Pakokku (Myanmar)

Although there is nothing exceptional to see in Pakokku, the city is still an interesting place to stop at if your trip to Burma (today known as Myanmar) leads you toward the centre of the country. I enjoyed exploring its traditional streets and the local atmosphere of the market with the easy smiles of its inhabitants.

The pagodas of Shwe Ku, and especially Thilo Shin pagoda, are nevertheless worth a visit. This latter houses representations of the Buddha that date back over a thousand years and are among the most venerated in the region. I also made an interesting visit to the Burmese cigar factory of the city and took advantage of my stay to make an excursion to the humble ancient city of Pakhangyi, where the many old buildings of Buddhist inspiration form a harmonious and fascinating complex.