THINGYAN MOE MYANMAR`S HIDDEN CORNER DHAMMAZEDI

Transcription

SweSone
D I S C O V E R
Yangon Airways Inflight Magazine
M Y A N M A R
W I T H
Y A N G O N
A I R W A Y S
Issue 13, January-June 2013
THINGYAN MOE
MYANMAR’S
HIDDEN CORNER
ACROSS THE AGES:
BAGAN MURALS
DHAMMAZEDI BELL
EXPLORING YANGON’S
ART GALLERIES
www.yangonair.com
SweSone | Yangon Airways Inflight Magazine
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Jan-Jun 2013
CONTENTS
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EVENTS CALENDAR
All the best festivals from January to June
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THINGYAN MOE
Myanmar’s water festival reaches its peak in
Mandalay, the capital of upper Myanmar
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MYANMAR’S HIDDEN CORNER
A trip to little-visited Loikaw, the capital of Kayah
State, via Inle Lake
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ACROSS THE AGES:
BAGAN MURALS
Exploring the murals of Bagan, which span
five dynasties of Myanmar history
Regulars
Corporate Profile........................... 10
Myanmar Folktale:
The four deaf people....................... 70
Myanmar Recipe:
Wet thani chet
......................... 72
Horoscope................................. 74
Yangon Airways Destinations ......... 78
Yangon Airways Route Map ............ 85
Travel Tips.................................. 86
Yangon Airways Agents.................... 87
Flight Schedule...............................88
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SweSone
D I S C O V E R
CONTENTS
M Y A N M A R
Yangon Airways Inflight Magazine
W I T H
Y A N G O N
A I R W A Y S
Issue 13, January-June 2013
Jan-Jun 2013
THINGYAN MOE
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MYANMAR’S
HIDDEN CORNER
DHAMMAZEDI BELL
Ringing true for a Singaporean company
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ACROSS THE AGES:
BAGAN MURALS
DHAMMAZEDI BELL
EXPLORING YANGON’S ART
GALLERIES
Myanmar artists set to benefit from the end of the
country’s isolation
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PHOTO ESSAY: SHWEDAGON
Myanmar’s icon in pictures
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EXPLORING YANGON’S
ART GALLERIES
www.yangonair.com
Publishing License
U Tin Soe
Editor
U Aung Gyi
Thomas Kean
Writers
Thomas Kean
Lann Say Thaw
San-Zarni Bo
Moh Moh Thaw
Design Myo Swe Than
Zon Pann Pwint
Photographers
Christopher Davy
Lann Say Thaw
Kaung Htet
Photocity Prodigy
Bosco
CHATRIUM DELIGHTS
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AN AMAZING MYANMAR
EXPERIENCE WITH AMAZING
HOTEL GROUP
Design & Layout
Prodigy
Printed in Myanmar by
Shwe Zin Printing (0368)
No. 192, 39th Street, Kyauktada Township, Yangon
Distribution
Yangon Airways
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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.
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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.
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Yangon Airways
CORPORATE PROFILE
Corporate Profile
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, MHE-Mayflower
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.
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.
Corporate Identity
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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Events Calendar
By Thomas Kean
In the first half of the calendar year, the festival season culminates with the
biggest of them all – Thingyan, or water festival – which takes place in the four
days leading up to New Year’s Day on April 17. May and June are a relatively quiet
time festival-wise, in contrast to the preceding four months, when traditionally rural
families are relatively flush after the harvest. The following is a list of the main festivals,
along with a few quirky ones you might not have heard about. Festivals in Myanmar
are generally held according to the lunar calendar and the date in the Western
calendar changes each year.
January
T
he year begins with Independence Day on January 4, which is marked
nationally. In Yangon, children take to the streets of their quarter to play
all manner of games against their neighbours. On January 9-10, Kachin
from across the country gather in Myitkyina for Kachin State Day and the
Manaw Festival, which takes place on the Manaw field in the state capital.
In Bagan, many local farmers still travel to Ananda Pagoda Festival by
bullock cart. The nine-day festival offers a great opportunity to see a typical
up-country pagoda festival market and is well-known for its woven baskets.
In the middle of the month, the animist Naga gather for the Naga New Year
festival, which rotates annually between the larger towns in Sagaing Region
along the border with India. Towards the end of the month, the Shan Harvest
Festival takes place in towns in southern Shan State and features traditional
sword fights and drumming.
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Events Calendar
February
N
ear Yangon, Than Lyin township’s Kyaik Khauk Pagoda – a Mon-style
stupa like Shwedagon – hosts a good old-fashioned country pwe that
features puppet shows and comedy performances. Mandalay’s Mahamuni
Pagoda hosts its annual festival during the Myanmar month of Tabodwe,
featuring glutinous rice-making contests and the burning of large quantities
of incense. In one of the more remote corners of Myanmar, the southwest
tip of the delta, Mawtinsun Pagoda Festival attracts pilgrims from across the
country. The site features two pagodas, one on a causeway and another on
a cliff, and is said to be the spot where Buddhism arrived in Myanmar from
Sri Lanka. At Pakkhan, near Pakokku on the Chindwin River, the nat (animist)
spirit Ko Gyi Kyaw is honoured during an eight-day ceremony.
March
M
arch is normally the time of the Full Moon of Tabaung, which is
marked at pagodas across the country. At Shwedagon Pagoda, a
ceremony is held to celebrate the enshrining of a hair relic of the Buddha,
while festivals are also held at Shwe Myitzu Pagoda at Indawgyi Lake in
Kachin State, Bawgyo Pagoda at Hsipaw in northern Shan State, Kekku
Pagoda near Taunggyi in southern Shan State, Shwe Nattaung Pagoda
near Pyay, Zwegabin Pagoda in Hpa-an, Kayin State, and more. Most
run from seven to 10 days. Meanwhile, on the 5th to 10th waxing days of
Tabaung, the Mingun Nat Festival, at the village of Mingun, about one
hour by boat from Mandalay, marks the legend of a boy and girl who fell
into the Ayeyarwady River and were carried along by a floating teak tree,
but died before the tree ran aground. The trunk took root and the children
became nats in its branches.
March is normally the time of the Full Moon of Tabaung, which is marked
at pagodas across the country.
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Events Calendar
Thingyan, or water festival, is
marked across the country
from April 13 to 16. People
throw water at each other to
wash away the misdeeds of
the past year.
April
S
hwesettaw Pagoda Festival, beside Mann Creek in rural Magwe Region,
runs for three months and finishes on April 17, Myanmar New Year’s
Day. It attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, who stay in temporary
bamboo huts on the mostly dry creek bed. In central Myanmar, the Mount
Popa Nat Festival takes place from the night of the 13th waxing day of Tagu
to noon of the 14th waxing day and is held to celebrate the return of the
Taungbyone brothers from China. Thingyan, or water festival, is marked across
the country from April 13 to 16. People throw water at each other to wash
away the misdeeds of the past year. In Yangon and Mandalay the water
throwing is on an industrial scale, and many people retreat to monasteries
or meditation centres over the holiday. The official holiday period generally
runs for about 10 days.
May
T
he Full Moon of Kason marks the day the Buddha was born, died and
gained enlightenment and sees water poured, or offered, on sacred
banyan trees throughout the country. In Rakhine State, Shithaung Pagoda
Festival is held in Mrauk U, once the capital of a flourishing Rakhine kingdom,
from the 8th waxing day to the full moon of Kason, featuring mock boat races
on land and real boat races on water, and traditional wrestling, known as
kyin. In the Ayeyarwady delta town of Bogale, a festival is held to honour
the nat U Shin Gyi from the 11th to 13th waxing days of Kason.
June
J
une marks the start of the month-long Chinlone Festival at a small arena in the
compound of Mandalay’s Mahamuni Pagoda. The festival attracts thousands
of chinlone (cane ball) players from across the country and has been running
for almost 80 years. On the Full Moon of Nayon, a recital festival is held at
Kabar Aye Pagoda in Yangon that sees the five parts of the Nikaya recited.
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Thingyan Moe
By Lann Say Thaw
F
or Myanmar people, the instrumental rendition
of Tupo Tupo, a traditional tune, means only one
thing: Thingyan days are here. Also known as the
Myanmar New Year water festival, Thingyan is
celebrated each year throughout the country in the middle
of April, the month of Tagu in the Myanmar lunar calendar.
The festival usually runs for four days, from April 13 to 16,
in the lead up to New Year’s Day on April 17. A healthy
number of days either side of the official festival are normally
designated public holidays – the total break can run for up
to 12 days – which also helps create a decidedly festive
vibe.
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Festival
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Traditionally, people poured water on each other
during Thingyan to wash away the sins of the previous
12 months and even the Myanmar kings of yore got
in on the act, holding a hair-washing ceremony during
Thingyan. The pouring of water used to take the form
of sprinkling scented water from a silver bowl using
sprigs of jambosa (known in Myanmar as thabyay)
but today this is only seen during official ceremonies;
in the past couple of decades this “pouring” of water
has been taken to an extreme level. The modern
incarnation of water festival sees elevated stages,
known as pandals, constructed along main roads and
equipped with hoses akin to water cannon so that
those on the pandal can douse down anyone brave
enough to pass in front of them, normally in an opentopped jeep or light truck.
