Off the Beaten Track in Myanmar

"Crumbling Empire of the Decaying Sun This sunset photo was taken in late December 2011 while visiting the ruins of Mrauk U, ancient capital of the Arakan kingdom in modern day Rakhine State located in far western Myanmar. It was definitely worth the 6-hour boat trip up the Kaladan River from Sittwe!"

"Fishy Fossils These are fish carcasses that have been flayed into strips and dried at main market in Sittwe, located in the far western state of Arakhine in Myanmar --they look almost prehistoric! The smell is pretty overwhelming and pretty much exemplifies the overall atmosphere of the Market--definitely a hardcore experience as the weight of 2,000+ eyes will be upon you if do not look Burmese since there are so few foreigners who venture to this part of the country."

"Herdsmen Of The Kaladan Cattle herders on the alluvial plains that make up the banks of the Kaladan River on the way to Mrauk U from Sittwe in Arakhine State, Myanmar. Scenes of local people engaging in the same activities they have for hundreds (if not thousands) of years are common on the boat ride up the Kaladan River from the regional hub of Siitwe to the ancient Arakan ruins of Mrauk U. Very little has changed since ancient times with almost nothing in terms of modernization evident, which is perhaps a good thing since everyone you encounter on your journey has a a ready smile and a wave to offer!"

"An Orwellian Experience The small riverside town on the Irrawaddy River was the model for Kyauktada in George Orwell's novel Burmese Days. Squint your eyes and you can imagine how things were in the era when Orwell resided here. There's not much in the town itself, but it makes a pleasant pitstop for a couple of days between river rides."

"Peak Season in Chin State One of the most accessible destinations in Chin State, Mt Victoria (Nat Ma Taung) is also one of the most alluring spots in the country. The mountain itself is, at 3053metres, Myanmar's second highest and it stands amid a beautiful national park that is a prime spot for birdwatching. Try to visit in November when rhododendron season is in full swing."