know from a
brother that such beads were drifted from
the sand streams and scattered around in
different villages including Lat Wae Kan
where one bead was brought. Those
villagers would keep those beads in a small
pot and bury them just to keep it safe.
Research on the Pyu beads are not
extensively made and the way the beads
are being scattered these days can make
someone difficult to classify among other
qualities similarly done in a mass production.
Also with a new pattern seen every time a
bead was found and after the study about the
nature, the limited Pyu beads were always
magical.
It can be said that the beads the Pyu people
wore were similar to each other but have
slight differences for patterns and designs.
Also it can be that after so many years, the
ancient beads were scattered in a number
of locations. The culture of wearing beads is
also a mystery.
Giving an example, a red bead will be
named “Military Bead” and can be thought
that the more the stripes decorated on the
beads, the higher the rank is. While the
number of stripes decorated on the beads
are mostly with an even number, it seemed
that the Pyu people favor only the even ones.
However, beads that have an odd number
of white stripes were also seen at one point.
Foreigners do value
the beads of Pyu more
than Myanmar people.
Except Myanmar, it can
be said that all neighbors
including Thailand value
and like the beads.
Among the Pyu beads, the gold bead design
is the most beautiful one and think that it
would be difficult for others to make a copy.
Also when the Pyu people were traced back
by the beads that they used, it was found that
the beads were found almost everywhere in
the country. Some of the places they could
be found were in Thayaykittayar, Beithanoe,
Han Lin, Mine Maw, Meiktila, Pyaw Bwae,
Yamaethin, Pyinmanar, Tatkone. Some of
the most quality ones can be seen in the
plain between Taung Twin gyi and Nat Mauk
and also in Minbu. Its fame does not come
easy but just because of some extraordinary
values.
It was referred that the white color of paint
decorated on the beads include human milk
but further research was not made on the
beads. It should be an interesting research
to know about the making of the Pyu beads
and thus remained a puzzle. However, a
personal experiment was made to see if the
color of the beads were durable. The white
color of the beads did not fade away when
put into Nitric acid. So it was no doubt that
not only Myanmar but foreigners also do
prefer the Pyu beads.
Looking at the culture of the Pyu people,
their standard of living can be referred as
fashionable in a colloquial way. During the
9th Centaury, there was a reference that Pyu
music band went to China and offered the
King with 12 songs. The music group was
led by the prince Thu Nanda in February 13,
802. The first song the diplomats performed
was named “Buddha’s trademark.”
In the reference, the clothing they wore were
described as “rose essence with the scent of
sunshine.” The color was worn on the top to
match with the dark blue color at the bottom.
The clothing was called “Kai Man” that was
made of pure cotton. It can be thought that
the beads worn by the diplomats reflect
their religion, fashion accessories and could
include other facts.
54
The types of beads that Pyu people wore
include, patterns like tiger pictured beads,
pictures of elephant and pig while there are
patterns like cylinder shaped beads of red,
black or green colors. The decoration of the
beads depends on the creativity and the art
and therefore, it is considered magical. As
a limited edition, the beads will not always
be available for everyone and therefore,
depends on the luck and of the beholder.
So does the saying by the Tibetans goes
about these beads. It says, “as the beads
come from heaven, it is a privilege to
wear on the neck. If the beads could not
be maintained but broken, lost, sold out
or to be exchanged, better swap it with a
bull.” The meaning goes that if one could
not maintain such a beautiful and graceful
product, it is better to live with a bull.
Foreigners do value the beads of Pyu more
than Myanmar people. Except Myanmar,
it can be said that all neighbors including
Thailand value and like the beads. It is also
not so strange to conclude that people are
ignorant enough not to value such product
at time when the country is poor, dark and
hovered by mosquitoes. It is still a long way
to have a bureau to purchase such attire.
Except Myanmar, the foreign community do
purchase the Pyu beads.
It should not be too hard if said the beads
are almost gone nowadays as other countries
have bought them. It is simple. The natural
resources of a country is purchased, followed
by human resource. Among the list of the
antique cultural products being purchased,
the Pyu beads made at the top list. So a
question comes whether these antiques were
copied for mass production?
A person from Taiwan once made a mass
production of these beads and even sold the
catalog that includes the production steps of
the beads. The person’s beads were made
of glass. For these reasons, some even
misunderstood the fake beads with the real
one after purchase. Those mass produced
fake beads of Pyu can be seen as flawless
and with a same size. It is quite easy to
differentiate them. Just put it in the palm and
one can feel the heat if the product is made
of class compare to that of rock. For the
original beads, when looked by a magnifying
glass, there are tiny little holes on the surface.
The tiny hole that the string goes through is
also not so smooth like the fake ones done in
a mass production. These frauds cannot be
seen with the naked eye but only if one really
has the interest to explore nature.
Some years ago, a brother brought beads
without a hole for the string to go through. I
asked to send me to the village where these
beads were found. There I was at the village
where the beads were being searched and
found in the peanut fields. The villagers
found a profitable job after their main
business of farming. Searching beads in the
farmlands. One used the beads he found as
a pallet for the bow to catch birds. Daw Mya
Khin from the southern part of the village had
one of the beads she found to replace her
lost button of her dress. When the villagers
were asked to bring some beads, some
approached. “They just came for knowledge
and to see the beads. Not to buy them,”
said the owner of the house where we were
putting up. “Harr,” said some villagers. They
seemed to be disappointed and when some
started to head back their way, we decided
to buy some to save our trip. I also really
need to take a photo of the beads.
“Where is the person who wants to buy the
beads,” said a villager who came into the
house. “I have only one bead,” he said,
pulling out a white bead from his pocked. A
pure white one.
With my hands shaking, I tried to put the
focus on the bead and got a picture of the
villager holding it.
“I just knew it now. If I happen to see another
bead next time, it will be a new design.”
“The beads are a miracle,” I said it to myself.
55
Biography
U Thaw Kaung:
CONNOISSEUR OF
LITERATURE
AND HISTORY
When U Thaw Kaung
started reading at the
age of five, his father
encouraged him by
buying poetry collections
and storybooks.
U Thaw Kaung working as a
Consultant at the British Library,
London (1984)
By Zon Pann Pwint
A
mong Myanmar’s most celebrated
champions of literature is U Thaw Kaung, a
writer and historian who also spent about
40 years working as a librarian at Yangon
University.
Born in 1937, U Thaw Kaung said
he inherited his great passion for literature from his father,
Sithu U Kaung, a Director of Education and the first
Chairman of the Burma Historical Commission.
“My father liked reading as a pastime. He could even
be found reading while he ate breakfast every morning.
His love of books helped form my habit of reading,” U
Thaw Kaung said.
When U Thaw Kaung started reading at the age
of five, his father encouraged him by buying poetry
collections and storybooks. As his enjoyment of reading
increased, he started picking up easy-to-read novels from
his father’s collection, by famous authors such as Shwe U
Daung and P. Monin.
“We lived in Taunggyi for a few years where my
father was Director of Education for the Shan States
around 1940 to 1942 when the Japanese invaded the
country. At that time I was starting to enjoy children’s
literature,” U Thaw Kaung said.
He added that his paternal grandmother from Upper
Myanmar also had a gift for storytelling, and she used to
tell him the myths and legends of Myanmar when he was
a child."Perhaps this also sparked my lifelong interest in
history," he said.
In 1947, when U Thaw Kaung was 10, Myanmar
independence hero General Aung San's Interim
Government sent U Kaung to England to assist Myanmar
scholars in gaining access to universities there. Also to
open the Myanmar Embassy in UK and print the first bank
notes which bore his signature.
"My father took our family to England, where we
lived from 1947 to 1950. He took me to public libraries
filled with children’s classics, and I used to borrow the
books and read them at home. I did much reading at that
time," he said.