Traditionally, people poured water on
each other during Thingyan to wash
away the sins of the previous 12 months
and even the Myanmar kings of yore
got in on the act, holding a hair-washing
ceremony during Thingyan.
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While Yangonites might attempt to argue otherwise,
it is generally accepted that Mandalay is where 21st
century water festival celebrations have reached their
zenith, the end of the evolutionary road. Adding to the
city’s association with Thingyan, many classic water
festival songs were written by artists from Mandalay,
including the band Myoma, and the famous movie
Thingyan Moe (Thingyan Rain), released in the 1980s
and regularly replayed on television, was set here.
But Thingyan Moe portrays a different Thingyan than
what you can expect if you head to Mandalay in
April 2013. These days, in the weeks leading up to
the festival, about 30 to 40 large pandals up to 300
feet long and 30 feet wide are set up on the four
main roads surrounding the Mandalay palace, which
supplies them with some 50 million gallons across
the four days. The most highly sought after sites are
on 26th and 66th streets, on the southern and eastern
sides of the moat respectively, while the northern
and western sides are normally filled with smaller,
sometimes homemade pandals.
Water festival has also been corporatised: the larger
stages are sponsored by large companies and the
organisers sell daily passes for more than K10,000
Festival
a day, normally including lunch and transportation.
Costs are also recouped through advertising,
although this has become more difficult since
Mandalay City Development Committee (MCDC),
the municipal authority, banned alcohol and
cigarette advertisements. Some large
Thingyan stages, such as those sponsored by
Alpine drinking water and Myanmar Beer, pay
famous music bands and singers to perform and
as a result draw huge crowds of enthusiastic revellers.
But the pandals are only one half of the Thingyan
fun: the celebrations are completed by thousands of
people on motorbikes, light trucks and open-top jeeps
and pickups that slowly crawl along the jam-packed
roads in front of the stages.
This all comes at a cost, of course: the thousands
of motorcycles and vehicles in difficult conditions
naturally result in a large number of accidents, with
the problem exacerbated by drunk and reckless
drivers. More broadly, many – mostly older –
Mandalay residents regularly express concern that
the festival, with its occasional outbreaks of drunken
arguments and brawling, has taken a wrong turn.
Another concern is the discarding of what people
euphemistically call “traditional customs” during the
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Festival
four-day festival. This seems to be more of an issue in
Mandalay than Yangon, probably because the city is
considered the home of Myanmar traditional culture.
However, some rules are still always observed:
monks, children, the elderly, pregnant women and
those observing the Dhamma (teachings of the
Buddha) are treated with respect and people refrain
from spraying them with water.
Most of the changes in how Thingyan is celebrated
have occurred since the 1980s and the end of the
socialist era. Yet new restrictions have also changed
how it is celebrated, particularly the ban on water
throwing after 6pm and thangyat, a traditional song
and dance performance with call and response
chants that often has a political edge.
But the festival is not only about having
fun at a breakneck pace. During the
long Thingyan break, some people also
donate food, particularly mont lone
yebaw (glutinous rice balls with palm
sugar) and kyar zan hin (thin noodle
soup) and cold drinks for free in what is
known as satuditha.
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“Thingyan is quiet different for me now. When
we were young adults in the 1980s, there were
more private Thingyan stages in the suburbs. Some
townships organised competitions for Thingyan floats
and thangyat. We could hear them performing all
night long during Thingyan but not anymore. The only
Thingyan festivities that take place at night now are at
the mayor’s stage, which is always beside the moat,”
said U Zaw Khaing, 45, of Sein Pan ward.
Some traditions can still be seen, however, particularly
on the MCDC stage. MCDC arranges float
competitions in each township, handing out prizes
on the last night of water festival, known as atat neh.
Each night, famous singers, movie stars, models and
comedians perform both Thingyan and modern songs
on the MCDC pandal, on 26th Street between 72nd
and 73rd streets, in front of large crowds.
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Festival
On the first day of Thingyan, known as akyo neh,
MCDC holds an opening ceremony, which sees
thousands of young students from different schools in
the city performing classic Thingyan dances.
For those who don’t quite feel up to the intensity of
water festival around the Mandalay moat, there are
several other options in the area. At Amarapura, the
U Bein teak bridge acts as a gathering point both in
the afternoons and evenings. Kandawgyi Lake, near
Mandalay-Sagaing Road, is also a pleasant place
to hang out among restaurants and a few Thingyan
pandals.
But the festival is not only about having fun at a
breakneck pace. During the long Thingyan break,
some people also donate food, particularly mont lone
yebaw (glutinous rice balls with palm sugar) and kyar
zan hin (thin noodle soup) and cold drinks for free
in what is known assatuditha. As a spicy joke, some
put chilli inside the mont lone yebaw instead of palm
sugar.
Yangon Airways flies to Mandalay daily.
Hotels in Mandalay are quite packed during the
Thingyan festival and should be booked in advance.
Duration of flight from Yangon: 1 hr 20 minutes
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Many also donate alms to monks in monasteries and
dhammayone (community halls) and observe the eight
precepts. On New Year’s Day, Myanmar people
often visit elders to pay obeisance with a traditional
offering of water in a pot. Some people earn merit by
immersing themselves in the teachings of the Buddha
at meditation centres and monasteries. Famous
pagodas, as well as monasteries and dhammayone
in urban wards, are usually crowed with people. But
others decide instead to escape the city completely
and head to the more temperate climes of Pyin Oo
Lwin. Here, they wait out the water festival and return
fresh and relaxed early in the New Year, ready
for another 12 months of work until the next water
festival.
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Destination
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Destination
Myanmar’s
hidden corner
By Thomas Kean
M
ost travellers have an inherent interest in any place
that is remote or hard-to-reach; the anticipation of
experiencing new sights, smells and encounters is
alluring, to say the least.
Loikaw is not necessarily remote, at least not anymore:
Several highways, in varying states of disrepair, link it to
Aungban and Hsiseng in southern Shan State, and Taungoo
in northern Bago Region. Other roads head to the south, to
the Thai border and Mae Hong Son. Express buses make the
journey to Yangon in about 12 hours and Nay Pyi Taw in
half that time. A railway links Loikaw with Shwenyaung, near
Inle Lake, and it has GSM phone coverage, internet access
and, thanks to the nearby Lawpita dam, 24-hour electricity.
In fact, there is not much to suggest that Loikaw is much
different from any other medium-sized town in Myanmar,
save for the reliable power supply.
Yet there is a self-imposed isolation, or rather governmentimposed, in that it is difficult for foreign tourists to visit Loikaw; a
blanket ban on travel to the Kayah State capital was lifted only
in 2008. Only a handful of travel companies arrange packages
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Destination
to Loikaw and getting travel permission takes about
one month and you need a guide and driver. Most
reach the town by flying to Heho, turning off the
highway between Kalaw and Aungban and driving
south for about six hours, returning by long-tail boat to
Inle via Pekon and Samka.
But after you have visited most of Myanmar’s major
attractions (Bagan, Inle Lake, Ngapali), a few of
its underrated highlights (Kengtung, Kyaukme)
and maybe some places you don’t exactly feel
compelled to return to (Lashio, Bago), you might
yearn for something else.
This, of course, is not cheap, and some might
question whether it is worth both the time and
money. In fact, according to our guide, a number of
those who do go question (somewhat rudely, from
the sounds of it) why they are there at all; generally,
they’ve bought a package from a travel agent in
Europe, maybe after seeing a few photos of this
picturesque town and deciding it looks like a nice
place to relax for a few days. Or maybe they have
no idea where Loikaw is.
And then you look at a map of Myanmar and think,
well, I’ve never been to Kayah State. Helpfully, the
map will have a National Geographic-style photo
of a Padaung woman with brass neck rings next to
Loikaw, just so you know what you’ve been missing
out on. The Padaung, sometimes known as the
Kayan, are one of up to 10 ethnic groups in Kayah
State, the largest being the Kayah.
Just getting to Loikaw is a treat: The single-lane
highway passes through stunningly fertile farmland,
first climbing up to the Shan town of Pinlaung, at
about 4800 feet, and then down again towards
Kayah State, with the road following a man-made
lake from Pekon.
The return journey is equally attractive;
backtracking by car to Pekon, from there you travel
north to Inle Lake by long-tail boat via Samka, or
Saga, which is normally the southernmost area that
foreigners can visit, even with a Pa-O guide. The
two legs of the trip can also be reversed depending
on what fits best for your schedule, with the boat
trip first south from Inle and the return by car.
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Destination
Loikaw sits on a rich agricultural plain and is
enclosed on several sides by the snaking Belu
Creek, which provides much of the water for the
paddy fields. Beyond the plain, the area is ringed
by mountains, with the highest in the west towards
Taungoo.
In truth, Loikaw gives visitors just a hint of what lies
beyond these mountains. Its relative prosperity, I
was told, contrasts with the widespread poverty in
the rest of the mostly rural state.
Loikaw sits on a rich agricultural plain and
is enclosed on several sides by the snaking
Belu Creek, which provides much of the
water for the paddy fields. Beyond the plain,
the area is ringed by mountains, with the
highest in the west towards Taungoo.
The desire to escape this rural poverty has led
to the gradual development of a small Padaung
community on the edge of Loikaw; to reach it, you
turn left at the checkpoint on the road to Demoso,
which, while for now off limits, will one day likely
become the next frontier as the reach of tourism
spreads out from Loikaw.
