APRIL 2014 contents The Golden Flight - Air Mandalay Inflight Magazine | April 2014 30

46

management Chief Executive Officer Gary Villiard editorial Editor Thomas Kean

Advertising Thinn Sanda Su Hlaing Cho Tun 24 Ei Mon Htin Publishing License Than Thar Htoo

Photographers Thomas Kean, Sophia Hyden, Bosco, Aung Htay Hlaing Features Design & Layout Prodigy 12 At the heart of Team Air Mandalay 36 Printing Shwe Zin Printing 16 Thingyan: Washing away the old (0368) 24 Mrauk Oo: The royal capital of Distribution Regulars Air Mandalay Rakhine 60 Destinations 30 A magical moment All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form 66 Offices by any means including electronic or mechanical, Sunset from the temples of Bagan including photocopying, recording or otherwise, 36 Thingaha Ngapali: A new level in luxury 67 Route map without the prior written consent of the publisher. 68 Travel tips 42 Getting to La Source AIR MANDALAY LIMITED 71 Passenger sales agents No. 34, Shwe Taung Gone Avenue, 46 Savour the flavour: Shan Traditional Food Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar. 74 Useful numbers Tel: +95-1 525 488, 501 520 54 Your horoscope Fax: +95-1 525 937 16 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.airmandalay.com A MESSAGE FROM OUR NEW CEO

I would like to be the first of the Air Mandalay management to welcome you on board our domestic air service and also to tell you a little bit about our future plans.

As you may already know, Air Mandalay Ltd – at the ripe old age of 20 – is the oldest domestic private airline in Myanmar, with a staff of more than 300. It is also the only airline in Myanmar recognised by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Over its 20 years, Air Mandalay has not only maintained a sterling, zero- accident safety record but also paved the way to a single airline domestic route structure. This means that both foreign and domestic passengers can reach all domestic destinations under a single airline banner: that of Air Mandalay.

In the previous decade, due to market pressures and escalating sanctions, Air Mandalay found itself unable to maintain its countrywide route structure and subsequently succumbed to servicing only the most heavily frequented destinations in Myanmar.

With the advent of my tenure at Air Mandalay, we began to shift the focus of our airline back to re-establishing our domestic route prominence through the implementation of a new route structure and a fleet expansion program.

Therefore, throughout the balance of 2014 and well into 2015, our customers will begin to see a metamorphosis at Air Mandalay as we transition from a concentrated domestic route carrier into a true domestic and regional operator. This overall transformation will include additional ATR turboprops – the backbone of our fleet – as well as new advanced turboprop aircraft to transition us into the jet age and, finally, a totally new regional jet fleet that maintains our promise of Safety, Reliability & Comfort.

Commensurate with our fleet and route conversion, our customers will also witness a complete “facelift” for our check-in, gate and lounge facilities. Our ticketing and reservations systems are also being modernised to make travelling on Air Mandalay a more comfortable experience, while our ticketing, refund and advance purchase policies are being relaxed to offer our customers more travelling options at equivalent or lower fares.

As the CEO of Air Mandalay, I would like to invite you to bear witness to our reinvigorated commitment to you and to the services you should expect from an airline of Air Mandalay’s stature. We invite you to comment on your experience with us through this email address ([email protected]). My mandate as CEO is to provide you with a world-class experience, while also keeping you safe, comfortable and on time. I fully intend to fulfill my mandate together with the other 300 Air Mandalay employees. Enjoy your journey!

Sincerely,

Gary J Villiard CEO

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 7 Corporate Profile mingalabar! Corporate Identity Air Mandalay’s logo depicts the mythological royal Hintha bird, which About Us symbolises loyalty, respect for traditional values, stability, good luck and prosperity. Air Mandalay Limited is a joint venture company that was incorporated on 6th October 1994 to operate as Myanmar’s first joint venture airline The colours in our logo are also significant. Yellow represents the and support the country’s tourism industry. numerous golden pagodas found throughout Myanmar, which is often called the Golden Land. Burgundy signifies the colour of our The airline, based in Yangon, has since established itself as a domestic commitment to provide safe, reliable and comfortable flights for our carrier of high standards which operates to all of Myanmar’s main tourist passengers. destinations and commercial hubs.

The airline also offers air charter services to destinations both within the country and in the region. Our Fleet Our Crew Air Mandalay’s modern fleet currently In selecting and training our multilingual cabin crew, In September 2010 Air Mandalay added one ATR-72 to its fleet and comprises two ATR-72-212s and one ATR we aim to provide high levels of service consistent with refurbished its existing aircraft. To reflect this step forward for the 42-320, which are all made by EADS of Myanmar’s gentle traditions. Our pilots are trained at company the aircraft livery was also updated to a more modern design. France and Alenia of Italy and ATR facilities and undergo recurrency training every six powered by Canadian-built Pratt & Whitney months. Engineers are trained at both ATR and Pratt Due to the growth of tourism and economic development in Myanmar, engines. All aircraft in Air Mandalay’s fleet & Whitney facilities to ensure the ATR aircraft operated air transportation has become an important contributor to both the and the maintenance facility are inspected by Air Mandalay are always well maintained. country’s economic growth and its infrastructure development. once a year by the Direction Generale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC) of France. The country is looking to position itself as a major tourism destination capable of handling an increasing number of foreign visitors and Air Mandalay industry will play a vital role in achieving this.

8 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 9 10 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine If I was on the airplane and I was At the heart of thirsty, I would want the attention of the flight attendant as fast as possible. If you have that kind of Team Air Mandalay understanding, it makes it easier to give the best service.

During her seven years service as a flight attendant with Air Mandalay, Ma Theingi said she has always enjoyed taking passengers under her wing. Theingi Aung Senior Flight Attendant “We are like teachers. Teachers are always happy when they see Ever wondered who keeps the flights on time and manages the their students doing well under their guidance. We are the same. flight schedule each day? Well, at Air Mandalay, that person If I see our passengers are happy with our service, I am also is Captain Aung Kyaw Soe. He has worked for Air Mandalay happy,” Ma Theingi Aung said, adding that her enjoyment with since the very first day it launched. As Air Mandalay was the her job is “not related to money. first operator of the ATR type aircraft in Myanmar, Captain Aung Kyaw Soe was sent to ATR Training Centre in France. While some might think the job is all coffee, tea and biscuits, she said flight attendants have considerable responsibility. “If “In the operations department I have to make the flight schedule a passenger needs assistance, we are normally the first to according to the rules and regulations of the Department of Civil respond” she added. Aviation DCA by considering what time we want the flights to leave and come back, and where we want the flights to go,” Captain Aung Kyaw Soe Unfortunately not every flight can be smooth for every passenger, Captain Aung Kyaw Soe said. Director Flight Operations but Ma TheingiAung does her best to handle each challenge with professionalism derived from her intense training. “One time, an “We have to manage the human resources to fit the regulations,” elderly foreign passenger lost consciousness during the flight. His he said. family was there and of course they were so worried about him. I quickly laid him down on the floor and gave him oxygen. Luckily, Each day the airline puts together three teams, each including a he recovered after a few minutes. His family was so happy, and I captain and a first officer. was so happy as well.” “We use each airplane utilization of eight hours a day so we have We train the pilots so they are Ma Theingi said she always tries to put herself in the shoes of her to use more than one team a day. And another team is to employ passengers. “If we understand our passengers needs, it makes it ready for any eventuality, no when a captain or pilot is on training or on leave.” easier to provide the needed services.” matter how unexpected. We He said this careful approach to staff management pays off, have developed a three-year noting that the airline has never had an accident, aircraft damage curriculum with the approval or passenger injury since the airline was established. of the Department of Civil Aviation DCA.

12 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 13 Air Mandalay is my second home. The whole company is like a family. Mr. Samsel is relatively new to Air Mandalay, joining in December The departments are very cooperative, 2013. But his position carries a great deal of responsibility, as he and the staff help each other. is the main liaison with Myanmar’s Department of Civil Aviation That is the main reason I have been DCA. here for a long time. “When changes occur or when a compliance issue needs to be discussed or corrected, we are the airlines interfacing office. We are also responsible for preparing for External Audits by Aviation Authorities and satisfying customer requirements by conducting Internal Audits and conducting External Audits of our Suppliers Charles Samsel and Sub-contractors. Thinn Sanda Quality Assurance Manager She began her career with Air Mandalay as a Flight Attendant Sales & Marketing Manager His CV includes a long list of employers, right back to when he and there after chose to move on to the Traffic Department started out in the United States Marine Corps through serving as where she served as Yangon Station Manager and subsequently Chief Inspector for two EASA/FAA compliant repair stations. became the Manager of Sales and Marketing at Air Mandalay’s home office. While he is committed to Air Mandalay, and enjoys working with his Myanmar colleagues and living in Myanmar, his aim is to train She believes her years of experience help her to deliver the The way we do things is a local staff member to take over his position. “We also conduct best results for both the Air Mandalay staff and her cherished training so that eventually Air Mandalay will be 100% locally that there is also a training customers. process so that eventually staffed rather than bringing in foreigners”. “Air Mandalay is my second home. The whole company is like Air Mandalay can be run by In addition to individual training, our office monitors the training a family. All departments are very cooperative, and helps each people from Myanmar rather and currency requirements of all Maintenance and Engineering other. That is the main reason I have been here for such a long staff members. than bringing in foreigners. time.” I think that is important His task as the liaison with the Department of Civil Aviation DCA “The advantage of having worked in different departments is that for every country, it doesn’t is made easier by Air Mandalay’s impressive safety record. I can understand the feelings of other people. If we plan to do matter which country it is. something, I know whether it will be okay for our staff and also “The Department of Civil Aviation DCA is very cooperative. Our suit the needs of our passengers. My experience just generally goal is to keep maintenance operation compliant and safe with a allows me to balance the needs of our staff and the expectations highly trained staff of engineers and mechanic.” of our passengers.”

“One very enjoyable aspect of working at Air Mandalay is that the company supports personal development and has recently sent me to oversea for additional training. I also went to ITB Berlin and TTM Bangkok travel show to promote the sales. Whenever I return from these trips abroad I always make sure to share my experiences and knowledge with the junior staff.”

14 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 15 Festival

Thingyan: Washing away the old Water festival brings the new year in with a blast – a very wet blast

By Wade Guyitt

SOMETIMES in Myanmar it seems like there’s a new year starting every few weeks. December through April alone sees celebrations of Shan, Western, Karen, Kachin, Naga and Chinese NewYear, and each brings its own special traditions, from fireworks and carol-singing to dancing and drumming. Depending on your background, you may even end up celebrating more than one of these new beginnings.

No matter what your heritage, though, there’s one fresh start here you simply can’t avoid – that is, unless you’re willing to spend four days shut up indoors and bone-dry. And where’s the fun in that?

Thingyan (pronounced thin-jan) is the country’s biggest and most widespread new year festival. Often called the “WaterFestival” in English, its name is derived from the Sanskrit and Pali

words for “transit”, because in celestial terms it marks the movement of the sun into Aries, which many centuries ago signaled the spring equinox, when day and night are of exactly equal duration.

Of course, today the equinox happens around March 21, not in mid-April when Thingyan is celebrated (the month of Tagu in the Myanmar calendar). But the fact that the planet’s alignment has actually shifted

16 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 17 The practice of soaking one another became Ganesha – Thagyamin found he had no place to dispose of the gory prize. also comes from ancient rituals, when Sky, sea, earth – there was nowhere it could holy water from the Ayeyarwady was go without disrupting the natural order. blessed and given to the king for the The head was therefore consigned to the rotating care of several nats. Once a washing of Buddha statues. year it passes from one to the next, and to supervise this yearly transfer Thagyamin descends to earth for a visit. While he’s here, he jots down a few notes on the behaviour of local residents in Santa Claus-like fashion, with one list kept in gold and the other kept in dog- skin (you guess which is which). Thus he serves as a general but invisible reminder of moral and religious responsibility, and by doing so does a good deed himself.