"I was taught English by a young English lady, newly
graduated from Cambridge University. She taught me
English, Geography and History twice a week.”
56
In 1950 the family returned to Myanmar, where U
Thaw Kaung’s childhood was plagued again by illness.
He suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and couldn't play
and run like other children.
In 1952 he started attending Yangon’s Methodist
English High School (later renamed Basic Education
High School Dagon (1)). U Thaw Kaung’s health had
deteriorated to such a degree that he needed his father’s
driver to carry him upstairs to his classroom every day. He
graduated in 1954 in the First Division with distinctions in
English and Geography.
“I did much reading at home because my early years
were spent indoors due to illness. It was my father who
suggested that I work as a librarian since reading was my
main pastime,” U Thaw Kaung said. “I was interested in
this idea. I thought it would be enjoyable to work among
books. It would give me the chance to browse for books I
liked.” He later regained his good health.
After high school graduation, U Thaw Kaung’s father
placed the boy under the tutelage of his colleague, U
Thein Han (writer Zaw Gyi), who was the Chief Librarian
at the University of Rangoon (later Yangon University).
“U Thein Han told me to take subjects at the university
which would be useful for library work,” U Thaw Kaung
said. “I studied English, Myanmar, History, Geography,
Political Science and Anthropology.”
In 1957, during U Thaw Kaung’s second year as
a university student, Sithu U Kaung was killed in a car
accident while on a short official assignment in India.
“After my father passed away, Prof. of English U Myo
Min asked me to work part-time in the English Department
Library. He paid me for my work as a student helper so
you can say my life as a librarian began in 1957. Part
of my work was registering the names of borrowers and
books. I quickly grew fond of the work,” he said.
U Thaw Kaung graduated in 1959 with first-class honours
in English. After exams, he requested U Thein Han for a
job at the library, and for six months he worked at the
university’s Social Science Library. By September of 1959,
he was appointed Deputy to U Thein Han after the former
deputy retired.
“I was recommended for the post by U Thein Han. I
worked as Deputy to the Chief Librarian for 10 years in
the main library,” U Thaw Kaung said.
In 1960-1961 he went to England to study at
University College London’s School of Library, Archive and
Information Studies. After obtaining a degree from the
University of London, he became a Charterel Librarian.
In 1969 he was promoted to professorial rank as Chief
Librarian at the Universities' Central Library after U Thein
Han retired.
“I asked U Thein Han to stay on at the library, and
he continued to have an office room there for the next 15
years or so,” U Thaw Kaung said. "We could always see
him to get good advice."
Many of U Thaw Kaung's friends and colleagues
are famous writers he met while working at the library,
including Dagon Tayar, Paragu, Khin Hnin Yu, Min Yu
Wai and Taik Soe. "We used to get together at my home,
have dinner and talk about literature," U Thaw Kaung
said.
During his career as a librarian, U Thaw Kaung made
significant contributions to a project aimed at preserving
old palm-leaf manuscripts, in
particular by establishing a
section in the library for such
My father liked
documents and collecting more
than 16,000 rare items.
reading as a
“Staff members from the
pastime. He could
library actively participated
even be found
in collecting manuscripts.
reading while
We looked for palm-leaf
manuscripts in monasteries
he ate breakfast
throughout the country,” he
every morning.
said. “Some monks were
His love of books
reluctant to give away
helped form my
manuscripts they had received
as donations, while others
habit of reading.
were willing to give them
away because they didn’t read them anymore.”
He said the monks did not ask for money for valuable
manuscripts. “Instead, they sometimes requested that we
help repair damaged roofs at the monastery or other
donations in kind. In these cases, we gave money to local
residents to do the repairs,” he said.
U Thaw Kaung, who retired in December 1997 after
38 years as a librarian, said library work is different
nowadays than during his time.
“Today, librarians need to be active and not just sit
in the library waiting for donors and booksellers. They
need to go out in search of palm-leaf manuscripts, and get
electronic access to good books and databases.” he said.
“During my career as a librarian, I was able to convince
the Ministry to give an adequate budget to run an
extensive palm-leaf manuscript collection project. The
library also received manuscripts from donors and monks
who had such collections.”
His work in establishing a priceless manuscript
collection for the Universities Central Library, and for
seting up the first Department of Library and Information
Studies at Yangon University was recognized in 1984
when the Library Association of UK awarded him their
highest honour, and he became an Honorary Fellow of the
Association (as a F.L.A) for life.
Retirement gave U Thaw Kaung more freedom to
spend time writing. He has written nearly 40 academic
papers, most of them in the English language, as well as
six books. Among them, the English-language Aspects
of Myanmar History and Culture (2010) and From the
Librarian’s Window (2008) are the most well-known. In
January 1998 he became a member of the Myanmar
Historical Commission and has been writing and editing
for them ever since.
U Thaw Kaung also enjoys travelling. “When I was a
child, my father took me on his frequent trips to different
places around the country both in Myanmar and England.
As a librarian and historian, I have spent time visiting
many historical places, and I’ve made journeys inside and
outside of the country, sometimes with my family,” he said.
He still goes on lecture tours to many countries.
He wrote articles chronicling his journeys around
Myanmar for the monthly magazines Today and Myanmar
Perspectives(now ceased publication). In February 2013
of this year, Today Media published an anthology of
these travel writings under the title Myanmar Wonderland,
which has been selling well .
To achieve success as a librarian and writer, U Thaw
Kaung said he had to over-come two major challenges.
The first was his weak health which he tried hard to
improve becoming much better from his high school days,
so that he could live a normal life. The second challenge
was the isolation of the country from 1962. He made a
huge effort in establishing linkages with famous libraries
and scholars from many countries and was able to get
foreign assistance to train staff and modernize library
services. This was often done at great personal risk. He
has also built up an extensive personal collection of books
in English and Burmese.
U Thaw Kaung’s work was recognised with a
Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Literary
Awards in 2011, and in 2012 the new elected
government bestowed on him the title “Sithu”, which
designates outstanding service to the nation and people.
Internationally, he was conferred an honorary Doctor of
Letters degree by the University of Western Sydney in
1999 and he won the prestigious (3) million yen Fukuoka
Asian Culture Prize in 2005.
57
Photo Essay
Photo By
Kyaw Kyaw Winn (MPS)
PEOPLE OF
yangon
58
59
PEOPLE OF
yangon
60
61
Modern Trendy
travel
TRENDY
Models:
Shwe Thamee
Photo:
Naing Naing Tun
Dress:
Shayi
Makeup:
..................
Location:
May & Mark Gems
Shwe Thamee & Nang Sandar Hla Tun
62
Models:
Shwe Thamee &
Nang Sandar Hla Tun
Photo:
Naing Naing Tun
Dress:
Shayi
Makeup:
..................
Location:
May & Mark Gems
63
Models:
Shwe Thamee
Photo:
Naing Naing Tun
Dress:
Shayi
Makeup:
..................
Location:
May & Mark Gems
travel
TRENDY
64
Models:
Nang Sandar Hla Tun
Photo:
Naing Naing Tun
Dress:
Shayi
Makeup:
..................
Location:
May & Mark Gems
65
Restaurant
A
s Myanmar increasingly opens up to the world, Yangon is transforming
into a fast-changing city where gleaming high-rises are taking over the
skyline, modern shopping centres are opening on a weekly basis, and
late-model cars are flooding streets that, until just a few short years ago,
were ruled by ancient, rattletrap vehicles that struggled to exceed speeds
of 50kph.