The first Padaung families settled here in the 1960s,
buying land from Pa-O farmers. There are still some
fields but new houses are being built all the time,
and the Padaung make money by returning to the
their former villages and buying produce to resell to
traders in Loikaw, who then resell it on to traders in
other towns in a seemingly never-ending cycle that
brings few benefits to the producers.
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Destination
It was hardly a traditional setting to meet Padaung
people; only a handful of women, none younger
than 50, still wear the brass rings (actually it’s
more like a coil, and, made of bronze, can weigh
up to 10 kilograms), and their children showed
more interest in Korean dramas and Myanmar pop
singers than any Padaung traditions.
But it was also a fascinating example of how, as
cultures meet and mix, activities that are no longer
considered necessary or convenient are discarded,
while others are adopted. While the rings are
unsurprisingly out of fashion, most Padaung people,
for example, still do not drink tea or coffee. Instead,
they prefer kao yay, a sweet, low-alcohol drink
produced by fermenting the small brown fruit that
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grows from flowering corn. This extends to children;
most begin drinking kao yay around one year of
age when they stop breastfeeding.
“It’s like our medicine,” said Mu Kyae, 56,
as she passed a pot with a bamboo straw to
her grandson, who was barely old enough to
walk. He took a long sip and immediately fell
over, prompting much laughter. The rest of our
conversation, on the upper balcony of her wooden
two-storey home overlooking a few small fields of
corn – grown to make kao yay – took place against
a backdrop of three small children fighting noisily.
“I don’t feel sad that my children don’t wear neck
rings,” Mu Kyae said, adding that she considers it
Destination
I don’t feel
sad that my
children don’t
wear neck
rings.
I never went
to school,
never learned
to read and
write. They
had that
chance.
a sign of lack of education. “I never went to school,
never learned to read and write. They had that
chance.”
In the more remote villages of Demoso and Panpet,
she said, relatively young women still wear the
bronze rings.
While the road to the rest of Kayah State is off
limits, some aspects of traditional Padaung culture
can also be glimpsed in Loikaw’s cultural museum,
which features clothing and objects from everyday
life, as well as some information on the history of
the state, such as the hereditary chieftains known
as the saopha, or lords of the sky, that are also
found in Shan State.
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Destination
Yangon Airways flies to Heho daily. From Heho, it
is 7-hour drive to Loikaw and you can visit Saga and
Inle Lake on the way back. This trip is organised by
Seven Star Tours.
Duration of flight from Yangon: 1 hr 20 minutes
The remains of that hereditary system – a kind of
federalism, my guide regularly enjoyed pointing
out – can be seen at Mingalar Haw Gyi Parahita
Monastic School, which was formerly the haw, or
palace, of the saopha of Loikaw (when the town
was still known as Gandarawady). In 1994, the
son and daughter of the last saopha, Saw La Wi,
donated the building to a prominent monk, U
Sandima, who remains in charge of its upkeep and
is happy to greet the relatively few tourists who
make it to Loikaw.
Also of interest is the Kae Toe Boe field, akin
to the Manaw ground in Myitkyina, where
thousands of Kayah people gather each
year for their new year festival.
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Also of interest is the Kae Toe Boe field, akin to
the Manaw ground in Myitkyina, where thousands
of Kayah people gather each year for their new
year festival. The site features a fenced-off grid of
wooden planetary posts, each of a different height
and with a different motif at the top.
Probably the best-known – and certainly most
visible – landmark in Loikaw is Taung Gwe Zedi,
a pagoda set on a towering outcrop in the centre
of town. A new elevator whisks visitors to the top,
where they can enjoy a fiery sunset over the lush
paddy fields and the jagged mountain range to the
west.
But, as is invariably the case, it was the people
that I remember most vividly about Loikaw and,
in particular, the banter in the town’s market.
Relatively unused to seeing young foreigners, a
group of Pa-O women selling vegetables, bean
curd cakes and Shan tofu took great delight
in jokingly marrying us off to their friends and
daughters, while a Burmese man, for some reason
impressed by my plain cotton pants, proposed a
swap with his tattered shorts. While I didn’t take
him up on that occasion – I only had one pair on
my person, alas – hopefully one day I will get the
chance to return to Loikaw and continue the joke by
asking to trade shirts or shoes.
We specialized in:
•
•
•
•
•
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Business and Technical Visit Travel Arrangements
Professional Japanese-Myanmar and Japanese-English Interpretation and
Translation Service
MICE Travel Services for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events
Trekking and Hiking Tour Service
Professional and Amateur Documentary Filming and
Photographic Travel Service
Cultural and Eco Travel Service
Multi-lingual Tour-guide Service
ျပည္တြင္းျပည္ပသုိ႔ အလုပ္ကိစၥျဖင့္လည္းေကာင္း၊ ကုိယ္ေရးကိုယ္တာကိစၥျဖင့္လည္းေကာင္း၊
အလည္အပတ္ျဖင့္လည္းေကာင္း သြားေရာက္မည့္ ျမန္မာခရီးသြားမ်ားအတြက္
ျပည္တြင္းျပည္ပ ေလယာဥ္လက္မွတ္မ်ား၊ E-D Form ႏွင့္ ဗီဇာေလ်ွာက္ထားျခင္းမ်ားအား
ေစ်းႏႈန္းသက္သာစြာျဖင့္ တာ၀န္ယူေဆာင္ရြက္ေပးပါသည္။
Vivo Air Ticket Sales Center
Room-G3, Yathar Condo, No. 458/460, Maha Bandoola
Street, Pabedan Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Tel & Fax: 01-377117, 01-252300
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
ဗီဗုိ ျပည္တြင္းျပည္ပ ေလယာဥ္လက္မွတ္အေရာင္းစင္တာ
အခန္း-ဂ်ီ၃၊ ရသာကြန္ဒုိ၊ အမွတ္-၄၅၈/၄၆၀၊ မဟာဗႏၵဳလလမ္း၊
(၃၁လမ္းႏွင့္ ၃၂လမ္းၾကား)၊ ပန္းဘဲတန္းျမိဳ႕နယ္၊ ရန္ကုန္ျမိဳ႕။
ဆက္သြယ္ရန္ - ၀၁-၃၇၇၁၁၇၊ ၀၁-၂၅၂၃၀၀
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Art
Across the ages:
BAGAN MURALS
By Design Myo Swe Than
Translated by Moh Moh Thaw
T
here are more than 3000 religious buildings still
standing in the Bagan historical zone. After almost
1000 years, these monuments still contain more
than 200,000 square feet of religious murals. Most of the
remaining murals date to what is commonly referred to as
the Bagan era: founded by King Anawrahta in 1044, it
spanned the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries.
But newer style of murals can also be seen at one or two
temples because kings from empires that succeeded the
Bagan era remained dedicated to propagating Buddhism,
donating religious buildings and organising murals to
be painted as a means of both decoration and giving
knowledge to people. The meritous deeds of successive
leaders can be seen throughout what is without doubt one
of the most significant and awe-inspiring archaeological
sites in Asia.
Of the murals at Bagan, there are five in particular
that stand out and span the different eras of Myanmar
history. The first is the mural at Gyu Pyaut Gyi Temple
in Myinkabar quarter, which was donated by royal price
Yazakumar in the Bagan era and covers 4779.9 square
feet. The second is Thiho Pone Pagoda, situated in
the compound of Sin Phyu Shin Monstery in Bagan Min
Nanthu quarter. Donated by King Sin Phyu Shin in the
Pinya era, about 500 square feet of the mural remains.
Thirdly, there is Taung Bee Pitaka Thike (pitaka
thike means library) from the Inwa era in Bagan Taung
Bee quarter, of which 308 square feet remains. Hman
Si Pagoda of the Nyaung Yan era in Bagan Phwar Saw
quarter covers 384 square feet, while last but not least the
mural at the Konbaung-era Shwe Kyaung Oo Pagoda
in Bagan Taung Bee quarter covers 215 square feet.
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Art
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Art
My favorite mural is on the walls along the stairway to the stone
windows on the southern wall. It depicts Bagan ladies who
visited the temple adorned elegantly. One of two dancers
who are watched by the group of ladies has eyes that burn
with life and it seems like she is almost breathing.
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Murals spanning these five eras can only be seen
in the Bagan historical zone, and because they are
collected together in one place makes it easier to look
back at each era through the murals.
and together they are called pitaga thone pone. The
winaya pitaga contains the complete teachings of the
Buddha, the thuta pitaga the code of conduct and the
abhidhamma pitaga the Buddhist doctrine.
Myanmar traditional painting started in the Bagan
era and it developed after the arrival of Theravada
Buddhism. Buddhists originally maintained the pitaga,
or scriptures, through word of mouth, but later on they
were recorded in literature. There are three pitaga
The Bagan murals describe stories from pitaga thone
pone. A feature of traditional painting through the
five eras is the combined use of figure and kanok, a
traditional art style that depicts convoluted lotus stems,
buds and blossoms.
Art
First Buddhist Council (Mural from Myinkaba Gupyaukgyi Cave Temple)
Mural from Thiho Pone pagoda,
Sin Phyu Shin Monastery
Among the temples in Bagan containing murals, Gu
Pyauk Gyi Temple in Myinkabar quarter has rerained
almost 5000 square feet of murals. The colours remain
almost as vivid as if they were painted yesterday. The
temple was donated by royal Prince Yazakumar and
he inscribed the donation on stone in four languages:
Pyu, Mon, Pali and Myanmar. The stone windows
of the pagoda are very beautiful and many of the
inside wall are decorated with murals. The paint was
applied thickly in a range of colours, including light
blue, pink and dark red.
