The GOLDEN FLIGHT

New era dawns at Yangon University Life on the river A day trip to Mingun

The last lament of Beikthano’s queen

NOVEMBER 2013

contents 12

Features 8 The sky is no limit 12 Life on the river: a day trip to Mingun 22 New era dawns at Yangon University 30 The last lament of Beikthano’s queen 36 A jade oasis at Ngapali 42 City Mart tackles social issues with love and hope 46 Padonmar: Upscale Myanmar dining 52 Feel the Myanmar flavour 62 Your horoscope

Regulars 66 Destinations 72 Offices 73 Route map 30 74 Travel tips 77 Passenger sales agents 80 Useful numbers The Golden Flight - Air Mandalay Inflight Magazine | November 2013

22 36

management Chief Executive Officer Kyaw Kyaw

Executive Officer 46 Ko Ko Maung editorial Editor Thomas Kean

Advertising Thinn Sanda Thuzar Win Naung

Publishing License Than Thar Htoo

Photographers Thomas Kean, Aye Zaw, MST

Design & Layout Prodigy

Printing Shwe Zin Printing (0368)

Distribution Air Mandalay

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means including electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

42 AIR MANDALAY LIMITED No. 34, Shwe Taung Gone Avenue, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: +95-1 525 488, 501 520 Fax: +95-1 525 937 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.airmandalay.com mingalabar! About Us Air Mandalay Limited is a joint venture company that was incorporated on 6th October 1994 to operate as Myanmar’s first joint venture airline and support the country’s tourism industry.

The airline, based in Yangon, has since established itself as a domestic carrier of high standards which operates to all of Myanmar’s main tourist destinations and commercial hubs.

The airline also offers air charter services to destinations both within the country and in the region.

In September 2010 Air Mandalay added one ATR-72 to its fleet and refurbished its existing aircraft. To reflect this step forward for the company the aircraft livery was also updated to a more modern design.

Due to the growth of tourism and economic development in Myanmar, air transportation has become an important contributor to both the country’s economic growth and its infrastructure development.

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.

Corporate Identity Air Mandalay’s logo depicts the mythological royal Hintha bird, which symbolises loyalty, respect for traditional values, stability, good luck and prosperity.

The colours in our logo are also significant. Yellow represents the numerous golden pagodas found throughout Myanmar, which is often called the Golden Land. Burgundy signifies the colour of our commitment to provide safe, reliable and comfortable flights for our passengers.

6 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Corporate Profile

Our Fleet Our Crew Air Mandalay’s modern fleet currently In selecting and training our multilingual cabin crew, comprises two ATR-72-212s and one ATR we aim to provide high levels of service consistent with 42-320, which are all made by EADS of Myanmar’s gentle traditions. Our pilots are trained at 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 engines. Air Mandalay’s fleet is maintained & Whitney facilities to ensure the ATR aircraft operated by a maintenance organization which is by Air Mandalay are always well maintained. approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). All aircraft in Air Mandalay’s fleet and the maintenance facility are inspected once a year by the Direction Generale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC) of France.

Air Mandalay’s Aircraft Maintenance Organisation has European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 145 approval.

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 7 The sky is no limit

ith a landmass of 676,577 by Lord Marland,” says Khaing Tun, Senior sq km, Myanmar is one of Trade & Investment Manager at UKTI. “It WSoutheast Asia’s largest was necessary for us to charter a return countries – second only to Indonesia. flight between Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw as Limited road and rail networks mean we were working on a rather challenging that air transportation is fundamental schedule. We selected Air Mandalay for a to both tourism and business. In fact number of reasons but most importantly it has become an increasingly critical because their safety record was in contributor to the nation’s economic accordance with UN guidelines. growth as it continues to develop at a striking speed. With its head office in As Adam Htoon, Group CEO responsible Yangon, Air Mandalay is one of a handful for ensuring the airline’s success of local airlines operating in Myanmar. explains, “Our mission is, and has It has routes connecting travellers with always been, to ensure that we provide main tourist destinations and commercial quality service and safety which meet hubs. Having established a good international standards.” reputation as a carrier of high standards, Air Mandalay is often the airline of choice Testament to this is the fact that Air for visiting dignitaries and business Mandalay’s pilots are trained at ATR delegations, with its planes being facilities and undergo re-currency chartered by top international officials. training every six months. In addition the aircraft engineers at the facility in “After an absence of 16 years, UK Trade Yangon (which has European Aviation & Investment Myanmar (UKTI) officially Safety Agency (EASA) part 145 approval) opened on 11 July 2012, coinciding with are trained at both ATR and Pratt & the arrival the first British trade mission led Whitney facilities to ensure the ATR aircraft operated by Air Mandalay are always well maintained to the European “In our experience everyone at Air Mandalay JAR 145 Standard. AlI this might sound perfectly routine to UK ears but it bucks was very professional, both their ground the trend in a country hat has had a critical lack of exposure to international and on-board services were exceptional. business practices. Therefore the delivery of such high standards is no Moreover they were flexible in order to meet small feat and one that Air Mandalay has the clients’ needs, while at the same time be achieving for 18 years – since they were incorporated as Myanmar’s first offering a very reasonable price. It is for privately owned airline with a remit to these reasons that we would not hesitate to support the country’s tourism industry. recommend Air Mandalay to any businesses At every level, a commitment to exemplary service is an innate part of the or companies looking to expand their company’s corporate culture. Khaing Tun continues, “In our experience everyone operations in Myanmar.” at Air Mandalay was very professional

8 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine both their ground and on-board services the tourism industry is the first to see were exceptional. Moreover they were the transformation and feel the impact. flexible in order to meet the clients’ I hope that existing service providers needs, while at the same time offering will improve and expand to meet the a very reasonable price. It is for these increasing demands.” reasons that we would not hesitate He emphasises this saying, “Equally, to recommend Air Mandalay to any I’d like to see new players in the travel businesses or companies looking to and tourism industry. The market has expand their operations in Myanmar. not been fully saturated and having competition helps companies upgrade Retaining a strong position will be vital their services and standards.” He may going forward, since the industry is likely not have to wait too long for this to to become increasingly competitive and become a reality but remains confident complex as the tourism sector heats up. of Air Mandalay’s standing and that even Htoon’s mood is buoyant. “Myanmar’s broader horizons are ahead. business landscape is now opening up to new investments and business “Our long-term plan is to become a ventures. The market has in no way boutique regional airline,” indicates reached full capacity and the country Htoon. For now though his focus is on is abundant with natural and human the GoIden Land and on making other resources. We also enjoy a strategic countries aware of what it has to offer, geographical location. Of course “Whether you have only heard about infrastructure such as transportation, Myanmar or have been here before, electricity and telecommunications please come and see the new Myanmar. are still largely underdeveloped in the The changes should be experienced in country but all this is about to change person as written words can only say so very soon. Things are happening at a much. Seeing is believing.” fast pace and I am optimistic about how they are developing. However, we must also keep the environment in mind. At Air Mandalay we believe in limiting our impact wherever possible by implementing policies that can reduce our carbon footprint and by taking a responsible attitude to waste management.”

Besides heading up a private joint venture company in one of the country’s hottest industries, Htoon is also actively involved in the ICT sector and was one of the pioneers in bringing the internet to this once secluded nation. He is therefore in an excellent position to take the pulse of the economy. “With the influx of tourists and business travellers, The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 9 10 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine

Life on the river: A day trip to Mingun By Lann Say Thaw

ingun is in and of itself a worthy destination but getting there is half the attraction and Mprovides a window into life on one of Asia’s most important rivers, the Ayeyarwady.

Little more than a village, Mingun is northwest of Mandalay on the river’s western bank. It can be reached by both car and boat, and each mode of transport offers a different taste for tourists.

12 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Destination

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 13 Boats depart from Mayanchan Jetty on By road, you first head south from the western end of 26th Street and take Mandalay for about 30 minutes and about one hour to reach Mingun, with cross the Yadanarpon Bridge over the K5000 a person the going rate for a seat Ayeyarwady into Sagaing Region. From on a share boat. there, you follow the riverbank north for about 18 kilometres. While the road that runs parallel to the river is known as Strand Road, it’s no For tourists the land route may seem the high-class promenade, and taking the less desirable option of the two. But if boat allows you to see the hardscrabble you ask Mandalay residents which they existence of the labourers who live prefer they will invariably take the road. beside the riverbank. Once you pull At the wheel of a motorbike, the leafy further away from town, you can see trees and winding roads of Sagaing are the riverside villages and later the intoxicating. The road rises and falls communities that live in the middle of the beside the Sagaing hills before flattening river on ever-shrinking islands of sand. out and offering stunning views of the river.

