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IN FOCUS: MYANMAR
by
The Travel Photog
WELCOME TO MYANMAR!
INTRODUCTION:
When we think of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), mental images of spectacular golden pagodas, intriguing monks and nuns, acrobatic fisherman, beautiful long-necked women, and extremely kind people come to mind. Take our word for it, Myanmar is a photographer’s dream destination. And, no matter what the media may say, we found traveling to Myanmar to be extremely safe and rewarding
The image above depicts the golden Shwe Dagon, arguably the most grand pagoda in existence. Shwe Dagon can be found in Yangon, the largest city and international port of entry for Myanmar. If you can, book a room at the Yangon Sule Shangri-La Hotel for the ultimate 5- star experience.
As for photography, bring everything you’ve got…wide angle, normal, and telephoto zoom. You’ll need them all for the infinite number of opportunities around you. Whether you shoot landscape, architecture, or portraits, Myanmar has a bit of everything for every type of photographer. If you take our advice, take portraits of the people whenever possible. It is the people that represent the heart and soul of the country.
*For our most detailed photo guide packed with photos and descriptions, see our Store.
To see more of our photos from Myanmar, see our Gallery.
“NOT TO BE MISSED” SIGHTS:
• Shwe Dagon, the “golden pagoda” of Yangon
• Kyimyindine San Pya Fish Market, Yangon
• Chauk Htet Gyi, Reclining Buddha, Yangon
• Pagodas of Bagan
• Sulamani Temple, Bagan
• U Bein Bridge, Mandalay
• Hsinbyume Pagoda, Mingon
• Intha Fisherman of Inle Lake
• Long-necked women of Inle Lake
FAVORITE PHOTO TOUR GUIDE:
Guide: Win Kyaw Zan, Asia Photo Travels & Tours
Based out of: Yangon, Myanmar
Website: asiaphototravel.com
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Photo Guide
We cannot say enough positive things about Win Kyaw Zan. Win is probably the best photo guide we’ve worked with to date. He is hard working, a genuinely nice guy, and organized. He tirelessly works to help you set up shots, easily interacts with the locals and encourages them to pose for his photography clients, and is an EXCELLENT photographer himself. For these reasons, we award Win our “Top Photo Guide.”
To us, Win’s specialty lies in his ability to see glorious, soft, and dramatic light. Whether it’s landscape, architecture, or portrait photography, Win knows how to find the best lighting for any given situation. In our opinion, he is a master photographer when it comes to Myanmar. You will see his photos in books and postcards in gift shops all over the country.
In addition, Win’s list of notable clients include the world renowned photogs Art Wolfe, Nevada Wier, Roger Nelson, and many more. Although Win would likely guide photogs of any skill level, we believe the moderate to advanced photographer will benefit most from Win’s services. The best of the best trust Win, and so do we.
For:
• Passionate travel photographers who know how to use their cameras
• Portrait photographers
• Landscape photographers
• Architecture photographers
Maybe Not For:
• The average tourist who doesn’t appreciate photographic art
• The casual photographer who’s not willing to wake up early for sunrise, or stay out late past sunset
Sample photos from our tour with Win Kyaw Zan:
FAVORITE HOTEL:
Sule Shangri-La Yangon Hotel.
Address: #223 Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon, G.P.O. Box 888, Myanmar.
Website: shangri-la.com
If you’re spending some time in Yangon, you absolutely must book a room at the Sule ShangriLa Hotel Yangon. This luxurious 5-star hotel is surprisingly very reasonably priced for a hotel of this high caliber. Many of the top Yangon attractions are within walking distance, or a short taxi ride. The rooms are spacious, clean, and beautifully decorated. Room service is efficient, polite, and professional. Our fellow friends who traveled with us raved about the beautiful outdoor infinity pool. As for Natasha and Trent, we appreciate good food and the Sule Shangri-La has THE BEST international breakfast buffet we’ve experienced thus far at any hotel we’ve stayed at. It doesn’t matter if you have a craving for Western, Asian, or Burmese food, as the buffet at this hotel has a wide range of high quality food to please even the most finicky eaters. Honestly, we cannot say a single negative thing about this incredible hotel.
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