Meanwhile, a council of learned astrologers here on earth – the Myanmar equivalent of NORAD’s sleigh-watchers – convene ahead of time to determine the exact day and time Thagyamin will arrive and depart. They also calculate what he will ride and what he will carry. Such predictions are called thingyansa and they reveal the fortunes of the year ahead – you can even buy them on the streets after they’re made.

since this celebration began, shows how which Buddhist teachings exist side-by- old it really is. While it’s not a good period side with the worship of nats, or animist for regular sightseeing – businesses can spirits, believed to occupy six of the 31 be closed for up to 10 days. Thingyanreally planes of existence. Of the 37 main nats, is a sight of its own, and one you’llnever Thagyamin – based on the Hindu figure forget. Indra – is the leader, and also the only The council also determines whether the festival one not reborn into that existence after should last three days or four. That’s a big decision Like other Southeast Asian water festival coming to a violent end. when temperatures are climbing to a scorching 40-plus variants – including Thailand’s Songkran degrees Celsius, and monsoon is still around the corner. – Thingyan originates from an ancient Not that the Thingyan story itself is But symbolically the festival is a time to wash away the Hindu myth, which over the years has very peaceful. Disputing a matter of past, so no one worries much about wasting water. been given a local twist. mathematics, Thagyamin and a Brahma, or Deity, each wagered their own heads The practice of soaking one another also comes from Myanmar’s version dates to the 11th on being right. Thagyamin was the ancient rituals, when holy water from the Ayeyarwady was century, when King Anawrahta integrated winner, but after beheading the Brahma blessed and given to the king for the washing of Buddha local animist beliefs into Buddhism, – don’t worry, some versions say he statues. But while statues are still washed in modern times, creating a system persisting to this day in regrew an elephant’s head, after which he nowadays everything else is too.

18 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 19 perhaps see the holiday as an excuse to sin as much as possible, thinking their deeds will be washed off straight away so long as they keep getting on wet. Young women in particular have been targeted in the media for behaviour that would be considered unacceptable at other times of year, whether it is wearing revealing clothing or public consumption of alcohol. But young men are just as much to blame, and drunkenness, especially when combined Splashing of friends and with the dangers of riding around in open-backed trucks, neighbours used to be done does sadly lead to fatalities each year. delicately, using silver cups and sprigs of eugenia, or thabyay. That’s still how the But don’t despair: Thingyan’s most memorable moments VIPs roll, but for everyone else it’s a bit often come far from the madding crowd. If the pandal more visceral: Buckets, waterguns, even scene feels too much like watering your lawn during a garden hoses give revellers the chance rainstorm, avoid those areas and head elsewhere. Nothing’s to spread metta mayhem by soaking everyone in sight. Taxi drivers lay down Thingyan is a lovely time to explore new neighbourhoods. more adorable sheets of plastic in their cabs to protect Families and businesses set up buckets on the sidewalks their interiors; roving pick-up trucks filled and are thrilled by any traffic they get. Sometimes these than bending down with jumping partiers drive in a steady small-scale splashing stations are well equipped, with loop from place to place. hoses and supply chains. Other times you’ll have to to be splashed by a submit more patiently, nodding your head and letting small child barely In larger cities, temporary stages called your shoulders fall slack in the traditional manner of pandals – an Indian word; they’re acquiescence. Nothing’s more adorable than bending old enough to lift mandats in the Myanmar language – down to be splashed by a small child barely old enough to are built on roads near lakes to ensure lift a cup of water up to your knee. a cup of water a steady supply of water. Pandals are ecosystems in themselves, allowing Why not get in on the act yourself? The rules of Thingyan up to your paying guests to take up multiple hoses say that you can – and, indeed, should – pour water on knee. and soak the steady stream of trucks anyone who doesn’t specifically wish you not to. Monks, driving by. nuns and pregnant women are off-limits, but otherwise most everyone seems to good-naturedly play along. In recent years the pandals’ pounding Anyone along the roadside will be happy to have you join music, corporate sponsorship and young them, or you can gather some friends and form a bucket writhing bodies combine to give a sort brigade of your own. of “dayclub” feel. They close before dark and remain tame compared to big-city During my first experience of Thingyan, in 2013, only one nightclubs, but at times you may wonder person asked not to be sprayed, and that was a nurse in if the younger, more riotous celebrants uniform on her way to work. We let her pass and wished 20 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 21 her luck on the precarious journey ahead: She would have shinpyu, or novitiation ceremony, in which several more watery tollbooths to pass in the few short a person has their head shaved and takes blocks. a vow to live as a monk or nun for as long as they wish. Paying respect and washing When out and about during Thingyan, keep in mind a few the hair of elderly family members is also simple rules. First, put your money and other valuables an important rite at this time of year, and inside a sealed plastic bag, to avoid that terrible feeling you is usually performed on April 17, the first get when you pull your clothes out of the wash and find a day of the New Year. folded bill now mashed up into a pulpy blob. That’s when the water is put away, wet Second, while the water is wonderfully refreshing – clothes are hung up to dry and many although you’ll dry off and become a new target in only a wear new outfits to mark the new few minutes – make sure to carry sunscreen and reapply beginning. It’s also a time for visiting regularly. The water may keep you cool, but it won’t help pagodas, as merrymakers settle down you stay out in direct sunlight any longer than normal. for some solemn reflection on the year ahead. Third, avoid swallowing any water – you wouldn’t want to start the new year off with a waterborne illness. Of all the festive celebrations I’ve been part of since arriving in Myanmar, Lastly, remember too that Thingyan’s not just about Thingyan is the one in which I took the splashing around. Festivals are living cultural exhibitions: If fewest photos: Last year our camera you’re visiting from abroad, get in touch with a local who stayed home the entire time, and our lone can show you the significance behind the show. outdoor picture was taken on our friend’s phone camera, which had been carefully There are traditional songs, dances and even a unique extracted from a sealed plastic bag to form of comedy routine, in which teams compete to win capture the moment. audience approval, and shows become available on DVD shortly after at your local bootleg street stall. (These While it would have been nice to have provide great opportunities for social satire, something other mementos, in a way it was not available to the public until recently.) Traditional snacks fitting. People in Myanmar don’t make and drinks are made and carried about in containers to resolutions for the new year as many share with friends and relatives in true Myanmar fashion. do in the West, but Thingyan’s watery The padauk tree is said to bloom only one day a year – celebration of transition nonetheless normally just before or during Thingyan. offers a good life lesson for the year ahead: Don’t worry about capturing the The festival is also a time in which many choose to enter moment; just join it. a monastery, whether for a few days as an adult or for a

22 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Destionation Mrauk Oo the royal capital of Rakhine By Roberto Robertson

As you approach Mrauk Oo – normally by boat up the Kaladan River – all that appears in the distance to signal your impending arrival is a series of small hills. These, interspersed with the waterways frequently found in Rakhine State, made the area the ideal location for a capital that would frequently have to defend itself from invaders. The hills and rivers served as natural fortifications, and walls and fortresses were constructed everywhere else – some of which remain to this day. There were even artificial lakes, which could be flooded during times of invasion.

24 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 25 While obviously unfortunate for the Rakhine, the rapid abandonment of Mrauk Oo was a stroke of good fortune for the 21st century visitor, preserving most of the ancient city from development.

It is no surprise then that the Rakhine among other buildings, the palace and Mahamuni Buddha image – said to have which was built by King Minbin in the kingdom centred on Mrauk Oo remained residential quarters have disappeared been cast during the Buddha’s lifetime – 16th century and remains an icon of independent for so long – more than almost completely. until King Bodawpaya took it back to the the once-flouring Rakhine empire. It three and a half centuries until it annexed Mandalay area after his victory in 1784. is thought to take its name from the by the Burmese in 1784. After this The site is much more compact than Nearby is the ancient city of Danyawady, number of Buddha images inside: defeat, the city’s fortunes dwindled Bagan, making it relatively easy to which predates even Vesali. 80,000. The real figure is slightly higher, significantly; 50 years later the British explore in two or three days. This can but that does nothing to detract from shifted the state capital to Sittwe and be done by bicycle, pony cart or jeep Even if you don’t make it that far from the site. It’s easy to get lost in the interior it entered a period of almost terminal – even by trishaw – but there are few Mrauk Oo, the pagodas are sure to leave and exterior passages that loop out from decline. late model cars or tourist buses. There a lasting impression. They are markedly the central shrine area, where pilgrims are also a number of excursions further different from the Mon-style stupas of and locals pay homage to Buddha While obviously unfortunate for the afield that can be undertaken; the lower Myanmar or the elaborate, hollow images. Some of these passages Rakhine, the rapid abandonment most popular of these is a boat up the structures found in Bagan, and were lead out to open terraces, which offer of Mrauk Oo was a stroke of good Lemro River to visit ethnic Chin villages, initially mistaken for fortresses by the good vantage points for studying the fortune for the 21st century visitor, including some that are home to the invading British. Most are clustered surrounding terrain, including Andaw preserving most of the ancient city from famous tattoo-faced women. north of the palace, although exploring Pagoda and Dukkanthein Pagoda. development. Although it is no longer the outlying structures can be just as the cosmopolitan centre that it was Closer to Mrauk Oo – about 10 rewarding. If you hire a pony cart for a Andaw is said to be home to a tooth in the early 17th century, its grandeur kilometres to the north – is the ancient day, expect to be taken to about half a relic of the Buddha retrieved from Sri remains palpable. Most of the buildings city of Vesali (or Wethali), which was the dozen of the main pagodas, including Lanka, and is somewhat similar in style that remain are temples and walls; Rakhine capital for several centuries most of those mentioned below. to Shittaung, although quite a bit smaller. from 384 AD. Another 19 kilometres It has 16 small stupas surrounding an along the same road is Mahamuni Perhaps the most renowned religious eight-sided central core, which has two Pagoda, which housed the famed site at Mrauk Oo is Shittaung Pagoda, vaulted hallways.

26 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 27 Dukkanthein is perhaps the most the most renowned religious site at Mrauk Oo fortress-like of all Mrauk Oo’s pagodas; if anything it looks more like a bunker. is Shittaung Pagoda, which was built by The small narrow windows only add King Minbin in the 16th century and remains to the sensation, but you can be safe in the knowledge that it is not home to an icon of the once-flouring Rakhine empire. any machine gun nests. The pagoda is constructed in a spiral shape, with a long passageway that gradually winds in on itself to a small chamber. The dark walls are ornately carved, and one section displays the 64 traditional hairstyles of Mrauk Oo. The carvings also give a rare picture of the “ordinary” people that made up the bulk of the independent Rakhine empire.

The largest pagoda in the Mrauk Oo walls are covered in thousands of carved area is Kothaung, which covers almost images in varying states of disintegration 60,000 square feet. Built by King thanks to the powerful Rakhine Minbin’s son, King Mintaikka, Kothaung monsoon and fierce summer heat. is thought to be an effort to one-up his father: The name refers to the number Past the pagodas, on the northern of Buddha images, which is a cool outskirt of the city, sits a modest but 10,000 more than at Shittaung. The significant structure. Once part of a outer passageway is the highlight, as the network of almost 50 libraries, Pitaka Taik is the last that remains. It was built to house Buddhist canonical texts and sits just inside the old city walls.