Another attraction is the villages along the route. The Sagaing hills are home While the road that runs parallel to the river to numerous monasteries and the area is known as Strand Road, it’s no high-class is considered a centre of Buddhism in Myanmar. After Sagaing, a village named promenade, and taking the boat allows Khotaung is famous for its traditional snack, the eponymously named you to see the hardscrabble existence of the khotaung monte, or Khotaung noodle salad. The dish is so popular with people labourers who live beside the riverbank. from Mandalay that when in the Sagaing area they will invariably find a reason to

14 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine stop at Khotaung and eat at one of the many roadside shops, which are open from early morning until evening.

About 45 minutes after setting off from Sagaing visitors arrive firstly at Mingun Pahtodawgyi Pagoda, the main attraction in the Mingun area. It is the world’s largest unfinished pagoda and is basically a massive rectangular brick block, about 49 metres high and 72 metres wide.

Mingun Pahtodawgyi was started in 1791 by King Bodawpaya using Rakhine slaves captured during his conquest of the independent Rakhine kingdom just a few years earlier. Historical records say that the king intended the Pahtodawgyi to be more than 150 metres high (by comparison, Shwedagon Pagoda is slightly less than 100 metres). However, construction stalled after a rumour (known as tabaung in Myanmar) spread that the country would be ruined if the pagoda was ever finished. Later, in 1839, the structure was badly damaged by an earthquake and the huge cracks from this are still clear in its exterior.

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 15 Until recently, visitors could walk the more than 170 steps to the top of the Pahtodawgyi and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area from the top: the river and hills running parallel to each other, and a thin strip of inhabited land in between. Today, however, the Department of Archaeology requests visitors not to climb up the pagoda because of concerns over safety. The pagoda, however, remains a spectacular icon of Mingun.

In terms of attractions, a close second to the pagoda can be found just five minutes’ walk away. In a small building is the famous bronze bell cast by King Bodawpaya in 1808 to hang in his never-to-be-finished pagoda. One of the world’s largest ringing bells, it is 3.9 metres high and weighs an auspicious 55,555 viss (a viss is equal to about 1.6 kilograms, so the total weight is about 90 tonnes). This number is known in Myanmar as minn phyu hman hman pyaw, words that represent the number five in Myanmar astronomy and numerology. Unfortunately, the weight failed to save the bell from the 1839 earthquake, which destroyed its

16 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 17 traditional handicrafts that has run Another religious site that should not be missed through successive Myanmar periods.

is Mya Theindan Pagoda, which is better known Another religious site that should not as Hsinbyushin Pagoda. It was built by King be missed is Mya Theindan Pagoda, which is better known as Hsinbyushin Bagyidaw in 1816 and was also damaged in Pagoda. It was built by King Bagyidaw in 1816 and was also damaged in the the earthquake more than two decades later. earthquake more than two decades later. However, King Mindon restored it in 1874 and the craftsmanship on display is of the highest standard. supports. It rested on the ground until 1896 when it was raised, hung on an Amid all the pagodas and monasteries iron beam and placed in its present sits another notable icon of Mingun: building by the Irrawaddy Flotilla the country’s oldest home for the aged. Company. Set on a 3.75 acre compound, it was founded by Phwar Oo Zun in 1915 and The last of King Bodawpaya’s follies is approaching its 100th anniversary. – giant statues of lions – can also still After founding the home, Phwar Oo be seen on the bank of Ayeyarwady, Zun became a nun at the age of 60 and in front of Mingun Pahtodawgyi. These passed away there aged 76 in 1944. statues were also badly destroyed by the earthquake and only their backs remain. The home accepts people over 70 and currently has 65 residents. Its In better condition is the nearby contribution was recently recognised Sattawyar Pagoda, which was built by a by the regional government, which queen named Minkin in the era of King bestowed an award in the name of Bodawpaya. A number of impressive President U Thein Sein on the home and statues inside the pagoda serve as four other civil society organisations in a reminder of the strong tradition of Mandalay Region.

18 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 19 Ask any Myanmar person who Mingun’s shrine on the Sagaing-Mingun road each most famous resident was, and they will August. The festival is known Shwe all give you the same answer: Mingun Kyun Pin Maung Hna Ma, which roughly Sayadaw. The venerable monk was translates to the brother and sister of the inscribed into the Guinness Book of golden teak tree. The festival kicks off World Records in 1985 for an amazing the nat pwe season in Mandalay, and feat of memory that saw him recite is followed by more famous festivals at 16,000 pages of Buddhist canonical text Taungbyone in Madaya township and in Yangon in 1954. Mingun Sayadaw Yadanagu in Amarapura township. died in 1993 at the age of 82 but pictures, paintings and a statue of him Mingun also has shops selling traditional can be seen at a hall built in his honour. souvenirs and even a few small art galleries. Although it covers a small If you’re lucky, you’ll time your visit to area, Mingun offers visitors an insight coincide with the Mingun nat (animist into a range of aspects of Myanmar spirit) festival, which is held at a nat culture that will at the same time leave them with stunning memories of the landscape and man-made icons.

One final attraction is not in Mingun itself, but on an island in the Ayeyarwady River that can be visited either on the way to or back from Mingun. Nandawkyun village is just a few minutes from Mingun and boasts a gigantic lion statue. No prizes for guessing who built it – King Bodawpaya made the island his temporary home when he was overseeing the casting of the Mingun Bell.

20 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 21 New era dawns at Yangon University By Thomas Kean

had been living in Myanmar about a year when my Myanmar language teacher suggested we walk up Ifrom Hledan to Yangon University’s shuttered arts and sciences campus. We were sitting in Mann Myo Daw teashop and he had been regaling me with stories about his time as a student activist in March 1988, at the very start of the unrest that punctuated that tumultuous year. Finishing our cups of tea and wetthar pauksi (roast pork buns), we zigzagged our away through the traffic across Insein and Pyay roads.

In the sweltering heat we walked the few hundred metres to the entrance on University Avenue. The wide, tree-lined avenue known as Adipati Road trailed off in front of us into the leafy compound, its concrete surface punctuated only by a few couples walking in the shade of their umbrellas.

22 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Yangon University

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 23 We stared at each other in shock. What had we done to deserve such a scolding? It was the first time I’d been spoken to like that in Myanmar.

***

Yangon University is held in the highest esteem in Myanmar, and its list of alumni reads like a who’s who of modern Myanmar politics, culture and academia (even if some of its most famous students, like U Ne Win, never graduated). But this history – and the political tendencies of its student body – has not always sat comfortably with those in power. After student protests in 1996 it was shuttered to undergraduates, who have instead been shipped off to a new campus among the paddy fields in North Dagon township or enrolled in distance education courses.

My attempt to visit was just a few months after the 20th anniversary of the 1988 uprising, which went almost completely unmarked inside the country. The main university campus – along with Rangoon University of Technology, where my friend was studying in 1988 – was the launching pad for the unrest Closed to vehicles, there was a small that spread across the country and pedestrian gate to the left side. As we toppled the socialist regime (for an started to walk through, it quickly rapped excellent account of the events of 1988, shut in front of our faces.

“What do you think you are doing? No foreigners allowed in here!” the security guard, who we had not even noticed, yelled at us in Myanmar. He then turned to my friend: “You should know better than that. Get out of here!”

24 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine read Bertil Lintner’s Outrage: Burma’s Struggle for Democracy, which has also recently been published in Myanmar).

But this was far from the first time that Yangon’s students had risen up against the authorities since its establishment in 1878 as a college under the University of Calcutta. Student-led protests against the colonial government were launched in 1920 – the year it was renamed Rangoon University – as well as 1936 and 1938. The former was sparked by the decision to expel a young student named Ko Aung San, who would later go on to lead the independence movement before being tragically assassinated in July 1947, just six months before independence was and cultural icons including author Ludu achieved. Daw Amar and rock singer Zaw Win Htut, are also Yangon University alumni. After then-General Ne Win’s coup in March 1962, protests were launched As famous as these ex-students are, against new rules imposed on the the university itself is just as iconic, not student body and the loss of the only because of its role in the country’s university’s status as an independent political development but also the fact institution. On July 7, 1962, the protests it has been immortalised in so many were quashed and the iconic Student books, movies and songs. Union building dynamited – although precisely who did the deed has never been clear, and U Ne Win always insisted he never gave the order.