My favorite mural is on the walls along the stairway
to the stone windows on the southern wall. It depicts
Bagan ladies who visited the temple adorned
elegantly. One of two dancers who are watched by
the group of ladies has eyes that burn with life and it
seems like she is almost breathing.
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Art
For Pinya-era murals, there’s only one place to
look and that’s Sin Phyu Shin Monastery, which
can be found on the road in Bagan Nanthu before
Myauk Phat Min Nanthu village. The monastery is
inside two compounds: the outer wall is 800 feet in
circumference and the inner wall 400 feet. There
are stupas, a monastery, convocation hall and a
lake in the compound. Compared to the Baganera style, the murals at Thiho Pone Pagoda in Sin
Phyu Shin Monastery are more decorative and they
should be considered a herald of the Inwa, Nyaung
Yan and Konbaung eras. A further difference from
the Bagan style is the use of green, brown and red
and also thick black lines in the murals.
An Inwa-style mural can be seen at Taung Bee
Pitaka Thike in Bagan Taung Bee quarter. The art
work at the entrance of the pitaka thike, or library,
is amazing and more striking because of the use of
the contrasting colours red and green. The soldiers
of Marnat (a man who tried to get rid of Guatama
Buddha) are particularly attractive. A number of
features indicate the mural is from the Inwa era,
aside from the text and date: the three-quarter
face depiction,
big eyes and
plump cheek
are all unique
trademarks
of the Inwa
period.
Mural from Taung Bee Pihtaka Thike
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Art
Mural from Mhyan Si temple
I imagine very few people would think that Hman
Si temple in Bagan Phywar Saw quarter was built
during the Nyaung Yan era. The small temple is
situated alone in the middle of agricultural fields
and does not get much attention from visitors.
To get to the entrance, you first have to navigate
a large hole dug by fortune hunters. The murals
feature heavy use of green and white colours,
as well as brown lines and flowery motifs. The
paintings on the ceiling remain in their original
state, with traditional gods drawn individually.
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Art
In contrast, many Konbaung-era murals remain in
Bagan at temples that are being actively looked after
by the archaeological authorities. Shwe Kyaung Oo
Pagoda in Taung Bee quarter is but one example of
this fine legacy from the last in a rich succession of
Myanmar empires, each of which left their mark on
the incredible historical zone at Bagan.
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Art
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History
Dhammazedi
Bell story
rings true for
Singaporean company
By Zon Pann Pwint
A
fter four centuries on the bottom of the
Yangon River, the Dhammazedi Bell might
once again see the light of day.
The 280-tonne bell was cast in 1476 at
the Shwedagon Pagoda complex by King
Dhammazedi, who then installed it in the pagoda.
It remained there until the early 1600s, when
Portuguese mercenary Filipe de Brito y Nicote
looted it in order to melt it down and cast cannons
for his settlement at Syriam, now Than Lyin. While
en route to Syriam, it plunged into the swirling
waters at the confluence of the Yangon and Bago
rivers.
Several unsuccessful attempts have been waged to
locate and recover the bell, particularly over the
past two decades, says historian and writer U Chit
San Win.
“The search was pioneered in 1987 by
archaeologist Dr Yee Yee and carpenter U Kyaing,
who worked at her home. U Kyaing is skilled at
deep diving and he didn’t believe the existence of
the bell at first,” he said.
But when Dr Yee Yee showed him the historical
facts and clearly explained, he developed a desire
to search for the bell.
The group used traditional methods to locate the
bell. They used two ships and dropped a length of
rope, with weights attached and dragged it across
the riverbed. Where the rope got entangled in
something they dived to search for the bell.
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“U Kyaing told us he managed to stand on the
bell,” U Chit San Win said.
Other endeavors to find the bell have been led by
“Pepsi” U Thein Tun, chairman of Myanmar Golden
Star, and an American diver, Jim Blunt, who made
over 100 dives in the Yangon River during four
separate expeditions to locate the bell between
1995 and 1997.
Despite the attempts from these and other local
and foreign enthusiasts, no one has yet been
successful, a fact that U Chit San Win attributes to
History
technological and financial limitations.
But he also cites “superstitious beliefs” as a factor
that has inhibited salvage efforts.
The writer said the bell was cast by King
Dhammazedi, the ninth king of the Mon dynasty
based at Hanthawaddy (present-day Bago),
because he felt guilty about taking land from the
Shwedagon Pagoda precinct.
“The king had feelings of guilt about shrinking
some of the sacred land his mother-in-law, queen
Shin Saw Pu, had donated to Shwedagon Pagoda
for the sake of people,” U Chit San Win said.
The superstitious beliefs relate to the Portuguese
mercenary’s failed attempt to spirit the bell away to
Syriam.
“The bell was rolled down the hill and lugged to
a raft in Pazundaung Creek,” U Chit San Win
said. However, the weight of the bell smashed the
raft and the bell sank to the bottom of the river at
Monkey Point, near the confluence.
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History
The bell is of great historical and
archaeological value. It was made
by highly skilled Mon craftsmen and
it is covered in letters from top to
bottom that tell about our history.
That’s one of the reasons why so
many enthusiasts from home and
abroad have made an effort to
salvage it over the years.
Bago River
Pazuntaung Creek
Yangon River
Dhammazedi Bell
The suggested place where Dhammazedi Bell sunk
In June, the company held a workshop on the
bell in collaboration with the Historical Research
Department of the Ministry of Culture.
Shwedagon pagoda where Dhammazedi Bell was once resided
“There was a story that our forebears who lived
near the river could see the bell floating in the river
at night like an iceberg when the tide ebbed on
the full moon and new moon during the Myanmar
month of Tabaung [in March],” he said.
However, the push to recover the bell has received
new impetus with the news that Singaporean
company SD Mark International LLP has agreed
to stump up US$10 million for the salvage effort
“without expecting any advantage from this
project”, U Chit San Win said. “It is likely to start
early next year,” he added.
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“[SD Mark International] said they won’t take
any [financial] advantage from the salvage effort
and will return whatever they discover. If they can
recover it, they will restore it to the Shwedagon
Pagoda,” U Chit San Win said.
British marine scientist Michael Hatcher, who has
been searching for the bell for more than a decade,
will lead the effort, while U Chit San Win is also
involved.
“First, we will carry out extensive research into
finding the exact location of the bell in the river,”
he said.
“The bell is of great historical and archaeological
value. It was made by highly skilled Mon craftsmen
and it is covered in letters from top to bottom that
tell about our history. That’s one of the reasons why
so many enthusiasts from home and abroad have
made an effort to salvage it over the years.”
45
Art
Exploring Yangon’s
Art Galleries
By Thomas Kean
Art has always been a strong part of
Myanmar culture. To illustrate the point, most
people will point to pan seh myo, which literally
means the 10 flowers but refers to the 10 art forms,
such as painting, brickwork and stone carving, that
flourished during the Bagan era, from the 11th to
the 13th centuries AD.
But for most of the past five decades artists have
struggled to eke out a living, finding few Myanmar
buyers for their works and mostly relying on
sales to tourists and expatriates in Yangon, of
whom there were relatively few. For political and
economic reasons, Myanmar’s artistic community,
Art professionals admire the
technique, vision and emotional
impact of Myanmar artists
46
centred on the commercial Yangon, has also been
largely uninfluenced by the changing tastes of the
international art scene.
In both respects this is beginning to change thanks
to Myanmar’s opening up over the past 18 months.
Censorship has been significantly relaxed, tourist
arrivals rose more than 30 percent in the first half
of 2012 and more businesspeople are flooding into
Yangon than probably any time in living memory.
Yet the boom in galleries in Yangon pre-dates the
changes by a few years; after a lull in the late
1990s and early 2000s, the number of new spaces
to display works started mushrooming about three
or four years ago. Whereas previously many
artists ran a gallery as an extension of their studio,
the newer locations are more likely to have been
established by enthusiasts or art dealers.
And the visitors flooding into Yangon with some
knowledge of art appear impressed by what they
have found.
Art
“Art professionals admire the technique, vision
and emotional impact of Myanmar artists,” says
Gill Pattison, who runs River Gallery at the historic
Strand Hotel in Yangon. The gallery sells work from
some of Myanmar’s most renowned contemporary
artists, including Zaw Win Pe, Khin Zaw Latt and
Mor Mor.
Ms Pattison says visitors find another quality in
Myanmar artists’ works that is often hard to find
elsewhere: beauty.
“Myanmar artists are particularly interested in
depicting beauty … they haven’t been tempted off
that path yet,” she says.
This is partly because of the lack of outside
influences, but is also economic: artists had to find
a market for their works, and in many cases that
was tourists looking for a permanent memento of
their brief brush with Burmese Days. For many,
Bogyoke Market is the ideal place to pick up such
Even for those who have no intention of buying,
Yangon’s galleries are fun to explore, and their
regular exhibitions attract a mixed crowd of curious
expatriates and enthusiastic locals.
a souvenir, and the works there range from cheap
copies of Min Wae Aung-style monks-in-a-row
paintings to technically accomplished works selling
for thousands of dollars.
expatriates and enthusiastic locals. Increasingly,
they are making use of the plethora of colonial-era
apartments – Pansodan and Lawkanat galleries,
for example – and residences, such as Gallery 65
47
Art
Studio Square at Pearl
Condominium in Bahan
township is one of the
forerunners of this
‘new wave’ of galleries.
