Wandering in Yangon
Since Aung San Su Kyi’s release, Myanmar and Yangon has been put firmly in the travler’s spotlight. Yangon is one of my favourite cities in Southeast Asia and with the current mood of optimism for the future, there’s never been a better time to explore the country’s enchanting former capital. Yangon is an extremely pleasant city to [...]
Buddha Foundry, Mandalay
A stone’s throw from Mandalay’s stone carving district is a street lined with foundries casting bronze Buddha images. Using a process that dates back thousands of years, skilled craftsmen create detailed wax images of Buddhas which are encased in earthenware clay. The mould is then heated to burn out the wax and the bronze poured [...]
U Bein Bridge, Mandalay
Fifteen kilometres from Mandalay in the former capital of Amarapura is U Bein Bridge. At 1.2 kilometres, it’s the world’s longest teak bridge and possibly Myanmar’s most recognisable landmark. It’s certainly one of the most photographed. I first visited here 12 years ago when the country was attracting few visitors. Today, it is well and [...]
Stone Carving in Mandalay
I’ve just returned from a week-long trip to Myanmar and the city of Mandalay to take photographs for my current book commission. Mandalay is to Myanmar what Chiang Mai is to Thailand – the centre of the country’s arts and crafts industry. Weaving, bronze casting, stone carving and much more can all be found here. [...]