In the midst of all this mounting bustle, there are still many oases of calm and tranquility
dotting the city. One of the most appealing of these is Governor’s Residence, located on
quiet, leafy street in the embassy district of Yangon. The hotel itself occupies a handsome
Photo By
Thiha (Exposure)
66
The centerpiece is the curry
table, which has eight different
curries, two types of rice and
a wide array of Myanmar
condiments.
By Douglas Long
A FEAST
FOR THE
SENSES AT
governor’s
residence
67
Restaurant
colonial-style mansion, which is set amid a
beautifully landscaped paradise of tropical
plants.
The 48-room Governor’s Residence, owned
by legendary Orient-Express Hotels, attracts
travellers from all over the globe. However,
the world-class dining facilities are not only
for overnight guests: Mandalay Restaurant
and Kipling Bar are also great places to
gather for locals and expatriates living in
Myanmar, as well as for tourists and visiting
businesspeople who might be lodging
elsewhere.
Kipling Bar is named after the British writer
Rudyard Kipling, who wrote the famous
poem “Mandalay” in which he evoked the
persistent and romantic call of Southeast
Asia. The cosy bar offers a chance to relax
while enjoying cocktails, wine, tea or coffee.
Drinks can also be sipped at the open-air
Mindon Lounge, which is surrounded by cool,
attractive greenery. It’s especially pleasant
in the evening, when the air is cooler and
the garden is illuminated with soft,
atmospheric lighting.
Likewise, Mandalay Restaurant
offers alluring tropical ambience,
with great views of lush gardens
and lotus ponds. The menu
combines the best of local Myanmar
cuisine with special selections from
around the world.
The kitchen boasts more than 20 cooks from
different areas of Myanmar, and the team
is headed by Executive Chef Ricardo Lujan,
who came to Yangon from his home country
of Mexico in August 2013.
Mr Lujan’s arrival in Myanmar has been
cause for great excitement, because until
now, gourmet food from Latin American has
been notably absent from the local culinary
scene. Mr Lujan started cooking when he was
17 years old, and he has now accumulated
nearly 20 years of experience working
in kitchens in places like Guadalajara,
Monterrey and Los Cabos.
Mr Lujan’s repertoire, however, is not
limited to Latin American selections. Early
in his career, he benefited from working
68
with Japanese chef Suehiro Fujimura, from
whom he not only learned how to make sushi
and other Asian dishes, but also came to
understand the importance of learning precise
cooking techniques and using high-quality
food products in every recipe.
Mr Lujan has also stated his belief that
top chefs must have a firm basis in classic
European cuisine. With that in mind, it’s
not surprising that the menu at Mandalay
Restaurant displays influences from Myanmar
and other Asian countries, as well as from
Mexico and Europe. The executive chef’s
dedication to using ingredients of the best
quality ensures that diners can’t go wrong, no
matter what they order.
Among the special culinary offerings at the
Governor’s Residence is the nightly Burmese
Curry Table, which is priced at US$42 per
person, including free-flow local draft beer
and green tea. The buffet-style presentation
encompasses several tables or “stations”,
each offering its own distinct range of
specialties. The centerpiece is the curry
table, which has eight different curries, two
types of rice and a wide array of Myanmar
condiments.
There is also a Shan noodle station and a
soup station. Another table is dedicated to
traditional salads, such as ginger salad and
tomato salad. The live BBQ grill features
delicacies such as pork marinated with
delicious pickled green tea leaves, and
prawn grilled with piquant Rakhine spices.
Diners can top off the meal with a stop
(or two) at the dessert table, which is also
equipped with all the ingredients necessary to
build your own faluda – a sweet, refreshing
traditional drink that is perfectly suited for
evenings in the tropics.
The 48-room
Governor’s Residence,
owned by legendary
Orient-Express Hotels,
attracts travellers
from all over the
globe. However, the
world-class dining
facilities are not only for
overnight guests.
69
When you
passed away,
you will become
a celestial being
and live in
celestial abode.
You will also
have 500 female
celestial beings
to serve you.
Myanmar Folktale
Monk and
his donor
O
You should be
content with one
wife. Women are
troublesome and
two wives mean
more trouble.
nce upon a time, there was
a man named U San Shwe
and he built a monastery for
the head monk of the village.
Three months after donating
monastery, the donor came to
the monastery and the monk asked him the
reason of his visit.
Monk said that it was a very good idea. “For
you, you are rich so you can make donation
and the merit makes you rich in return. Some
people do not donate because they do not
have much money and in return, they are not
rich because of the lack of donation (good
merit). By the way, I heard that you have got
a second wife,” the monk said.
Then, U San Shwe said, “I have donated the
monastery as I wanted to enjoy benefit of its
merit and now I want to know what kind of
benefits I would get.”
U San Shwe was surprised by the man’s
question and he asked the monk how he had
found out about his marriage. Then the monk
told U San Shwe that it was his first wife who
told him.
“I see,” said the monk. “When you passed
away, you will become a celestial being and
live in celestial abode. You will also have
500 female celestial beings to serve you.
Don’t you like to have that kind of life,” monk
said. U San Shwe replied that he would love
to enjoy that service for sure and in that case,
he would like to donate one more monastery.
Also the monk said, “Marriage is a burden
and you have now added one more burden.”
Then U San Shwe said women were very
difficult to understand and they should have
known that this kind of news was not
appropriate to tell monk. They should have
gone to head man of the village instead.
The monk said, “You should be content with
one wife. Women are troublesome and two
wives mean more trouble.”
Then U San Shwe said, “Wait, before you
said I would have 500 female celestial beings
serving me because of my merit for donating
monastery.” And the monk said “so what”.
“You said having two wives would be troublesome for me. But when I have 500 female
celestial beings serving me, it will be even
more troublesome for me. So I cancel my plan
to donate one more monastery and I will also
burn down the monastery I have donated,”
U San Shwe said.
When the monk heard U San Shwe’s reply,
he said U San Shwe could keep on having his
second wife but do not burn down his monastery. U San Shwe smiled when he heard the
monk’s reply and then paid homage to the
monk cordially and went back home.
70
71
Recipe
JING HPAW MYAY
Kachin restaurant
Photo By
Thiha (Exposure)
BRINGS KACHIN CORDIALITY
AND AROMA
72
P
rovoked by friends, the establishments of food and
beverages on grand scale I made the most usual visits
are Thai and Chinese restaurants but never for traditional
ones. Weary of international community in the 27th
Southeast Asia Games, Nay Pyi Taw, and arriving
Yangon after the Games, I ended up in Jing Hpaw Myay
restaurant that sits on the right roadside of Kyundaw Street if coming
from the Myaynigone center-point.
Jing Hpaw Myay is a Kachin restaurant I found for the first time
in juxtaposition of beauty and amazement for it is the best promise
for hygienic food in Yangon and the best place as well as cheapest
option for traditional appetites, yet its enormous success paradoxically
restrains a simple, small apartment from physically growing. The
narrow apartment decorated with pictures of Kachin views around the
wall and Kachin curtains embroidered with tiny silver gongs places a
few tables, having on further back a small private room enclosed with
the opaque glass that provides an ambience of private relaxing affairs
for six or seven people.
My first-time experience demands me to consult with the
shopkeeper in ordering dishes and I order as a primary dish ‘Shat-Jam
Traditional Rice Dish with Herbs’ (K 1,600), a steamed rice served
with trimmed roasted chicken, vegetables, and herbs imported from
Myanmar’s far north. The aroma of ‘Magram’ the bark of a herbal
tree overwhelmed my whole tasting faculty when I devoured Shat-Jam
as I later knew herbs are contents in every Kachin Traditional dish for
healthy contribution. Shat-Jam is the infusion of Kachin-language into
the English menu as the shopkeeper explained that though at present
the dishes are not in Kachin terms she wants to maintain Kachin
names for dishes in the menu because the translations are often found
misleading.
