AirAsia now flies 2x daily from Kuala Lumpur to Yangon

It’s time to discover Myanmar as AirAsia has increased its flight frequencies to Yangon. The world’s best low cost carrier now flies twice daily to the former capital city beginning 8 October 2012.

AirAsia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur – Yangon once daily, and will have 2x daily flights when the additional frequency takes effect, making the total flights 28x weekly between both destinations.

The new frequency now has flight AK 0858 which departs Kuala Lumpur at 6.55am and arrives in Yangon at 8.00am. In conjunction with this great news, AirAsia is offering a special promotion only for the above mentioned fight with all-in-fares from as low as RM119* one way from Kuala Lumpur – Yangon, the main gate way to Myanmar. Guests are able to book this special fare from now until 26 August 2012 for the travel period from 8 October 2012 to 22 May 2013. This promotion is available exclusively at www.airasia.com.
 
Yangon was the capital of Myanmar until March 2006 and is the biggest city in the country. While the new capital is now Naypydaw, Yangon still serves as the main business hub and principle seaport for Myanmar.
Be ‘seduced’ by Yangon’s blend of Eastern mystic and colonial charm where visitors can walk down the streets to discover a city that is steeped in tradition and culture that remains fairly untouched by the western world for the last 50 years. While the city hosts a numerous Buddhist pagodas such as Sule Pagoda at the heart of Yangon, it also has the largest number of British colonial buildings in South East Asia.
 
The vibrant colours of the city are also a visual experience that is hard to miss. More than often, visitors will encounter Buddhist monks clad in their burgundy robes or greeted with ‘red smiles’ from the many betel nut chewers. Visitors will also witness men going about their daily routines in their longyi, a sarong like garment that is worn all around the country and see women spotting thanaka on their faces; a natural sun block and moisturiser made of a special grounded tree bark.
 
One of the popular places of interest in Yangon and regarded as the most important religious site in Myanmar is the Shwedagon Pagoda situated at the holy Singuttra Hill. The golden pagoda is revered as the most sacred pagoda as it enshrines relics from four past Buddhas, including Gautama Buddha’s hair. Believed to be over 2,500 years old, the tip of the pagoda boasts a 76-carat diamond and below it features over, 8,000 diamonds and rubies.
 
Another point to note about Yangon is the lush greenery. In fact, it is also known as the ‘garden city of the east’. The tree lined streets provides a cooling atmosphere while the various number of gardens and lakes provides a vast choice of recreational areas for both locals and visitors. One such example is the Kandawgyi Lake which lies just southeast of the Shwedagon Pagoda. To add to the beauty of the lake is the Kandawgyi Nature Park which surrounds the 150-acre lake.
 
Shoppers and bargain hunters will be in heaven with the choices that Yangon has to offer particularly at the Bogyoke Aung San Market. Also known as Scott Market, it has about 2,000 shops where shoppers can find a plethora of local handicrafts, lacquer-ware, souvenirs and paintings. Myanmar is well known for its gems, so jewellery lovers can look forward to getting their hands on precious stones such as rubies and sapphires.
Apart from that, textiles are also abundant in Yangon and it is easy to find tailoring services which offers to make dresses and suits for just a few hours.

       Selman TENGÜZ

   Wednesday, May 18, 2011

       Talip BÖLÜKBAŞI

   Thursday, May 19, 2011