Rudyard Kipling once described Burma (Myanmar) as: “quite unlike any land you know about.” Myanmar, the “Golden Land”, is perhaps the least discovered country in Southeast Asia. We’ve been doing photo tours in Myanmar for the last 9 years and in the last few, we have seen a steady increase in tourism. The reason that Myanmar is getting more popular is because it combines some of the most amazing scenery, a plethora of incredible Buddhist temples and the most friendly, welcoming, enchanting, curious and delightful people you’ll ever meet.
Myanmar’s most famous Pagoda is Shwedagon and of course the 2015 Amazing Myanmar Photo tour itinerary included a total of 3 visits to Shwedagon Pagoda.
Yangon, or Rangoon as it was once called, is the largest city in Burma and contains the amazing Shwedagon Pagoda. The origin of the Shwedagon Pagoda dates back over 2500 years. Gautama Buddha presented eight strands of sacred hairs to two merchants, who offered it to King Okkalapa on their return. The king built a pagoda on a hilltop overlooking the port city of Okkalapa, in which the sacred hairs were enshrined. Successive monarchs enlarged the pagoda by building outer structures over the original. The present stupa reaching a height of 326 feet was completed in the mid 1450s by Queeen Shin-Sawpu. The last renovation of the Shwehtidaw (literally meaning the “Golden Umbrella” and comprising the Diamond Bud, the vane and the shaft) was successfully undertaken by King Mindon in 1871.
As mentioned above, we visit Shwedagon Pagoda three times on our photo tour, once in the morning and twice at sunset. The following 26 images will give you a look at our first day on tour and this most amazing temple along with the people who come to see it and worship. Enjoy.
Fabulous images. I know I wa there at the same time, but it just goes to show how “different” eyes see the same scene differently. Love some of the angles and leading lines in some of these “signature Grobl Shots”
Thanks Marco, I appreciate your comments. I agree that one of the most interesting things about photography, especially on a photo tour; is seeing different photographer’s images of the same location.
Just gorgeous – as always!
Karl, Once again you are “over the top” the greatest photojournalist I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. You Rock, my friend.
Thanks Judy, you’re so kind 🙂 Hope you are doing well, wherever you are and that you got through Hurricane Joaquin, unharmed. All the best, Karl
Fantastic my friend!
I love looking at your images and trying to realize your thoughts. I know, light, background, subject. But you capture so much. Love them.
Thanks Shelly !
Beautiful images, Karl
Thanks Bob!