The two side dishes I ordered are ‘Steam Fish with Banana
Leaves’ (K 1,500) which is a tasty morsal of carp with a slightly
sour-flavored acacia leaves steamed wrapped in
Jing Hpaw banana leaf, and ‘Dried Beef in Pounded Ginger’
Myay Kachin (K 1,800) which portrays a stirred mixture of
restaurant dry shredded beef, pounded ginger and chilly.
that serves I slow eater gobbled up the steamed fish and
delicious food carelessly spat the bones out, tasting it very
with no oil but delicious and very healthy with no tint of oil while
medicinal herbs I take up the spicy Dried Beef from time to time to
in reasonable balance the greasy heavy taste of Steamed Rice.
prices. I want to invite a whole lot of Yangon residents
who unanimously complained of unhealthy oily
food found in most of Yangon’s food shops and
restaurants to Jing Hpaw Myay Kachin restaurant that serves delicious
food with no oil but medicinal herbs in reasonable prices.
What about drink? Aside from soft drinks and beer available in
the restaurant, Kachin rice wine and strong liquor are characteristic,
so I opted for strong liquor (K 1,000) served in a small bamboo cup
shaped like a barrel, to sip in while I was surfing out of curiosity the
menu that typically classes ‘Pounded Ginger’ as a set of side dishes
made of varying kinds of meats together with ginger pounded. My
eyes set upon ‘Moekhothar’ in the menu written in Burmese, meaning
‘Sheltered Meat’ while I switched to look for its equivalent in the
English menu that read ‘Beef Tournedos with Pure Oil’ (K 3,500). It
was so appealing that I couldn’t help ordering the dish and I found
richly-flavored shredded beef strewed with coriander leaves, raw garlic
and green chilly slices. Upon my question the shopkeeper told me the
‘Sheltered Meat’ means a lower part of the cow that is sheltered from
the rain and sun, therefore she added it is very soft and nice to chew
because it is protected from the hard weather. I like ‘Moekhothar’
because it is the perfect harmony with Kachin strong liquor that also
tastes some kind of herb unlike other pure strong alcoholic drink
available in Shan State.
Over-full as I never have been, I was about to carry myself up
when I remembered to have an interesting dish parceled for my family.
Pork with Kachin ‘Kimchi’ (K 3,800) is the food parcel I took home
which my younger sister hails so much that my mother, a cooking
genius, envied it unwilling to accept that her daughter crazes so much
for the dish other than her making.
horoscope
ARIES -
TAURUS -
Loans will be overdue. Fatigue of mind and
body is foreseen. There will be good fortune
in education. There will be exceptionally
successive improvements for businessman.
Distinct changes will take place. There will
be improvement in life. In the realizations
of alms, in lieu of another's aid, personal
efficiency should be favoured. That practice
will be different from the planned will be
observed. Ideas coming up this period are
to be used practically to result improvements.
In spite of wasted money, mental fatigue and
bodily tiredness, your efficiency will be
thoroughly recognized. Difficult problems
will pacify. As presuppositions will turn to be
correct, stocking goods and money matters
will run well.
Obstacles in every matter. Emotional upsets,
obstacles and problems arising are not
because of your own personal cases, but
due to your over good will, extremely kind
heart and spoiling nature towards others.
Family and social welfares are to be fed and
resolved. Good period for travel matters.
Good fortune in travelling. Good results,
such as successful aims and resolutions, are
foreseen. Direct contact with far-off lands will
result beneficially. Slight ill-health of elderly
female family member is foreseen. Occasional
loss of personal belongings.
GEMINI -
CANCER -
Emotional upsets are foreseen. Speech
will run well. Misspoken words cannot
be allowed. Much as matters are done
neglecting own benefits and with genuine
good will, stress and emotional upsets will
have to be experienced. Exceptional care
must be had in behavior and in outings.
Matters should be done relying on given
situations rather than on plans. Work not
given priority to money will turn out to be
advantageous. Long term investments
should not be made, returns will be overdue.
Great care must be taken in diving vehicles.
Improvement in life can be found in
competitive work. Amis and desires can be
achieved using time systematically. New
ideas should be used for improvements in life.
No matter how smooth the matters run, you
will have no desire to stay in your present
work. Change with improvement will be had.
Help will be asked for and will have to be
done systematically and successfully. Sound
improvements in business will be made.
Signing documents and taking financial
responsibility for others must be avoided.
Matters should be done personally rather
than together with another person
LEO -
VIRGO -
Exceptional change and improvement will be
made. Loss of personal belongings will occur.
You will be pick pocketed while travelling.
Ill health to an elderly female is foreseen.
Frequent on the move is foreseen. Contact
will are off lands will be made. Other races
will be advantageous. Talks on housing and
vehicle matters will be successful. Minor
accident to right leg will occur while outing.
A friend will come and borrow money Refuse
Loss is foreseen. Verbal confrontations will
occur. Dangers are in the environment.
Rivalries are in the surrounding.
Aims will see success. Business and wealth
will improve. Life will improve . New ideas
will come into action. Novel matters will
have to be handled with success. Talks on
accommodation will be successful. Using
rising opportunities will give improvements.
Family properties thought to be lost will return.
Success over others can be had due to
intelligence. Business aims will be successful.
Overdue loans and properties will be
had. Other races and nationalities will be
advantageous. Temporary separation with
beloved ones is foreseen.
March 21st to April 20th
May 22th to June 21st
July 23rd to August 23rd
74
By San - Zar Ni Bo
April 21st to May 21st
June 22nd to July 22nd
Auguse 24th to September 22nd
Jan~ June 2014
LIBRA -
SCORPIO -
Aim will succeed. Overseas journey is
foreseen in the family. Other races will bring
benefits. Ideas concerning changes will be
realized successfully. Those who have been
helped by you will be helping other people
rather than doing for your own affairs. Few
people will understand your genuine good
will. Loss of money or properties in business
will return. Things thought to be eternally lost
will return. Office staff will have to doe extra
work and take extra responsibility. Dealings
with new environments will have to be made.
This period has directions for good fortune
and improvements in life. Ideas and aims
should be systematically carried out.
Own personal efficiency must be applied
in realizing aims and objectives. Using
opportunities systematically will realize
desires. This is a suitable period to talk
about money matters and old loans thin the
family. Blocked courses will reopen. Direct
dealing with foreigners and other races will
give success in business. Slight danger from
dishonest persons will occur. Wealth will
increase. Change of house and vehicles in the
family can be systematically made.
SAGITTARIUS -
CAPRICORN -
Matter must be done personally as must as
possible. For those running own enterprise,
piercing through courses outthought of and
undone by others will result in improvement
and successes. Doing matters sentimentally
rather than on calculations will bring success.
In spite of attacks and obstacles, success
will be seen in the end.Those concerning
education will see exceptional improvement
and success. Work and education will go
hand to in hand to improvement.Possessions
will increse.
Matter must be done according to whims
and sudden desires. More success will be
seen on work-side than on money side. What
is thought of as unfeasible or unachievable
will see success with you. Other entries did
nationalities are greatly advantageous. Ill
health to an elderly family member is foreseen
. Participation in auspicious deed will have
to be made. Study in skill work is favourable.
Foreign languages can be studied. Emotional
upsets due to pity and sympathy will occur.
Another person's affairs will have to be given
priority. Money matter will systematically work
out will. Slight ill health is foreseen.
