By David Harris
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a country in Southeast
Asia. Home to thousands of temples, the remnants of colonial history and a vibrant culture, Myanmar is often boycotted by tourists for political reasons. Though the country is controlled by a military junta, Myanmar still has much to offer the intrepid traveler.
Bagan
Bagan is the remnants of an ancient city in Myanmar that served as capital city to the Burmese. Located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River, Bagan features more than 4,000 Buddhist temples. Unfortunately, the junta controlling the country seems not to care about preserving Myanmar's history. It would not allow UNESCO to designate Bagan as a World Heritage Site, has restored buildings in Bagan without consulting historians or architects and even built a paved highway and golf course nearby.
Inle Lake
Inle Lake, the second largest in the country, is a freshwater lake that is home to floating villages, monasteries and gardens. More than 70,000 people live on or around the lake. The best time to visit Inle is September and October when the Buddhists hold the Hpaung Daw U Festival. With the rise of tourism in Myanmar, Inle Lake is beginning to become developed with hotels and tours.
Amarapura
Located near Mandalay, Amarapura is the former capital of the country. It is about six miles south of Mandalay and has become incorporated into the city as part of urbanization. Amapura is most famous for its teak bridge and temples. It is also home to Yadanabon University, a large liberal arts college that is attended mostly by students from the suburbs.
Yangon
Also known as Rangoon, Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar. It is considered the cultural and economic center of the country and still features remnants of the country's colonial past, such as a section near the waterfront of original British buildings. Removed as the capital in 2005, Yangon is home to the Shwedagon Paya, a large, gleaming gold stupa. Yangon is a bustling, vibrant place that is begging to be explored.
About the Author:
David Harris is a writer living in Portland, Ore. He currently is the editor-in-chief of the online magazine Spectrum Culture. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College.