He says that most artists still struggle to
make ends meet, despite the increase in
foreign visitors over the past 18 months.
in Dagon township. Exhibitions are also starting to
take on a political slant, with artists using the shows
to highlight social or environmental issues.
Studio Square at Pearl Condominium in Bahan
township is one of the forerunners of this “new
wave” of galleries, having been established by five
artists in 2006. Its most recent exhibition, “In Past
Journeys: 1970s”, featured 12 large, black-andwhite photographic prints on vinyl, with red text
overlaid in acrylic ink. It is the distinctive work
of gallery co-founder Nyein Chan Su, who signs
his work NCS. Like most artists in Myanmar, he
has faced his fair share of difficulties but has now
established himself as one of the more recognisable
contemporary artists and one who is willing to
take risks. As well as Studio Square, he helps out
at New Zero Art Gallery, run by Aye Ko, which is
well known for fostering the talents of young artists
and hosting seminars, documentary screenings,
performances and exhibitions.
48
“There are a lot of people coming but they
are not interested in art, and the selling price
is still quite low. They are only interested in gas,
oil, jade and gems,” he says. “It is very difficult to
survive so that’s why we try and help other artists.
For example, we don’t charge them for holding
exhibitions here.”
One of Yangon’s new up-and-coming artists is Yan
Naing Tun, 33. This year has been a significant
one in his short career, taking him to New York,
Toronto and Vienna as part of group shows. Last
year he also held a solo show in Bangkok, “Life in
Yangon”.
As the name of the exhibition suggests, his works
focus on everyday happenings: people on a bus, in
a teashop, on a train, all depicted in hyper-realistic
fashion. With one exception: their bodies are often
elongated.
“I don’t really know why I do it, I just like the look,”
he says. “Some of my friends say the people in my
works look like me!
49
49
Art
expatriates and enthusiastic locals.
“I paint what I see every day. I go to the teashop, I
take the bus. I see that outside and I want to put it
in the frame,” he says.
While he no longer has to worry much about
censorship, the banking system remains a major
difficulty for Yan Naing Tun and other artists in
Myanmar: with no electronic access to funds,
tourists are unable to make an impulse purchase on
their credit card. If they didn’t bring enough cash to
cover the cost of a painting, they have to go home
empty-handed – although not always.
“One time I met a French man buy a painting on
credit. He lived in Singapore so when a friend
of mine went there he collected the money later
on. But that’s the only time I’ve ever done it,” Yan
Naing Tun says.
But with Visa and Mastercard expected to return
in 2013 and the government planning to further
liberalise the nascent banking system, Yan Naing
Tun’s anecdote will soon likely be little more than
a quaint reminder of how life once was in
Myanmar, which is certainly good news for the
country’s artists.
50
51
The effective Agarwood of Shwe Thit Hmway Company
Thit Hmway (agarwood, or scented wood) is the most attractive and
eternal scent of the Eastern world and an effective medicine. It is
well known as the “Wood of the Gods” in Southeast Asian countries.
Where once it used to grow in the evergreen mountain forests of the
region, including Myanmar, it is becoming increasingly rare.
But Shwe Thit Hmway Company owns 50 to 100-year-old natural
agarwood trees at Putao and Myitkyina in Myanmar’s northern
Kachin state and in the villages of southern Shan State. These trees
have been maintained generation by generation.
photo taken in 2002
when he is unwell
photo taken in 2010
after consuming
agarwood for 180 days
looks healthy
The nature of agarwood
When it suffers from injury and disease, the agarwood tree releases
an enzyme to survive, fight back against and heal diseases. That
enzyme is contained in the oil of the agarwood tree. This effective oil
also occurs naturally in the tree’s flowers, fruit and leaves.
Shwe Thit Hmway Company makes its products using the fresh
flowers, fruit and young leaves of the agarwood trees. The products
of Shwe Thit Hmway company can be used with trust.
Effects
(1) Sound sleep
(2) Regular urine and stomach
(3) Good blood circulation
(4) Reduce high sugar rate in the blood and control diabetes
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(6) Heal the stomach and typhoid
(7) Make you look younger
(8) Encourage good sexual performance in men
Home delivery is available
within 24 hours
For retail and wholesale,
please contact
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No 263, corner of Mahabandoola Street and 45th Street
(lower block), YMCA, Botahtaung Township, Yangon
Phone: (01) 397-210, 397-412, 09-5002485, 09-5077448,
09-421160780
Mandalay branch
Diamond Plaza, L3-76, L3-81, 78th Street,
between 33rd and 34th streets, Mandalay
Phone: 09-5016575, 09-5116214, 09-421160779
Elegant Gems : No.48, New University Avenue Road,
Bahan Tsp, Yangon. Ph:01-546764
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Myay Ni Gone Plaza, Parami Sein Gay Har,
Mg Khaing Sein Gay Har Ruby Mart, Myanmar Big Shop,
Royal
(Taw Win Centre)
52
100 years old
agarwood tree
53
Photo Essay
A golden icon
Photo by Kaung Htet
Text by Thomas Kean
Arguably the country’s most well
known landmark, Shwedagon Pagoda
dominates the Yangon skyline and is
visible almost anywhere in the city.
Thousands of people visit the holy
site each day, including almost all
foreign tourists that pass through
the city. The pagoda is in fact home
to a number of golden stupas and
pavilions; the central zedi is the
largest, at 322 feet (96.6 metres) in
height.
54
Photo Essay
55
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Photo Essay
The structure at the top of the zedi is
known as the hti, or umbrella. Featuring
eleven tiers, it is made from iron and
plate in gold, weighing more than one
tonne. The vane is studded with 1100
diamonds, while the top of the vane
features the diamond horb, which is
studded with 4351 diamonds weighing
a total of about 1800 carats. At the top
of it all is a single diamond weighing a
whopping 76 carats.
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Photo Essay
In early 2012, the 2600th anniversary of
Shwedagon Pagoda was marked with a
series of events around the full moon
of Tabaung. However, archaeologists
suggest the pagoda was most likely
established between the sixth and 10th
centuries. The tradition of gilding the
stupa was initiated by the Mon royals
ensconced at Bago, about 80 kilometres
to the northeast, but the pagoda’s
current form dates back to the middle
of the 18th century, when it was rebuilt
following an earthquake.
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57
Photo Essay
Shwedagon is the focal point for
a number of full-moon festivals in
Yangon, particularly Tabaung, which is
normally celebrated in March. Between
September and November, the full
moons of Thadingyut and Tazaungmone,
both known as the festival of lights, also
see large crowds gather at the pagoda.
On the full moon of Tazaungmone,
a robe-weaving competition is held
throughout the night.
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59
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Photo Essay
When a person in Myanmar asks you
what day you were born, they don’t
mean the date. The day of the week
is similar to the Western zodiac and
supposed to be an important indicator
of personality. Around the central stupa,
pagodas generally have planetary posts
for each day of the week and the animal
that represents people born on those
days, such as tiger for Monday and
guinea pig for Friday.
60
Hunt Line: (+95-1) 383 100
Flight Enquiry: (+95-1) 383107
Tel: (+95-1) 383 101 ~ 106, 379 940
Fax: (+95-1) 383 109, 383 152
E-mail: [email protected]
www.yangonair.com
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61
Relaxation
Chatrium Delights
Set near a lush sweep of parkland beside historic Kandawgyi Lake, Chatrium Hotel
boasts more than 300 stylish and functional rooms, warm hospitality and high-quality
recreation facilities. Its rooms offer breathtaking views of the teeming downtown area,
serene Kandawgyi Lake and magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. The five-star property’s
motto, “A remarkable heritage”, refers to both the city and the hotel, which is constructed
in a distinctive colonial style blended with Asian and Eastern revival architecture.
Whether you have finished exploring the maze of
streets at the heart of Yangon, exploring the temples
of Bagan and cruising the waters of Inle Lake or are
just about to set out on your Myanmar adventure,
Chatrium Hotel is the place to relax and recuperate.
Surrounded by palm gardens, the enticing Ngapali
swimming pool is suitable for both children and adults,
while those with some energy to burn should head to
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the fully equipped modern fitness centre with Jacuzzi
and sauna. When you’re not enjoying the Wi-Fi in
your room or holding a meeting in the business centre,
why not head to Lilawadee spa, which offers a full
range of treatments and massages?
Chatrium Hotel also caters to weddings and corporate
events, with the poolside garden large enough for up
Relaxation
The five-star property’s motto,“A remarkable
heritage”, refers to both the city and the
hotel, which is constructed in a distinctive
colonial style blended with Asian and Eastern
revival architecture.
to 750 guests and the grand ballroom as many as
450. With state of the art technology like wireless
internet, PA systems, cordless microphones, projectors
and a big screen, you can rest assured that your event
will be a success.
Chatrium also boasts an exciting range of restaurants
and bars, from the Tiger Hill Chinese restaurant to the
sake bar in The Ritz Exclusive Lounge. Whatever the
event or occasion – whether it’s a romantic dinner
for two, a family event or a get-together with friends
– Chatrium has a venue to suit.
