UNION OF MYANMAR

Lisu tribe From Kachin State and southern Shan State, the Li Su are one of the lesser-known tribal groups in Myanmar. They hunt for food in the forests using traditional weapons and cultivate crops wherever they find a suitable site.		Kayaw A tribe from a distant part of Kayah State, the Kayaw are rarely encounterd by outsiders, be they local or tourists. Interestingly, when a Kayaw man reaches the age of forty, it is traditional that he fells a tree and builds his own coffin. After death, he is sealed in the coffin which is either hung from a cliff or placed in a cave as a final resting place.
Bagan The ancient capital of Myanmar. The plains of Bagan feature over 2000 stupas and pagodas dating back to the 11th Century. Rich in architectural merit, Bagan is the main reason why many people come to this country. A powerful earthquake did untold damage to many of the pagodas and temples when it struck in 1975. Restoation work continues to this day.		Jing Phaw From Kachin State, the Jing Phaw are originally from Tibeto-burman origin. They recognise the spirit world presided over by Karai Kaseng as supreme deity. They periodically pay homage to the Nats, with ceremonies involving animal sacrifices as a means of gaining favour with the spirits.
Thet tribe Living in Rakhine State, the Thet are one of the oldest and smallest tribal groups from the age of Pyu. They are known by foreign scholars as Sakkya tribe and famous for their large earrings made of silver and bamboo.		Pa-O Living in Shan State near Kalaw, the Pa-O are traders who visit the local markets every five days with their backpacks full to sell their wares. The main crop cultivated is called Thanaq-Hpeq, a large leaf used to produce local cigars, known as cheroots. These people make their homes near Pindaya,Thaunggyi and Inlay.
Maha Lawka Marazein Paya Often described as the World’s Largest Book, this site, also known as Kuthodaw Paya, houses 729 large marble slabs on which are inscribed the entire Tipitaka or ‘teachings of the Lord Buddha’. Each six-foot-high slab is housed in its own individual stupa.		Inlay floating markets The 5-day floating market on Inlay Lake is a spectacle not to be missed for tourists visiting the area. The local farmers have constructed ingenious floating garden beds where they cultivate a variety of produce. Also of note are the famous ‘leg-rowers’ who compete in races during the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival in October.
Shitthaung Pagoda Constructed in 1535 by King Minbar, the most powerful of the Rakhine Kings, the pagoda also served as a fortress. Located in Mrauk Oo, the ancient city of the Rakhine, Shitthaung means Shrine of the 80,000 images.		Pyin-Oo-Lwin to Lashio railway Commissioned in 1899 and completed by December 1900, the Gokteik Viaduct literally joined north-eastern Myanmar to the rest of the country. It was a massive international operation and was, at that time, the largest such structure in the world.
Mingun Pahtodawgyi This pagoda was built by a massive workforce and could have become the largest zedi if the wishes of King Bodawpaya were realised. Begun in 1790, work halted in 1819 when the king died. Today, it is still only one third of its intended height.		Kyaik Hti Yo One of the most revered Pagodas in Myanmar Buddhism, the golden rock of Kyaik Hti Yo is perched on the edge of a giant cliff on the top of Mount Kyaik Hti Yo. The rock is said to have come from the sea below and it is believed that the rock maintains its precarious balance due to a single hair from the Lord Buddha which is enshrined in the pagoda.
Ngapali Beach Unquestionably one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in Myanmar. Its long unspoilt shoreline attracts loacals and foreigners alike, providing a range of accommodation options to suit any budget. Visitors can enjoy swimming and diving in the crystal clear waters and take short excursions by long-tail boat.		Moken The Moken people, often called simply ‘sea gypsies’, are a race of their own, having lived on the ocean in their primitive craft for generation after generation. Found mostly in Tanintharyi Division, they survive by fishing and diving for pearl, trading their catch for other foods, clothing and fuel.
Kayah Tribe The Kayahs are the dominant tribe in their state, though they share some cultural aspects with their Shan neighbours. Hereditary chieftains called saopya. There are many Christians and Buddhists among the Kayah people.		Padaung When Padaung girls reach the age of eight or nine years, they are fitted with a brass neck ring. Their culture demands that each year another ring is added, both to their necks and later their legs and arms as they grow older. Most of the Padaung live near Loikaw, the capital of Kayah state.