Myanmar 2023
Step into a land lost in time - Myanmar, December 2023. These photos capture a country of breathtaking beauty, shadowed by a five-year conflict. It's not the easiest place to visit, but for those who do, the experience is unforgettable.
My very first thought of Myanmar? Bagan. Visions of majestic hot air balloons suspended in the fiery sunset sky, their shadows dancing across towering pagodas that seemed to rise from a lush jungle. This was the legendary Bagan- The gem of Burma. Image well known from movies.
„It was about 40 balloons each sunrise before the conflict started, now it is about 5.”
- said Thet Oo, who is selling local art next to Shwesandaw Pagoda.
Bagan, surprisingly, had a few tourists. Let's just say, they weren't your typical beach-resort crowd, or even regular bagpackers. A bit eccentric, these guys were clearly determined to experience Myanmar.
Since the civil war started, there is no tourism in Myanmar. I was welcomed by many locals around very kindly. They were surprised to see me.
In Pyay, however, I encountered a heartwarming display of human kindness. A local couple, Suu Kyi and Myo Thant, welcomed me with open arms, even offering a steaming bowl of mohinga – the fragrant national noodle soup. Myo Thant, a former tourist guide forced to close his business due to the conflict, spoke fluent English and was genuinely excited to see a tourist. Meeting that kindness, during such challenging times, was truly heartwarming.
People of Myanmar are skincare-obsessed.
They keep using Thanaka made by grinding the bark of the Burmese Thanaka tree into a paste. That is natural sunscreen.
Often painted in beautiful floral designs, Thanaka adds a touch of tradition and elegance to everyday life.
A girl is offering a bunch of lotuses flowers as a gift for Budda in Kuthodaw Pagoda "World’s Largest Book", this pagoda houses 729 marble slabs inscribed with the entire Pali Canon, the sacred texts of Theravada Buddhism.
A coconut seller’s wife. She was offering a fresh, young coconut straight from the palm tree directly at the beach. The most luxurious experience that I ever wanted.
I was lucky to take part in a spectacular Buddhist procession. I even accidentally became one of the photographers of this unique holiday. A crowd of beautiful, well-dressed people, an elephant, and oxcarts led me to the temple where lunch was served. I received an invitation to join. Another heart-warming example of people's kindness.
