Myanmar is known as Burma which is rapidly becoming a new travelers hotspot in Southeast Asia. This country not only has many stunning landscapes, a rich culture, unspoiled nature and traditional foods but also it’s also a country with a genuine friendly population who very much want to be in contact with foreign visitors. Burmeses people are open-minded, easy going and interested to learn more about anything.
Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) are state-owned airlines and the national flights carrier of Myanmar. Founded in 1948, these are the oldest airline in Myanmar and the second oldest in Asia after Malaysia Airlines. The National Airlines in Myanmar is exploiting the largest fleet and serving the most routes throughout cities of Myanmar.
Currently, airline firms are offering the premium service quality for customers including Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy. However, Business Class has just offered in the country, with a stretch out legroom of 43 inches.
All passengers will pick the baggage allowance depended on type of levels such as Economy Class (20kg), Premium Economy (25kg), and Business Class (30kg), and a free carry-on luggage with less then 7kg for domestic flights.
Myanmar National Airlines concentrates on the highly competitive Yangon-Singapore route in August 2015 as it starts to implement an ambitious international expansion plan. These airlines will inevitably face the same challenges in Singapore as other Burmese carriers, particularly given its brand is an unknown in the international market. North Asia, which MNA plans to enter in the coming months, will also be a challenging market. The newly rebranded government-owned carrier took delivery of the first of 10 737-800s in June 2015 and plans to operate five international routes by early 2016 as it grows its new narrowbody fleet.
Myanmar national airline in Yangon
The largest airport in Myanmar is Yangon which is growing the long-haul direct international flights such as to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Doha and Dubai. These are the places in Europe, North America and Australia go through to get to Myanmar.
Yangon is like a piece of jade. For the first-time visitor, it’s strikingly beautiful, albeit with a few rough edges, but it’s bound to a complex history that needs a keen mind to understand its genesis and formation. This city owns many stunning landscapes like the gilded stupas to the spruced up downtown facades. They look like an coveted gem. Put simply, Yangon is having a bit of a moment, which remains rich with glorious tourist sights, bustling markets and serene, tranquil parks and lakes.
Yangon stands on the River Yangon, about 30 kilometers from the Andaman Sea. It came to prominence in the latter half of the 19th century when the British made it the capital of their new imperial possession. The colonial port area is still the commercial centre, though the heart of the city remains the gigantic gold Shwedagon Pagoda, visible from most places and so the main focal point.
Shwedagon Pagoda
Firstly, Shwedagon Pagoda was created more than 2,500 years old, its hundreds gold plated stupas, temples, and statues and for a vibe that you feel as locals and tourists alike flock to this special place. This pagoda is painted with 27 metric tons of gold leaf and adorned with thousands of diamonds and gems. You have spend this afternoon on discovering this pagoda in the nooks and crannies of the pagoda. Especially, you should visit in the sunset as you will enjoy the celebratory atmosphere as people make flower offerings or meditate.
Downtown Yangon
Coming Yangon, you will have to explore Downtown Yangon. The best way to do that is by foot. The next place is the central Sule Pagoda. Then you should visit Bogyoke Aung San Market in order to purchase many items and enjoy the local foods. You also marvel at the old Railway Station, view British Colonial architecture along Strand Road. One recommendation for you is to visit to the rather hidden Pansodan Gallery, where you can see some interesting artwork, and there is always great people to meet and chat with.
Kandawgyi Lake
To approach the great place – Kandawgyi Lake, you should follow to the beaten path. Then you will enjoy a tranquil oasis after getting out of the busy atmosphere of Downtown Yangon. It is one of the two major lakes in Yangon, which is covered by the trees. You can grace the practice of local people and have a chance talk to them. Coming Karawiek Palace, you can join in the traditional dances and cultural shows. At that time, you also take a coffee around the lake to have a drink and relax.
The Yangon Circular Train
You can buy a ticket train in Yangon. It takes about 3 hours. You will not only admire the surrounding villages, fresh markets along the way and real Myanmar life. Possibly one of the best ways to meet the locals. In general, the population of Myanmar is very open and curious to learn from foreigners, so they won’t be shy to chat you up.
