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The Snake Pagoda, or Hmwe Paya. In the 1970s, three pythons came into the pagoda and curled up next to the Buddha image. They never left, and are being taken care of as a vital part of the pagoda. Easily reached from Mandalay, the Snake pagoda is in Paleik and can be easily visited on a morning. The poor creatures are encouraged to come down from the Buddha image each morning for a bath in front of many tourists and locals. It all seems to be a money spinner to me as well as jobs for the boys.

Here are some images from inside the pagoda. Didn't seem all that well looked after given the amount of donations I saw given. Lots of snakes, of course. Officially called Yadana Labamuni Hsu-taungpye Pagoda, this pagoda located not too far from Inwa and Amarapura is generally known as Hmwe Paya, or the Snake Pagoda. What makes it special is the 3 pythons living 'happily' with the monks there. The pagoda was established in 1974 by a local Buddhist monk. It is said that the monk found two large pythons lying around a statue of Buddha inside the old pagoda. At first, he carried them back to the jungle. However, the snakes came back bringing a friend with them. The monk found them holy, possibly the reincarnated souls of monks who used t...

There is a railway line that goes round Rangoon calling at just about everybody's back garden. It costs the locals about 10 cents while we have to pay $1. It takes at least a couple of hours to go all the way round. You can get off anywhere and wander then catch another train either way. Second class is best as it has a more native feel, but hard seats. First class has softish seats and is more middle class.

Sunset on Ilne Lake. The cone nets are unique to Inle lake, which is very shallow - fish are trapped inside the cone when fishermen push it to the bottom. Fish yields are declining rapidly, however. The single paddle is also unique to Inle Lake, and the fishermen propel it with one leg while they wield the net between the other leg and an arm.

Sunset over Inle Lake with cone fishermen. The fishermen on Inle Lake have a really interesting way of paddling their boats. They wrap their leg around the oar and paddle that way. It is beautiful how they can glide through the water and still have use of both of their hands.

Graphic by audicreative

Beautiful fountains in Yangon, Myanmar with the Shwedagon Pagoda in the background

An alternative view. Located close by the Shwethlyaung temple, the Mya Tha Lyaung temple is one of the newer in the region Built in 2002, it is unusual because of the outdoor nature of the Buddha. In this instance, the reclining Buddha is not covered by any building or structure, which leads many to believe that the complex may not be completed. The detailing and composure of the image make it one of the more striking reclining Buddhas around. The size of this Buddha image exceeds that of the image in the neighboring Shwethlyaung temple.

The Shwemawdaw Paya in Bago is the tallest pagoda in Burma. With its height of 114 meters it is 15 meters taller than the Shwedagon Pagoda in nearby Yangon. he impressive Shwemawdaw, which translates to “Great Golden God” was built by the Mon people over a thousand years ago. It is one of Burma’s most sacred sites, because it enshrines several relics of the Buddha. The towering pagoda glittering in the sun can be seen from miles around. Over the centuries, the pagoda has been rebuilt and enlarged several times, as a result of the destruction caused by earthquakes. wo huge Chinthe, mythological animals that look like a lion stand guard at the entrance of the temple grounds. Numerous small pagodas are placed at the base of the 114 ...

Shrine at Shwedagon Pagoda, Rangoon. e Shwedagon Pagoda, officially named Shwedagon Zedi Daw and also known in English as the Great Dagon Pagoda and the Golden Pagoda, is a gilded pagoda and stupa 99 metres in height that is located in Rangoon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of Kandawgyi Lake, on Singuttara Hill, thus dominating the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese with relics of four past Buddhas enshrined within: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama.

According to Burmese legend the site where the Sule pagoda now stands was once the home of a powerful nat (spirit) named Sularata. The king of the Nats, Sakka, wished to help the legendary king Okkalap build a shrine for the Buddha's sacred hair-relic on the same site where three previous Buddhas had buried sacred relics in past ages. Unfortunately, these events had happened so long ago that not even Sakra knew exactly where the relics were buried. The Sule nat, however, who was so old that his eyelids had to be propped up with trees in order for him to stay awake, had witnessed the great event. The gods, Nats and humans of the court of Okkalapa therefore gathered around the Sule Ogre and asked him the location, which he eventually remem...

The Sule Pagoda is located in the heart of downtown Yangon, occupying the centre of the city and an important space in contemporary Burmese politics, ideology and geography. According to legend, it was built before the Shwedagon Pagoda during the time of the Buddha, making it more than 2,500 years old. Burmese legend states that the site for the Shwedagon Pagoda was asked to be revealed from an old nat who resided at the place where the Sule Pagoda now stands. The Sule Pagoda has been the focal point of both Yangon and Burmese politics. It has served as a rallying point in both the 1988 uprisings and 2007 Saffron Revolution.

