Mission of Burma

A boy walking along the tracks, taken from the train between Yangon and Bago.
(1/125, F2.8, ISO800, 17mm)

Of the travels I made the last 2 years around Southeast Asia the one that was probably dearest to me was the week I spent off-the-beaten path in Myanmar.

I know the term ´off-the-beaten´ is used way too often nowadays and even when reading articles about Myanmar all of them point to Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake and Yangon, which are already flooding with tourists. That´s why me and my friend opted to go by train from Yangon to Bago, an unexplored transport hub. Bago was indeed an amazing little town and an afternoon bike ride thru its surroundings took us to various immense reclining buddhas, beautiful temples, cheering kids and the highest stupa in Myanmar, where we spent sunset all alone.
After sundown we decided to do a bar-hopping return to the only guesthouse in town. Where the Lonely planet stated there was no nightlife what so ever in this town we spent half the night in local bars on a weekday, only to leave the locals to it at around 4am.

A burmese farmers hat on a fence opposite the river from Hpa-an
(1/125, F2.8, ISO800, 17mm)

After Bago we jumped in a cab to Hpa-an surrounded by its beautiful limestone mountains, caves and paddy fields.

The oasis we found after going thru the Saddar cave near Hpa-an.
This canoe brought us back via an underground river and rice fields full of water lilies to the cave´s entrance.
(1/50, F5.6, ISO400, 30mm)

A 2 hour boat ride from Hpa-an took us to Mawlamyine, the first Britsh colonial capital in Burma between 1826 and 1852, also hardly visited, although the views over the sea, the islands around, the nightmarket on the boulevard and its friendly locals made it unforgettable.

A peak inside an old colonial house in Yangon.
(1/50, F5.6, ISO400, 30mm)

Here´s to hoping I meet these beautiful people and their country again…

Tags: Burma, Landscape, Mountains, Photo, Photography, River, sky, sunset, Travel

71 thoughts on “Mission of Burma”

Andy Smart on November 5, 2016 at 17:08 said:

Looks amazing > Would love to go to Burma. Do people speak any English over there, especially in the out of the way places? Was it easy to get around or were there restricted areas or places that were a definite no no?

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- Ron Hillmar on November 5, 2016 at 18:16 said:
  
  Hi Andy, it was absolutely amazing, and most of the country is open for tourists, some areas bordering other countries are off-limit, people hardly speak English outside the big cities and touristy areas, but some how you manage, cuz there very willing to help and unbelievably friendly and hospitable. The number one journey on the lsit Im´posting now will be this one and will get more into it than here, but best thing for me was to not go to the famous places, Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, should be nice, but getting too crowded. Where we went it felt like you were the first people the locals encountered 😉
  But definitely a must-go if possible…
  Have a great weekend,
  Ron
  
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  - Andy Smart on November 5, 2016 at 18:30 said:
    
    Cheers for that Ron. I’ve noted the camera you were using at some point. I’ll have to treat myself sometime. I think Burma is my next port of call and you’ve really charged my batteries up with your post 🙂 Have a great weekend back there mate and keep in touch 🙂
    
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  - Andy Smart on November 5, 2016 at 21:49 said:
    
    Nice one Ron > Great to have you on board 🙂
    
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    - Ron Hillmar on November 5, 2016 at 23:54 said:
      
      Thanks and nice to ´meet´ you too, Andy! What camera do you mean, th compact RX100? nice one, most of my photos are with dslr but some travels i bring the compact!
      If you do go to Burma, I think I have some advice when you do go, have a good weekend
      Cheers, Ron
      
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thirdeyemom on March 28, 2016 at 00:41 said:

Wow! I have dreamed of seeing Myanmar so much. I would love to go there. I bet it is a pretty magical place.

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- Ron Hillmar on March 28, 2016 at 00:46 said:
  
  Thanks, oh yes, only been there for 8 days, but stayed off the tourist trail (again) and it was a beautiful adventure. thinking of going back and doing more photography work and traveling and get closer to those amazing people!
  
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  - thirdeyemom on March 30, 2016 at 09:02 said:
    
    That sounds wonderful!
    