With few modern comforts available, exploring the temples can be a tiring pursuit, particularly sitting on a pony cart as it bounces along the potholed roads. It’s wise, however, to summon one last burst of energy to observe sunset from one of the many hills that overlook the town. Most of these are also home to ancient pagodas, including Shwetaung, Bandoola Kyaung and Lokamanaung.

From here, with a clear view over Mrauk Oo, it’s possible to picture the scale of the Rakhine capital in its heyday, with the palace at its centre, and up to 200,000 people in wooden homes spilling out toward the walls. While little of this remains today, there is more than enough substance to the religious structures that the Rakhine empire left behind to capture the imagination of both foreign and local visitors.

28 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 2729 Destination A magical Moment

Sunset fromBy Sophia Hydenthe temples of Bagan

The air at Bagan has a sense of Each day the most magical view of romanticism unlike any other place I the sunset in Bagan brings together have visited in Asia. I spent days happily a multitude of cultures and people to wandering unpaved pathways, riding experience something that many can my rented bike through the ancient only fantasise about. It’s an occasion temples and pagodas, drinking avocado when time seems to stand still, where smoothies from The Moon Restaurant nothing else matters but the present, and tasting the locally inspired vegetarian where the elegance of nature is cuisines from Yar Pyi. But nothing illustrated through vibrant colors and prepared me for what I would experience stark silhouettes. watching the sunset over Bagan, an ancient city of almost unrivalled historical About 5:30pm, the blue sky transforms significance. into shades of saffron among the misty hilltops overlooking the ancient A journey of the senses pagodas, which date to the 11th to 13th It is 5pm at Shwe Sandaw Pagoda. A centuries. Beauty transcends all cultural gentle breeze fills the air as tourists and barriers and assortments of language, locals slowly walk up the steep and as observers attempt to capture the narrow staircases of the 11th century panoramic change with their cameras. structure in what is known today as Old There is still an inexplicable mysticism Bagan. in the air that can only be felt internally and described as “simply stunning” from visitors sitting beside me.

Each day the most magical view of the sunset in Bagan brings together a multitude of cultures and people to experience something that many can only fantasise about.

30 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 31 A brief history of Bagan Bagan is one of the most extraordinary archaeological attractions in the world. An ancient city located in Mandalay Region on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River, Bagan was founded in 107 AD by King Thamudarit; 55 kings ruled this town for more than 2000 years. Over 10,0000 Buddhist temples, monasteries and pagodas were constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries, of which approximately 2000 temples and pagodas still remain.

On July 8, 1975, a powerful earthquake, reaching almost 8.0 on the Richter scale, damaged many of the ancient structures. Some sites such as the Bupaya were irreparable; others were severely damaged. Some are still in the process of being restored. Looking down onto the streets from the fourth terrace of Shwe Sandaw Pagoda, I can see vendors selling prized keepsakes ranging from Bagan’s famous lacquerware, to George Orwell’s Burmese Days, and the newly popular “I Heart MM” T-shirts.

Another half hour passes by and as 6pm approaches, the pink sun slowly dips behind the hills as the colours of dusk engulf the sky. The sight is a perfect union amid the splendour of the present moment in conjunction with the Shwe Sandaw Pagoda creations of the past. The history and architecture of this pagoda, like many of the structures in For me, the experience of feeling a Bagan, is fascinating. Shwe Sandaw powerful connection between the fragility Pagoda contains a series of five of life in relation to the perception of terraces, topped with a cylindrical stupa time is embodied through this sunset. and an ornately jeweled umbrella. King It represents a memory unlike any Anawrahta constructed this pagoda other. It will be forever embedded in my in 1057 AD as the center of his newly consciousness. empowered kingdom after his conquest of Thaton. The five terraces once I encourage you to create your own incorporated terracotta tiles depicting memories in Bagan as I have. From scenes from the Jataka (stories about dawn to dusk, the ancient structures the previous lives of the Buddha). This encapsulate the power of the past and was also the first monument in Bagan to embody our commitment to appreciating have stairways leading from the square the brilliance of our surroundings. bottom terraces to the round base of the stupa, which is believed to enshrine a Buddha hair relic brought back from Thaton.

32 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 3327 Sunset-viewing in Bagan Transportation • Plan to wear appropriate clothing; Nearby Nyaung Oo Airport is easy to garments above the knee, tops with navigate. Taxis are available at the airport spaghetti straps, socks and shoes are not if you have not pre-arranged transport.. permitted in the temples. For self-guided tours through the • Certain sites, such as Shwe Sandaw temples and stupas, electric bicycles Pagoda, have steep stairs. Consider and regular bicycles can be rented from which site will be most suitable if you are your hotel or nearby shops. Hiring a physically impaired or have other health horse-cart provides a unique experience issues. and they are readily available for touring • Be patient and mindful of others around the town as well. you; climbing up terraces may take more time for others. Other useful tips • Respect the ancient structures. Climbing The Bagan Archaeological Zone is a in areas where there are no stairs can 13 by 8 kilometre area centered on Old be dangerous and can damage the Bagan, and includes Nyaung Oo in the structures. northeast and New Bagan in the south. An entrance fee of US$15 applies to all Weather foreign visitors and should be purchased Bagan is situated in the middle of Myanmar’s upon arrival at the Nyaung Oo airport. “dry zone”. The average temperature Carry a flashlight with you for your safety. exceeds 30°C year round, and over 40°C Pagodas with terraces will not have in summer months from late February to stairways with lighting. mid-May. The majority of visitors arrive in Police checkpoints have been Bagan between October to February to take established along major roadways to advantage of the best weather. ensure the safety of foreigners.

34 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 2735 Leisure

Luxury hits new heights at Thingaha Ngapali Resort

How do you go beyond the expectations of guests, beyond the five stars that has traditionally been the pinnacle of hotel standards? That is the challenge that Thingaha Ngapali Resort, managed by Eden Hotels & Resorts, has taken up. Its 51 rooms, set amid lush grounds with well-tended gardens and water features, raise the benchmark in Myanmar and are guaranteed not to disappoint.

The resort is situated on stunning Ngapali Beach, which faces the Bay of Bengal in southern Rakhine State. The 3-kilometre-long beach offers picture-perfect white sand and clear blue waters fringed by palm trees. The waters are deliciously warm and delightfully calm, and safe from any dangerous sea creatures. It is widely considered the country’s top destination for those seeking to relax in the sun, and is popular with everyone from foreign tourists and businesspeople to newlyweds and families.

36 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 37 The natural beauty is undoubtedly enhanced at Thingaha Ngapali Resort, where it is combined with facilities that take the concept of luxury to a new level.

It might feel like a world away, but complemented by elegant private international Asian food, along with Ngapali is just a 45-minute flight from swimming pools. All rooms feature traditional Myanmar and Rakhine dishes Yangon. Around half-a-dozen domestic electronic keycard access, while the for the more adventurous. Of course, airlines operate flights to Thandwe grounds are patrolled 24 hours a day the fresh local seafood, prepared by the airport, which is just 1 kilometre – barely to ensure the security of guests. The team of renowned chefs, is a highlight. a five-minute drive – from the resort. rooms are stylishly fitted with furniture After dinner, head upstairs to the stylish Flights run daily and during the peak and fittings that are modern yet also bar to round out the evening. season, from October through April, incorporate distinctive Myanmar features there are many services a day. On arrival, and building materials. The main swimming pool is perhaps the guests are greeted at the airport and jewel in the Thingaha crown, stretching brought directly to the resort to ensure Just as much attention to detail has off toward the horizon and seemingly their visit is as relaxing and convenient been given to the rest of the property. meeting the waters of the Bay of Bengal. as possible. The main entrance makes a dramatic It’s the perfect spot to savour a cocktail impression, with guests entering along a as the sun sets over the bay, sending The 51 rooms at Thingaha Ngapali covered walkway built in the traditional ripples of red, orange and pink light include ocean view suites, as well as style flanked on both sides by delightful bouncing off the water. junior suites, which also serve as special expanses of water. honeymoon villas, and deluxe rooms. It is one of just many reasons why Thingaha Ngapali Resort No. 2, Airport Street, Zee Phu Gone All of the spacious rooms feature a The main dining area seats up to 80 Ngapali is such a special place. But the Village, Ngapali Beach balcony or terrace, individual control guests but gives a sense of intimacy and natural beauty is undoubtedly enhanced Thandwe, Rakhine State, Myanmar t: 95 (43) 42130~49 air-conditioning, bathroom with bathtub is the perfect place for a gathering of at Thingaha, where it is combined with f: 95 (43) 42290 and Jacuzzi, flat screen LED television, family or friends, be it breakfast, lunch facilities that take the concept of luxury e: [email protected] mini bar and wireless internet access. [email protected] or dinner. The menu offers a broad to a new level. w: www.thingahangapali.com All suite rooms have been perfectly array of treats, including European and

38 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 39 40 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Wellness

branches of the trees, it really is a haven from the hustle and bustle of city life.

La Source was set up by Singapore-based Jane Soon in 1995. Since then it has developed a reputation as one of the finest spas in Yangon, not only because of its beautiful location but also because of its superior service and the high quality products it uses – Officina De Tornabuoni from Italy and Decleor from France. Today, it has two branches in Yangon and one in Mandalay.

The building’s interior is simple but classic. The hair salon and rooms for pedicures and manicures are downstairs, and each is clean and comfortable, with soft music piped in to enhance the sense of relaxation.

The seven private rooms for body and facial treatments are upstairs, and these are invariably filled with customers of both sexes as the treatments for men are as good as those for women. Hence, it is always better to ring ahead or make a booking over La Source’s website to ensure you are not disappointed when you arrive.

Apart from Ms Soon, the majority of the team hail from Myanma – “I believe that it is important to support and train local talent,” explained Ms Soon – some of whom have been working for La Source since it opened nearly 20 years ago. All the staff receive training from international experts every six months to a year which has helped to turn Getting to La Source them into a professional, well-drilled unit that By Moh Moh Thaw sets itself apart from its competitors.