Guests can start the day with a complimentary
breakfast at the recently refurbished Emporia, which
specialises in Western fare and offers a broad
selection of a la carte and special menus for both
lunch and dinner (lunch 11:30am to 2:30pm; dinner
6pm to 10:30pm). From barbequed seafood to
salads, soups and desserts, it caters to all taste buds.
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Relaxation
The five-star property’s motto,“A remarkable
heritage”, refers to both the city and the
hotel, which is constructed in a distinctive
colonial style blended with Asian and Eastern
revival architecture.
Next door, the Tiger Hill restaurant (lunch 11:30am
to 2:30pm; dinner 6pm to 10:30pm) has an exotic
dim sum selection with a variety of traditional Chinese
dishes, in a delightfully cosy and typically Chinese
setting.
Widely acknowledged as one of the top Japanese
restaurants in town, Kohaku (lunch 11:30am to
2pm; dinner 6pm to 10:30pm) promises a journey
to traditional Japan with all the delicacies and
satisfaction of sushi, sashimi and other tantalising
flavours from the land of the rising sun. To top it off
you can enjoy your meal looking out over the tropical
pool and Asia-inspired gardens.
Before or after your meal, savour Chatrium’s special
location near the city’s landmarks with a drink on
the Sunset Terrace. Enjoy the fresh and pleasurable
atmosphere as the sun sets over Kandawgyi Lake, with
Shwedagon Pagoda towering over the greenery of
the lakeside gardens. The Lobby Lounge (open 7am
to 11pm) is the place to relax, refresh and regroup
and offers a wide range of drinks, including cocktails,
as well as snacks.
After the sun goes down and you have savoured the
culinary delights on offer, there is only one place to
head and that is The Ritz Exclusive Lounge on the
hotel’s ground floor. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of
cocktails and multi-lingual karaoke, try the Cuban
cigars or dozens of types of sake in the lounge’s sake
bar, or just sit and take in the ambience in front of
the hotel’s regular live band. For the real party lovers,
The Ritz also offers memberships ranging from $500
to $1500 (at the time of writing) that come with a
host of benefits to ensure you and your friends many
memorable nights out.
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Hotels & Resorts
An amazing Myanmar experience with
Amazing Hotel Group
Amazing Hotel Group properties cover the best of Myanmar’s tourism destinations,
from dining on the bank of the Ayeyarwady River in Mandalay to relaxing by the
beach at Ngapali on the west coast to sleeping above the waters of the incomparable
Inle Lake in Shan State.
The most recent addition to the company’s stable is
Amazing Bagan Resort, where you can experience
the slightly unreal pleasure of playing golf among
the grand temples of this ancient city. Open from
6am to 6pm daily, the 18-hole course measures
7147 yards and is likely to test even the most
experienced golfers. The hotel also boasts 39
deluxe rooms in a three-storey ancient Bagan-style
building that overlooks the swimming pool. The 16
suite bungalows and four suites are also designed
to reflect the history and culture of the region
and are all well-appointed. And when you leave
the course to explore the temples, Amazing can
arrange a pony cart from its fleet of 25.
From Mandalay, Amazing operates eight vessels
known as RV Min Kyan Sit. All built purely from
teak, they come in different configurations so you
can choose the one that best suits your needs.
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Want to go on a day trip? Try RV Min Kyan Sit
Two, which can carry about 80 people. Looking for
a special way to celebrate your wedding? The cosy
RV Min Kyan Sit Four is the ideal choice.
Perched on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River,
Mya Nandar (Mandalay) is an imposing teak
building where you can find not only Myanmar and
Chinese delicacies but also cultural performances,
including a traditional marionette show and modern
Myanmar songs. The restaurant can seat more than
540 people across its two floors, gardens, floating
terraces and private rooms.
To the southeast in Shan State, Amazing boasts two
properties that are within close proximity but quite
different in style. At Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to
Inle Lake, Hotel Amazing Nyaung Shwe combines
the best of traditional Myanmar architecture with
Hotels & Resorts
all the modern conveniences you expect. The
hotel also features Mai Li Restaurant, which offers
Myanmar, Chinese and Western dishes, and
Spa Thukha, where you can enjoy oil treatments,
traditional massage, reflexology and more.
About 45 minutes by boat from Nyaungshwe,
Paramount Inle Resort literally floats above the
waters of Inle Lake. The hotel – 16 superior rooms
and 12 traditional-style deluxe cottages – is built on
stilts in the heart of the lake, not far from the famous
floating market and jumping cat monastery. The
spacious lobby and garden environment provide
plenty of room to relax, while you can survey the
stunning location from the top of the hotel’s viewing
tower.
About midway between Yangon and Mandalay,
close to the new capital Nay Pyi Taw, is Hotel
Amazing Kaytu at Taungoo. The hotel’s name
comes from Kaytumadi, a former name of Taungoo,
which was once the seat of a great empire. The
hotel has 18 rooms; all are clean and comfortable.
Taungoo’s attractions include nearby Than Daung,
a former colonial-era hill station, and Pho Kyar
Elephant Camp.
With properties located all around the
country, Amazing Hotel Group offers both
quality facilities and warm hospitality. If you
sleep, travel and dine with Amazing, your
visit to Myanmar is sure to be memorable
for all the right reasons.
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Ngapali Beach is the undoubted gem of Myanmar’s
west coast, a secret just waiting to get out to the
rest of the world. You can enjoy your visit to this
amazing place of palm-fringed white sand and
warm blue water at Amazing Ngapali Resort,
which is just five minutes from the nearest airport.
The 36 spacious villas, 10 seafront villas and
three Amazing suite villas are built in a traditional
Myanmar style and the lush gardens feature stone
relief carvings and delicate wood detailing.
The view from the lobby takes in the gentle waves,
giving guests a feeling of spaciousness and an
affinity with the wonderful natural surroundings of
this special place. The lushly landscaped gardens
and pool and the beauty and simplicity of the
traditional architecture are strikingly attractive.
Further south in western Ayeyarwady Region,
Chaungtha Beach offers similar attractions and is
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just five hours by car from Yangon, making it the
perfect weekend getaway. Amazing’s Breeze Resort
Hotel has about 40 spacious villas and promises to
be a refreshing home away from home. The beach
is famed for its fresh seafood, which can be cooked
to your liking in the hotel’s restaurant.
Yangon is normally the first and last destination on
every traveller’s itinerary, and as a last favour to
yourself before leaving the country be sure to check
out Mya Nandar (Yangon), located just opposite
Yangon International Airport.
With properties located all around the country,
Amazing Hotel Group offers both quality facilities
and warm hospitality. If you sleep, travel and dine
with Amazing, your visit to Myanmar is sure to be
memorable for all the right reasons.
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69
Myanmar Folktale
The Four Deaf People
From Maung Htin Aung’s Burmese Folktales
O
are busy, I will get it myself.’ So he walked into the
kitchen and, taking some sauce out of the pot, he
returned to the monastery.
The little novice went to the village and saw a deaf
little girl working at her loom in front of her house.
The little girl went running to her mother who was
washing some clothes and said, ‘Mother, mother,
please go and report to the abbot about his rude
little novice. He came and asked me about my
weaving reed and then, suddenly rushing into the
kitchen, ran off with some sauce.’
nce there lived a deaf little novice in a
monastery. One day the abbot said to him:
‘Go to the village and ask for an offering of
some tobacco.’ The little novice thought that he was
being asked to get some sauce.
‘Lay-woman,’ said the novice, ‘please make an
offering of sauce to our monastery.’
‘My weaving reed is of three hundred and twenty
divisions,’ replied the little girl.
‘No need to abuse me,’ said the novice. ‘If you
70
‘You naughty little girl,’ replied the mother who
was also deaf, ‘you are very young to think about
marriage. I shall get you a husband only when you
are old enough.’ The little girl went back to her loom
and the mother went on with her washing.
Myanmar Folktale
After some minutes’ of deep thought, the mother
decided that the matter was important enough to be
reported to her husband. So she ran to her husband
who was making baskets.
‘Husband, husband,’ she shouted, ‘our daughter is
getting ideas into her head. She has just asked me
to get her a husband although she is but a kid. I’m
afraid you will have to beat her.’
The husband, who was also deaf, gave her a tolerant
smile, and replied, ‘You shouldn’t have argued, for
you are mistaken. Of course all winnowing sieves
are round; only baskets for putting paddy in are
square.’
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Recipe
Wet Thani Chet (Glossy Red Pork)
The trick to a good pork dish is to get it really tender. A proverb states that pork is the
best of meats, and good health aside, it is the most delicious. At up-country feasts such as
ceremonies for novitiation or weddings, it is great prestige to be able to serve pork curry
with pieces “big as a fist”.
Serve with: clear peppery soup with
gourd, green mango salad and
Mandalay nga pi chet tomato relish
with raw and blanched vegetables.
Ingredients:
700gm pork rump with skin
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon ginger juice
4 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons sugar
1 onion peeled and pounded
4 cloves garlic peeled and pounded
1 cup hot water
8 whole peeled shallots
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Wash and cut the pork into large chunks. Prick all over with a fork and
knead well with the soy sauce, ginger juice and salt and set aside for two
hours in the refrigerator.