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FCA on March 26, 2016 at 01:23 said:

Beautiful images!

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Sarananas on January 15, 2016 at 05:48 said:

Beautiful post, thank you for the idea on my next stop after Rangoon!

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- Ron Hillmar on March 24, 2016 at 23:58 said:
  
  You´re welcome, I wouldnt follow everybody to Bagan and Mandalay but opt for this places, much more authentic, enjoy!!!
  Greetings from Malaysia, Ron
  
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  - Sarananas on March 27, 2016 at 21:59 said:
    
    I ended up going and loved Hpa An! I’m going to Malaysia tomorrow, I will follow your posts closely.
    Best,
    Sarah
    
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    - Ron Hillmar on March 27, 2016 at 22:38 said:
      
      Oh, cool, have to check your posts, interesting to read your experiences there! Just send me an email if you want advice around Malaysia, as far as I know it, it´s rondje@gmail.com!
      
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steviegill on December 9, 2015 at 17:40 said:

Beautiful shots of a beautiful country

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- Ron Hillmar on March 9, 2016 at 11:08 said:
  
  Thanks a lot, Stevie, loved Myanmar and hope tourism and the Chinese influence aren’t changing the people and country too much in the coming years!
  Cheers, Ron
  
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dunelight on November 9, 2015 at 09:38 said:

It’s all good but the peak in the house was amazing. Thanks for posting EXIF data too.

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- Ron Hillmar on March 9, 2016 at 11:06 said:
  
  Hi Dunelight, did you spot the little bird on the doorstep peaking in as well? 😉
  Chose to post EXIF, because that taught me a lot when I first started photographing!
  All the best, Ron
  
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Marilyn Albright on November 1, 2015 at 23:01 said:

Thanks for visiting and liking my blog. Your photos and descriptions of Myanmar are excellent and show the beauty of this little known country. I especially like the canoe and mention of the cave trip – it must have been wonderful!

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- Ron Hillmar on March 9, 2016 at 11:01 said:
  
  Hi Marilyn, thank you for stopping by!
  So nice to hear you enjoyed ‘my Myanmar’ and from all the memories of that beautiful country with its friendly people the cave plus canoe trip was definitely one of the most magical!
  Greetings from Malaysia,
  Ron
  
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Truels on October 21, 2015 at 04:42 said:

This is some great photos from Burma (I was here in 1986 🙂 ). I can’t wait to see more photos from your travel there!

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- Ron Hillmar on November 8, 2015 at 13:59 said:
  
  Hi Truels, that must have been an even bigger adventure in 1986! Loved it still!
  Thanks for having a look,
  greetings, Ron
  
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Patti Kuche on October 20, 2015 at 21:59 said:

All glorious shots Ron and what bliss to enjoy it all with the locals!

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- Ron Hillmar on February 29, 2016 at 22:48 said:
  
  Hi Patti, it was a delightful way of traveling, made my idea of going the other direction than the guidebooks even stronger!
  Thanks for your enthusiasm, greetings from KL,
  Ron
  
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Beauty Along the Road on October 19, 2015 at 09:35 said:

a fascinating country…

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- Ron Hillmar on February 29, 2016 at 22:49 said:
  
  Oh definitely, but reading more and more about the most visited places not being so nice anymore in terms of overtourism, but must be enough to explore and I surely hope I will 😉
  Thanks for stopping by, Annete, all the best,
  Ron
  
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erassima on October 15, 2015 at 17:53 said:

Prachtig licht overal, bijna magisch zoals het op de eerste foto op het kind valt.

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- Ron Hillmar on February 29, 2016 at 22:46 said:
  
  Dank je, wilma, dat is het voordeel van het feit dat die trein niet harder ging dan 15km/u en keer of 20 stopte in 2 uur treinreis 😉
  Groet, Ron
  
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restlessjo on October 14, 2015 at 00:07 said:

What a trip this must have been! Redolent with atmosphere 🙂

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- Ron Hillmar on February 29, 2016 at 22:37 said:
  
  Thanks so much, Jo, it is a dear memory and would love to meet the people and places of Laos again!
  Hope all is well, greetings, Ron
  
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  - restlessjo on February 29, 2016 at 22:39 said:
    
    Yes, good thanks, Ron 🙂
    
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nycfstop on October 13, 2015 at 23:39 said:

Ace work Ron.