IF you’ve been to Inya road in Yangon, the slightest hints of dappled sunlight filter “I had a wonderful massage at La Source you’ll know how fierce the traffic can be, through, ensuring a cool and breezy walk which really helped to relieve some of the particularly near the junction of University down the pebbled path from the gate sporting aches and pains that I had been Avenue. However, those who take the towards a stunning two-storey, black and carrying,” revealed Jonathan Ramsay, a visitor time to venture further from the main white colonial-style house where the spa from Singapore. “It’s a beautiful building road may stumble across a very special is located. and the staff were extremely attentive and location; a veritable oasis that unfailingly professional. It was the perfect way for my elicits an involuntary ‘wow’ from all those It’s certainly an inviting sight, but before wife and I to unwind after an afternoon of doing and the treatment left me more than who come across it. This ‘oasis’ is the you step in, it’s worth taking a moment sightseeing in Yangon.” satisfied. I was positively glowing afterwards. city’s first international spa – La Source. to marvel at the surroundings. With the soothing sounds of clear, running Following Mr Ramsay’s recommendation, I The beautician who gave me the treatment Set in a large, leafy compound, tall stands water from a waterfall, the colourful fish decided to La Source’s services first hand, was helpful and informative as she put of bamboo as well as jackfruit and mango swimming happily in the pool below and booked myself in for one of their most Decleor products on my face. She explained trees greet you the minute you enter the while butterflies flit from one plant to popular offerings: a facial treatment. It was the effects I could expect and was happy to gates. The shady plants ensure that only another and birds sing in the upper clear the staff knew exactly what they were answer questions. Decleor products have a

42 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 43 Available Services nice, floral fragrance, but it was the superb face massage Spa that I will never forget. After the treatment, I felt like I had just Facial Treatment got back from a relaxing holiday at the beach – amazing. Start from K 45,000 Custom Facial Gentlemen Facial I also had a hair wash and coincidently ran into Ms Soon, Aromassage Classic Facial who was having her hair washed next to me. I couldn’t control my curiosity and peeked a look at her; she seemed Body Massage to be enjoying it so much. That I almost felt sorry when I Start from K 50,000 Aromatic Massage disturbed her by asking what had encouraged her to open Aroma Wrap La Source close to two decades ago. Drainage Massage Yogi Massage Her answer was a simple one but it made a lot of senses: Body Waxing “There was no spa in Yangon then,” she said. “I like to stay Salon beautiful and I love being pampered in a spa so I wanted to Highlight, Permanent and color services share that wonderful experience. My aim was for my guests Start from K 45,000 Hair streaming to leave not just looking good for feeling great too.” Start from K 10,000 If my experience is anything to go by, I can say mission well Hair Styling and cutting and truly accomplished. Start from 10,000 Manicure/pedicure, make up

Yangon Mandalay La Source Beauty Spa La Source Beauty Spa 80-A, Inya Road, Yangon No.13/13, Mya Sandar Street, Telephone: 95-1 512-380, 511-252 between 26th and 27th streets and 62nd and 63rd streets, Chanaye Beauty Bar by La Source Tharzan township Room – 1004, Sedona Hotel Telephone: 95-9 44402 4496 Telephone: 95-1 666-900 (ext: 7167)

44 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 45 Cuisine Savour the flavour: Shan Traditional Food By Sophia Hyder

At this market, I learned about the main ingredients that comprise Shan traditional food, ranging from rice, noodles and tofu, to cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplant and spring onions. Shan-style cuisine incorporates many fresh vegetables, as well as coriander, chilli powder, turmeric and peanut or garlic oil, which are used sparingly.

At the morning market, I tried nga htamin (fish rice). Served on a banana leaf, the Shan-style rice is cooked with a hint of turmeric and topped with flakes of freshwater fish and garlic oil. A variety of sides including raw garlic, deep-fried pork rinds and chilli powder enable you to transform the flavours of the dish according to your own taste.

My first experience seeing these homegrown fresh vegetables alongside my first taste of Shan food piqued my curiosity, and I committed myself to trying more dishes throughout the weekend. The highlights of my culinary Walking through the morning market one journey through local traditional dishes recent Saturday in Nyaungshwe, a town demonstrate the vast array of food that located a few kilometers north of Inle emanates from this region of Myanmar. Lake in Shan State, I was overwhelmed with the savoury smells and rich colors Shan khauk swe (Shan-style noodles) that emanated from the fresh fruits and is perhaps the dish most popularly vegetables. Strolling through the endless associated with Shan State. It features aisles of bountiful treats, my friend told thin rice noodles and chunks of chicken me that the farmers typically leave their or pork marinated with spices and fresh homes in the surrounding regions at tomatoes, and garnished with spring around 1am to come to this market. onions, pickled vegetables, garlic oil Though the men and women have risen and roasted peanuts. This dish can be early in preparation to sell their fresh served as a soup or dry – known as goods from 6am, they have an energetic a salad – with the light peppery broth spirit and smile on their face that warms on the side. These noodles are so your heart. savoury and comforting that they can be devoured at any time of day.

46 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 47 Shan-style tofu is another traditional pickled vegetables. To hpu thoke (tofu food from the region. Made from salad) is a Shan favorite comprising fresh chickpea flour and yellow split peas, tofu dressed with peanut oil, dark soy this tofu accommodates a wide range sauce, crushed dried chilli, rice vinegar, of culinary palates and can be eaten as roasted peanuts, a hint of coriander a snack or incorporated into a variety and crisply fried onions. Curry-lovers of salads and curries. Hnapyan gyaw will relish the flavours of to hpu gyet (twice fried Tofu) is a popular snack that (tofu curry), which features sliced yellow is cut into triangular shapes. To hpu tofu, fresh tomatoes, onions and garlic gyaw (tofu fritters) are deep-fried so all cooked in peanut oil seasoned with a that they are crispy on the outside and hint of coriander and green chilli. soft on the inside. Cut into rectangular shapes, they are added to salads or I encourage you to savour the flavours eaten with a spicy sour dip. Another of Shan cuisine, which encompass their dish, to hpu nway (warm tofu), also culture and centuries-old traditions. called to hpu byaw (soft tofu), has Every delicious bite is sure to be a soft and creamy consistency when remembered fondly. served hot atop rice noodles and marinated chicken or pork, sprinkled with chilli oil, and accompanied by If you want to try authentic Shan food and cuisines in Yangon, Shan Yoe Yar Restauramt at Wardan Street is the place to go.

©Dishes photos courtesy of Shan Yoe Yar Restaurant

48 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 55 ႏွစ္ေဟာင္းကအညစ္အေၾကးေတြကို အတာေရနဲ႔ေဆးေၾကာတဲ့ သၾကၤန္ပြဲေတာ္ ၀ိတ္ဒ္ဂိုင္ယစ္ဒါ

သၾကၤန္လို႔ေခၚၾကတဲ့ ျမန္မာႏွစ္သစ္ကူးပြဲေတာ္ဟာ မယ္ဆိုရင္ ဒီပြဲေတာ္ကို ဟိုးႏွစ္ေပါင္းမ်ားစြာကတည္းက ျမန္မာႏိုင္ငံမွာ အႀကီးဆံုးနဲ႔ လူအမ်ားအျပား က်ယ္က်ယ္ က်င္းပခဲ့ၾကတယ္ဆိုတာ သိသာထင္ရွားေစပါတယ္။ လုပ္ ျပန္႔ျပန္႔ပါ၀င္ၾကတဲ့ ႏွစ္သစ္ကူးပြဲပါပဲ။ အတာေရသဘင္ ငန္းေတြကို ၁၀ရက္ေလာက္အထိ ရပ္နားထားႏိုင္တဲ့ ဒီ ပြဲေတာ္(water festival)လို႔ အဂၤလိပ္လိုေခၚၾကတဲ့ သၾကၤန္ အခ်ိန္ဟာ ရႈခင္းေတြ လွည့္ပတ္ၾကည့္ရႈဖို႔ေကာင္းတဲ့ အခ်ိန္ ဆိုတဲ့စကားလံုးကေတာ့ ပါဠိ နဲ႔ သကၠတ စကားလံုးေတြက ကာလတစ္ခု မဟုတ္ေပမယ့္ သၾကၤန္ပြဲေတာ္ကေတာ့ ၾကည့္ ဆင္းသက္လာတာျဖစ္ၿပီး ‘ကူးေျပာင္းျခင္း’ လို႔ အဓိပၸါယ္ ရႈခံစားစရာေတြ သူ႔ဘာသာသူရွိသလို တစ္သက္ မေမ့စရာ ရပါတယ္။ ဘာျဖစ္လို႔လဲဆိုေတာ့ ေကာင္းကင္ ၾကယ္တာ အမွတ္တရေတြလည္း ရွိပါတယ္။ ရာေတြနဲ႔ ပတ္သက္တဲ့ ပညာရပ္စကားအရ ေျပာရမယ္ ထိုင္းႏုိင္ငံက ဆုန္ကရန္ပြဲေတာ္အပါအ၀င္ ဟိႏၵဴယဥ္ ဆိုရင္ အဲဒီအခ်ိန္မွာ ေနဟာ ေန႔တာနဲ႔ ညတာ တူညီတဲ့ ေက်းမႈလႊမ္းမိုးခံခဲ့ရတဲ့ တျခားအေရွ႕ေတာင္အာရွႏိုင္ငံေတြ ေႏြဦးရာသီအျဖစ္ လြန္ခဲ့တဲ့ရာစု ႏွစ္ေပါင္းမ်ားစြာကတည္းက က ေရသဘင္ပြဲမူကြဲေတြလိုပဲ ျမန္မာႏွစ္သစ္ကူးျဖစ္တဲ့ သတ္မွတ္ထားတဲ့မိႆရာသီခြင္ထဲကို ကူးေျပာင္း၀င္ေရာက္ သၾကၤန္ပြဲေတာ္ဟာ ဟိႏၵဴ၀ါဒ ယံုၾကည္မႈ ထံုးတမ္းစဥ္လာ တဲ့ အခ်ိန္အခါ ျဖစ္ေနလို႔ပါပဲ။ တစ္ရပ္က ဆင္းသက္လာခဲ့တာျဖစ္ၿပီး ႏွစ္ေပါင္းမ်ားစြာၾကာ ဒါေပမဲ့ အခုေခတ္အခ်ိန္အခါမွာေတာ့ ေန႔တာနဲ႔ လာတဲ့အခါမွာေတာ့ ေဒသတြင္းပံုစံေတြနဲ႔ က်င္းပလာၾက ညတာတူတဲ့အခ်ိန္ဟာ မတ္လ၂၁ရက္ေလာက္မွာ ျဖစ္ပါ တာပါ။ တယ္။ ျမန္မာသကၠရာဇ္အရ တန္ခူးလျဖစ္တဲ့ သၾကၤန္ ျမန္မာႏိုင္ငံမွာ သၾကၤန္ပြဲေတာ္ စတင္ခဲ့တဲ့ျဖစ္ရပ္ကို ပြဲေတာ္ က်င္းပရာ ဧၿပီလလယ္မွာ မဟုတ္ပါဘူး။ ဒါေပမဲ့ ေျပာရမယ္ဆိုရင္ ၁၁ရာစုကစတယ္လို႔ ေျပာရမွာပါ။ အဲဒီ ေနရဲ႕လမ္းေၾကာင္းက ပြဲေတာ္စတင္ က်င္းပခဲ့တဲ့အခ်ိန္က အခ်ိန္မွာ အေနာ္ရထာမင္းႀကီးဟာ ျပည္သူေတြ ယံုၾကည္ စၿပီး ေရြ႕လာခဲ့တဲ့အတြက္ ေန႔တာညတာ တူညီတဲ့ေန႔ဟာ သက္၀င္ၾကတဲ့ သစ္ပင္ေတာေတာင္ စတာေတြကို ကိုး အရင္ကထက္ ေတာ္ေတာ္ေလး ကြာျခားလာတာကို ၾကည့္ ကြယ္တဲ့ဓေလ့ကေန ဗုဒၶဘာသာကို ကူးေျပာင္းခဲ့ပါတယ္။