Myanmar National Airlines in Mandalay
Myanmar’s second-largest city is Mandalay – home to Burma’s last monarchy. Downtown Mandalay is heavy on the concrete and urban sprawl; unlike Yangon, it looks nothing like it did when it was part British Burma.
Mandalay International Airport is served by an increasing number of direct international flights. You can book flights from Yangon to Mandalay, but it is possible. As far as a ‘tourist-trail’ goes, there are four places you will definitely want to visit – Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Lake Inle.
International flights: Mandalay International Airport is served by an increasing number of direct international flights. Air Asia provides daily flights to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok , whilst Thai Smile and Bangkok Airways fly to Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok. Other available direct flights are Kunming with China Eastern Airlines; Chiang Mai with Asian Wings and Bangkok Airways; Gaya with Myanmar Airways International; and Singapore with Silk Air.
Domestic flights: Mandalay is well connected with Yangon, Bagan Nyang U, Heho, Kalaymyo, Kyaing Tong, Myitkyina, Tachileik, Putao, Monywa, Lashio, Homalin, Bhamo.
It is around one hour’s drive to downtown Mandalay from Mandalay International Airport. You will have to take a taxi and the fare is around 13.000 kyats. If your flight arrives at night, do not wait around too long at the airport, as the last taxis may leave! Some airlines offer a free bus shuttle service.
Mandalay Hill
Mandalay Hill located in the region with the height 240 metres than the city. Burmese Buddhists already come Mandalay Hill which is an important pilgrimage site. Visitors need to walk on the stairways of meritorious ascent in order to reach the hilltop’s richly decorated shrines. Moreover, you will admire the spellbinding views from the summit, which extend for many kilometres in every direction.
His outstretched hand pointing to the spot where the Royal Palace was built on the top of Shweyattaw Buddha. There is a woman statue was kneeling in front of the Buddha in order to offer him her two severed breasts.
The view from the summit, reached after 40–45 minutes, is phenomenal. In the Western, you will grace the Ayeyarwady the Sagaing pagodas and Mingun hills. To the north, the Ayeyarwady rice country extends into the distance. In the East, you can see the purple Shan Plateau. In the South, the midst of this vast plain lies near the city of Mandalay and the palace complex.
Shwe Nandaw Kyaung
The Shwe Nandaw Kyaung is the only building from Mindon’s “Golden City” which exited after the bombing of World War II. In the beginning, it was dismantled and moved to its present site. This building is place where is private meditation for the king. After that, he later gave it to the monks as a monastery. You will have a chance to admire the macro construction in Asia before the British invasion. It has created by wood carvings of ornamental figures of its surfaces. In the original construction, the monastery was once gold-plated and adorned with glass mosaic, both inside and out, today it has kept some details on the imposing ceiling.
Maha Muni Pagoda
You need to move to the Southern city to approach the Maha Muni Pagoda which is the most revered Buddhist shrine in Mandalay. The pilgrims from all countries in the world will come to here in order to join in the Buddhist activties.
A striking feature of the image’s body, rising to 3.8 metres in height, is its covering of pounded gold. So many leaves have been pressed on to it as offerings that they now form a 15 centimeter thick, lumpy carapace extending all the way around the back. The Buddha’s face is lovingly polished twice times by the monks.
In northern corner of pagoda, you will see a cement structure which includes six magnificent bronze statues. They have meaning as the symbol of Maha Muni from the Arakan capital, Mrauk-U. Hindu deities had Khymer origin and once stood in the great temple of Angkor Wat. In their attitudes, pilgrims had healing powers.
Amarapura
Amarapura is founded by Bodawpaya in 1782. It is known as City of Immortality which is the youngest of the royal capitals near Mandalay. In 1857, The royal enclave was transported to the new location which is situated in the Northern Mandalay Hill by King Mindon.
Currently, the population in the town raises to 10,000. As a result, the former capital has merged with the sides of Southern Mandalay. Thus, you will have a chance to admire the big city, its streets draped around the leafy shores of a shallow lake. The most popular industry in Amarapura is the silk, the women will weaving the shirts that are worn on special occasions. You will get more knowledge about the silk industry when you join in the weaver’s workshop and stroll around to see the clickety-clack of looms forms a constant soundtrack. Another industry in this town is bronze casting. Images of the Buddha are made from a special alloy of bronze and lead.