Twelve years later, further unrest broke out after the death of former United Nations Secretary General U Thant when students, angry that U Ne Win had refused to grant him a state funeral, snatched the body and kept it inside the university. A six-day deadlock was broken on December 11 when the military stormed the university, retrieved U Thant’s body and killed scores of students.

The former UN chief is probably the most famous of the university’s alumni, along with U Ne Win and Bogyoke (General) Aung San. But many other well-known identities, ranging from ethnic political leaders such as Kachin Independence Organisation chairman Maran Brang Seng and Shan Nationalities League for Democracy chairman U Khun Htun Oo, to noted economists Ronald Findlay and U Myint

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 25 Zawana’s novels from the 1930s, Do The halls are some of the more notable Chaung Tha (We Students) and College buildings that remain on the campus, Chaung Tha (College Students) – and along with Judson Church, named their main character, Ko Thein Pe, who after the Baptist missionary Adoniram enjoyed university life so much he never Judson, the convocation hall and wanted to pass his exams – are credited university library. The university also with inspiring a whole generation to boasts sporting facilities, such as tennis strive for marks high enough to enrol at courts and a swimming pool, and even Yangon University. It even inspired Khin a hospital. Myo Chit to write a novel, Do Chaung Thu, about university life from a the It was in the convocation hall, scene of perspective of its female students. so many graduation ceremonies, that United States President Barack Obama This distinction between men and women addressed the world during his historic is still evident in the residence halls dotted visit to Myanmar in November 2012. across the campus, a number of which He paid tribute to the university’s legacy can be seen from Inya Road. Six of the as a place where students stood up for 16 halls were for women. Barred from their beliefs. entering, it was common for young men to gather at night on the street outside “I came here because of my respect these halls and play guitar and sing. for this university,” he told a packed audience on November 19. “It was here at this school where opposition to colonial rule first took hold. It was here that Aung San edited a magazine before “Here, scholarship thrived during the last leading an independence movement. It was here that U Thant learned the century and students demanded their basic ways of the world before guiding it at the United Nations. human rights. Now, your parliament has at last passed a resolution to revitalize this “Here, scholarship thrived during the last century and students demanded university and it must reclaim its greatness, their basic human rights. Now, your parliament has at last passed a resolution because the future of this country will be to revitalize this university and it must reclaim its greatness, because the future determined by the education of its youth.” of this country will be determined by the education of its youth.”

26 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine This “resolution” will see the university reopen to undergraduates in December for the first time in almost two decades. Twenty high-achieving students will be accepted into 15 arts and science majors – a total of 300 students – and will study at the university for four years. MPs have also pushed for the university – and others across Myanmar – to regain its status as an independent institution from the Department of Higher Education, with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi leading the charge.

Some international institutions have also been quick to offer assistance. Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and South Korea’s Chung-Ang University have teamed up with the Ministry of Education to establish the university’s International Center of Excellence, which is offering graduate degrees in international relations.

The head of the centre, Dr Karl Jackson, told The Irrawaddy recently that international relations could be the first of many subject areas that the centre will target. “What we hope to do,” Dr Jackson said, “is to get enough people exposed to amounts of knowledge from the outside world, so that they can then train the next generation of students. The concept is to train the trainers.”

The international cooperation marks a remarkable step forward for Yangon

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 27 University given that foreign visitors translates to, “Please erase the past.” They were, until very recently, largely forbidden eventually decide to elope but their plans are from the campus. foiled by an official at Ko Thein Pe’s university residence and Ma Aye Sein quits university. *** One of the most famous lines in Myanmar’s military government also found Zawana’s College Chaung Tha comes that erasing the university’s distinguished toward the end of the novel, when Ko past was more difficult than it seemed. Thein Pe asks his budding girlfriend, Ma For more than two decades, it did its best Aye Sein, to forget the earlier episodes to hide the exploits of Yangon University’s of their fraught relationship. “Kyay par student body through strict censorship, naw, Ma Aye Sein,” he asks her, which restrictions on gatherings and, most significantly, shuttering its gates. These efforts, however, were ultimately doomed to fail because of the strong place the institution holds in Myanmar history and culture. Unsurprisingly, the new, unloved universities set up to replace the main campus languish on the fringes of the city.

Yangon University’s importance in Myanmar society is not based on its history and alumni alone. As Barack Obama’s visit highlighted, it continues to play a significant role in the country’s political transition – a role that will only grow because of its position as the iconic focal point of efforts to overhaul Myanmar’s education system. In the storied history of Myanmar’s most famous university, a new chapter is already being written.

28 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine

The last lament of Beikthano’s Queen By Design Myo Swe Than Translated by Moh Moh Thaw

o Myanmar people, the history of The queen’s eyes must have been full Beikthano is inextricably linked to of tears as she gazed on her wooden Tthe first queen of Myanmar legend palace going up in flames. They must and her love story. It goes like this: A have dropped as she was about to leave beautiful queen was defeated in a war her country and issued that curse. by King Dwa Tabaung from Sri Ksetra (pronounced Thayay Kitayar), a Pyu city The first queen of Myanmar, she is often near modern-day Pyay. The defeat was called Beikthano Queen or Panhtwar a blow to the pride of the queen and she Queen. She has entered popular culture was taken away by the conquering king. through a story, “Mahuyar Love” (Black Love), by a famous author, who turned According to the story, the war had her tale of woe into a tragic love story destroyed her magic drum known as between the queen and her bodyguard, mahar artula sidawgyi, the water had Thiwa. To bring us back into the real drained away from nearby Yan Pel Creek world, however, we have archaeologist and as she was taken away, she issue a U Aung Thaw to thank: His 1958 dig at parting curse on the land – “Nga lar mha Beikthano, near Taungdwingyi in Magwe kyi, nga lar mha thee” – commanding Region, put paid to the legend and the fruit not to grow in her absence. introduced some fact to the story.

Prior to the dig, the Myanmar archaeology department had suspected that there may be an ancient city of significance at a site north of Kukyine Kwa village, about 18 kilometres from Taungdwingyi. Six digs were conducted at the site between 1958 and 1963, confirming that Beikthano was one of the larger city-states during what is commonly referred to as the Pyu era – a roughly millennium-long period that predates the Bagan empire.

30 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine History

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 31 U Aung Thaw’s dig report was first The building had two walls and published in a university newspaper was situated at the inner part of the named Thakatho Pyinnyar Padaythar compound. It is 66 feet long and 45 and covered a range of historical topics. feet wide running north to south. Along The dig was hard work because the this axis, four rooms were divided and buildings were spread out across the the entrance was wide. In an interesting old city of Beikthano but by the end 25 reminder of the queen’s curse, pay trees mounds had been excavated. U Aung (corypha palm) that were less than a foot Thaw named the whole area KK6 and high were found around the palace. deemed KK6.5 the most interesting of the mounds excavated because it When I visited, I saw many little pay trees was the location of old palace of the around the queen’s palace near the sign Beikthano Queen. announcing the site as KK6.5. Just 10 minutes walk away is a pond filled by the waters of Yan Pel Creek. Over the past 1500 years, many thousands of people have walked through the area, which today is covered in fertile fields. Most visitors are archaeological department officials and people interested in history.

It was a July, the middle of monsoon, when I was there, and everything in sight was green. Riding a motorbike, I passed a sign announcing the “Beikthano Historical Zone” and showing the way to the ruins. I entered the compound and saw a group of goats. As I turned my motorbike to the right, an old man emerged from the bushes and came

32 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Images from the first excavation

toward me. Introducing himself as an employee of the archaeological department, he explained that he had helped U Aung Thaw on his dig as a young boy 55 years earlier. Now he had been entrusted with the important job of guarding the mounds.

U Aung Thaw mentioned in his report that he did not find any Buddha images at Beikthano. He guessed that the city may have followed an early type of Buddhism that did not pay homage to statues.