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 51 အဲဒါေၾကာင့္ အခုအခ်ိန္မွာ ဗုဒၶဘာသာကိုးကြယ္ယံုၾကည္မႈ သၾကၤန္မတိုင္ခင္မွာ နကၡတ္ေဗဒင္ပညာရွင္ေတြ နဲ႔အတူ နတ္ကိုးကြယ္ၾကတဲ့ အေလ့အထေတြ အခုထိရွိ စည္းေ၀းၿပီး သိၾကားမင္းဆင္းလာမယ့္အခ်ိန္နဲ႔ ျပန္တက္ ေနတာပဲ ျဖစ္ပါတယ္။နတ္မင္းႀကီး ၃၇မင္းမွာ ဘုရင္ျဖစ္တဲဲ့ မယ့္အခ်ိန္ကို တြက္ခ်က္ၾကပါတယ္။ ဘာစီးၿပီးလာမလဲ၊ သိၾကားမင္းကေတာ့ ေသာတာပန္ျဖစ္တယ္လို႔ ဆိုၾကပါ ဘာကိုင္လာမလဲ ဆိုတာေတြကိုလည္း တြက္ခ်က္ၾကပါ တယ္။ တယ္။ အဲဒါကို သၾကၤန္စာလို႔ေခၚၿပီး တစ္ႏွစ္တာလံုး ဘာ သၾကၤန္ပြဲေတာ္နဲ႔ပတ္သက္တဲ့ ရာဇ၀င္ ေတြျဖစ္မယ္ဆိုတာကို ခန္႔မွန္းတြက္ခ်က္ေပးထားၾကပါ တစ္မ်ဳိးကေတာ့ ဒီလိုပါ။ သိၾကားမင္းနဲ႔ ျဗဟၼာမင္းတို႔ သခ်ၤာနဲ႔ တယ္။ သၾကၤန္စာကို တြက္ခ်က္ၿပီးတဲ့အခါ လမ္းေတြထဲမွာ ပတ္သက္ၿပီး ျငင္းခံုရာကေန ေခါင္းျဖတ္ေၾကးေလာင္း လိုက္ေရာင္းေပးေနတဲ့အတြက္ လူတိုင္းအလြယ္တကူ ၀ယ္ ၾကၿပီး သိၾကားမင္းက ႏိုင္သြားတဲ့အတြက္ ျဗဟၼာမင္းရဲ႕ လို႕ရပါတယ္။ ဦးေခါင္း အျဖတ္ခံလိုက္ရတယ္လို႔ ဆိုပါတယ္။ ဒါေပမဲ့ နကၡတ္ေဗဒင္အဖြဲ႕ဟာ သၾကၤန္ေလးရက္ျဖစ္မလား၊ တခ်ိဳ႕ဒ႑ာရီေတြမွာေတာ့ ျဗဟၼာမင္းရဲ႕ ဦးေခါင္းေနရာမွာ သံုးရက္ျဖစ္မလား ဆိုတာကိုလည္း တြက္ခ်က္ေပးၾကပါ ဆင္ရဲ႕ဦးေခါင္း ျပန္ေပါက္လာၿပီး ဂေနးရွား ျဖစ္လာခဲ့တယ္ တယ္။ ဒီအခ်ိန္မွာ ေန႔အပူခ်ိန္က ၄၀ ဒီဂရီဆဲလ္ဆီယပ္စ္ လို႔ ဆုိပါတယ္။ သိၾကားမင္းဟာ ေသြးအလိမ္းလိမ္းျဖစ္ေန ေက်ာ္ျဖစ္ေနတဲ့အတြက္ ေရသဘင္ပြဲဆင္ႏြဲတာကေတာ့ တဲ့ ျဗဟၼာမင္းရဲ႕ဦးေခါင္းကိုထားဖို႔ ေနရာမေတြ႔ခဲ့ပါဘူး။ မိုး အေကာင္းဆံုး ဆံုးျဖတ္ခ်က္ႀကီးတစ္ခုပါပဲ။ မုတ္သုံကလည္း ေကာင္းကင္၊ ပင္လယ္၊ကမ ၻာေျမျပင္ စတဲ့ ဘယ္ေနရာမွမွ မၾကာခင္ ၀င္ေတာ့မွာပါ။ ဒီပြဲေတာ္က ႏွစ္ေဟာင္းက အျပစ္ ထားလို႔မရပါဘူးလို႔ ဆိုပါတယ္။ ေတြကိုေဆးေၾကာတာလို႔ ယူဆၾကတဲ့အတြက္ ေရျဖဳန္းတီး ဒါေၾကာင့္ဒီဦးေခါင္းကိုကိုင္ဖို႔ နတ္ေတြကို အလွည့္ ရာေရာက္တယ္လို႔ ဘယ္သူမွ စိတ္မပူၾကပါဘူး။ က် တာ၀န္ေပးထားခဲ့ရပါတယ္။ နတ္ေတြ တစ္ႏွစ္ တစ္ တစ္ဦးကိုတစ္ဦး ေရနဲ႔ပက္ၾကတာဟာ ေရွးအစဥ္ ႀကိမ္ အလွည့္ေျပာင္းကိုင္တြယ္ၾကရၿပီး ဒါကို ၾကီးၾကပ္ ဖုိ႔ အလာဓေလ့က စပါတယ္။ဧရာ၀တီျမစ္ေရကို ဘုရားဆင္း အတြက္ သိၾကားမင္းဟာ ကမၻာေျမေပၚ တစ္ႏွစ္ တစ္ႀကိမ္ တုေတာ္ ေရသပၸါယ္ဖို႔ အေနာ္ရထာမင္းႀကီးကို ဆက္သ ဆင္းသက္လာခဲ့တယ္လို႔ ဆိုၾကပါတယ္။ သူကမ ၻာေျမကို တဲ့အခ်ိန္က စတယ္လို႔ဆိုပါတယ္။ ဒါေပမဲ့ အခု ေခတ္မွာ ေရာက္ေနတဲ့အခ်ိန္မွာ လက္တစ္ဖက္က ေရႊပုရပိုက္၊ လည္း ဘုရားဆင္းတုေတာ္ေတြကို ေရသပၸါယ္တဲ့ အေလ့ ေနာက္တစ္ဖက္က ေခြးသားေရကိုကိုင္ၿပီး လူေတြရဲ႕ အျပဳ အထရွိဆဲျဖစ္ေနခ်ိန္မွာ အခုေခတ္ တျခားအရာ အားလံုး အမူေတြကို ေကာင္းရင္ေကာင္းသလို၊ ဆိုးရင္ ဆိုးသလို ကေတာ့ ေျပာင္းလဲသြားပါၿပီ။ မွတ္သား သြားတယ္လို႔ ဆိုၾကပါတယ္။ ဒါကေတာ့ လူေတြ ဘာပဲျဖစ္ျဖစ္ အတာေရသဘင္ပြဲမွာသာ ပါ၀င္ဆင္ႏြဲ ကို အက်င့္စာရိတၱထိန္းသိမ္းဖို႔နဲ႔ ဘာသာေရး ဆိုင္ရာ တာ လိုက္ပါလို႔…..။

၀န္ေတြကို မပ်က္ကြက္ေစဖို႔ ႏိႈးေဆာ္ရာေရာက္သလို သူ႔ သီရိမင္းထြန္း ဘာသာျပန္သည္။ အတြက္ ေကာင္းမႈလုပ္တာလို႔လည္း ေျပာလို႔ရပါတယ္။

52 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Horoscope

March 21 - April 20 You will be impatient and do things rashly. Truthfulness of speech will cause emotional upset. You will be able to use your efficiency to its maximum. Do not rely on promises. Direct dealings with other ethnicities and foreigners will be fruitful. Work cannot be planned – you will need to act based on each different situation. Your family can change houses or vehicles – indeed, great change and improvement will occur. Foreign contact will be initiated. Negotiations for a house, land or car will be successful. A friend will ask to borrow money from you but you should refuse unless you want to lose the money forever. To be free from heavy expenses and be successful in all matters, eat sugarcane caramel while Aries facing north and making a wish.

April 21 - May 21 You will be on the move regularly. An elderly female in the family will be ill. Money will not stay with you for long but learning a new skill for work will be successful. You will also be successful in competition at work. Things will run smoothly despite attacks from others. Black must not be worn while conducting business matters. A new or novel business will have to be undertaken but you will win over your rivals. To avoid problems due to others, mistakes in trading, and upset due to family and social issues, you should discard brooms, rubbish pans and bins being used in the home Taurus and replace them with new ones.

May 22 - June 21 You should study opportunities carefully to ensure you make the most of them. Your income will increase but expenses will also rise and you will not be able to save much. Improvements in life will be based on your personal efficiency and wise decision-making. Do not believe the promises of others – you should take care of everything yourself. Those running private enterprises should adopt new and even untried strategies to ensure success. Those engaged in learning will be successful. You will be very popular, although your health is slightly ill starred. There will be more than one jealous person in your life. Work will face interference but to minimise the chance of ill fortune, and improve the chance of good fortune, keep a beautiful ceramic vase with sweet-scented flowers in the Gemini living room.

June 22 - July 22 You will become interested in a business that will require significant capital. Venture into it daringly, borrowing money if necessary, as you will enjoy success. Make decisions personally for any important matters and take time to think things through. You will show efficiency but avoid being overburdened at work. People will try to take advantage of your goodwill. Minor accidents to limbs on the right side of your body can occur. To minimise loss, reduce expenses, protect family members from ill health, ensure any journey is smooth, and have luck with money, all pots and Cancer pans at home must be spick and span.

54 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 51 Horoscope November 23 - December 21 There will be several problems. Mental and physical tiredness should be expected, while another person will cause anxiety. Mistakes will be July 23 - August 23 made in haste. Outside influence on financial conflicts, family sorrows Problems will arise while intervening to provide help in another’s affairs, and and misunderstandings will be evident. Important life decisions will have close friends will misunderstand you. Travel will be smooth but mistakes to be made. However, expect interference after charting a course. Anxiety in signing documents and in taking responsibility for another person will and stress due to wealth and property will occur. Health problems will occur. You will be a scapegoat for another’s mistakes. Overconfidence will occur due to careless living. Avoid talking responsibility for money and cause difficulties. Keep your plans confidential – don’t trust anyone. Your important documents. To raise fortune and invite lady luck, place a palm efforts at work will face interference. Your earnings and other successes Sagittarius shoot together with white geraniums in a glass vase and keep it in a high will be a source of envy for some. Because you say few words people will place around your home. mistake you for being overly proud. To have good fortune and fulfill your Leo desires, avoid hanging washing at the front of the house. Dispose of old footwear through the front door. December 22 - January 20 August 24 - September 22 Your helpful nature and genuine goodwill toward others will be well Expect unexpected success. Change will occur, work will improve and received and returned in kind. You will be successful in money and money will come flowing in. Your habit of telling the truth will bring danger, business matters. Physical and mental strain due to family is expected, though this will be a good period for travel. Relatives will cause trouble. and slight ill health is foreseen. Troubles of the stomach and intestines will Affairs that consume your life will begin to bear fruit. A long-awaited occur along with pains in the joints. You will have to initiate auspicious opportunity will arrive; make sure you make the most of it. Young people deeds. Those in the educational field will see improvement. Wealth will considering a new suitor will have to contend with a former lover, who will increase, and those born on a Monday or Tuesday will particularly benefit. come forward to apologise. Do not accept the apology; break completely To succeed at work and be free from heavy expenses this month, clean with the former and start the new love. To avoid your goodwill turning to Capricorn dirt from the walls and ceilings and dispose of it to the north of the house. sorrow, or facing ill health, emotional upset or minor accidents, avoid the Virgo colour black.

September 23 - October 23 September 23 - October 23 You will receive assistance from elderly friends during this period. The best-laid plans will go awry, sometimes due to the interference of Cooperation in work will bring success. Wealth will be on the increase for others. Every direction embarked upon will provoke attack. Other people you or your family, and your family’s plans will go smoothly. A gift from a will cause upsets. Friends will face problems and require your assistance. far-off land will arrive. New businesses in your family will be successful, Any money in your hand will want to go out. Improvements will be made including an unusual or novel enterprise. Money or property that your through argument, while success will be enjoyed despite the difficulties. family lost will be regained. To be free from upsets, dangers, rivalry, Negotiations concerning land and housing will have to be undertaken. A jealousy, familial and social misfortunes, and other kinds of evil, tidy dirt change in direction will bring great improvement but you will frequently and rubbish from the comers of your home and bum old papers. lose belongings and be cheated. To ensure your decision-making is Aquarius Libra correct, a palm shoot should be kept as a talisman in your purse.