Keep some hot water on hand. In a wok heat the oil and the sugar and
cook until the sugar turns a glossy dark red. As soon as it does, add the
marinated pork, 1 cup hot water and the pounded onion and garlic and
stir to incoporate the seasonings with the pork and oil.
Add water to cover, lower heat and simmer about two hours until the pork
is very tender, adding water as needed. Stir gently a few times as the meat
cooks to prevent sticking.
Add the shallots when just a little liquid remains. Remove pot from heat when
the oil rises to the surface. The pork should be a glossy red and very tender,
and the shallots almost translucent.
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73
Horoscope
By San - Zar Ni Bo
January ~ June 2013
THE RAT
(1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)
The fortune of the Rat will fluctuate from time to time. It wouldn`t be wise to start any new projects or
new investments at this stage. However, it is the time for Rats to re-evaluate their business and themselves
objectively. The more they know about their weak and strong points, the more successful they will be
in their future developments. Rats will have some luck in lottery and gambling.
THE OX (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)
Oxen will be quite creative and productive at work these months, so they should try to make good use
of this time if they wish to have successful months. However, they should try to concentrate on a major
project only rather than fooling around with several minor ones. Faith and enthusiasm will be the two
important factors in their success.
THE TIGER (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)
It will be quite possible for Tigers to overcome most of the difficulties they face. However, they`ll have a
much better chance of success if they can forge a union with people involved in the same trade during
this period. This united strength will prove to be very helpful for future business development. In any
case, Tigers must try to keep control over this union.
THE RABBIT (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)
Different kinds of difficulties and personal disputes will arise during this period, so that Rabbits will have
to put more time and effort in to settle them down as soon as possible. There will probably be a sudden
drop in sales or production. Rabbits should not ignore this. If they do, all their previous efforts will have
been in vain. Rabbits might suffer from a sudden collapse in the near future.
THE DRAGON
(1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)
Dragons will continue to be bothered by numerous difficulties and disputes, as they were in previous
months, and will have to handle them patiently. The situation will get out of control if the Dragon loses
patience. It would be much better to seek professional advice about business troubles whenever needed.
The major concern for Dragons during this period is not how to expand, but how to survive.
THE SNAKE (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)
Favourable months for Snakes, they should try not to be too ambitious, lest they suffer a sudden fall.
Greediness and over-ambition will blind them to the road to success,and will be quite dangerous. “A
bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” - Snakes should keep this old saying in mind. Otherwise they
may end up with no birds at all.
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75
75
Horoscope
THE HORSE
(1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)
Horse will be quite capable at handling their business right now, but there will be numerous disputes
and rumours flying about. Try to solve these as soon as possible or the situation will get out of control in
the months to come.Horses will be quite popular among their subordinates during this period, so they
will have the necessary support from them whenever needed.
THE GOAT
(1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003)
Goats have to keep themselves alert because these are the most unfavourable months. Difficulties and
problems will come one after another, so that Goats must try to equip themselves psychologically to
be prepared for the unexpected. The damage will be minimized if they keep their eyes wide open to
watch out for possible danger. Family will become a good shelter for Goats.
THE MONKEY (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)
Monkeys should never give up at this time even though they may suffer under the burden of a heavy
workload, because their situation will be much improved in the following months. Their major concern
at this stage is try to build up their own determination and confidence at work. Monkeys might be
discouraged by their previous failures in love affairs.
THE ROOSTER
(1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)
Rooster`s fortune will be much improved. It would be a suitable time to think about or to take action
regarding future developments. Since the bargaining power of Roosters will become quite strong, they
should try to sell their ideas to prospective clients or superiors. They are going to have a splendid future
if they succeed in doing so. However, Roosters should not forget to show their ability at the same time.
THE DOG
(1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)
Fortunately, the Dogs will be able to get out of the troubles of previous months, yet they still have to be
cautious in handling their business and money matters. Can`t afford to make a serious mistake during
this period. Have to double-check all important documents, contracts and bills throughout the month.
Try to be satisfied with the things already in their hands, because half a loaf really is better than none
during this period of time.
THE PIG (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)
Pigs will be quite creative and capable at work. There will be some major changes in their careers, and
Pigs should not have too much trouble coping with these changes if they really care about their work. On
the other hand, they will be left far behind if they refuse to do so. Concentration and discipline will be the
two most important factors in the Pig`s future success. Will have a very good chance to find a new lover.
76
SweSone
SweSone
| Yangon
| Yangon
Airways
Airways
Inflight
Inflight
Magazine
Magazine
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77
Yangon Airways
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.
Destinations
all
Yangon Airways flies to
from
the major destinations
flight
Yangon. Please check the
ts to
schedule for your fligh
other destinations.
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.
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.
78
Bagan daily.
Yangon:
Duration of flight from
1 hr 20 minutes
Mandalay:
30 minutes
Heho:
40 minutes
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79
Yangon Airways Destinations
Mandalay daily and it takes
about 1 hour by car to reach
Sagaing Hill.
Duration of flight from Yangon:
1 hr 25 minutes
Duration of flight from Bagan:
30 minutes
Duration of flight from Heho:
30 minutes
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.
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.
Yangon Airways flies
daily to Heho, the gateway to Inle Lake
and it takes 2 hours to reach Inle Lake
by car.
Duration of flight from Yangon:
1 hr 10 minutes
Duration of flight from Mandalay:
30 minutes
Duration of flight from Bagan:
40 minutes
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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.
The weather is cold from November to
February so be prepared to bring warm
clothes during that time.
Duration of flight from Mandalay: 30
minutes
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Myeik Islands can be accessed from
Dawei, Myeik and Kawthaung. Please
contact your travel agents for tours to
these islands. The best way to visit these
islands is by arranging
a cruise.
Yangon Airways flies to these three
coastal towns four times a week.
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 notorious golden triangle, a
visit to Thailand can be made by
a boat ride through the river.
Duration of flight from Yangon: 1
hr 35 minutes
Duration of flight from Mandalay:
1 hr 10 minutes
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.
Trekking through the ethnic groups'
villages can be organised in Kyaingtong.
Yangon Airways flies to Kyaingtong and
Tachileik.
Duration of flight from Yangon: 1 hr
30 minutes
Duration of flight from Mandalay: 1 hr
5 minutes
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Thandwe
Ngapali beach is the premium beach
in Myanmar. It's famous for its white sand
beach and fresh seafood. A visit to nearby
fishing villages is a must.
Duration of flight from Yangon: 50 minutes
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.
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.
Sittwe which is the gateway to Mrauk U.
The boat ride to Mrauk U from Sittwe
takes about 6 hours. Duration of flight
from Yangon: 1 hr 20 minutes
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Route Map
Putao
India
Myitkyina
China
Bhamo
Kalay
Bangladesh
Union of
Myanmar
Bagan
Lashio
Mandalay
Kyaing Tong
Heho
Tachileik
Sittwe
Laos
Naypyitaw
Thandwe
Bay of Bengal
Thailand
Yangon
Dawei
Andaman Sea
Myeik
Current Routes
Schedule Flight
Charter Flight
Kawthaung
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85
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.
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.
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
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.
NAMES
People in Myanmar place an
honorific in front of names to show
respect for age or position.
Adult
Younger Person
Teacher or Boss
Monk
Male Famale
U(Mr) Daw(Mrs)
Ko
Ma
Saya Sayama
Sayadaw (Venerable)
or Kodaw
BANK & MONEY CHANGERS
Open from 10am to 2pm. Hotels can
change money for guests.
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 
1 
2 
3
4
5 
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13 
14
15
16
17 
18
19 
20
21
30
40
50
100 
200 
300
500
1000
2000
10,000
Time
now
later
morning
afternoon
night
thoun-nya
thi
hni
thoun
lei
nga
chao
kun hni
shit
ko
se
seh-thi
seh-hnih
seh-thoun
seh-lei
eh-nga
seh-chauk
seh-kuun
seh-shit
seh-kou
hna-seh
hna-seh-thih
thoun-zeh
lei-zeh
nga-zeh
thi-ya
hni-ya
thoun-ya
nga-ya
tha-taon
hna-taon
tha-thaon
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
Air Trans (MMB)Travels & Tour
Tel:(+95-1)377495-9,0973087999
E-mail:[email protected],airtrans.
[email protected]
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Tel:(+95-1)571393,73013182,569658
E-mail:[email protected],
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Tel:(+95-1)510224,09450540632
Email:[email protected]
Asia Global Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)221173,228753,226338,220354
[email protected]
Asian Myanma Beauty Travel
Tel: (+95-9) 73105889, 01-222582
Asian Trails Tour Ltd.