However, when archeologist U Thein Lwin conducted a dig on 2003, a sitting Buddha statue with its legs hanging down was found. The Myanmar Times newspaper reported that it was the first conclusive evidence that the residents of Beikthano were Buddhist. As a result, Buddhism is likely to have arrived in Myanmar earlier than previously thought.

Historians believe that Beikthano was established earlier than Sri Ksetra and flourished from the first to fifth centuries AD. The two cities were contemporaries but Beikthano was destroyed in a war with Sri Ksetra sometime in the fourth or fifth century. Evidence to support this was found.

To this day the cities remain linked through that war more than 15 centuries The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 33 ago. Six stone pots, which some believe may hold the bones of the Beikthano Queen, were found outside the walls of Sri Ksetra and are kept by the archaeological department.

One potential explanation is that a small community marked out by a brick fence discovered near the stone pots could have been for prisoners of war. From the site you can see what remains of Sri Ksetra inside its walls, including the stupas of Lay Myatnar, Bell Bell Lay and Baw Baw Gyi.

Evidence to support the theory of the war with Sri Ksetra was found during a dig at No 2 mound at Beikthano, the first to be excavated. Archaeologists uncovered a layer of charcoal and sent it to a laboratory in New Jersey, United States, for further analysis. The results showed that it dated to about 1950 years earlier. Two other layers of charcoal found at No 11 mound were dated to 1650 and 1725 years earlier, which roughly correlates with the story of the war.

Further impetus for the study of Beikthano’s past can be expected if the city is inscribed on United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s World Heritage List, along with Sri Ksetra and another Pyu city, Hanlin, in Sagaing Region. Conservation experts are expected to visit the three ancient cities in late 2013, with a decision to be made on whether they will become Myanmar’s first World Heritage sites in June 2014. Listing is likely to spark a flurry of interest in the little-studied Pyu period.

But regardless of whether archaeologists are able to shed further light on the history of Beikthano, the story of the queen and her lament as she was taken from her homeland as a prisoner of war will continue to capture the imagination of future generations of Myanmar.

How to get to Beikthano!

Beikthano is situated in central Myanmar, 50 miles from Magwe, Magwe Division on the Magwe- Taungdwingyi Road.

34 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine

A Jade Oasis at Ngapali

36 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Leisure

ith its palm-fringed golden shoreline, calm, azure Wwaters and fresh seafood, Ngapali Beach is fast becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most desirable beach destinations, attracting thousands of visitors from across the world. Ngapali is seven kilometres from the regional centre of Thandwe and is serviced by Thandwe airport, which offers regular, 45-minute flights to Yangon.

Set in the middle of the 3-kilometre beach, Jade Marina Resort & Spa boasts five-star accommodation, excellent service and stunning views of the Bay of Bengal that will ensure your visit to Ngapali is memorable.

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 37 deluxe rooms, in both twin and double configurations. All feature satellite TV, a hot and cold shower, a minibar and individually controlled air conditioning, while the villas and suites also boast private balconies and separate living rooms. Additionally, the 1500-square- foot villas feature outdoor showers to wash down after enjoying the surf and sand of the beach.

With 24-hour room service, the staff at Jade Marina are always ready to meet your every need. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dining options, ranging from Myanmar to European and Just 20 minutes from the airport by everything in between. These can be complimentary shuttle bus, Jade Marina enjoyed al fresco as the sun recedes is the perfect choice for your next over the horizon, while the bar is perfect trip, whether you’re on a honeymoon, for sunset cocktails. a weekend getaway, globetrotting adventure or much-deserved holiday. For some pampering during your visit, be sure to check in with the internationally The 40 spacious rooms at Jade Marina trained staff in the hotel’s indoor and mix contemporary and traditional outdoor spa, who offer a range of services influences but at the same time show including massages, facials, body scrubs respect for the natural beauty and sense and body treatments that will you leave of seclusion that makes Ngapali such an you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The amazing destination. They range from resort’s business centre also makes it ideal beachfront villas to corner suites and for corporate functions.

38 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Set in the middle of the 3-kilometre beach, Jade Marina Resort & Spa boasts five-star accommodation, excellent service and stunning views of the Bay of Bengal that will ensure your visit to Ngapali is memorable.

While many guests are content to relax on the sand and savour the local seafood, more adventurous guests still have plenty of options to keep occupied. The bustling town of Thandwe is just a short bicycle or motorbike ride away, while picturesque fishing villages can be found just south of Ngapali. Guests can fish and snorkel around nearby Pearl Island or further afield and, with a bit of luck, catch sight of a whale shark or other local marine life.

While only recently opened, the hotel has long ties to Myanmar’s past, as it is built on the site of a former holiday camp for outstanding students, known as lu ye chun. At Jade Marina Resort we strive for the same level of excellence as those students, who helped make Myanmar the country it is today.

Jade Marina Resort Mya Pyin, Ngapali Beach Thandwe, Rakhine State, Myanmar Tel: 95 43 42430, 42432 Fax: 95 43 42431 Email: [email protected] Web: www.jademarinaresort.com

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 39

City Mart tackles social issues with Love & Hope

For City Mart Holdings Managing Director Daw Win Win Tint, the foundation is a means of giving back to the community that sustains the company, which was established in 1996 with a single store at Yangon’s Aung San Stadium. It has since expanded to 13 City Mart stores and two Marketplace by City Mart outlets in Yangon and Mandalay, as well as five Ocean outlets in Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. The company also operates the successful Seasons Bakery & Café and City Care Health & Beauty Stores.

“We are very appreciative of the community’s support to our businesses or almost two decades, City Mart and this is just one way of us to say has been Myanmar’s market leader thank you – by giving back to the society in the retail sector, bringing a host and helping underprivileged communities F and groups,” Daw Win Win Tint said. of local and foreign-made brands to discerning consumers. It is now set to “On a bigger note, we aim to help move raise the bar in another area: corporate Myanmar and her people towards a social responsibility. more positive direction too,” she said.

The company recently set up its City The foundation’s environmental activities Love & Hope Foundation to continue will focus on promoting awareness of and expand on the contributions it has environmental and sustainability issues made to local communities for many in Myanmar. It will build on City Mart’s years, and take its activities to the next existing strong focus on the environment, level. The foundation will focus on four which includes supporting the non- sectors – education, health, environment government organisation FREDA through and community living – and will execute proceeds from the sale of recycled bags its activities with the professionalism that and other activities including their “No the City Mart brand personifies. Plastic Bag Day” program.

42 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Social Issue

We are very appreciative of the community’s support to our businesses and this is just one way of us to say thank you – by giving back to the society and helping underprivileged communities and groups

On the health front, City Mart has set itself the important goal of improving public awareness of health issues and the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle. The foundation will reinforce these messages through a number of activities, including the “Run For Love” event – a fun run for children to encourage them to take up regular exercise that will be held at the end of the year. “We believe that children who are exposed to healthy living and fun

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 43 physical activities at a young age will walls, the foundation will donate 1,000 benefit in the long run because, as they Ks to organisations working directly with say, ‘Healthy body, healthy mind,’” said trafficking survivors. Being the largest Daw Win Win Tint. Free health checks retail player in Myanmar with over 4,000 have been conducted and will continue employees, it is no surprise the company being conducted every quarter at feels very strongly about human selected City Care outlets. trafficking issues.

The foundation will also seek to improve Finally, the foundation aims to empower access to education in Myanmar disadvantaged communities or groups through book and uniform donations, by providing opportunities for them and establishing libraries in low-income to become more self-reliant and communities. Continuing on from its independent. Activities in the pipeline cooperation with MTV Exit in 2012 in include providing sales space for groups the fight against human trafficking, the or individuals to sell handicrafts at City foundation recently conducted a Wall Mart’s retail outlets and sponsorship of Pledge campaign. A pledging wall of vocational training programs for inviting members of their public to show disadvantaged youths. their support was placed at four of their stores and for each handprint on the As City Mart continues its rapid expansion and cements its position as the leader in the retail sector, the City Love & Hope Foundation is a reminder that it has not lost its commitment to improving communities. The company expects the foundation to set a positive example for other firms in the country. “We are all very excited about the activities planned for our foundation,” said Daw Win Win Tint. “We hope that we can be a good example to other large corporations to join forces in elevating Myanmar as a nation and empower the people to do great things with their lives.”