October 24 - November 22 February 19 - March 20 This period will bring good news in every field. You will enjoy success Your best-laid plans will go awry. There will be rivalries with others. although events may turn out differently than you had planned. Income Negotiations on accommodation will have to be made within your family. will be good and your family will start new businesses. Previously blocked Money will flow in due to machines and foodstuffs. Other ethnicities courses of action will reopen and difficulties will be overcome. Financial will be beneficent and your wealth will increase. You will have to go to negotiations will be successful. However, this period will not always be undesirable places. The unemployed will be employed and the employed peaceful and attacks will have to be overcome. Your point of view will be will be promoted. Unexpected opportunities will change your life abruptly criticised and there will be conflict between the old and new. A helper and rapidly – to your advantage. Those different from you in nationality, will appear. To be free from danger and conflict with close ones, and to language and birthplace will bring you good prospects. A change in life regain what has been lost, include a fried item in your breakfast. Send Pisces fortune will occur and important decision will have to be made. To be free love and goodwill to mankind with arms akimbo facing east. This will from misfortune, have good fortune, and improve your life, give children Scorpio bring exceptional good fortune. a pyit-taing-htaung doll.

56 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 57 essential sudoku

myanmar words The Rules of SUDOKU Sudoku is very simple to learn, involves • Hello - mingalar par no math and no calculation, but yet provides a wide variety of logic situations. • How are you - ney kaun la? Here are the basic rules: • I’m well - ney kaun par te 1. Each row must have the numbers 1-9 oc- • Nice to meet you - twei ya tar wan tha curing just once. ba del 2. Each column must have the numbers 1-9 occuring just once. • Thank you - chei-zu tin bar te 3. And the numbers 1-9 must occur just once • Yes - hou ke in each of the 9 sub-boxes of the grid.

• No - ma hou bu Easy • I don’t understand - nar ma ley bu 5 3 • How much is it? - zey beh lout le? • Stop - yep ba 9 6 5 2 • Where’s the toilet - ain-ta beh ma leh? 7 2 6 5 3 4 • It’s all right - ya ba de 7 5 2 • Where are you going? - beh twar ma lo le 1 8 6 • I am going back to my hotel 5 3 9 - ho teh go pyan twar me 9 3 7 • Can you speak English? 9 2 7 8 1 6 - in ga leik za ga 6 8 2 7 pyaw tat lah • What do you call this in Burmese? 9 8 - da bama lo beh lo Hard khaw da le 3 9 2 • What’s your name? - na meh beh lo 9 khaw da le 6 5 • My name is .... - .... lo khaw ba de 8 7 • Do you understand? - nar leh da lah 1 7 8 • I understand - nar leh ba de 6 4 5 3 9 • I don’t understand - nar ma leh bu 8 6 4 8 7 9 4 5 5 3 2

58 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 60 air mandalaydestinations the country’s craftindustries. centre ofBuddhisminMyanmarandisalsohometomany of War IIbutwasrebuiltinthe1990s.Mandalayisconsidereda of theoldpalace,whichwasdestroyedinfighting World from MandalayHillandiscentredaroundthewallsmoat country wasannexedbytheBritish.Thecitytakesitsname the finalcapitalofMyanmar’s KonbaungDynastybeforethe 1857 in accordance with an ancient Buddhist prophecy. It was Immortalised by Rudyard Kipling, Mandalay was established in | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Inflight Manadalay Air | The Golden Flight * * See andDo: See

unfinished pagoda to agiant home to Mingun, theAyeyarwady River Cross city of themodern establishment Buddha reputedly prophesied the the years ago than2000 more Hill, where Walk upMandalay Yangon stalls sellingsnacksandfreshfood. Chinatown districtcomesalivewithitsstreetbazaarsandnight are famous for their rubies, sapphires and jade. At night, the many shops in Bogyoke Market and its many jewellery stores hunt outexoticartsandcrafts.Ofparticularinterestarethe while atstreet-levelYangon isaparadiseforthosewantingto magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda dominates the city skyline, lakes andgraciousturn-of-the-centuryarchitecture.The colonial charmandfeatureswide,tree-linedavenues,tranquil The commercialcentreofMyanmar, Yangon stillmaintainsits

* * andDo: See

and jewellery gems outletfor precious premier inBogyoke Market,Shop thecity’s atnight golden stupa thatglows (330 foot) Pagoda, the99-metre-tall aroundWander Shwedagon Mandalay silks areaspecialityoftheregion. fertile valleysandforestedmountaintops,theirhand-woven above thewater. Colourfulhilltribesinhabitthesurrounding environment, wholevillagessitonfloatingislandsperched floating marketsandprolificbirdlife.Inthisuniquewetland fishermen whorowtheirboatsusinglegs,aswellthe (2900 feet) above sea level. It is famous for the local Intha natural beauty and the lake itself sits a pleasant 870 metres cool greenhighlandsofShanState,itisanareaincredible feels worldsapartfromtherestofMyanmar. Locatedinthe So near, yetsofar. InleLakeisjustashortflight Yangon butit * * andDo: See

Bagan inthearea ofnightlife centre outon Eat “Restaurant Road”, the plain dot theBagan that temples thousands ofancient Take around the cart apony Bagan isalsothecentreofMyanmar‘slacquerwareindustry. apart fromspectacularsunsetviewsandserenerivercruises, temples dotthelandscapeasfareyecansee.Today, kingdom, Bagansitsonadustyplainandthousandsofancient Myanmar fornearly1000years.Oncethecentreofaglorious not theworld–magicofBaganhasbroughtvisitorsto One of the most remarkable archaeological sights in Asia – if See andDo: See * *

Pagoda stupasofIndein cracked and theancient Explore handicrafts sell local traditional dress colourful in groups where ethnic markets, Peruse thefloating

| Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Inflight Manadalay Air | The Golden Flight Heho (Inle Lake) (Inle Heho 61 air mandalay destinations Tachileik Known as the gateway to the Golden Triangle, Tachileik was once notorious for its proximity to the drug trade but now is better known for its markets and shopping. Situated across the river from Mae Sai, Tachileik sees plenty of Thai visitors looking to pick up a bargain amongst the thousands of stalls See and Do: of Chinese-made goods. The city is also close to the Mekong * Laze on the beach, or sip cocktails River and the border with Laos. at your hotel bar as the sun sets over the water * Visit nearby fishing villages in the early morning to see locals unload their catch See and Do: * Shop in the sprawling markets, which attract hundreds of Thai visitors each day

Famous for its miles of picture-perfect sandy beaches, brilliant turquoise water and swaying coconut palms, Ngapali is Myanmar’s premier beach destination. Intimate resorts offer visitors the chance to swim, sail, kayak and feast on fresh seafood by candlelight as the sun sinks lazily into the Bay of Bengal. Ngapali is the perfect place to unwind and savour those few precious weeks in Myanmar. Thandwe Kyaing Tong is situated in the easternmost part of Shan State, (Ngapali Beach) about halfway between the Chinese and Thai borders. A picturesque city in itself with a vibe unlike almost anywhere else in Myanmar, the area is home to many ethnic minority groups who live in the surrounding hills, including the Wa, Akha, Anh, Akhu and Lahu. The morning market in the centre Sittwe The Rakhine State capital Sittwe is the gateway to the ancient of town features a colourful mixture of ethnic groups selling city of Mrauk Oo, the former centre of a flourishing Rakhine locally grown produce. empire. Mrauk Oo reached its peak in the 15th century and Kyaing Tong today has a completely different atmosphere to Myanmar’s other ancient sites. It also gets far less tourists and is often touted as an interesting alternative to Bagan. Be one of the first See and Do: to discover these ancient temples, which are accessible from * Eat a bowl of traditional Shan- Sittwe by a picturesque boat ride up the surging Kaladan River. style noodles in the morning market (Mrauk Oo) * Hire a guide and head out into the countryside to explore the local hill tribe villages

See and Do: * Admire Shittaung Pagoda, whose name literally means “Shrine of the 80,000 Images” * Continue further up the Lemro River to Chin villages, home to women with tattooed faces

62 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 63 air mandalay destinations Kawthaung, in southern Tanintharyi Region, sits at the mouth of Pagyan River near Kawthaung Cape, which, formerly known as Victoria Point, is the southernmost tip of Myanmar. Dawei, which the British called Tavoy, is about 30 miles (48km) from the mouth of the Dawei River on the coast of Tanintharyi Opposite the Thai city of Ranong, the town is an important border (Tenessarim) Division. It is one of the oldest ports in Myanmar crossing point, and is known for local products such as seafood, and was mentioned by the merchant traveller Ralph Fitch, who palm oil and rubber. The world’s largest pearl was discovered in the Makha lauk pearl oyster exploration area on an island

Dawei in 1583 became the first Englishman to set foot on Myanmar

soil. Dawei is a prosperous town, with many of the richest Kawthaung of Kawthoung. The area around the town offers other natural families owning fleets of fishing vessels or rubber plantations. wonders, including unspoiled beaches and superb views of As is usual with the typical and conservative Myanmar use nearby islands in the Myeik Archipelago. Bucolic fishing villages of wealth, it is not apparent to the casual eye. It is a quiet, can also be explored just a short drive from Kawthoung. peaceful little town, proud of famous as “Moung Ma Kan” beach.

See and Do: See and Do: • Make the short journey west t o • Wander the city’s bustling water front area, just pristine Maungmakan beach, across the Pagyan River from Ranong in Thailand where few foreign tourists venture • Head a few miles north to visit fishing • Wander the no-longer sleepy streets villages, a hilltop pagoda and undeveloped beaches of the Tanintharyi Region capital, which is set to be transformed in coming years by a nearby Special Economic Zone

Myeik (Mergui) is between the sea and low hills with pagodas, Myeik monasteries and government buildings. It is a busy port town and a centre for the fishing, pearl, rice, preserved and dried fish, birds’ nests and rubber industries. There is a flourishing cultured pearl industry but for centuries Myeik natural pearls have been on par with rubies in value and attraction, much sought after by the Myanmar royalty and the aristocracy. These natural pearls were harvested by the Salon or Moken people, who are sometimes referred to as sea gypsies.

See and Do: • Try the local cuisine, particularly the fresh seafood and short wheat noddles known as kat gyi kai • Start your journey into the nearby Myeik Archipelogo, a stunning collection of several hundred mostly uninhabitted islands.