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julioc on October 13, 2015 at 15:48 said:

fabulous photos, great documentary. I became a fan.

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- Ron Hillmar on February 29, 2016 at 22:38 said:
  
  Oh, thats very nice to hear, Julio, hope I wont and didnt dissappoint since then 😉
  Greetings from KL, Ron
  
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noellevignola on October 12, 2015 at 06:19 said:

The farmer’s hat, canoe and small inner fire were really captivating. Also loved the textures in the Buddha’s hands. Wonderful piece. For a town with no nightlife, 4am does appear to be an odd hour to go to bed. Great piece.

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- Ron Hillmar on February 29, 2016 at 22:33 said:
  
  Hi Noelle, sorry to be so late, trying to catch up in respecting comments and support like yours, shouldn´t be too difficult with my low frequency of posting 😉
  Thank you for taking a thorough look at them, this was such an amazing diverse holiday in 8 days, still cannot believe this was only that and the night out was one of the best and most original in a long long time!
  Hope all is well, greetings from KL,
  Ron
  
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pdlyons on October 12, 2015 at 00:02 said:

beautiful

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- Ron Hillmar on March 9, 2016 at 10:58 said:
  
  Thanks very much, pdlyons!
  
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absengeralois on October 11, 2015 at 23:36 said:

SUPER!

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- Ron Hillmar on February 29, 2016 at 22:33 said:
  
  Thanks so much, Alois and sorry for being so late in my reply!
  Cheers, Ron
  
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Sreejith Nair on October 11, 2015 at 19:18 said:

Hello Ron,

I think you have just given us a preview of what’s in store, from this lesser explored part of the world 🙂

Or you wanted to give a message that it’s better pack your backpack and experience on your own rather than get all the secrets of this beautiful world gets revealed in wordpress reader 🙂

I think I am ready for the adventure …

Thank you so much for sharing and have a great time 🙂

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- Ron Hillmar on February 29, 2016 at 22:36 said:
  
  Haha Hello Sreejith, definitely always pack your back and go where no one´s ever been before or at least don´t follow the crowds, because the true experiences are not found in the most touristy places, it is in the real people and sights that make you connect to a place!
  
  Hope you´re already having adventures, from your blog it looks like you enjoy 😉
  
  Thanks and enjoy too,
  Ron
  
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Eddie Two Hawks on October 11, 2015 at 18:36 said:

so exciting and adventurous to discover new sights

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- Ron Hillmar on January 16, 2016 at 14:13 said:
  
  That´s so true, always looking behind the horizon 😉
  Enjoy your 2016, greetings from KL,
  Ron
  
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sriramjanak on October 10, 2015 at 21:40 said:

just beautiful…:-)

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- Ron Hillmar on January 16, 2016 at 14:29 said:
  
  Thanks so much, Sriram!
  Enjoy your 2016,
  Ron
  
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the dune mouse on October 10, 2015 at 12:00 said:

stunning images!!

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- Ron Hillmar on January 16, 2016 at 14:01 said:
  
  Thank you very much, Cybele, stunning country too 😉
  Have a great 2016,
  Ron
  
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smithiesshutter on October 9, 2015 at 22:29 said:

Wonderful and revealing images….of the place…. And of your photography.
Clearly a place worth visiting………!

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- Ron Hillmar on January 16, 2016 at 13:45 said:
  
  Thanks very much, John, definitely highly recommended!
  Have a great 2016!
  Greetings from KL,
  Ron
  
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Louis on October 9, 2015 at 18:35 said:

Clearly you enjoyed a fabulous trip and captured some fine pictures.

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- Ron Hillmar on November 7, 2015 at 16:55 said:
  
  Oh yeah I did, so many already, but this one was special, also cuz my best friend from Brazil came over to join me 😉
  Thanks for liking them, Louis, always appreciate your interest very much!
  Enjoy your weekend,
  Ron
  
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Pat on October 9, 2015 at 18:30 said:

Just wonderful with beautiful warm light !