Caught at Shwedagon Pagoda, Rangoon. e Shwedagon Pagoda, officially named Shwedagon Zedi Daw and also known in English as the Great Dagon Pagoda and the Golden Pagoda, is a gilded pagoda and stupa 99 metres in height that is located in Rangoon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of Kandawgyi Lake, on Singuttara Hill, thus dominating the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese with relics of four past Buddhas enshrined within: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama.

This large hotel was abandoned but taken over by a Burmese extended family. It sits in Inle Lake. They had installed a small fish farm by hotel probably needed as lake is depleted of fish due to overfishing.

Bagan, located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, is home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. Bagan became a central powerbase in the mid 9th century under King Anawratha, who unified Burma under Theravada Buddhism. It is estimated that as many as 13,000 temples and stupas once stood on this 42 sq km plain in central Burma. Approximately 2,000 remain today, in various states of disrepair. Some are large and well maintained, such as the Ananda Pahto, others are small tumbledown relics in the middle of overgrown grass. Despite the majesty and importance of Bagan, UNESCO did not include it on its World Heritage Site, beca...

Young girl living with her extended family on abandoned hotel on Inle Lake.

The Shwemawdaw Paya in Bago is the tallest pagoda in Burma. With its height of 114 meters it is 15 meters taller than the Shwedagon Pagoda in nearby Yangon. The impressive Shwemawdaw, which translates to “Great Golden God” was built by the Mon people over a thousand years ago. It is one of Burma’s most sacred sites, because it enshrines several relics of the Buddha. The towering pagoda glittering in the sun can be seen from miles around. Over the centuries, the pagoda has been rebuilt and enlarged several times, as a result of the destruction caused by earthquakes. Two huge Chinthe, mythological animals that look like a lion stand guard at the entrance of the temple grounds. Numerous small pagodas are placed at the base of the 114 me...

This was taken just outside Nyaungshwe at Inle Lake. All parts of the cane are used.

The Kuthodaw Paya (Pagoda), or Maha Lawka Marazein Paya, contains what often is called the world’s largest book. It is a large walled complex situated at the base of the southeast stairway to Mandalay Hill and was built by King Mindon at the same time hewas constructing the Royal Palace. Its central stupa is modeled on the Shwezigon at Nyaung U near Bagan. An on-site carved tablet indicates that the pagoda’s height is 187 ft 9 in, high, while some guide books list it at 100 ft. The former includes the platform in the measurement.

Caught at market beside the Irrawaddy, Rangon. They will be delivered to your restaurant shortly.

The Anandaphaya Temple located in Bagan, Burma is a Buddhist temple built in 1105 AD during the reign (1084–1113) of King Kyanzittha of the Pagan Dynasty. It is one of four surviving temples in Bagan. The temple layout is in a cruciform with several terraces leading to a small pagoda at the top covered by an umbrella known as hti, which is the name of the umbrella or top ornament found in almost all pagodas in Myanmar. The Buddhist temple houses four standing Buddhas, each one facing the cardinal direction of East, North, West and South. The temple is said to be an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian style of architecture. The impressive temple has also been titled the "Westminster Abbey of Burma". The temple w...

Shrines at the Shwedagon Pagoda officially named Shwedagon Zedi Daw and also known in English as the Great Dagon Pagoda and the Golden Pagoda, is a gilded pagoda and stupa 99 metres in height that is located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of Kandawgyi Lake, on Singuttara Hill, thus dominating the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese with relics of four past Buddhas enshrined within: the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair from Gautama. Uppatasanti Pagoda is an exact replica of Shwedagon Pagoda in Naypyidaw, the capital of Burma.

Bagan, located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, is home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. Bagan became a central powerbase in the mid 9th century under King Anawratha, who unified Burma under Theravada Buddhism. It is estimated that as many as 13,000 temples and stupas once stood on this 42 sq km plain in central Burma. Approximately 2,000 remain today, in various states of disrepair. Some are large and well maintained, such as the Ananda Pahto, others are small tumbledown relics in the middle of overgrown grass. Despite the majesty and importance of Bagan, UNESCO did not include it on its World Heritage Site, beca...

Bagan, located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, is home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. Bagan became a central powerbase in the mid 9th century under King Anawratha, who unified Burma under Theravada Buddhism. It is estimated that as many as 13,000 temples and stupas once stood on this 42 sq km plain in central Burma. Approximately 2,000 remain today, in various states of disrepair. Some are large and well maintained, such as the Ananda Pahto, others are small tumbledown relics in the middle of overgrown grass. Despite the majesty and importance of Bagan, UNESCO did not include it on its World Heritage Site, beca...