44 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine

Padonmar: Upscale Myanmar Dining

ituated on one of Yangon’s leafiest The staircase to the second floor is streets, between embassies lined with photographs of the numerous Sand restored colonial homes, celebrities, diplomats and statesmen Padonmar Restaurant is a rare dining that have sampled the restaurant’s experience that successfully combines cuisine. authentic Myanmar cuisine with upscale surroundings and a diligent wait staff. Though Myanmar’s formidable monsoon keeps the garden closed for a few Padonmar is located in a large former months of the year, during the hot home that was transformed in 2010 season and particularly Yangon’s cooler when the restaurant moved in. It features months it is the restaurant’s most sweeping murals of the Myanmar popular dining area. With tables nestled countryside and traditional artwork between the well kept hedges of the adorning four separate dining areas. rolling front lawn, it is easy to see why.

46 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Cuisine Padonmar is not trying to be something it isn’t. The dining experience is memorable because of the restaurant’s ability to take quintessential Myanmar dishes and do them well, with high quality ingredients prepared in a hygienic environment and presented attractively.

Whether sitting indoors or outside, you will find yourself with a menu that provides a fantastic sampling of some of Myanmar’s most recognisable dishes and others from neighbouring Thailand.

To start, the tempura vegetables are a great option. The crispy, battered vegetables are accompanied by a tangy tamarind dipping sauce that highlights one of the country’s tastiest culinary ingredients. The rich lentil soup incorporates Indian flavours that have influenced Myanmar food for generations. The salad selection is an accessible take on some Myanmar streetside staples. The smoky eggplant salad is a delight, boasting fresh ingredients, just a dash of oil and a healthy garnish of sesame seeds to finish.

The same attention to detail is given to the wide range of curries, which are a mainstay of Myanmar’s national cuisine. Both the prawn and beef curry are fantastic examples of what the humble, everyday dish can be when prepared with skill. The beef was tender, easily sliced with the side of the fork. The large prawns were equally as delicious, served in a red curry that was flavourful without being overly spicy.

A welcome addition to the meal is the coconut rice. Fragrant with just a hint of coconut, the rice is not overly sweet but a fantastic accompaniment to the rich, spicy curries. All are served with a side of spicy pickled vegetables, tiny

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 47 Whether sitting indoors or outside, you will find yourself with a menu that provides a fantastic sampling of some of Myanmar’s most recognisable dishes and others from neighbouring Thailand.

shrimp for garnishing and dried chili to give dishes an extra kick if needed. The fried banana served with local honey is a simple but satisfying dessert.

Padonmar is not trying to be something it isn’t. The dining experience is memorable because of the restaurant’s ability to take quintessential Myanmar dishes and do them well, with high quality ingredients prepared in a hygienic environment and presented attractively. Coupled with its historic setting, attentive wait staff and lengthy drink menu, Padonmar is one of the finest examples of Myanmar food done well in an upscale setting.

No.105/107, Kha-Yae-Bin Road, Dagon Township between Pyi Daung Su Yeik Tha (Halpin) and Manawhari Road / Ahlone Road, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel/Fax: + 95 1 538 895, 1220616 Tel: +95 9 73029973, +95 9 73108608 H/P : +95 9 540 9469, +95 9 49588419 Email : [email protected] www.myanmar-restaurantpadonmar.com

48 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 49

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 51 Feel the Myanmar flavour: Flying the culinary flag for Myanmar

t’s always crowded but you’ll never see anybody frustrated at the wait. IIt seems as though every customer is wearing a smile, while every table is heaving under steaming dishes: just another day at Feel Myanmar Restaurant, on Pyidaungsu Yeikthar Road in Yangon’s Dagon township.

The menu is so extensive – more than 200 options in all – that each major town and district is represented by at least one signature dish. There are also hundreds of Myanmar traditional snacks. While it focuses mainly on traditional

52 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Cuisine

“We want to give everyone the chance to taste the best Myanmar traditional food,” she said. “For that we plan to have new Feel branches all across the country.”

Myanmar food – rice or noodle for breakfast, lunch and dinner – Feel offers something for everyone, including visitors from around the world.

“We want to offer famous dishes from each town in Myanmar so we searched for experts and studied their way of cooking. There are many styles of cooking but we chose the best way we encountered, particularly in terms of health,” said Feel Group manager Ma Khin Thaik Htay.

Health and hygiene are a top priority for the restaurant, which uses cholesterol- free cooking oil and no artificial sweeteners, such as MSG.

For Myanmar traditional snacks, chefs from Feel study at popular Myanmar snack shops to learn the secrets of the trade. “We don’t order anything from other shops because you can never know about their taste, quality and hygiene,” Ma Khin Thaik Htay said.

As well as curries, Feel is popular for its soups and regional salads. In addition to Myanmar food it also offers Chinese, European, Japanese, Mexican and Italian menus throughout the day.

“All of our chefs are Myanmar but they are well trained and experienced and we always check and supervise them to make sure standards remain high,” Ma Khin Thaik Htay said.

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 53 The menu is so extensive – more than 200 options in all – that each major town and district is represented by at least one signature dish. There are also hundreds of Myanmar traditional snacks.

Customer service is also a priority. Taw Highway, as well as two at Meiktila An important element of the special in Mandalay Region and another two at atmosphere is that staff are always polite Pyin Oo Lwin on the edge of the Shan and deliver service with a smile. hills. “We prize our staff … We work like a family and always think about their side, At the end of October Feel will open a support whatever they need – even their branch in Nay Pyi Taw, while an outlet daily food, they can choose what they in Mandalay will follow soon after. But want like a customer. So they don’t have Daw Khin Thaik Htay said this expansion any worry and can work with all their is just the start of the company’s heart.” ambitions.

Feel Myanmar Restaurant was launched “We want to give everyone the chance in 1994. The owners had previously run to taste the best Myanmar traditional a burger and snack shop named Dream food,” she said. “For that we plan to in Latha in 1992 and decided to switch have new Feel branches all across the to Myanmar food two years later. country.” It has since grown into one of the country’s largest restaurant brands. With 13 branches, you can even sample the Feel experience outside Yangon. The Feel Myanmar Restaurant 124, Pyihtaunsu Avenue Street, Dagon, Yangon. company has a restaurant at the 115- Tel: 09-73208132, 09-73048783 mile rest stop on the Yangon-Nay Pyi

54 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 55

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 57 A Trip to Heho & Kakku

Air Mandalay’s team take a trip to Heho and Kakku for a pilgrimage tour to Kakku Pagoda in Southern Shan State. Air Mandalay flies to Heho, which is the gateway to Southern Shan State, daily. From Heho, visitors can explore the main tourism attractions in the area, such as Inle Lake, Pindaya, Kalaw, Taunggyi and Kakku Pagoda.

58 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 59 60 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Major Attractions in Southern Shan State • Inle Lake • Pindaya Caves • Kalaw • Taunggyi • Kakku Pagoda • Saga

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 61 Horoscope

March 21 - April 20 Stagnant affairs will resume but your expenses will be heavy. You will enjoy the fruitful results of your labours. During this period you will be competing with yourself and you will make a good name for your systematic work. Something you think would go well will do eventually but only after a slow start. Finally, your aim will be achieved. Expect money matters to bring about mental fatigue. You will have to work without payment. A new course Aries that is important for life can be embarked on. Unfortunately, your health of your family will not be good.

April 21 - May 21 This period will be unlucky for you: there will be some upsets, as well as both mental and physical fatigue. Your ambitions will be difficult to achieve in reality and expect to have only 60 percent success. There will be successive problems within your family. You will also encounter men who will try to swindle you of your money. Another person will cause you emotional upset. There will be misfortune in your family. This will be a good period for students, however, and in spite of the difficulties and obstacles Taurus your desires can eventually be achieved.

May 22 - June 21 First the bad news: Loans will be overdue and you are likely to suffer both physical and emotional fatigue. However, educational affairs will be lucky and in business you can expect exception improvement. Distinct changes will take place and there will be improvement in your life. In trying to realise your aims you should rely on your own skills. Ideas that you come up with during this period will result in practical improvements if you act on them. In spite of some wasted money, your mental fatigue and bodily Gemini tiredness, your efficiency will be appreciated.