64 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 65 air mandalay offices

YANGON Head Office: No. 34, Shwe Taung Gone Avenue, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Route Map Putao Tel: +95-1 525 488, 501 520 Fax: +95-1 532 275 (reservations) E-mail: [email protected] (general inquiries) [email protected] (flight reservations) [email protected] (sales & marketing inquiries) INDIA [email protected] (ticketing inquiries) Website: www.airmandalay.com Myitkyina

Yangon Airport Traffic: Tel : +95-1 652 754, 533 223, 533 222 Mobile : +95-9 73152853, 43109668 Bamaw Fax : +95-1 533 223 Supply & Store : +95-1 666 930 Cabin Crew Department : +95-1 533 255 Flight Operations : +95-1 652 753, 731 52854 CHINA Kalay MANDALAY Room (1), SY Building, Ground Floor, 78th Street between 29th & 30th Streets BANG- Chan Aye Thar San Township, Mandalay, Myanmar Tel : +95-2 61513, 64554, 68061, 68062 LADESH Mobile : +95-9 73151698 Fax : +95-2 68061 MANDALAY Email : [email protected] Taung Taman Lake Mandalay International Airport - Tada Oo Township , Mandalay Division. Mandalay Airport Traffic: +95-2 27051 and +95-9 43132590 Fax: +95-2 27064 BAGAN KYAING TONG NYAUNG U Main Road, Ywarthit Quarter, Nyaung Oo, Bagan, Myanmar. Mrauk Oo (BAGAN) Tel : +95-61 60774 Mobile : +95-9 2042693 HEHO TACHILEIK Inle Lake LAOS HEHO No 27, Min Road, Middle 2 Quarter, Heho, Myanmar. SITTWAY Tel/Fax : +95-81 63059 Airport Traffic: Tel : +95-81 63066 Mobile : +95-9 43173537 NAYPYITAW TAUNGGYI No. 112, Thiri Mingalar Building (Ground Floor),Bo Gyoke Aung San Road, Myoma Yat, Taunggyi, Southern Shan State, Myanmar. Chiang Mai Tel/Fax : +95-81 (21) 21330 Mobile : +95-9 43180908 THANDWE Ngapali TACHILEIK No.1/ 155 (kha), Sam Sai (kha) Ward, Bogyoke Aung San Street, Tachileik, Myanmar. Mobile: +95-9 41006747 H/P: +66-08 5615 6282 Email : [email protected] BAY OF BENGAL

THANDWE No.14, Min Tae Street, Junction Ngapali, Thandwe, Myanmar. (NGAPALI) Tel/Fax : +95-43 42404, 42308 YANGON SITTWAY U Ta - 102, U Oak Ta Ma Road, Kyaung Tat Lan Ward, Sittway, Myanmar. THAILAND Tel : +95-43 21638, 24089 Fax : +95-43 24089 Mobile : +95-9 5680606, 5101194, 5680161

DAWEI Mi Thar Su Store, No. 131, Zay Taung Phet Street, Zayit Block, Dawei, Myanmar. Tel: +95-59 21282, 22082, 22282 Fax: +95-59 23282 Mobile : +95-9 8740400, 8752152 Email: [email protected]

MYEIK No. 23, Ba Ho Road, Myit Nge Block, Myeik, Myanmar. Mobile: 09 422196079 DAWEI

KAWTHAUNG No 215, Bogyoke Road, Bayintnaung Quarter, Kawthoung, Myanmar. Tel: +95-59 51937,51246 Fax: +95-59 51937 Mobile : +95-9 49892117, 41005428

MYEIK

MYEIK ARCHIPELAGO GULF OF THAILAND

KAWTHAUNG

66 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 67 travel tips

Declaration The Required Terms and Conditions for VISA ON ARRIVAL As a traveller you are required to go The applicant shall the same passport be granted a visa through Customs formalities and fill up 1. Have a valid passport not expiring for free of charge; be able to produce the Passenger’s Declaration Form (P.D at least six months from the date of the evidence of parent-children form). entry into Myanmar. relationship if the children are holding Misinformation or false declarations may 2. Bring two recent (4cm x 6cm) colour a separate passport. result in delays and heavy penalties. photos taken within the past six 13. Not be allowed to travel to restricted You may bring in as much foreign currency months. areas of the country without seeking as you wish. Foreign visitors bringing 3. Have a letter of invitation from the prior permission. in foreign currency over US$10,000 or sponsoring company if he or she 14. Report to the office of the its equivalent have to fill up the Foreign is entering for an event or business township Immigration and National Exchange Declaration Form (FED Form). study. (Stay cannot be extended.) Registration Department concerned Duty Free Allowances 4. Be required to produce copies of at which he stays within Myanmar company registration/business mentioning the address of hotels, • Personal effects in actual use licence/evidence of permission to motels, guesthouses, factories and by the passenger do business issued by the relevant workshops legally permitted as well • 400 cigarettes ministries if he or she is working in as human dwellings. • 2 liters of liquor Myanmar. 15. Depart to the country from which he • 250 gm of tobacco 5. State the full name of the factory or has travelled from by the arrangement • 100 cigars business, location, the sponsor and of the airline he or she is using if he or • 0.5 liter of perfume the position he holds if he is doing she is denied entry. business with a business visa. 16. Abide by the decision of the On Arrival Import Prohibitions 6. Apply for an extension of the visa with Visa Scrutiny and Issuing Team. • Counterfeit coins and currencies the recommendation of the ministries 17. Apply for Visa On Arrival at Airport • Pornographic articles concerned in accordance with the Immigration Section obtaining the • All kinds of narcotic drugs and existing procedures if he or she is application form either from the airlines psychotropic substances doing business with a business visa. in Myanmar or the following website: • Playing cards 7. Produce a letter of invitation issued by www.mip.gov.mm of the Ministry of • Goods bearing the imprint or the ministries concerned if he is going Immigration and Population. reproduction of the flag of the Union of to attend meetings, workshops, event Myanmar or ceremonies. Myanmar Visa On Arrival • Goods bearing the emblem of Buddha 8. Not be allowed to engage in any sort Type of Visa, Fees and Duration or pagodas of Myanmar of work with or without charges apart • Toy guns and remote-controlled toys from the professions mentioned in the Types of Visa Fees Duration visa application form. BUSINESS VISA US$ 50 70 days 9. Produce air ticket to the destination if he is applying for a transit visa. ENTRY VISA US$ 40 28 days 10.Stay at hotels, motels and guesthouses holding legal licenses issued by the (Meeting/ Workshop/ Events) Myanmar government, or legally TRANSIT VISA US$ 20 24 hours permitted factories, workshops or human dwellings; and mention the exact address he or she will stay at Yangon International Airport for the duration of their visit. Permitted list of countries (26 countries) 11. Promise to strictly abide by the Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, existing laws, rules, procedures, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, China, Denmark, France, orders and directives issued by the Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Myanmar government. Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States of 12. Be allowed to have children under America. seven years of age who are listed on

68 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 69 passenger sales agents

overseas agents

PSA in Germany PSA in Hong Kong Antares International Gmbh Travel & Trading Rover Travel Services Grosse Bleichen 16, D20354, Hamburg, Germany Room M206, 14/F, Haleson Building Tel: (+49.40) 3571 5668 Fax: (+49.40) 352 399 No.1, Jubilee Street, Central, Hong Kong Email: [email protected] Tel: (+85.2) 28 45 45 45 Fax: (+85.2) 28 68 58 24 Email: [email protected] [email protected]

PSA in Singapore PSA online booking and payment Yadanar Travel Pte Ltd VISITMM 111 North Bridge Road 5G Moe Kaung Road, Mya Kan Thar Garden Homes #01-25A, Peninsular Plaza Hlaing, Yangon, Myanmar Singapore 179098 Tel: (+95.9) 732-56-338, (+95-9)420-166-252, Tel: 63349353 Fax: 63387018 1-855-95-VISIT, +1-510-972-8762 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.VisitMM.com

local agents

Asian Trails Ltd. Asia Holidays Excellent Holidays Travels Co., Ltd. No. 73, Pyay Road, Dagon Township, Yan- No (36-38)A, 1st Floor, Myay Nu Street, No.66, Ground Floor, 16th Street gon, Myanmar Sanchaung Township,Yangon, Myanmar. Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar Tel: (+95.1) 211 212, 223 262, 211 622 Tel: (+95.1) 705742, (+95-9) 255772489 Tel: (+95.1)218121 Fax: (+95.1) 211670 Fax: (+95.9) 255772490 Fax: (+95.1) 220 354 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.myanmar-travel.com [email protected] [email protected] www.asiantrails.info Website: www.phoenixvoyages.com Bandoola Tours & Travels Ltd. Adventure Myanmar Tours & Incentives Ayarwaddy Legend Travels & Tours No. 1st Fl., 77, Shwebonthar Street No. 27, Inya Myaing Road, Bahan Township, Co.,Ltd Pabedan Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Yangon, Myanmar No.104, 37th Street, Lower Block, Tel: (+95.1) 253 601, 245 327 Ext: 112 Tel: (+95.1) 502 901 to 5 Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar Fax: (+95.1) 248 174 Fax: (+95.1) 502 906, 505 103 Tel: (+95.1) 252007~8, 250909, Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 398303~4, 4411484 [email protected] Website www.adventuremyanmar.com Fax: (+95.1) 252007 Email: [email protected] Caravan Travels & Tours May Flower Travels & Tours Co., Ltd Website: www.ayarwaddylegend.com No. 14, Min Tae Street, Junction of Ngapali No.240, Pansodan Street (Upper Block) & Airport Road Kyautada Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Exotissimo Travel Co., Ltd. Ngapali, Thandwe, Myanmar Tel: (+95.1) 377495~9 No. 147, Shwegondaing Street, Tel: 043-44044, 043-44111 Fax: (+95-1) 250117 Bahan Township,Yangon, Myanmar. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: (+95-1) 8604933,34,35,36,37,38,39,40, 41, 8603271, 558215 Columbus Travels & Tours All Asia Exclusive Travel Co., Ltd Fax: (+95-1) 8604932 No. 586, Strand Road, Corner of 7th Street No. 232 , Gant Gaw Myaing Street 2 Email: [email protected] Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar 23 rd Quarter, Thuwunna [email protected] Tel: (+95.1) 229 245, 216 245(Hunt Line) Thingangyung Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Website: http://traveltrade.exotissimo.com Fax: (+95.1) 222 790, 229246 Tel / Fax : (+95.1) 571 393, 569 658 www.exofoundation.com Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.travelmyanmar.com