AQUARIUS -
PISCES -
Stagnant matters will resume. Expense will be
heavy. Fruitful results of efforts made will be
seen. This is the period you will be completing
with yourself. Good name will be made from
systematic work. Matters thought to go well
will do so only after going slow. Aims can be
achieved. Mental fatigue concerning money
matters is foreseen. Work without payment
will have to be done. New course important
for life can be created. Family health will be
ill-starred. Matters concerning travel cannot
be as successful as desired. Unfinished
matters will terminate. Three leaves of Thebe
in purse or wallet will bring luck in money
heighten good fortunes.
This period will be ill-starred. There will be
upsets. There will be fatigue mentally as well
as bodily. Desired matters will be hard to
put into practice. There will be successive
interminglement and upsets in family and
social welfares. Men of words and ill of
deeds in money matters will be encountered.
there will be emotional upset due to another.
Dishonest people will be encountered.
There will be misfortune in the family. Only
60% of aim will go well. Good period for
students. In spite of difficulties and obstacles,
desires should be systematically worked out
and furthered.
September 23rd to October 23rd
November 23rd to December 21st
January 21st to February 18th
October 24th to November 22nd
December 22nd to January 20th
February 19th to March 20th
75
Yangon Airways Destinations
Yangon Airways has regular scheduled flights to destinations
throughout Myanmar, from Myitkyina in the north to
Kawthaung in the far south, from the western coastline to
the mountains of Shan State in the east. Whatever your
travel plans, Yangon Airways has flights to suit your needs.
Yangon
Yangon, cosmopolitan city of Myanmar, still maintains
its colonial charm with wide, tree-lined avenues, tranquil
lakes and gracious turn-of-the-century architecture. The
magnificent Shwedagon Pogoda dominates the city skyline, while at street level Yangon is a paradise for hunting
out a variety of exotic arts and crafts. History lovers will
want to pore over the National Museum or Armed Forces
Museum. At night Chinatown comes alive with pungent
aromas and delicious street food. Yangon Airways operate scheduled flights to Nay Pyi Taw, Bagan, Mandalay,
Heho(Inle Lake), Kyaing Tong, Tachileik, Lashio, Myitkyina, Thandwe (Ngapali Beach), Sittway, Dawei, Myeik
and Kawthaung, and charter flight to Bhamo, Putao,
Kalay and Lashio from main hub at Yangon International
airport.
Yangon Air
ways flies
to Bagan da
ily.
Duration of
flight
from Yang
on:
1 hr 20 m
inutes
Duration of
flight
from Manda
lay:
30 minutes
Duration of
flight
from Heho:
40 minutes
76
s to all
ir ways flie s from
Yangon A
n
io
at
n
ti
des
the flight
the major
ase check
le
P
.
n
go
s to
ht
Yan
ig
fl
ur
for yo
schedule
s.
n
tinatio
other des
Bagan
This vast plain of Buddhist devotion on the east bank of the
Ayeyarwaddy River is one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar,
and for good reason. The landscape of Bagan is dotted with thousands
of temples and pagodas dating back hundreds of years. They are
striking at first sight and the wonder only increases upon closer
inspection, which reveals interiors decorated with Buddhist statues,
murals and other samples of traditional craftsmanship.
Mandalay
Mandalay is the religious and cultural centre of Myanmar, home
to many famous pagodas and monasteries, as well as the best
place to the production of traditional handicrafts, such as silk
longyis, wooden marionettes and embroidered tapestries. It is also
famous for having served as the last royal capital of Myanmar. This
distinguished past can be relived through visits to such sights as the
Mandalay Palace and its picturesque moat.
s
ir ways flie
Yangon A o, the gateway to
eh
s
H
daily to
kes 2 hour
and it ta
r.
ca
Inle Lake
by
n:
Inle Lake
to reach
om Yango
of flight fr
Duration
minutes
alay:
1 hr 10
om Mand
of flight fr
n
io
at
ur
D
es
:
30 minut flight from Bagan
of
Duration
es
40 minut
Yangon Air
ways flies to
Mandalay
daily and it
takes
about 1 ho
ur by car to
reach
Sagaing Hill
.
Duration of
flight from
Yangon:
1 hr 25 m
inutes
Duration of
flight from
Bagan:
30 minutes
Duration of
flight from
Heho:
30 minutes
Heho
Heho is the gateway to southern Shan State, providing access to
famous Inle Lake, where villages rise on wooden stilts out of
the water and where local boatmen can be seen using a unique
leg-rowing technique. Other attractions in the area include Nyaung
Shwe's picturesque monasteries, Pindaya Caves, and its hundreds of
Buddha images and the charming town of Kalaw, which serves as a
prime starting point for treks to nearby ethnic village.
77
Yangon Airways Destinations
Myeik, Dawei, Kawthaung
Of these three coastal towns in southernmost Myanmar,
Kawthaung is the best place from which to dive into Myeik
Archipelago, famous for its clear water and hundreds of
uninhabited islands. this combination makes the region perfect for
exploring nature, both in the water and on dry land. Visitors can
go snokelling and scuba diving to catch a glimpse of life beneath
the waves. Kayakers will discover hidden island coves, and can
disembark and explore the islands on foot.
Duration of flight from Yangon(to Dawei): 1 hrs 10 minutes
Duration of flight from Yangon(to Myeik): 1 hrs 30 minutes
Duration of flight from Yangon(to Kawthaung): 2 hrs
Lashio
Lashio is the capital of northern Shan
State. Lashio has a number of attractions,
including the busy central market and
night market, Quan Yin Temple and
Mahamyatmuni Pagoda. The surrounding
hills are also riddled with caves and hot
springs.
78
Myeik Islan
ds can be ac
cessed
from Dawei
, Myeik an
d
Kawthaung
. Please cont
act
your travel
agents for
tours to
these islands
. The best
way
to visit thes
e islands is
by
arranging
a cruise.
Yangon Air
ways flies to
these
three coasta
l towns four
a week.
times
from
er is cold
so be
The weath
February
to
r
be
m
Novem
ar
w
g
to brin
prepared
time.
uring that
clothes d
ht
ig
fl
of
Duration
minutes
dalay: 45
from Man
79
Yangon Airways Destinations
Tachileik
Located near the border of Thailand,
Tachileik is a busy market town that
attracts traders and bargain hunters
from Thailand and Myanmar alike.
As a frontier town, it is also a good
place to observe and interact with
people of different nationalities and
from a wide range of ethnic groups,
especially the Shan subgroups. The
markets are particularly good places
to pick up Shan, Myanmar and
Chinese handicrafts, as well as gems
and jewellery.
Once notori
ous golden
triangle, a
visit to
Thailand ca
n be made
by
a boat ride
through th
e
river.
Duration of
flight from
Yangon: 1
hr 35 min
utes
Duration of
flight from
Mandalay:
1 hr 10 m
inutes
Trekking th
rough the
ethnic
groups' villa
ges can be
organised in
Kyaingtong
.
Yangon Air
ways flies to
Kyaingtong
and Tachile
ik.
Duration of
flight from
Yangon:
1 hr 30 m
inutes
Duration of
flight from
Mandalay:
1 hr 5 min
utes
80
Kyaing Tong
This mountain town teems with genuine local atmosphere, with colonial
architecture mixing with Shan and Chinese buildings, and narrow alleys
winding through quiet neighbourhoods. A lake in the middle of town is
circled by restaurants serving Shan food, all of it overlooked by a line of hills.
Travelling in any direction from Kyaing Tong will provide access to villages
peopled by some of eastern Shan States's numerous ethnic groups, including
Akha, Eng, Lahu, Palaung, Shan and Wa.
Yangon Airways Destinations
Yangon Air
ways flies to
Sittwe whi
ch is the ga
teway
to Mrauk U
.
