Myanmar’s culture is largely a result of heavy Indian influences intertwined with local traditions and some Chinese influences. This can be seen in the various stupas and temples throughout the country, which bear a distinct resemblance to those in northern India. Like neighbouring Thailand, Theravada Buddhism is the single largest religion, and even some of the most remote villages will have a village temple for people to pray at. Other religions which exist in smaller numbers include Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.

Innwa (Ava) located on an island between the Irrawaddy and Myitnge Rivers. We visited Ava by horse cart (bullock cart).The ruins of a brick and stucco monastery called Maha Aungmye Bonzan (Okkyaung) is the main site.

Generally speaking, most Burmese people are incredibly friendly and polite, and will do their best to make you feel welcome in their country.

Monywa, about 136 km to the west of Mandalay, a major center for trade and commerce for agricultural product from surrounding Chindwin Velly. Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya, it dates from 1303, although it was reconstructed in 1939. It is said to contain over 500,000 images of Buddha. Giant reclining Buddha at Bodhi Tahtaung (one thousand Bo Tree) Shwezigon-Paya, Aung Setkya Paya, and Phowintaung are major places for the visitors.

Pakokku is a prosperous trading town in central Myanmar with its conservative atmosphere far from cities like Yangon or Mandalay where there are big cars and big houses but in Pakokku there big monasteries and pagodas. The Hhiho Shin pagoda not far from the river is an ancient one, but does not show its age as it has been well-preserved over the ages. There are also some beautiful monasteries built from teak wood in Pakokku.

May Myo (or May Town), as Pyin Oo Lwin was once called, was a retreat for the British from the searing heat of Mandalay in the hot season. It still retains much of its quaintness with lots of Edwardian-style houses despite the new buildings which are being built to house the increasing number of immigrants from other parts of the State and beyond and its lies in the cool mountains about one and a half hours’ drive from Mandalay.