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Destinations TempletoursBy Suwitcha Chaiyong DJ Nana finds the peaceful side of Burma
Thai travellers often prefer visiting distant places to experience totally new things rather than exploring nearby countries. Nana Rybena, DJ Nana from Virgin Hitz, would like to visit distant shores, but she wants to see the sights closer to home before heading further afield. �I�d like to travel the world, but I intend to travel around Asia before going to places like Europe,� the 26-year-old DJ said. �On TV we tend to see Europe more often than developing countries.� DJ Nana recently had a chance to visit Burma, also known as Myanmar. With a few of her friends, and under the watchful eye of a Burmese guide, she spent three days exploring Yangon and the surrounding area. The DJ discovered that peaceful minds can be found even in a land under strict military control. ANTIQUE ATTRACTIONS
�I usually don�t travel to temples, but they�re important sanctuaries in Burma,� she said. �Seeing them is a good way to understand the lifestyle of the locals.� Botahtaung Pagoda was DJ Nana�s first destination. Built more than 2,500 years ago, the pagoda is well known because it is believed to house a sacred lock of the Buddha�s hair. Another Burmese attraction that DJ Nana said shouldn�t be missed is the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. �I visited Shwedagon Pagoda at night during heavy rain, so I couldn�t take any photos,� she said. �It was incredibly beautiful and dazzling, with golden structures and jewelled decorations.� THAI HISTORYKanbawza Thadi Palace is another attraction that DJ Nana believes Thai tourists shouldn�t miss. Located in Bago, an ancient city next to Yangon, the palace was the residence of King Naresuan the Great, the Thai king of the Ayutthaya period, while he was held captive in Burma as a youngster. �The palace is a historical site for Thais, since King Naresuan the Great and his sister stayed there,� DJ Nana said. �Our guide said that there�s a Thai community around the palace, but we didn�t have time to visit them.�
HANGING OUTAfter a lot of touring, DJ Nana discovered that Burmese people even like to hang out at temples at night. �In Thailand, temples close in the evening, but Burmese temples stay open until 10 pm,� she said. �Burmese people of all ages like to hang out there until late for praying and meditation.� In addition to meeting around temples, local people really pay attention to taking care of their sacred sites. �They always keep the temples clean,� DJ Nana said. �Everybody picks up litter without being asked.� UNFAMILIAR HABITSThe beautiful architecture, religious behaviour and friendliness of the locals really impressed DJ Nana. The one big surprise she got was discovering what a fondness Burmese people have for betel nut. �When you walk down the street, you see people chewing and spitting betel nut everywhere,� she said. �That was pretty unfamiliar to me, and I was almost spat on a few times!� Despite the unfamiliar habits, DJ Nana didn�t feel worried about the usual dangers that often threaten travellers in foreign lands. �Everyone on the trip was a bit worried about the tight military control, but our guide told us that serious crimes are rare in Burma because people are afraid of punishment and torture,� she said. �After a while, we felt safe, and all the local people we met were very kind and friendly.�
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Temples are
the main tourist attractions in Burma. Though it�s not the kind of thing that
DJ Nana usually goes to see, she had a good time visiting several beautiful
holy places during the trip. 