The boat ri
de to Mrauk
U
from Sittw
e takes abou
t
6 hours. D
uration of
fli
ght
from Yang
on:
1 hr 20 m
inutes
is the premium
Ngapali beach
s
mar. It's famou
an
beach in My
and
h
ac
be
d
san
for its white
by
A visit to near
fresh seafood.
is a must.
fishing villages
ht from
Duration of flig
:
on
ng
Ya
50 minutes
Thandwe
Thandwe's main claim to fame is that it provides quick access to
beautiful white-sand Ngapali Beach on the coast of the Bay of Bengal.
International standard hotels are hidden among the coastal palm
trees, allowing beachgoers to enjoy the beauty of their surrounding.
82
Sittwe
Sittwe is a vibrant port city on the coast of
Rakhine State that serves as the departure point
for excursions by river to the ancient temples
of Mrauk U. Arriving in Mrauk U which served
as the last capital of the Rakhine kingdom from
1430 to 1785, is like taking a step back in time.
The temples are situated among the small villages
in a landscape of narrow valleys and low hills
that seems like it has not changed in hundreds
of years.
83
Yangon Airways Destinations
Myitkyina
Myitkyina is the capital city of Kachin State and it is situated on the west bank of
Ayeyarwaddy River. That is why the name of the city itself means “Near the big
river”. Moreover, the city is famous for its Myitson which is where Mali Hka and
Mai Hka come together to form the Ayeyarwaddy. Myitson is just 25km away
from Myikyina. One can get there by car and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Another attracting place, the city has to offer is Manua square which situated
in the city center. The square is the place where Kachin celebrate their National
Day in January with their traditional costumes, music and animal sacrifices.
Manua posts painted with brightly coloured animals are perfect place to post for
a photo as a memento for been in Kachin State.
s to
ir ways flie
ay.
Yangon A
and Tuesd :
hu
T
on
n
go
n
Ya
Myitkyina
om
of flight fr
Duration
es
ut
in
2 hr 25 m Myitkyina:
to
Mandalay
inutes
1 hr 10 m
Myitkyina:
to
aw
m
Bha
es
ut
in
20 m
Bhamaw
Yangon Air
ways flies to
Bhamo on
Thu and Sa
t.
Duration of
flight
from Yang
on:
1 hr 58 m
inutes
Mandalay
to Bhamo:
45 minutes
Bhamaw to
Myitkyina:
20 minutes
84
Bhamaw located in northernmost part of
Myanmar and it is a city of Kachin State. The
city situated on the bank of Ayeyarwaddy and
it stretches along the river bank in a series of
villages approached through a narrow passage.
Yunan Province, China lies within 65 Km from
Bhamaw which makes the city as one of the
official border trading towns between China
and Myanmar. This town was also an important
station on Stilwell road which connects via
Myitkyina with the Burma Road (1937-1939).
With the restriction lifted, now foreigners can
go around the city by cycling and get to know it
better. One can enjoy not only the ruins of Shan
palace but also visit villages and learn the lifestyle
of locals. The population consists of Chinese,
Shan and Kachin people.
Route Map
Putao
Myitkyina
N
Bhamaw
Kalay
E
W
Lashio
S
Mandalay
Bagan
Kyaing Tong
Heho
Sittwe
Tachileik
Naypyitaw
Thandwe
Yangon
Dawei
Myeik
Current Routes
Schedule Flight
Charter Flight
Kawthaung
TRAVEL TIPS
CUSTOMS
Useful Myanmar Words
There are many customs that visitors must be aware of when visiting a country
like Myanmar. In order to be culturally sensitive and avoid offending the locals,
here are a few tips:
FEET
Remember to take off your shoes
and socks before you enter a
temple, pagoda or as a guest in a
private house. Remember the golden
rule: Keep your feet on the ground
at all times. Keep them off tables
and chairs and try not to wave
them around. Also try to remember
not to point your feet directly at
anybody and try to walk around a
person rather than step over them.
As a sign of respect, the Myanmar
will also try to avoid stepping on a
monk's shadow.
HANDS
As in most Asian countries try to
remember to use your right hand
when giving and receiving. Better
still, the most gracious way to give
and receive is to use both hands.
EATING
In a Myanmar home people generally
eat around a low table, sitting on
mats on the floor. In restaurants, more
conventional Western tables and chairs
are used. Myanmar food is generally
eaten with the fingers. Western visitors
are probably more comfortable with
fork and spoon which is perfectly
acceptable.
BANK & MONEY CHANGERS
Open from 10am to 2pm. Hotels can
change money for guests.
CLOTHING
Light cotton clothing is most
appropriate for the long hot summer
months. Do not wear shorts, miniskirts
or sleeveless shirts when visiting
religious sites. While the Myanmar
make no demands, it is a mark of
respect to dress modestly and neatly.
WATER
Don't drink the tap water. Make sure
your water is boiled, or better yet, buy
it bottled. Go easy on the ice cubes.
AIRPORT TAX
Airport tax for departing on
international flights is US$ 10;
domestic flights are not taxed.
86
NAMES
People in Myanmar place an
honorific in front of names to show
respect for age or position.
Male Famale
Adult U(Mr) Daw(Mrs)
Younger Person Ko Ma
Teacher or Boss Saya Sayama
Monk Sayadaw (Venerable)
or Kodaw
ELECTRICITY
220V, 50 Hz, British 3 flat pin plugs
TELEPHONE
International dial code: 001
SHOPPING
Note that you are not allowed to
export antiques or religious items.
TAXI
To the airport from Yangon city takes
45 minutes.
WATCH THE SUN
In the plains around Bagan, the sun
is ferocious and can be tiring. Follow
the lead of the Myanmar and visit
temples and parks in the early morning
and later in the afternoon, resting in
your hotel in the heat of the day. Don't
forget to drink plenty of water, use
sunscreen and bring a hat. Or buy
traditional Myanmar thanaka. Bring
mosquito repellent and use it.
Basics
Hello Min ga la bar
How are you? Nei kaon la?
Fine, thank you. Ne kaon ba de
Nice to meet you. Twe ya dar wanta
ba de
Thank you. Kyeizu tin ba de
Yes Ho de
No Ma ho bu
I don’t know Kya-nau ma thi bu
I don’t understand Kya-nau nar ma
ley bu
How much is it? Zey beh lout le?
How to go to this place?
De nay yar be lo
twar ya da le?
Numbers
0
thoun-nya
1
thi
2
hni
3
thoun
4
lei
5
nga
6
chao
7
kun hni
8shit
9ko
10 se
11 seh-thi
12 seh-hnih
13 seh-thoun
14 seh-lei
15 eh-nga
16 seh-chauk
17 seh-kuun
18 seh-shit
19 seh-kou
20 hna-seh
21 hna-seh-thih
30 thoun-zeh
40 lei-zeh
50 nga-zeh
100thi-ya
200hni-ya
300 thoun-ya
500nga-ya
1000 tha-taon
2000 hna-taon
10,000 tha-thaon
Time
now later morning afternoon night a gu
nao ma
ma ne
nei le
nya
Bus and train, ship and plane
Train yehtar
Bus ba(sa) kar
Ship thin baw
Airplane leyin pyan
YANGON AIRWAYS AGENTS
PASSENGER SALES AGENTS (PSA)
Adventure Myanmar Tours & Incentives
Tel:(+ 95-1)502901-5
E-mail: [email protected]
Antares International GmbH ( Germany )
Tel:(+95-1)510224,09450540632
Email:[email protected]
Asia Global Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)221173,228753,226338,220354
E-mail:[email protected]
Asian Trails Tour Ltd.