June 22 - July 22 Nothing will come easily during this period. There will be emotional upsets, obstacles and other problems because of your goodwill and kind-heartedness toward others. Family and social problems will need to be resolved. This would be a good time for travel and direct contact with distant lands will bring you financial benefit. There will be good results coming your way. An elderly family member could be slightly ill of health. Expect the occasional loss Cancer of personal belongings.

62 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 63 Horoscope July 23 - August 23 Emotional upsets are expected. Be careful to avoid misspoken words. While you may act with genuine goodwill and neglect your own interests, this will only bring stress and emotional upset. You must take exceptional care with your behaviour when in public. Take things as they come rather stick rigidly to pre-organised plans. Long-term investments should not be made. Great care must be taken while driving vehicles. Those born on Tuesdays Leo and Wednesdays will face emotional upsets.

August 24 - September 22 You can find improvement in your life through competitive work. Aims and desires can be achieved if you use your time efficiently. New ideas should be employed. No matter how smooth your affairs seem, you will have no desire to stay in your present job. A change is desired. Help will be asked for and will have to be given. Your business financial matters will be completed successfully. There will be sound improvements in business. Signing documents and taking financial responsibility for others Virgo other must be avoided.

September 23 - October 23 There will be exceptional change and improvement. You will be frequently on the move and contact will be made with foreign lands. You will lose some personal belongings and will also be pick- pocketed while travelling. An elderly relative will fall ill. Negotiations pertaining to housing and vehicles will be successful. You will suffer a minor accident to your right leg. A friend will come to borrow money but you should refuse, as a loss is foreseen. There will be verbal confrontations and some element of danger surrounding Libra you. Rivalries will grow and your expenses will be heavy.

October 24 - November 22 Your financial situation will improve during this period. New ideas will be put into effect and unusual matters will have to be handled with care. Negotiations concerning your living arrangements will be successful. Take advantage of increasing opportunities to improve your life. Family properties thought to be lost will be returned. You can enjoy success over others through your intelligence. Your business goals will be achieved. A temporary separation with beloved ones is foreseen but this will heighten Scorpio your luck in financial affairs.

64 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine November 23 - December 21 Someone in your family will go on an overseas journey. Ideas concerning change will be implemented successfully. Those who have been helped by you will be successful. Although you will be helping other people rather than focusing on your own affairs your own business and wealth will also increase. Few people will understand your genuine goodwill. Money or property that you Sagittarius once lost will be returned. If you work in an office, you will have to do extra work and take extra responsibility.

December 22 - January 20 This period appears to hold good fortune and life improvements. Your plans should be carried out carefully and making the best use of your own personal efficiency. Making the best use of opportunities will help to realise your ambitions. This is an opportune period to talk about money matters and old loans. Courses of action that appeared block will reopen. There is a slight danger to you from dishonest persons. A change of house or vehicle can occur Capricorn smoothly.

September 23 - October 23 If it’s important, try to do it yourself during this period. For those running their own business, adopting and sticking to a strong plan of action throughout will result in success. Follow your gut instincts rather than cool rationality. In spite of attacks and obstacles, you will come out on top in the end. Those involved in the education sector will enjoy exceptional improvement and success. Work and education will go hand in hand and your possessions will increase. Your desires will be entirely fulfilled. Another person’s difficulties will Aquarius be resolved due to your help.

February 19 - March 20 Conduct your affairs based on whims and sudden desires. You will enjoy more success in work affairs than money matters. You can make a success of something considered unfeasible or unachievable. An elderly family member could be in ill health. You will have to participate in auspicious activities. You will have success in study, particularly foreign languages. There may be some emotional upsets, however. Another person’s affairs will Pisces have to be given priority. Slight ill health is possible.

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 65 air mandalay destionations

See and Do: * Wander around Shwedagon The commercial centre of Myanmar, Yangon still maintains its Pagoda, the 99-metre-tall (330 foot) colonial charm and features wide, tree-lined avenues, tranquil stupa that glows golden at night lakes and gracious turn-of-the-century architecture. The * Shop in Bogyoke Market, the city’s magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda dominates the city skyline, premier outlet for precious gems while at street-level Yangon is a paradise for those wanting to and jewellery

Yangon hunt out exotic arts and crafts. Of particular interest are the many shops in Bogyoke Market and its many jewellery stores are famous for their rubies, sapphires and jade. At night, the Chinatown district comes alive with its street bazaars and night stalls selling snacks and fresh food.

Immortalised by Rudyard Kipling, Mandalay was established in Mandalay 1857 in accordance with an ancient Buddhist prophecy. It was the final capital of Myanmar’s Konbaung Dynasty before the country was annexed by the British. The city takes its name from Mandalay Hill and is centred around the walls and moat See and Do: of the old palace, which was destroyed in the fighting of World * Walk up Mandalay Hill, where War II but was rebuilt in the 1990s. Mandalay is considered a more than 2000 years ago the centre of Buddhism in Myanmar and is also home to many of Buddha reputedly prophesied the the country’s craft industries. establishment of the modern city * Cross the Ayeyarwady River to Mingun, home to a giant unfinished pagoda

66 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine * * See andDo: See

Pagoda cracked stupasofIndein Explore theancientand sell local handicrafts traditionalcolourful dress where ethnicgroups in Peruse thefloating markets, Bagan 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 * * andDo: See

silks areaspecialityoftheregion. fertile valleysandforestedmountain tops,andtheirhand-woven above thewater. Colourfulhilltribesinhabitthe surrounding environment, wholevillagessitonfloatingislandsperched floating marketsandprolificbirdlife.Inthisuniquewetland fishermen whorowtheirboatsusinglegs,aswell the (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. InleLakeisjust ashortflight Yangon butit centre ofnightlife inthearea Eat outon “Restaurant Road”, the dot theBaganplain thousands ofancienttemples that Take around cart the apony

| Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Inflight Manadalay Air | The Golden Flight Heho (Inle Lake) (Inle Heho 67 air mandalay destionations

See and Do: * Laze on the beach, or sip cocktails Famous for its miles of picture-perfect sandy beaches, brilliant at your hotel bar as the sun sets over turquoise water and swaying coconut palms, Ngapali is the water Myanmar’s premier beach destination. Intimate resorts offer * Visit nearby fishing villages in the visitors the chance to swim, sail, kayak and feast on fresh early morning to see locals unload seafood by candlelight as the sun sinks lazily into the Bay of their catch Bengal. Ngapali is the perfect place to unwind and savour those few precious weeks in Myanmar. Thandwe (Ngapali Beach) Sittwe The Rakhine State capital Sittwe is the gateway to the ancient city of Mrauk Oo, the former centre of a flourishing Rakhine empire. Mrauk Oo reached its peak in the 15th century and 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 to discover these ancient temples, which are accessible from Sittwe by a picturesque boat ride up the surging Kaladan River.

(Mrauk Oo) 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 68 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Known as the gateway to the Golden Triangle, Tachileik was Tachileik 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 of Chinese-made goods. The city is also close to the Mekong See and Do: River and the border with Laos. * Shop in the sprawling markets, which attract hundreds of Thai visitors each day

Kyaing Tong is situated in the easternmost part of Shan State, 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 of town features a colourful mixture of ethnic groups selling locally grown produce. Kyaing Tong See and Do: * Eat a bowl of traditional Shan- style noodles in the morning market * Hire a guide and head out into the countryside to explore the local hill tribe villages

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 69 air mandalay destionations

See and Do: Dawei, which the British called Tavoy, is about 30 miles (48km) • Make the short journey west t o from the mouth of the Dawei River on the coast of Tanintharyi pristine Maungmakan beach, (Tenessarim) Division. It is one of the oldest ports in Myanmar where few foreign tourists venture and was mentioned by the merchant traveller Ralph Fitch, who • Wander the no-longer sleepy streets of the Tanintharyi Region capital,

