Transiting... then Yangon

---

Geo: 13.6463, 100.716

After a comfortable night at an airport hotel, we had an early start to catch the 0800 flight to Myanmar. TG303 to Yangon; an Airbus A330-300, with about 300 seats 2+4+2. Short 65 min flight time.

We met up with Peter and Nancy from Lakes Entrance, Vic. After checking into the excellent Chatrium Hotel, we caught a taxi to the Scott (or Bogyoke) Market and had a browse and a tasty meal at a (very) local food hall. Mostly jewellery, jade and gemstones, and some paintings, gold, lacquerware and fabrics. Then back to the hotel for a swim and a lazy beer or two around the pool.

Our tour proper starts tomorrow, but we have a buffet dinner tonight in the hotel, following a two-for-one happy hour at the bar.

Myanmar had its origins in the Pagan Kingdom of a thousand years ago. The local tribes were conquered and consolidated into the Kingdom. The Mongol conquests of the late 13th century crushed the four century old Empire and political fragmentation lasted well into the 16th century. Then there was a period of reunification and Myanmar became the largest kingdom in the history of SE Asia. After three wars with Britain in the 19th century, Burma became an unwilling British colony until gaining independence in 1948. A military dictatorship took over in 1962 and this was formally ended in 2011, after democratic elections were held. Named "Burma" by the British after the largest ethnic group - Bamar people make up 70% of the population of 50 million. Myanmar is the traditional name for the country.

---

Photos

Bangkok Airport
Impressive sculpture of the fundamental Hindu story of heaven and earth.

Bogyoke (Scott) Market
Built in 1924 by the Brits. This is the main aisle. The markets were busy but not super crowded, quite pleasant really.

Lunch with Peter and Nancy
A little "food hall" adjacent to the market. Here the various vendors shouted at us to get us to eat at their stall. Most off-putting!

Chatrium pool deck
Very welcoming space. A big wedding reception is being held this evening.

Happy hour at the bar
Fronting one of the two Yangon lakes, Kandawgyi Lake, the sundowners area was very pretty.

The pool area again
Looking down on the pool area and the gathering wedding guests. This hotel has a very nice feel to it, very welcoming.

Comments

[Morag]

It certainly does look great, can see myself in there with cocktail in hand and swaning aroud in the pool.