Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 01-661 479;
www.facebook.com/chanmyaymeditation.centreyangon
;
55A Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd,
Mayangone)
Meaning 'peaceful retreat' Chanmyay Yeiktha was founded by another Ma-
hasi desciple, Sawadaw U Janaka. There is also a countryside branch at Hmawbi, around
a one-hour drive north of Yangon; one-month stays are preferred.
Festivals & Events
Crowds of pilgrims descend on the Shwedagon for a
paya pwe
(pagoda festival), one of
the more important Myanmar holidays. This takes place over the March full moon day,
the last full moon before the Myanmar New Year. In the Western calendar it normally
falls in late February/early March.
Other major festivals in Yangon:
Independence Day
CULTURAL
(
4 Jan)
Includes a seven-day fair at Kandawgyi.
Thaipusam
HINDU
( Jan or Feb)
Held at Yangon's Hindu temples, it involves colourful processions and
ritual piercings of the flesh. The date depends on the lunar calendar.
Water Festival/Thingyan
CULTURAL
(
Apr)
The Myanmar New Year is celebrated in wet pandemonium.
Buddha's Birthday
BUDDHIST
(
Apr/May)
Celebrate the Buddha's enlightenment.
Martyrs' Day
CULTURAL
( 19 Jul)
Commemorates the assassination of General Bogyoke Aung San and his com-
rades.
Sleeping
The sharp increase in the number of visitors to Yangon, coupled with a dearth of decent
hotels and guesthouses, has caused a spike in prices. In the wet season rates are what
you'll find quoted here, but expect many places, particularly the larger hotels, to hike
their rates substantially over busy periods in December through February, when booking
ahead is essential.