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- Ron Hillmar on November 7, 2015 at 00:23 said:
  
  Thanks a lot, Pat, wont grab my camera after breakfast and before the sun is setting to keep it warm 😉
  Cheers, Ron
  
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sakurasnow on October 9, 2015 at 15:14 said:

Great travel tales, beautifully ‘illustrated’! The deep, indigo blue and the reflections in the canoe photo are magnificent.
(Nice job on this post’s ‘post punk’ title too ;-))

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- Ron Hillmar on November 7, 2015 at 00:22 said:
  
  Hi, Suzanne, thanks, feel so blessed with all these adventures that I can make! The canoe pic Arjen and I found after going thru a pitchblakc cave and then finding that scene and going back with that canoe by water thru another cave to arrive in ricefields as far as you can see filled with all kinds of waterlilies, just unbelievable!
  (re: postpunk you know I wont travel without music and vs. was doing its rounds a lot there 😉
  Hope all is well with you two, big hugs from KL,
  Ron
  
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corneliaweberphotography on October 9, 2015 at 10:34 said:

Beautiful images

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- Ron Hillmar on November 7, 2015 at 00:15 said:
  
  Thank you, Cornelia! It was even easy for me as a perfectionist to choose from so many, even though I´ve only been there 8 days, but it´s a beautiful country and the people to match it 😉
  Warm greetings from KL,
  Ron
  
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Ashley Lily Scarlett on October 9, 2015 at 09:30 said:

Good to see you! 🙂

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- Ron Hillmar on November 7, 2015 at 00:14 said:
  
  Thanks, Ashley! Its less frequent around here, but no worries, I´m enjoying my travels and photography a lot 😉
  Enjoy your weekend,
  Ron
  
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Angeline M on October 9, 2015 at 08:52 said:

So good you opted for something other than the tourist filled places. It’s great to explore “off the beaten track” to get a far richer experience. These are great photos!

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- Ron Hillmar on November 7, 2015 at 00:07 said:
  
  Thank you, Angeline, and I always opt for the least visited place or time, makes the experience so much better, I think, and luckily most people follow the herd so its pretty easy to do it a little different!
  Have a nice weekend, great tos ee you coming around, even though I´m less active nowadays, thanks for that!
  Ron
  
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greenmackenzie on October 9, 2015 at 01:53 said:

Gorgeous photos

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- Ron Hillmar on November 7, 2015 at 00:05 said:
  
  Thanks a lot, Seonaid, hope you´ll have a great weekend!
  Greetings, Ron.
  
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Chillbrook on October 9, 2015 at 00:53 said:

Fabulous experience Ron, beautiful photographs! 🙂

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- Ron Hillmar on November 7, 2015 at 00:01 said:
  
  Thanks Adrian, great continent to be traveling and photographing! So nice to see how you evolved and deservedly with your photos as well!
  All the best, Ron
  
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fatimasaysell on October 8, 2015 at 20:58 said:

I can see why it would have made an impression on you, or anyone for that matter: the scenery is absolutely beautiful and serene! 🙂

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- Ron Hillmar on November 6, 2015 at 23:55 said:
  
  Hi Fatima, yep, scenery but especially the people made it so special, they are so enthusiastic about you visiting their country and it really feels like they hardly saw any tourist where we went! Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend!
  Ron
  
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rutakintome on October 8, 2015 at 19:57 said:

Just wonderful!

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- Ron Hillmar on October 13, 2015 at 17:52 said:
  
  Thanks Carlos, glad to be posting again, but almost time for much more travel too 😉
  Best regards, Ron
  
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Photographs by Peter Knight on October 8, 2015 at 19:37 said:

Lovel these superb photos! Sounds like a brilliant trip 🙂

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- Ron Hillmar on October 13, 2015 at 17:40 said:
  
  Hi Peter, thanks for the com(pli)ment! It truly was brilliant, still can´t believe this all happened in 8 days of keep on moving!
  Greetings, Ron.
  
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