Dawei in 1583 became the first Englishman to set foot on Myanmar soil. Dawei is a prosperous town, with many of the richest which is set to be transformed in families owning fleets of fishing vessels or rubber plantations. coming years by a nearby Special As is usual with the typical and conservative Myanmar use Economic Zone of wealth, it is not apparent to the casual eye. It is a quiet, peaceful little town, proud of famous as “Moung Ma Kan” beach. Myeik Myeik (Mergui) is between the sea and low hills with pagodas, 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 n earby Myeik Archipelogo, a stunning collection of several hundred 70 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine mostly uninhabitted islands. Kawthaung just ashortdrivefromKawthoung. Archipelago. Bucolicfishingvillagescanalsobeexplored beaches andsuperbviewsofnearbyislandsintheMyeik town offersothernaturalwonders,includingunspoiled area on an island of Kawthoung. The area around the was discovered in the Makha lauk pearl oyster exploration as seafood,palmoilandrubber. Theworld’s largestpearl border crossingpoint,andisknownforlocalproductssuch Opposite theThaicityofRanong,townisanimportant tip ofMyanmar. formerly knownasVictoria Point,isthesouthernmost mouth ofPagyanRivernearKawthaungCape,which, Kawthoung, insouthernTanintharyi Region,sitsatthe • • andDo: See undeveloped beaches villages, ahilltop and pagoda to visitfishing milesnorth afew Head in Thailand Ranong area, just across thePagyan Riverfrom Wander thecity’s bustlingwater front | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Inflight Manadalay Air | The Golden Flight 71 air mandalay offices

YANGON Head Office: No. 34, Shwe Taung Gone Avenue, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: +95-1 525 488, 501 520, 534 144 Fax: +95-1 525 937 (reservation) +95-1 382915 (ticketing) E-mail: [email protected] (general inquiries) [email protected] (flight reservations) [email protected] (marketing inquiries) Website: www.airmandalay.com

Airport Traffic: +95-1 652 754, 533 223, 533 222 Mobile: +95-9 73152853, 43109668 Fax: +95-1 533 223

MANDALAY Room (1), SY Building, Ground Floor, 78th Street between 29th & 30th Streets Chan Aye Thar San Township, Mandalay, Myanmar Tel: (+95.2) 61513, 64554, 68061, 68062, (+95.9) 73151698 Fax: (+95.2) 68061 Email: [email protected]

Mandalay International Airport - Tada 00 Township, Mandalay Division. Mandalay Airport: (+95.2) 27051 and (+95.9) 43132590 Fax: 02-27064

NYAUNG U Main Road, Ywarthit Quarter, Nyaung 00, Bagan, Myanmar (BAGAN) Tel: +95-6160774 Mobile: +95-9 2042693

HEHO No 27, Min Road, Middle 2 Quarter, Heho.Myanmar Tel/Fax: +95-81 63059, Airport Traffic: Tel: +95-81 63066 Mobile: +95-9 43173537

TAUNGGYI No. 112, Thiri Mingalar Building (Ground Floor),Bo Gyoke Aung San Road, Myoma Yat, Taunggyi, Southern Shan State, Myanmar Tel/Fax: +95-81 (21) 21330 Mobile: +95-9 43180908

TACHILEIK No.1/ 155 (kha), Sam Sai (kha) Ward, Bogyoke Aung San Street, Tachileik,Myanmar Mobile: +95-9 41006747 HIP: +66-08 56156282 Email: [email protected]

THANDWE No.14, Min Tae Street, Junction Ngapali, Thandwe, Myanmar (NGAPALI) Tel/Fax: +95-43 42404,42308

SITTWAY UTa - 102, U Oak Ta Ma Road, Kyaung Tat Lan Ward, Sitlway, Myanmar Tel: +95-43 21638, 24089 Fax: +95-43 24089 Mobile: +95-9 5680606,5101194,5680161

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

MYEIK No. 23, Ba Ho Road, Myit Nge Block, Myeik Tel: +95-59 41896, 41894 Fax: +95-5941896 Airport Traffic: +95-9 43094308

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

72 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Route Map Putao

INDIA Myitkyina

Bamaw

CHINA BANG- Kalay LADESH

MANDALAY Taung Taman Lake

BAGAN KYAING TONG Mrauk Oo HEHO TACHILEIK SITTWAY Inle Lake LAOS

NAYPYITAW

Chiang Mai THANDWE Ngapali

BAY OF BENGAL

YANGON THAILAND

DAWEI

Domestic Route MYEIK

MYEIK ARCHIPELAGO GULF OF THAILAND

KAWTHAUNG

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 73 travel tips

Declaration Import Prohibitions As a traveller you are required to go • Counterfeit coins and currencies through Customs formalities and fill up • Pornographic articles the Passenger’s Declaration Form (P.D • All kinds of narcotic drugs and form). psychotropic substances Misinformation or false declarations may • Playing cards result in delays and heavy penalties. • Goods bearing the imprint or You may bring in as much foreign currency reproduction of the flag of the Union of as you wish. Foreign visitors bringing Myanmar in foreign currency over US$10,000 or • Goods bearing the emblem of Buddha its equivalent have to fill up the Foreign or pagodas of Myanmar Exchange Declaration Form (FED Form). • Toy guns and remote-controlled toys

Duty Free Allowances Import Restrictions • Personal effects in actual use Telecommunications equipment, by the passenger including cellular telephones, brought in • 400 cigarettes by a passenger without a permit are to • 2 liters of liquor be declared using a personal declaration • 250 gm of tobacco form for reshipment and will be released • 100 cigars at the time of departure. • 0.5 liter of perfume All telecommunication equipment and restricted articles which are not intended for use in the Union of Myanmar are also subject to the above mentioned Customs Control.

74 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine The Required Terms and Conditions for VISA ON ARRIVAL The applicant shall the same passport be granted a visa 1. Have a valid passport not expiring for free of charge; be able to produce at least six months from the date of the evidence of parent-children entry into Myanmar. relationship if the children are holding 2. Bring two recent (4cm x 6cm) colour a separate passport. photos taken within the past six 13. Not be allowed to travel to restricted months. areas of the country without seeking 3. Have a letter of invitation from the prior permission. sponsoring company if he or she 14. Report to the office of the is entering for an event or business township Immigration and National study. (Stay cannot be extended.) Registration Department concerned 4. Be required to produce copies of at which he stays within Myanmar company registration/business mentioning the address of hotels, licence/evidence of permission to motels, guesthouses, factories and do business issued by the relevant workshops legally permitted as well ministries if he or she is working in as human dwellings. Myanmar. 15. Depart to the country from which he 5. State the full name of the factory or has travelled from by the arrangement business, location, the sponsor and of the airline he or she is using if he or 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 6. Apply for an extension of the visa with Visa Scrutiny and Issuing Team. the recommendation of the ministries 17. Apply for Visa On Arrival at Airport concerned in accordance with the Immigration Section obtaining the existing procedures if he or she is application form either from the airlines doing business with a business visa. in Myanmar or the following website: 7. Produce a letter of invitation issued by www.mip.gov.mm of the Ministry of the ministries concerned if he is going Immigration and Population. to attend meetings, workshops, event or ceremonies. Myanmar Visa On Arrival 8. Not be allowed to engage in any sort Type of Visa, Fees and Duration of work with or without charges apart 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

The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 75

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. 100A, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road No.66, Ground Floor, 16th Street gon, Myanmar Bahan Township,Yangon, Myanmar. Lanmadaw Township, Yangon, Myanmar Tel: (+95.1) 211 212, 223 262, 211 622 Tel: (+95.1) 554468 Tel: (+95.1)218121 Fax: (+95.1) 211670 Fax: (+95.1) 554468 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 77 passenger sales agents