Located close by the Shwethlyaung temple, the M temple is one of the newer in the region. Built in 2002, it is unusual because of the outdoor nature of the Buddha. In this instance, the reclining Buddha is not covered by any building or structure, which leads many to believe that the complex may not be completed. The detailing and composure of the image make it one of the more striking reclining Buddhas around. The size of this Buddha image exceeds that of the image in the neighboring Shwethlyaung temple.

Mine Thauk Market located on the east bank of Inle Lake. Mine Thauk Market day is one of the important 5-day markets in the region. On the market day, hill tribes nearby and the local people gather at the market place. A large and bustling market where one can find a real local atmosphere with a variety of produce from the lake. Other places of interest near the market in the lake are Paya Pauk Pagoda. Zakah Village and Nga Phe Chaung monastery.

Pa - O tribeswoman smoking locally made cheroot. They cheroots are made from leaves of a certain tree (can't remember its name). Inside are corn husks, tabbaco and wood chippings.

The Shwemawdaw Paya in Bago is the tallest pagoda in Burma. With its height of 114 meters it is 15 meters taller than the Shwedagon Pagoda in nearby Yangon. The impressive Shwemawdaw, which translates to “Great Golden God” was built by the Mon people over a thousand years ago. It is one of Burma’s most sacred sites, because it enshrines several relics of the Buddha. The towering pagoda glittering in the sun can be seen from miles around. Over the centuries, the pagoda has been rebuilt and enlarged several times, as a result of the destruction caused by earthquakes. Two huge Chinthe, mythological animals that look like a lion stand guard at the entrance of the temple grounds. Numerous small pagodas are placed at the base of the 114 me...

On the terrace of the Sutaungpyei Pagoda, a panoramic view of the Mandalay plain stretches to the horizon, with the old city walls and moat, the Thudhamma Zayats (rest houses), and various stupas such as the Kuthodaw Pagoda and its 7oo odd satellite stupas each housing a page inscribed in stone the world's largest book, Kyautawgyi and Sandamuni Pagodas, the Irrawaddy to the west and the Minwun Hills on its opposite bank.

According to Burmese legend the site where the Sule pagoda now stands was once the home of a powerful nat (spirit) named Sularata. The king of the Nats, Sakka, wished to help the legendary king Okkalap build a shrine for the Buddha's sacred hair-relic on the same site where three previous Buddhas had buried sacred relics in past ages. Unfortunately, these events had happened so long ago that not even Sakra knew exactly where the relics were buried. The Sule nat, however, who was so old that his eyelids had to be propped up with trees in order for him to stay awake, had witnessed the great event. The gods, Nats and humans of the court of Okkalapa therefore gathered around the Sule Ogre and asked him the location, which he eventually remem...

The Shwethalyaung Buddha is a reclining Buddha in the west side of Bago (Pegu), Burma (Myanmar). The Buddha, which has a length of 55 m (180 ft) and a height of 16 m (52 ft), is the second largest Buddha in the world, after the 74 m reclining Buddha in Dawei (Tavoy). The Buddha is believed to have been built in 994, during the reign of Mon King Migadepa. It was lost in 1757 when Pegu was pillaged. During British colonial rule, in 1880, the Shwethalyaung Buddha was rediscovered under a cover of jungle growth. Restoration began in 1881, and Buddha's mosaic pillows (on its left side) were added in 1930. This is a view from behind the Buddha.

Sagaing Hill is located on the Irrawaddy River, 20 km to the southwest of Mandalay on the opposite bank of the river, Sagaing with numerous Buddhist monasteries is an important religious and monastic center. The pagodas and monasteries crowd the numerous hills along the ridge running parallel to the river. The central pagoda, Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, is connected by a set of covered staircases that run up the 240 m hill. Sagaing was the capital of Sagaing Kingdom (1315–1364), one of the minor kingdoms that rose up after the fall of Bagan dynasty. During the Ava period (1364–1555), the city was the common fief of the crown prince or senior princes. The city briefly became the royal capital between 1760 and 1763 in the reign of King Nau...

On the Chindwin near Kindat, Myanmar 8E1608.9262 Nikon D800E | Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 VRII @ 86mm f/11 1/320s ISO500 | Raw

Young monk on way to prayer at Bago monestery.

Many women will buy fish from the fish market, packed in baskets of ice, then try to sell what they've bought at a slight profit. Taken outside fish market in Mandalay.

Kalewa, Myanmar 8E1608.9040 Nikon D800E | Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 VC @ 30mm f/3.2 1/160s ISO1000 | Raw Top 10 in Piers, Jetties, Bridges and Lighthouses “Under the Bridge” (27 November 2016)