Local fishermen from Inle Lake are known for their distinctive one-leg rowing style. Standing at the stern on one leg, they wrap the other leg around the oar.
The people of Inle Lake are predominantly Intha. They live in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts.
Inle Lake is dotted with floating gardens, villages and pagodas.
This monastery just north of Nyaungshwe is certainly one of the most photographed in Myanmar.
Originally built between the 6th and 10th centuries, the Shwedagon Paya is the most sacred of all Buddhist sites in Myanmar. Its gilded supa enshrines relics from past Buddhas, including 8 hairs from Gautama.
In common with other ancient pagodas, the great golden dome has been rebuilt many times. Its current form dates back to 1769. The stupa is gold-plated and its pinnacle is studded with diamonds and other precious gems.
Twice a week, a ferry runs up the river between Mawlamyine and Hpa-an. Board the double-decker for stunning sunset views when approaching Hpa-an.
Its fantastic surrounding landscape made of steep limestone escarpments and luminous paddy fields makes Hpa-an region a must-see destination in Myanmar.
The New Light of Myanmar is the government-owned newspaper. It is often viewed as propaganda. The majority of domestic news articles comes from the state-run news agency (MNA). International articles come from the like of Reuters, and are only published after censorship.
The Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is a small pagoda built on top of a granite boulder covered with gold leaves. Legend states that the boulder maintains its balance due to one of Buddha's hair in the stupa. Mount Kyaiktiyo is the third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Burma.
The legend says that the boat who carried the Golden Rock from the bottom of the sea to Mount Kyaiktiyo turned into a stone upon arrival. It is known as the Kyaukthanban Pagoda (literally, the stone boat stupa) and is now worshipped by pilgrims.
Theingyi Zei is the biggest market in Yangon. The food section is a maze of vendors selling vegetables, fruits, spices, fish and meat. It is worth a stroll for the sights and smells.
Francois Marechal Photography
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