Yangon: Shwedagon pagoda

A UNESCO Heritage, the most revered place in Myanmar.. it's the Shwedagon Pagoda, where the locals enter for free while foreigners paid about US$8 for entrance.

I went in May, which is probably the worst time to go, when temperatures soar  up to 41 degrees celcius. The best time to visit is of course is at night, when the temperature is cooler, and the temple with thousands of diamonds and rubies shone brightly at night.

Welcome to the Shwedagon Pagoda at night! 

Locals praying... it's a grand place

Long flight of stairs... which you have to climb depending on which entrance u enter

Volunteer sweepers sweeping the floor, helping to keep the pagoda clean

Getting to pagoda is easy, just flag a taxi and they will take you there. There are many taxis around  pagoda to get you back to your hotel too. Remember to bargain with the taxi driver! :-)

People in Yangon generally can speak English.. no problems getting around... but I hope their transportation can be improved...

Vietnam: Hoi An

Hoi an is totally a different city in Vietnam. 

We reached Hoi An via the Danang international airport - and taking a cab to Hoi An old town for about $18 USD. 

If you reach in the evening, you will be greeted by a river full of lighted paper lanterns - where each lantern holds the hopes and wishes of individuals.  

Spot these two kids selling lanterns.. 

Hoi An is a city full of rice fields, and other plantations. You can give it a try in planting when you join one of the eco-tours available. It is not an easy feat.

We also took part in a bus tour to My Son. Pronounced as Mi Sern, it is similar to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, but at a smaller scale. Many of the temples were destroyed during the war.

 The fourth incomplete pillar on the right symbolizes the fact that humans are not 100% perfect. It also gives opportunities for the next generation to improve and do better than before.. to always strive for continual improvement.


When you are in Hoi An, you have to eat cao lau  (Cao lầu) , a dish which can only be found in Hoi An. It's delicious!!! It's made up of mint leaves, pork and thick noodles. Taste reminds me of the duck noodles in Singapore. Haha.

Hoi An is a city easily explored by bicycle or motorcycle... delicious food and beautiful city :-)