Asian Geographic 3 - 2016 SG

Top 5 places to visit in

Shan State

Top 5 products in

Shan State

TALK OF THE TOWN

WOOD CARVINGS

Wood carving is prevalent throughout Myanmar. With intricate

detail, craftsmen like to depict religious mythical figures, humans,

animals or flowers in their work. Teak is often used due to its

high quality and ready availability. Finished products traditionally

embellish places like temples and palaces, but can also be easily

picked up in souvenir shops.

INDEIN VILLAGE 1

Renowned for its ancient Buddhist pagodas, this little village

built on stilts lies slightly to the west of Inle Lake. Although only

accessible by boat through the long and narrow Inn Thein creek,

this journey is well worth it as Indein’s flavour is distinctively

different from the rest of Myanmar’s.

FLOATING GARDENS

Apart from fishing, how else could river people make their living?

These gardens, which span a quarter of Inle Lake’s area, hold

an answer. The locals turn clusters of water hyacinth, sea grass

and lake debris into floating islands upon which food crops like

tomatoes are grown for sale.

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SHWE YAUNGHWE KYAUNG

Easily overshadowed by its neighbouring Shwe Yan Pyay

Monastery, this is one of the hidden gems of Shan State. Within

a wooden exterior, thousands of alcoves house little Buddha

figurines. Colourful decorations also adorn the temple’s walls.

PI N DAYA C AV E S

These caves sit on a limestone ridge, and are as much a tourist

attraction as they are an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The

southernmost cave is famous for having over 8,000 statues and

images of Buddha, where the oldest artefacts date back to the

18th century. Even now, its collection continues to grow through

donations from a steady stream of visiting pilgrims.

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KENGTUNG MARKET

Considered by many as one of the most interesting markets in

Myanmar, here you can get a rich sensory experience of Burmese

culture. You can find locals in ethnic dress selling street snacks,

fresh produce, sundry goods and even livestock. The people are

also friendly and always ready to strike up a casual conversation.

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BELLS

If you’re looking for a souvenir that will endure through the years,

these traditional item will surely fit your bill. They are most

common in temples, but can really be found almost everywhere.

The bells usually depict astrological symbols or historical scenes,

while material can vary from brass to ceramic and even terracotta.

MULBERRY PAPER

Pindaya is well-known for its handmade paper, which uses bark

from young branches of the Paper Mulberry tree. Leaves and

petals from plants like bougainvillea are added to create beautiful

patterns during the paper-making process. You may bring a piece

of this unique art home in the form of a hand fan or a notebook.

SHAN BAGS

Perhaps one of the most recognisable souvenirs you could get is the

Shan bag, which is carefully hand-woven with cotton. They come in

a wide range of colours and designs, but an element that all Shan

bags share – which is also what makes them iconic – is two tassels

dangling from their bases.

MARIONETTES

These were once a medium for knowledge to be passed on to

the people, addressing topics such as literature and religion.

Controlling these puppets demanded high technical skills as

each figure consists of nearly 20 wires. Although now a dying art,

marionettes can still be enjoyed and bought at tourist attractions.

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