Tel:(+ 95-1)211 212, 211622, 223262,
228849
E-mail: res@ asiantrails.com.mm
Authentic Myanmar
Tel:(+95-1)8610109
E-mail:[email protected]
Autonet Travels
Tel:(95-1)294096,09-73020507,09
421024256
E-mail:[email protected]
E-mail:[email protected]
Nice Fare Travel
Tel:(+95-1)393049,374922,245378
E-mail:[email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
Oake Khaung Business Group
Tel:(+95-1)252953,383968,707093,255944
E-mail:[email protected]
Golden Trip
Tel:(+95-1)701027,500351
E-mail:[email protected]
Odyssey Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)373199,240545
E-mail:[email protected]
Pearl Princess Ticketing Tel:(+95-59)22082,21287
E-mail:[email protected]
Myanmar Diaries
Tel:(+95-1)8619202,8619201
E-mail:[email protected]
Picturesque Myanmar Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)397230,3001231
E-mail:[email protected]
UKT Ticketing Aung Pan
Tel: (+95-9) 2035870
SAI Travel Service
Tel:(+95-1)255400,255222
E-mail:[email protected]
Ayarwaddy Legend Travels & Tours
Tel:(95-1)252007-8,250909,398303
E-mail:[email protected]
Sanda Tour (Asia)
Tel:(+95-1)393 112 - 114
E-mail:[email protected]
Bagan Princess International Tourism
Tel:(95-1)391612,372906,381089
E-mail:[email protected]
Santa Maria Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)384743,384064,256178
E-mail:[email protected]
Columbus Travels
Tel:(+95-1)229245-6,216245 ext 104-8
E-mail:[email protected]
Seven Diamond Express Travels
Tel:(+95-1)392962, 392956, 500712, 500719
E-mail:[email protected]
Daw San San Aye (mdl)
Tel:(+95-2)31799,68343,(+95-9)73151771
E-mail:[email protected]
Dimond Luck Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)254368,254373,252397
E-mail:[email protected]
Diethelm Travel
Tel:(+95-1)8610458-60,ext 329 ,330
E-mail:[email protected]
EPG Travel
Tel:(+95-1)255723-5,371935-6
E-mail:[email protected]
Shan Pyi Thar Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)385125,255852,255856
E-mail:[email protected]
Exotic Myanmar Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)386539,398429,392778-9
E-mail:[email protected]
Exotissimo Travel
Tel:(+95-1)558215, 8603271
E-mail:[email protected], [email protected]
Firefly Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)391019,376168,(+95-9)5026486
E-mail:[email protected]
Fully Light Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)516932,516985,516964
E-mail:[email protected]
Global Travel Services
Tel:(+95-1)243123,392537,392653,249609
E-mail:[email protected]
Golden Express Tours
Tel:(+95-1)226779,225569,705876,227636
E-mail:[email protected]
Golden Host Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)552996,(+95-9)73075806
E-mail:[email protected]
Grand Lotus Tours
Tel:(+95-1)230 5003-7
E-mail:[email protected]
Green Holiday Ticketing
Tel:(+95-59)21975,(+95-9)8741667,8590545
Htoo Travels
Tel:(+95-1)548554,548039,557890
E-mail:[email protected]
Indochina Services Travel
Tel:(+95-1)511701,511658,523167
E-mail:[email protected]
Ko Ah Fa Ticketing (lsh)
Tel:(+95-9)5260872, (+95-82)30265,25381
Mandalay Holidays Travels and Tours
Tel:(+95-1)377332,377333
E-mail:[email protected]
Matrix Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)379950, (+95-9)09 5060010
E-mail:[email protected]
Mya Travel & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)254463,371668,384299
E-mail:[email protected]
Myanmar ComBiz Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)544869,545187,(+95-9)73144893
E-mail:[email protected]
Myanmar Polestar Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)255638,393190,382530
E-mail:[email protected]
Myanmar Tourex Travel Service
Tel:(+95-1)534852,513432
E-mail:[email protected]
Myanmar Voyages
Tel:(+95-1)650206,667342,710350
E-mail:[email protected]
Nature Dream
Tel:(+95-1)392239,398524,296722
Shan Yoma Travel & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)295510,204152,299389
E-mail:[email protected]
Loyal Star
Tel:(+95-9)8603757,421012686,421025572
E-mail:[email protected]
Asian Myanma Beauty Travel
Tel: (+95-9) 73105889, 01-222582
E-mail:[email protected]
Journey Star Travel
Tel: (+95-1) 252425
E-mail: [email protected]
Daw Than Than Aye
Tel:(+95 -43) 42328, (+95-9) 8515192,
421735192
Oway Co.Ltd
Tel: (+95-1) 2304201-2,2304197
E-mail: [email protected]
Talent Myanmar Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-9) 73115845
E-mail:[email protected]
Star of Bagan
Tel: 951 2305531, 09 5451818
E-mail:[email protected]
Tint Tint Travels & Tours Tel: (+95-1) 655228, 652490 E-mail: [email protected]
Shwe Kathit Ticketing (lsh)
Tel:(+95-9) 403750000
Amazing Holidays Travel Tel: (+95-1) 203500, 203503, 203565
E-mail:[email protected]
Silver Phoenix Ticketing, Travel & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)535906,(+95-9)2009299,73198847
E-mail:[email protected]
Mya Mandalay
Tel:(+95-1) 523575, (+95-9) 5035104
E-mail: [email protected]
Smart Way Travel
Tel:(+95-1)558288,558299
Email:[email protected]
Journeys Tel:(+95-1)664275,656259,656307
E-mail:[email protected]
Sun Far Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)380888,375584
E-mail:[email protected]
Jensen Express Co., LTD Taiwan
Tel: (+886- 0) 225455665 E-mail:[email protected]
Sun Flower Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)552794,559511
E-mail:[email protected]
Mergui Sakura Travels & Tours Co., LTD
Tel: (+95-59)42747 , (+95- 9) 49872393,
49595552 E-mail: [email protected]
Teak Travels
Tel:(+95-1)532311,519127,534123
E-mail:[email protected]
Than Than Travel
Tel:(+95-1)255034-5,704190
E-mail:[email protected]
The Chinthe Track Tel:(+95-1)657252,(+95-9)73113245
E-mail:[email protected]
Thousand Islands Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)372114-5,372117,372186
E-mail:[email protected]
Thi Ta Gu
Tel:(+95-2)30787,(+95-9)91027188,43109444
E-mail:[email protected]
Unique Asia Travels & Tours
Tel:(+951)398400,398433,398455,398477,
398499
E-mail:[email protected]
Unique Myanmar Tel:(+95-1)211966,215624,(+95-9)73242797
E-mail:[email protected]
Vivo Air Ticketing Tel:(+95-1)377117,252300
E-mail:[email protected]
WBG Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)387999,385900
E-mail:[email protected]
Wide View Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)293425,294122,296819
E-mail:[email protected]
Win Ticketing(Nyaung Shwe)
