Melo Villareal
After our Myanmar trip, I learned that DIY trips are really more exciting than the usual Fam Tours. I realized that creating itinerary while on the road made our trip more intense, enjoyable and much more memorable. Of course, what I like about backpacking trips may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I guess that is just a matter of opinion and preference.
Kabar Aye Pagoda
What now? Probably everyone’s question in mind after leaving the Yangon International Airport immigration counter. Our original plan was to have a city tour first while waiting for the afternoon Bus trip to Old Bagan which normally leaves at around 6PM.
Buddhists offering prayer
Entrance to the Temple
Everyone agreed for the City Tour but then we realized that its inconvenient to roam around the city with our backpacks with us. Since we don’t have a place to safekeep our things, we decided to just hire a Van that will tour us around Yangon and transport us all the way to Old Bagan afterwards. After negotiating for the rates and service inclusion, we boarded the van then headed to our first stop in Yangon.
Female Monks outside the Temple
The first tourist attraction we visited was the Kabar Aye Pagoda in Yangon. For the unfamiliar, Pagoda traditionally means a tiered tower which is quite often referred to as a place of worship. These were built in the ancient times often close to temples and religious functions were organized there.
Inside the Temple
‘Kabar Aye Pagoda’ is a ancient Buddhist monument situated in Kabar Aye road, located in one of the prominent area of Yangon, It is basically a well known Buddhist monument and often portrayed as the iconic symbol dedicated for ‘world peace’.
Street Food Vendor
Before entering the Pagoda entrance, our tour guide instructed us to remove our shoes and leave it inside the van since footwears are not allowed inside the temple. Being one of the oldest temple in Yangon, I was surprised that the locals are not outnumbered by tourists.
Souvenir Shops
We climbed the stairs to reach the main temple. On our way to the Pagoda, we passed by several souvenir stalls selling handicrafts and toys. It was such an awesome experience and it somehow helped me to understand the ancient and present day culture of Myanmar.
Wood Carver
Though this pagoda was built in 1952, it is significantly associated with the sixth world Buddhist synod which took place in the year 1954. The structural pattern of this historical monument resembles a cave-temple. The flamboyant arched pediments are used to decorate the five porches.
Prayer Room
Exploring such historical spots will surely give the people knowledge of ancient traditions and values which played a vital role in setting up and influencing the societal life years back. When skyscrapers have nothing to say other than the material used and commercial value, these kinds of monuments will have lot to share, especially to the new generations lacking knowledge about the past.
Kabar Aye Pagoda located on Kabar Aye Road. The place is open to public any day between 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.