local agents

Diethelm Travel Myanmar Exotic Myanmar Travels & Tours Myanmar Travels &Tours 412, Merchant Street (Corner of 45th Street) #255, Room No-1502, 15th Floor No 118 , Mahabandoola Garden Street, Botathaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Olympic Tower, Bo Aung Kyaw Street Kyauktadar Township , Yangon , Myanmar Tel: +95 (1) 373 937, 376 801~4, 86 10 458 Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar Tel: (+95.1) 371 286 , 374 281, 371286 - 460, 20 37 51 - 53 Tel: (+95.1) 386539, 398 429, 392 778 Fax: (+95.1) 254 417 Fax +(95 1) 373 940, 376 805 Fax: (+95-1) 392886 E-mail: [email protected] Emails: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] http://www.exoticmyanmartravels.com Nature Dream Travels & Tours Co., Ltd. EPG Travel Co., Ltd. www.myanmarvisaservice.com No.116 (3B), Bogalayzay Street, No. 15, 6th floor, Nawaday Street Botahtaung Township, Yangon , Myanmar Dagon Township , Yangon , Myanmar Fully Light Travels & Tours Tel: (+95.1) 392239, 296722, 398524, Tel (+95.1) 371 935-6, 255 723-5 No.262/264, Rm. B-401, 4th Flr, Dagon 373912,378144,378145 Fax:(+95.1) 371 935-6, 255 723-5 Ext: 21 Center, Bagarya Road, Fax: (+95.1) 392239 E mail: [email protected] Myaynigone, Sanchaung Township, Yangon, Mobile : +95 9 512 2540 , 09 519 5502 Website: www.epgtravel.com Myanmar. E-mail: [email protected], Tel: (+95.1) 503 815, 516 932, 516 964 [email protected] Eagle Tours Co.,Ltd Fax: (95.1) 503815 Website: http://www.naturedreamtravel.com 705, 7th Floor, Yuzana Tower Email: [email protected] Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar Website: www.fullylight.com Nice Fare Travel Co., Ltd Tel: (+95.1) 558243, 558276, 705910 No.5, Aung San Stadium, Near City Mart, Fax: (+95.1) 545895 Gulf Travels & Tours Joephyu Road, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp., Email: [email protected] No. 69, Sulae Pagoda Road, Near Centre Yangon, Myanmar. [email protected] Point Tower, Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Tel: (+95.1) 393 049, 374 922, 374 933 Myanmar Fax: (+95.1) 393 048 Htoo Travels Co., Ltd. Tel: (+95.1) 383 468, 249 187, 374 316 Email: [email protected] No.209C, 1st Fl.,Shwegondine Road, Fax: (+95.1) 374 316, 386 687 Website: http://www.nicefare.net Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar Email: [email protected] Tel: (+95.1) 548 554, 548 039, 558 416, 557 [email protected] Orchestra Travel Ltd. 890, 73012788 Website: http://www.gulftravelsmyanmar.com No.201, Bo Myat Htun Road Fax: (+95.1) 548 039 Botahtaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Email: [email protected], Tel: (+95.1) 294 612, 200 883, 201 271 [email protected], Fax: (95.1) 201 115 [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] Indochina Services Travel Ltd No 11 (A), Maharmyaing Street, Sanchaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar Tel: (+95.1) 511 701, 511 658, 523 167 Fax: (+95.1) 504 917 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.icstravelgroup.com

Khiri Travel Myanmar 5/9 Bogalay Zay Street (lower block) – first floor (behind Myanmar Red Cross building) Botathaung Township – Yangon – Myanmar Tel: +95 (0)9-7313 4924 Fax: +95 (0)1-375 433 Email: [email protected] www.khiri.com

78 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine Lovely Land Asia Travels & Tours Odyssey Travels & Tours Co., Ltd. Seven Diamond Express Travels Co., No. 5, Ground Floor, Artharwaddy Street, No 221 / 223 ( Ground Floor ), Bo Aung Ltd. Ahlone Township, Yangon, Myanmar Kyaw Street, Kyaut Tada Township, Yangon, No. 93, Thein Phyu Road (Lower Block) Tel: (+95.9) 73114346, 49392165 Myanmar Botahtaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (+95.1) 240 545 , 373 199, Tel: (+95.1) 203 398, 392 974, 392 975, [email protected] (+95.9) 73187799,73197799 392 976 Fax: (95.1) 240 545 Fax: (+95.1) 203549 Mandalay Holidays Travels & Tours E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Room #14, Sule Centre Point Tower, No. 65, Website: www.odysseymyanmar.com [email protected] Sule Pagoda Road, Kyauktadar Township, Website: www.sevendiamondtravel.com Yangon , Myanmar Oake Khaung Travels & Tours Co., Ltd. www.myanmartravelinformation.com Tel (+95.1) 377 332, 377 333 No.W-1, Gyo Phyu Street Fax:(+95.1) 377 303 West Aung San Stadium Sun Far Travel Co., Ltd. Email: [email protected] Mingalartaungnyunt Township, Yangon, No.25,27, 29, 31 Ground Floor, 38th Street [email protected] Myanmar. Kyauktada Township, Yangon, Myanmar Website: www.mandalayholidays.com, Tel: (+95.1) 383968, 252953, 707093, Tel: (+95.1) 243 992-3, 380 888 www.roadtomyanmar.com 725858 Fax: (+95.1) 254 599, 246 318 Fax: (95.1) 383968 Email: [email protected] Mya Travels & Tours Email: [email protected] Website: www.sunfar.travel No. 93, 32nd Street, Pabedan Township Website: http://www.okmyanmartravels.com Tel (+95.1) 384 299, 371 668, 254 463, EXPLORATION TRAVELS & TOURS CO. (+95.9) 5004626 OWAY COMPANY LIMITED LTD. (KHIRI TRAVEL) Fax:(+95.1) 254 463 Building 6, 2nd floor Junction Square No.170, Mahabandoola Garden Street Email: [email protected] Compound (2nd floor), Kyauktada Township Yangon Pyay Road, Kamayut, Yangon. Myanmar Myanmar Polestar Travels & Tours Tel: (+95.9)420011402, 01-2304201~02, T/F +95 1 249 171 or +95 9 7313 4924 Rm No.508, 5th Fl, La Pyayt Wun Plaza 01-505977 Email : [email protected], [email protected] No-37 Alanpya Pagoda Road, Dagon Town- Fax : (+95.1)505977 Website: www.khiri.com ship, Yangon, Myanmar. Website : www.oway.com.mm Tel: (+95.1) 382530, 255638, 393190 Mergui Sakura Travels & Tours Co., Ltd. Fax: (+95.1) 382530 Sun Flower Travels & Tours Co., Ltd. No.9, Kanphyar Road, Kanphyar Quarter, Email: [email protected] Room 102, Building D-1, Delta Plaza Myeik, Tanintharyi Region, Myanmar. [email protected] Shwegondaing Road, Bahan Tel: (+95.59) 42747 Website: www.myanmarpolestar.com Township,Yangon, Myanmar. Fax:(+95.59) 42747 Tel : (+95.1) 559511,552794 Mobile:+95.9 498 72593, 495 9552 Pale Eikari Travels & Tours Mobile : +95.9 500 3544, 500 5051 Email: [email protected] Mi Thar Su Stores, No. 131, Zay Taung Phet Email: [email protected] Street, Zayit Block, Dawei, Myanmar. Rome Travel & Tours Co., Ltd. Tel: (+95.59) 21282, 22082, 22282 and Tour Mandalay Co., Ltd. No. 52, 78th Street between 34 & 35, Chan (+95.9) 8740400, 8752152 Rm. 02/03 , 2nd Floor, Pearl Condominium 1 Aye Thar Zan Township, Fax: (+95.59) 21182 Pearl Centre, Bahan Township, Yangon, Mandalay, Myanmar. Email: [email protected] Myanmar Tel: (+95.2) 66880 Tel: (+95.1) 540 475, 541 428, 543 801 Mobile:(+95.9) 91039018, 200 5850 , 201 Road to Mandalay Fax: (+95.1) 541 098, 548 014 6561 Myanmar Hotels & Cruises Limited Email: [email protected] [email protected] 39-C Taw Win Road, The Governor’s Resi- [email protected] www.rometravelsmyanmar.com dence, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (+95.1) 217 361, 229 864 Vasali Co.Ltd Win Travel Agency Fax: (+95.1) 217 361 U Ta - 102, U Oak Ta Ma Road , Kyaung Tat Room No. 1, Kan Thar Qtr, Yone Gyi Road, Email: [email protected] Lan, Sittwe, Myanmar Nyaung Shwe ( Inle Lake ), Myanmar. Website:www.roadtomandalay.net Tel: (+95.43) 21638 ,24089 Tel&Fax: (95-81-209920) Mobile:(+95.9) 568 0606 , 510 1194 Mobile:+95.9 521 1546, 4283 15079 Shan Yoma Travels & Tours Co., Ltd Email: [email protected] No. 124/126, 50th Street World Connect Travels & Tours. Pazundaung Township No.81, Phone Gyee Street, Lanmadaw Tel: (+95.1) 295 510, 204 152 Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Fax: (+95.1) 299 389 Tel :( +95.1) 218 181 ~ 84 Email: [email protected] Fax : (+95.1 ) 227 133 Email : [email protected] [email protected] The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine 79 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 Arab Republic of 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

80 The Golden Flight | Air Manadalay Inflight Magazine