Tel:(+95-81)209174,(+95-9)5211546
E-mail:[email protected]
Win Star Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)242226,(+95-9)5024086
E-mail:[email protected]
Teasure Travel & Tour
Tel:(+95-1)399319,(+95-9)5014842
Shwe Trip Planner
Tel:(+95-1)37365, (+95-9)5556898
Compliance Success T&T
Tel:(+95-9)449254388
A&F Travel
Tel:(+95-9)5024961
Myanmar Welcome
Tel:(+95-1)537096,523329
[email protected]
Falcon Air Ticketing Service (MYT)
Tel:(+95-9)450061166
Sliver Sky (MYT)
Tel:(+95)090400038659
I Fly (MYT)
Tel:(+95)0947141358
Irrawady Ticketing Agent (MYT)
Tel:(+95-074)21339,(+959)47000132,47013262,2401770
Myat Mon Services (MYT)
Tel:(+95-074)22592,20256
Travel Asia (MYT)
Tel:(+95-074)21489,(+95-9)47000212
Cosmoplitan Tours
Tel:(+95-1)525280
Elegant Lotus Travel
Tel:(+95-9)5134910,421013025
Seven Earth ( MYT)
Tel:(+95-9)2401118
Green & Green Travels (MDL)
Tel:(+95-9)2061911
World Connect Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)218181-4
E-mail:[email protected]
New Direction Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)2947814, (+95-9)420034133
[email protected]
Zone Ticketing(mdl)
Tel:(+95-2)74652,74781
E-mail:[email protected]
Family Mandalar Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)256856,256857
[email protected]
All Aisa Exclusive
Tel:(+95-1)571393,73013182,569658
E-mail:[email protected]
Golden Pass Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)539924,(+95-9)732000077,5035181
[email protected]
Pearl Vacation Tel:(+085) 8880741
Twilight Travel & Tours
Tel:02-34665,02-73965,02-22169
87
FLIGHT SCHEDULE
From Yangon (RGN) T0
(01 Oct 2013 to 30 April 2014)
CITYDAYS
FLTNO
DEP
APR
NYAUNG U(NYU) DAILY
YH917
0600
0720
DAILY
YH909
0615
0825
DAILY
YH731
1500
1740
MANDALAY(MDL) DAILY
YH917
0600
0805
DAILY
YH909
0615
0740
THU,SAT
YH831
0700
0825
TUE
YH833
0730
0855
TUE,THU,SAT
YH729
1100
1345
MON
YH727
1100
1255
WED,FRI,SUN
YH737
1100
1255
MON,TUE,THU,FRI,SATYH921
1400
1525
DAILY
YH731
1500
1655
HEHO(HEH) DAILY
YH917
0600
0850
TUE,WED,THU,SAT,SUNYH505
1030
1140
MON
YH727
1100
1210
WED,FRI,SUN
YH737
1100
1210
MON,TUE,THU,FRI,SAT YH921
1400
1610
DAILY
YH731
1500
1610
TACHILEK(THL) MON
YH727
1100
1420
TUE,THU,SAT
YH729
1100
1510
WED,FRI.SUN
YH737
1100
1420
KYAING TONE (KET) WED,FRI,SUN
YH737
1100
1500
LASHIO (LSH) TUE,THU,SAT
YH729
1100
1245
THANDWE (SNW) MON,FRI
YH511
1030
1120
TUE.WED,THU,SAT,SUN YH505
1030
1255
WED,SUN
YH513
1400
1450
SITTWE (AKY) MON,FRI
YH511
1030
1220
WED,SUN
YH513
1400
1550
DAWEI (TVY) MON,WED,FRI,SUN
YH633
0700
0810
MYEIK (MZG) MON,WED,FRI,SUN
YH633
0700
0900
KAW THAUNG (KAW) MON,WED,FRI,SUN
YH633
0700
1005
MYITKYINA (MYT) TUE
YH833
0730
1020
THU
YH831
0700
1000
BHAMO (BMO) THU,SAT
YH831
0700
0925
NAYPYITAW (NPT) TUE
YH833
0700
0755
88
REMARKS
VIA MDL
VIA HEH MDL
VIA NYU
VIA LSH
VIA HEH
VIA HEH
VIA HEH
VIA NYU MDL
VIA MDL
VIA HEH MDL
VIA LSH MDL
VIA HEH MDL
VIA HEH MDL THL
VIA HEH
VIA SNW
VIA SNW
VIA TVY
VIA TVY ,MGZ
VIA NYT,MDL
VIA MDL,BMO
VIA MDL
90
SweSone | Yangon Airways Inflight Magazine
89
YANGON AIRWAYS OFFICES
Head Office
No.166, Level -5,MMB Tower Upper Pansodan ,Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township, Yangon ,Myanmar.
Hunt Line: (+95-1) 383 100 Flight Enquiry: (+95-1) 383 107
Tel: (+95-1) 383 101-106,379 940 Fax:(+95-1)383 109, 383 152
E mail: [email protected] ,[email protected] , [email protected]
Website:www.yangonair.com
Airport Tel: (+95-1) 533 258,533 259, 700 264, 700 272,09-5011999 Fax: (+95-1) 533 258
Sales Outlet
Myay Ni Gone, Yangon
No.236, 1-A, Ground Floor,6 Wards,Pyay Road, Myaynigone, Sanchaung, Yangon,
Tel:( +95-1) 538 217, 538 043 Fax: ( +95-1) 538 043
Domestic Branches
Mandalay
Room (3),SY Building ,Ground Floor,
78th Street, Between 29th & 30Th St,
Chan Aye Thar San Township,
Mandalay
Tel: (+95-2) 344 05, 344 06
(+95-9) 510 6929, 731 552 44
011-201268
Fax:(+95-2) 360 16
Airport Tel: (+95-2) 270 50, 270 57
Fax: (+95-2) 27057
Email:[email protected]
Nyaung-U
Myoma kwat thit Quarter, No.3 Region
Lamadaw Road
Tel:( 95-61) 604 75,(95-61)612 05,
(+95-9) 6807105
Airport: Tel (+95-61)609 09
Fax: (95-62) 612 05
Heho
Main Road,Middle Quarter 3 , Heho
Tel.( +95 81) 63339,( +95-9) 500
2493
Airport Tel: (+95-81)633 40
Taunggyi
MA/134 , Bogyoke Aung San Street
Myo Ma Quarter ,Taung Gyi
Tel:(+95-81) 239 95, 246 38,
246 41
Fax: (+95-81) 246 43
Lashio
No.5 Thein Ni Road , Quarter (8),
Lashio
Tel: ( +95-82) 269 21, 09 421
166744
Fax: (+95-82) 269 21
Tachileik
No.18/SA , Bogyoke Aung San
Street, Makar Hokhan,Tachileik
Tel:(+95-84)532 11 , 518 78,
09 524 1778
Fax: (+95-84) 532 11
Kyaing Tong
No.36 ,Zay Dan Gyi Road,
Kyaing San Block, Kyaing Tong
Tel: ( +95-84) 227 98, 223 00,
(+95-9) 524 3006
Fax:(+95-84)227 98
Dawei
No.13,Arzarni Street,Kayat Pyin,
Dawei.
Tel:(+95-59) 221 53,221 54,
(+95-9)874 0830
Myeik
No.69,Kan Phyar Main Road,
Kan Phyar Quarter, Myeik
Tel:(+95-59)418 11,418 14, (+959)876 1954
Kawthaung
No.424,Bogyoke Road,
Baw-lone- Kwin Tike Tan,
Annawa Quarter, Kawthaung
Tel:(+95-59) 512 30,(+95-9) 564
5246,0898794414
Thandwe
No. (1) Min Tay Road
Napali Village ,Napali Junction
Tel: (+95 43) 42306
Sittway
No.(39),U Oaktama Street,
Yupa North Quarter, Sittway
Tel:(+95-43) 24102,
(+95-9)250166664
Prohibition on use of portable electronic devices in aircraft
Almost all portable electronic devices used by aircraft crew and passengers have not been designed to the stringent
standards normally applied to aircraft equipment.
By using portable electronic devices in aircraft both in flight and on the ground, the radio signals transmitted from
these devices can interfere with the navigational and communication equipment that may jeopardize aircraft safety.
Therefore being Myanmar as the member of ICAO contracting states, Department of Civil Aviation has decided to
follow the international convention and prohibit the use of portable electronic devices in public transport aircraft during
the entire flight.
Portable electronic devices include, but only not limited to the following equipment.
1. Mobile telephone
2. Cellular telephone
3. Portable video equipment
90
4. Laptop or portable PC without printer
5. Electronic games, electronic calculators and electronic shavers
6. Cassette/CD/DVD/minidisk players (used electronic headphones only),
MP3 players (used electronic headphones only).