Tel:(+ 95-1)211 212,211670
E-mail: res@ asiantrails.com.mm
Autonet Travels
Tel:(95-1)294096,09-73020507,09 421024256
E-mail:[email protected]
Ayarwaddy Legend Travels & Tours
Tel:(95-1)252007-8,250909,398303
[email protected]
Bagan Princess International Tourism
Tel:(95-1)398511,385379
Columbus Travels
Tel:(+95-1)229245-6,216245 ext 104-8
Daw San San Aye (mdl)
Tel:(+95-2)31799, 68343, (+95-9)73151771
Daw Than Than Aye
Tel: +95 -43-42328, 098515192,
09421735192
Diamond Luck Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)254368,254373,252397
Diethelm Travel
Tel:(+95-1)8610458-60,ext 329 ,330
EPG Travel
Tel:(+95-1)255723-5,371935-6
Exotic Myanmar Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)386539,398429,392778-9
Exotissimo Travel
Tel:(+95-1)383181,383182,377810,377801-8
Firefly Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)391019,376168,(+95-9)5026486
Fully Light Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)516932,516985,516964
Global Travel Services
Tel:(+95-1)243123,392537,392653,249609
Golden Express Tours
Tel:(+95-1)226779,225569,705876,227636
Golden Host Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)552996,(+95-9)73075806
Golden Trip
Tel:(+95-1)701027,500351
Grand Lotus Tours
Tel:(+95-1)230 5003-7
Green Holiday Ticketing
Tel:(+95-59)21975, (+959)8741667, 8590545
Htoo Travels
Tel:(+95-1)548554,548039,557890
Indochina Services Travel
Tel:(+95-1)511701,511658,523167
Journey Star Travel
Tel: 09-73081660, 09 73115845
Ko Ah Fa Ticketing (lsh)
Tel:(+95-9)5260872, (+95-82)30265, 25381
Loyal Star
Tel:(+95-9)8603757,421012686,421025572
Mandalay Holidays Travels and Tours
Tel:(+95-1)377332, 377333
E-mail:www.mandalayholidays.com
Matrix Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)379950, (+95-9)09 5060010
Mya Travel & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)254463,371668,384299
Myanmar Asev
Tel:(+95-1)201824,-9 8610109
Myanmar ComBiz Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)544869,545187,(+95-9)73144892
Myanmar Diaries
Tel:(+95-1)8619202,8619201
[email protected]
Myanmar Polestar Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)255638,393190,382530
Myanmar Tourex Travel Service
Tel:(+95-1)534852,513432
Myanmar Voyages
Tel:(+95-1)650206,667342,710350
Nature Dream
Tel:(+95-1)392239,398524,373912
Nice Fare Travel
Tel:(+95-1)393049,374922,245378
Oake Khaung Business Group
Tel:(+95-1)252953,383968,707093
Odyssey Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)373199,240545
Orient Myanmar Travels & Tours
Tel: +95-9-421153160-1
Pearl Princess Ticketing
Tel:(+95-1)252953,383968,707093,255944
Pearl Vacation Loyal Star
Tel:(+95-1)8603757,09 421012686,421025572
Picturesque Myanmar Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)397230,3001231
SAI Travel Service
Tel:(+95-1)255400, 255 233, 09 73157 124
Seven Diamond Express Travels
Tel:(+95-1)392974-6,203398,392956-7
Shan Pyi Thar Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)385125,371145-6E-mail:xiaotiti2005@
gmail.com, [email protected]
Shan Yoma Travel & Tour
Tel:(+95-1)295510, 204152, 299389, 9020382
Shwe Kathit Ticketing (lsh)
Tel:(+95-9) 403750000
Silver Phoenix Ticketing, Travel & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)535906,(+95-9)2009299, 73198847
Smart Way Travel
Tel:(+95-1)558288,558299
Email:[email protected]
Sun Far Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)380888,375584
Sun Flower Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)552794,559511
Swan Saung Yee Travel & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)562917,(+95-9)8611864
Teak Travels
Tel:(+95-1)532311,519127,534123
Than Than Travel
Tel:(+95-1)255034-5,704190
[email protected]
The Chinthe Track
Tel:(+95-1)657252,(+95-9)73113245
Thousand Islands Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)372114-5,372117,372186
[email protected]
Thi Ta Gu
Tel:(+95-2)30787,(+95-9)91027188,43109444
Top Golden Sea Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)704821,(+95-9)43070787,5147184
UKT Ticketing Aung Ban
Tel: 09-2035870, 081 60979 ( fax )
Unique Asia Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)398400,398433,398455
Unique Myanmar
Tel:(+95-1)211966,215624,(+95-9)73242797
Vivo Air Ticketing
Tel:(+95-1)377117,252300
WBG Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)387999,385900
Wide View Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)293425,294122,09 9010396
Win Ticketing(Nyaung Shwe)
Tel:(+95-81)209174,(+95-9)5211546
Win Star Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)242226,(+95-9)5024086
Sanda Tour (Asia)
Tel:(+95-1)393112-4, 255571-80
World Connect Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)218181-4
E-mail:[email protected],reservation@
worldconnecttravels.com
Santa Maria Travels & Tours
Tel:(+95-1)384743,384064,256178
Zone Ticketing(mdl)
Tel:(+95-2)74652, 74781
87
87
Flight Schedule
Winter Schedule
(01 Oct 2012 to 30 April 2013)
FROM YANGON (RGN) TO
88
Days Dep Arrival Flt. No. Remarks
Nyaung-U (NYU) Daily
Daily
Tue, Thur
Daily
06:15 06:30 10:30 15:00 08:25 07:50 12:35 17:40 YH-909 YH-917
YH-917 YH-731 via MDL
Mandalay (MDL) Daily
Daily
Mon, Fri
Tue, Thur, Sat
Wed, Sun
Daily
06:15 06:30
11:00 11:00
11:00
15:00
07:40 08:35
12:55 12:25
12:55
16:55
YH-909 YH-917
YH-727
YH-729
YH-737
YH-731
Heho (HEH) Daily Tue, Thur
Sun
Mon, Fri
Wed, Sun
Daily
06:30 10:30 10:30 11:00 11:00 15:00 09:20 11:40 11:40 12:10 12:10 16:10 YH-917 YH-711
YH-505
YH-727
YH-737 YH-731
via NYU, MDL
Tachileik (THL) Mon, Fri
Tue, Thur, Sat
Wed, Sun
11:00 11:00
11:00
14:20 14:45
14:20
YH-727 YH-729 YH-737 via HEH, MDL
via MDL, LSH
via HEH, MDL
Kyaing Tong (KET) Wed, Sun
11:00 15:00 YH-737 via HEH, MDL,THL
Lashio (LSH) Tue, Thur, Sat
11:00 13:25 YH-729 via MDL
Thandwe (SNW) Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat
Tue, Thur
Sun
10:30 10:30 10:30 11:20 13:40 12:55 YH-503 YH-711
YH-505 via HEH, NYU
via HEH
via HEH
via HEH, MDL
via NYU
via HEH
via HEH
via HEH
SweSone
SweSone
| Yangon
| Yangon
Airways
Airways
Inflight
Inflight
Magazine
Magazine
95
89
90
91
Yangon Airways Offices
Head Office
No. 166, Level-5, MMB TOWER, Upper Pansodan Road, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Hunt Line: (+95-1) 383 100 Flight Enquiry: (+95-1) 383107
Tel: (+95-1) 383 101 ~ 106, 379 940 Fax: (+95-1) 383 109, 383 152
E-mail: [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
Taunggyi
Dawei
Room(3), SY Building, Ground Floor
MA/134 , Bogyoke Aung San Street
No.100, Southern Street of Market
78th St, Between 29th & 30th St
Myo Ma Quarter, Taunggyi
Khan Win Dud, Dawei
Chan Aye Thar San Township
Tel:(+95-81) 2123995, 2124638, 2124641
Tel:(+95-59) 21781
Mandalay.
Fax: (+95-81) 2124643
Tel: (+95-2) 344 05, 344 06
(+95-9) 510 6929, 731 552 44
Fax:(+95-2) 360 16
Airport Tel: (+95-2) 270 50, 270 57
Fax: (+95-2) 27057
Lashio
No.5 Thein Ni Road, Quarter (8), Lashio
Tel: ( +95-82) 26921, 09 421166744
Fax: (+95-82) 269 21
Tachileik
Nyaung-U
Myoma kwat thit Quarter, No.3 Region
Lamadaw Road, Nyaung-U
Tel:(+95-61) 604 75, (+95-61) 612 05
(+95-9) 6807105
No.18/SA, Bogyoke Aung San Street
Makar Hokhan, Tachileik
Tel:(+95-84)532 11, 524 78, 09 5241778
Fax: (+95-84) 532 11
Myeik
No.15 Myay Ni Street
Kan Phyar Quarter, Myeik
Tel:(+95-59)414 60, (+95-9)876 1954
Kawthaung
No.46/C, Bogyoke Road
Padauk Shwe War Quarter, Kawthaung
Tel:(+95-59) 517 60,(+95-9) 564 5246
Thandwe
Airport: Tel (+95-61)609 09
Kyaing Tong
No. (1) Min Tay Road
Fax: (95-62) 612 05
No.36 Zay Dan Gyi Road
Napali Village, Napali Junction
Kyaing San Block, Kyaing Tong
Tel: (+95 43) 42306, (+95 9) 8740830
Heho
No.51 ,Pyi Htaung Su Street , Heho
Tel.( +95 81) 63339,( +95-9) 500 2493
Airport Tel: (+95-81)633 40
Tel: ( +95-84) 227 98, 223 00,
(+95-9) 524 3006
Fax:(+95-84)227 98
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
4.
2. Cellular telephone
5.
3. Portable video equipment
6.
92
Laptop or portable PC without printer
Electronic games, electronic calculators and electronic shavers
Cassette/CD/DVD/minidisk players (used electronic headphones only),
MP3 players (used electronic headphones only).
93
94

THINGYAN MOE MYANMAR`S HIDDEN CORNER DHAMMAZEDI

Transcription

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