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 71 passenger sales agents

local agents

Diethelm Travel Myanmar Exotic Myanmar Travels & Tours Orchestra Travel Ltd. Road to Mandalay Tour Mandalay Co., Ltd. Rome Travel & Tours Co., Ltd. 412, Merchant Street (Corner of 45th Street) #255, Room No-1502, 15th Floor No.201, Bo Myat Htun Road Myanmar Hotels & Cruises Limited Rm. 02/03 , 2nd Floor, Pearl Condominium 1 No. 52, 78th Street between 34 & 35, Chan Botathaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Olympic Tower, Bo Aung Kyaw Street Botahtaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar. 39-C Taw Win Road, The Governor’s Resi- Pearl Centre, Bahan Township, Yangon, Aye Thar Zan Township, Tel: +95 (1) 373 937, 376 801~4, 86 10 458 Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar Tel: (+95.1) 294 612, 200 883, 201 271 dence, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar Mandalay, Myanmar. - 460, 20 37 51 - 53 Tel: (+95.1) 386539, 398 429, 392 778 Fax: (95.1) 201 115 Tel: (+95.1) 217 361, 229 864 Tel: (+95.1) 540 475, 541 428, 543 801 Tel: (+95.2) 66880 Fax +(95 1) 373 940, 376 805 Fax: (+95-1) 392886 Email: [email protected] Fax: (+95.1) 217 361 Fax: (+95.1) 541 098, 548 014 Mobile:(+95.9) 91039018, 200 5850 , 201 Emails: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 6561 [email protected] [email protected] Website:www.roadtomandalay.net [email protected] [email protected] http://www.exoticmyanmartravels.com Lovely Land Asia Travels & Tours www.rometravelsmyanmar.com EPG Travel Co., Ltd. www.myanmarvisaservice.com No. 5, Ground Floor, Artharwaddy Street, Shan Yoma Travels & Tours Co., Ltd Vasali Co.Ltd No. 5, Nawaday Street, Room 601 Ahlone Township, Yangon, Myanmar No. 124/126, 50th Street U Ta - 102, U Oak Ta Ma Road , Kyaung Tat Win Travel Agency Grand Nawaday Condominium Fully Light Travels & Tours Tel: (+95.9) 73114346, 49392165 Pazundaung Township Lan, Sittwe, Myanmar Room No. 1, Kan Thar Qtr, Yone Gyi Road, Yangon , Myanmar No.262/264, Rm. B-401, 4th Flr, Dagon E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (+95.1) 295 510, 204 152 Tel: (+95.43) 21638 ,24089 Nyaung Shwe ( Inle Lake ), Myanmar. Tel (+95.1) 255 723-4 Center, Bagarya Road, [email protected] Fax: (+95.1) 299 389 Mobile:(+95.9) 568 0606 , 510 1194 Tel&Fax: (95-81-209920) Fax:(+95.1) 255 725 Myaynigone, Sanchaung Township, Yangon, Email: [email protected] Mobile:+95.9 521 1546, 4283 15079 E mail: [email protected] Myanmar. Mandalay Holidays Travels & Tours Seven Diamond Express Travels Co., Email: [email protected] Website: www.epgtravel.com Tel: (+95.1) 503 815, 516 932, 516 964 No 393-2C, Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Odyssey Travels & Tours Co., Ltd. Ltd. Fax: (95.1) 503815 Kyauktadar Township , Yangon , Myanmar No 221 / 223 ( Ground Floor ), Bo Aung No. 93, Thein Phyu Road (Lower Block) Frontiir Company Limited(Visit MM Trav- Eagle Tours Co.,Ltd Email: [email protected] Tel (+95.1) 377 332, 377 333 Kyaw Street, Kyaut Tada Township, Yangon, Botahtaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar els) 705, 7th Floor, Yuzana Tower Website: www.fullylight.com Fax:(+95.1) 377 303 Myanmar Tel: (+95.1) 203 398, 392 974, 392 975, No.5G,Mya Kan Thar Garden Housing, Moe Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar Email: [email protected] Tel: (+95.1) 240 545 , 373 199, 392 976 Kaung Road, Hlaing Township, Yangon, Tel: (+95.1) 558243, 558276, 705910 Gulf Travels & Tours [email protected] (+95.9) 73187799,73197799 Fax: (+95.1) 203549 Myanmar. Fax: (+95.1) 545895 No. 69, Sulae Pagoda Road, Near Centre Website: www.mandalayholidays.com, www. Fax: (95.1) 240 545 Email: [email protected] Tel: (+95‐9) 732 56 338, 420 166 252, Email: [email protected] Point Tower, Kyauktada Township, Yangon, roadtomyanmar.com E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] 01‐855 95 [email protected] Myanmar Website: www.odysseymyanmar.com Website: www.sevendiamondtravel.com Email: [email protected] Tel: (+95.1) 383 468, 249 187, 374 316 Mya Travels & Tours www.myanmartravelinformation.com [email protected] Htoo Travels Co., Ltd. Fax: (+95.1) 374 316, 386 687 No. 93, 32nd Street, Pabedan Township Oake Khaung Travels & Tours Co., Ltd. Website: www.visitMM.com No.209C, 1st Fl.,Shwegondine Road, Email: [email protected] Tel (+95.1) 384 299, 371 668, 254 463, No.W-1, Gyo Phyu Street Sun Far Travel Co., Ltd. Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar [email protected] (+95.9) 5004626 West Aung San Stadium No.25,27, 29, 31 Ground Floor, 38th Street Amazing Holiday Travel & Tours Tel: (+95.1) 548 554, 548 039, 558 416, 557 Website: http://www.gulftravelsmyanmar.com Fax:(+95.1) 254 463 Mingalartaungnyunt Township, Yangon, Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar Bo Myat Tun Condo, Room No. 06‐04 to 890, 73012788 Email: [email protected] Myanmar. Tel: (+95.1) 243 992-3, 380 888 06‐06,6th Floor, Corner of Mahabandoola St Fax: (+95.1) 548 039 Nature Dream Travels & Tours Co., Ltd. Tel: (+95.1) 383968, 252953, 707093, Fax: (+95.1) 254 599, 246 318 & Bo Myat Tun St, Botahtaung Tsp,Yangon Email: [email protected], No.116 (3B), Bogalayzay Street, Myanmar Polestar Travels & Tours 725858 Email: [email protected] Myanmar [email protected], Botahtaung Township, Yangon , Myanmar Rm No.508, 5th Fl, La Pyayt Wun Plaza Fax: (95.1) 383968 Website: www.sunfar.travel Tel: (+95.1) 203500, 203503, 203565 [email protected] Tel: (+95.1) 392239, 296722, 398524, No-37 Alanpya Pagoda Road, Dagon Town- Email: [email protected] Fax: (+95.1) 203566 373912,378144,378145 ship, Yangon, Myanmar. Website: http://www.okmyanmartravels.com Exploration Travels & Tours Co. Ltd. E‐mail: gm.ho@amazing‐hotel.com Indochina Services Travel Ltd Fax: (+95.1) 392239 Tel: (+95.1) 382530, 255638, 393190 (Khiri Travel) Website: www.amazing-hotel.com No 11 (A), Maharmyaing Street, Mobile : +95 9 512 2540 , 09 519 5502 Fax: (+95.1) 382530 Oway Company Limited No.170, Mahabandoola Garden Street Sanchaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar E-mail: [email protected], Email: [email protected] Building 6, 2nd floor Junction Square (2nd floor), Kyauktada Township Yangon Thagyan Moe Travel & Tours Tel: (+95.1) 511 701, 511 658, 523 167 [email protected] [email protected] Compound Myanmar No. 98,Ground Floor, 37th Street (Lower Fax: (+95.1) 504 917 Website: http://www.naturedreamtravel.com Website: www.myanmarpolestar.com Pyay Road, Kamayut, Yangon. T/F +95 1 249 171 or +95 9 7313 4924 Block) , Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon, Myanmar. E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (+95.9)420011402, 01-2304201~02, Email : [email protected], [email protected] Tel/ Fax: (+951)377696 Website: www.icstravelgroup.com Nice Fare Travel Co., Ltd Pale Eikari Travels & Tours 01-505977 Website: www.khiri.com HP: (+959)73026508, (+959)73085081 No.5, Aung San Stadium, Near City Mart, Mi Thar Su Stores, No. 131, Zay Taung Phet Fax : (+95.1)505977 E‐mail: [email protected] Khiri Travel Myanmar Joephyu Road, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp., Street, Zayit Block, Dawei, Myanmar. Website : www.oway.com.mm Mergui Sakura Travels & Tours Co., Ltd. Website: www.myanmartourismtgm.com 5/9 Bogalay Zay Street (lower block) – first Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (+95.59) 21282, 22082, 22282 and No.9, Kanphyar Road, Kanphyar Quarter, floor (behind Myanmar Red Cross building) Tel: (+95.1) 393 049, 374 922, 374 933 (+95.9) 8740400, 8752152 Sun Flower Travels & Tours Co., Ltd. Myeik, Tanintharyi Region, Myanmar. Botathaung Township – Yangon – Myanmar Fax: (+95.1) 393 048 Fax: (+95.59) 21182 Room 102, Building D-1, Delta Plaza Tel: (+95.59) 42747 Tel: +95 (0)9-7313 4924 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Shwegondaing Road, Bahan Fax:(+95.59) 42747 Fax: +95 (0)1-375 433 Website: http://www.nicefare.net Township,Yangon, Myanmar. Mobile:+95.9 498 72593, 495 9552 Email: [email protected] Tel : (+95.1) 559511,552794 Email: [email protected] www.khiri.com Mobile : +95.9 500 3544, 500 5051 Email: [email protected]

72 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 73 useful numbers

Emergency Airlines Police 199 Air Mandalay(6T) 501520,525488 (Fax: 525937) Police Headquarter, Yangon 282541/284764 Air Asia 252885, 251886 Fire 191/192 Aeroflot 294006 (Fax: 245092) Ambulance (Red Cross, Yangon) 295133 Air China (CA) 500054 (Fax: 505023 Yangon General Hospital (Emergency) 682368/683225 Air France (AF) 255430 (Fax: 255303) Traffic Investigation 286863-4/256112-31 All Nippon Airways (NH) 255412 Customs 201779 Asiana Airlines (OS) 371382 (Fax: 549872) Immigration 2864/651113 Bangkok Airways (PG) (02) 2670873) Biman Bangaldesh (BG) 240922/242997 Information China Airlines (0) 245484 (Fax: 246330) Tourist Information 282075 China Southern Airlines 256355 Ext: 3555 Tourist Information (Airport) 662652 Druk Airlines (KB) 524904 (Fax: 525948) Ministry of Hotels & Tourism 254098/282075 Eva Airways (BR) 298001 (Fax: 296272) Indian Airlines (IC) 253598 (Fax: 248175) Embassies Japan JAL Airlines (JL) 243030 Ext: 101 Australia 251809(Fax: 246159) Korean Air (KE) 667410 (Fax: 662355) People’s Republic of Bangladesh 526144(Fax: 515273) Mandarin Airlines (AE) 245484 (Fax: 246330) Brunei Darussalam 526985(Fax: 512854) Malaysia Airlines (MH) 241007 Ext: 703/704 Cambodia 549609(Fax: 541462) Myanmar Airways Int’l(8M) 255260 (Fax: 255305) People’s Republic of China 221280-81 (Fax: 227019) Royal Brunei Airlines (BI) 243024 Arab Republic of Egypt 222886 (Fax: 222865) Silk Air (MI) 1 Singapore Airlines (SQ) 255287-289 (Fax: 255290) France 212523 (Fax: 212527) Thai Airways International (TG) 255499 Fax: 255490 Germany 548951 (Fax: 548899) Vietnam Airline 255066, 255088 Republic of Indonesia 254465 (Fax: 254468) India 243~72 (Fax: 388414) Railway Israel 515115 (Fax: 512116) Enquires 274024/274027 Italy 527100 (Fax: 514565) Dagon-Mandalay 249024 Japan 549644-8 (Fax: 549643) Malikha-Mandalay (02) 21385 Republic of Korea 527142-44 (Fax: 513286) Laos People’s Democratic Republic 222482 (Fax: 227446) NGO Malaysia 220248 (Fax: 221840) Acted 500171 Royal Nepalese 545880 (Fax: 549803) Association Francois-Xavier 536559, 504610 Islamic Republic of Pakistan 222881 (Fax: 221147) Bagnoud (AFXB) Philippines 558149-151(Fax: 558154) Aide Medicale International (AMI) 525246; 526487, 535861 Republic of Singapore 559001 (Fax: 559921) Japaness Organization for Intl Cooperation 378863, 380899, 388097, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 222812 (Fax: 221509) In Family Planning (JOICEFP) 394141 Ext: 105 Russian Federation 241955 (Fax: 241953) Myanmar Anti-Narcotics Association (MANA) 502893, 502892 Royal Thai 226721 (Fax: 221713) Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) 392028, 09 8553292 United Kingdom 256438 (Fax: 380321) Marie Slops International (MSI) 544423, 705657, 4412409 United States of America 536509 (Fax: 650306) Population Services International (PSI) 375880, 375855-6, 375878 Socialist Republic of Vietnam 548905 (Fax: 945302) Relief International (RI) 662965 Federal Republic of Yugoslavia 536655 Save the Children Myanmar (SC) 375791, 375801, 375739

Directories Highway Bus Enquiry 100 Elite 09 73553553, 73074539 Booking (inland) 101 Man Shwe Pyi 254483~4 Booking (Overseas) 131/667444/657555 Shwe Zin Sett Kyar 637212, 0973105000 Complaint 102 Myat Mandalar Tun 09 2050915~6 Cellular, enquiry & complaints 282788/665942/282788 New Mandalar Tun 385096 Telegraphs, enquiry & complaints 273579 Shwe Mandalar 701615, 09 73017781 Telex (international) booking 274195 Shwe 249672, 381472 Telex complaints 280431 Thet Lan 393045, 255557

74 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine