Myanmar (Burma) — the Park Royal Hotel, Yangon and a quick look around the neighbourhood

A new hotel and a look around the neighbourhood

March 2015

The Park Royal Hotel, Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma)

I arrived at the Park Royal Hotel Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma). It was an interesting-looking place, and I didn’t know what to make of it.

First, as I entered the hotel, I had to have my backpack X-rayed, but not my suitcase. I then had to walk through a security arch, which my belt didn't set off — so the arch couldn’t have been very sensitive. Next, I was waved over with a 'security wand', which didn't detect my metal belt buckle.

I handed over a US$150 ‘room security’ deposit at the reception. There was no option of swiping a credit card, they wanted cash, and they wouldn’t take the local kyat. It had to be fresh, clean, undamaged US dollar bills.

The above seemed a bit odd. I had never been asked for a cash security deposit at a hotel or had to pass through a security screen to enter a hotel. What is the security for? Who is the hotel trying to protect us from?

Later, as I was wandering around the area, I noticed that other hotels also had X-ray machines and security arches. It seemed to be a common thing in Yangon.

My room at the Park Royal was very nice, but the Wi-Fi and hardwired internet (Ethernet) was very, very slow.

After settling in, I popped out for a quick look around the neighbourhood.

Exploring Yangon (Rangoon)

I went for a quick walk around the area near the hotel.

On my walk, I passed through some street markets and by a couple of churches and a temple. Oddly, I didn’t feel like taking any photos. I don’t know why. Something had unnerved me. Maybe it was all the hotel security?

It wasn’t until I walked back to the hotel that I felt I could get the camera out of my bag.

I loved the local wiring.

And why did this kid have a basket on his head?

And, I came across a great vehicle. I am still not sure how to describe it.

Photo by Author — what is it?

There is something odd about central Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma)

As I was wandering around, I felt there was something strange about Yangon (Rangoon). Yet, I couldn’t think what it was.

It wasn’t until the following day that I realised what it was that felt odd.

Here are some clues.

The following are some photos taken in Mandalay.

And here are a couple of photos taken in Yangon (Rangoon).

Spotted it?

There were no motorbikes on the roads in central Yangon (Rangoon).

After the madness of motorbikes in Mandalay, it was bizarre to see no motorbikes on the street.

Yangon (Rangoon) Central Railway Station, Myanmar (Burma)

Yangon (Rangoon) Central Railway Station is a rather stunning building that now looks run down. The original building was destroyed during the second world war — Wikipedia.

The station was a focal point for buses, taxis, and other forms of transport.

Holy Trinity (Cathedral Anglican Church), Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma)

I always find it odd to see Christian churches in SE Asia.

The Holy Trinity (Cathedral Anglican Church) is located in central Yangon (Rangoon), and it is a rather impressive (and locked) building. One strange thing was there were no gravestones in the churchyard. Where are all the graves?

Street Scenes in Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma)

I enjoy exploring the city’s streets and taking photos, and Yangon (Rangoon) didn’t disappoint me — a lot was going on.

Around Bo, Gyoke Road were many market stalls selling clothes, food and “antiques” on the pavements.

And there was a real mix of housing styles.

Photo by Author — a house in Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma)

There were trees with small shrines.

And, as with most places I have visited in SE Asia, street food was very popular. It amazed me how hard the sellers worked, under challenging conditions, to provide good quality food. I liked the washing area of this stall. They were very organised.

There was also a real contrast in the houses — the ‘sandwiching’ of modern with old.

While there may be no motorcycles on the streets of Yangon, bicycle taxis were still available.

And this was inventive. If you deliver to these flats (and I bet the delivery would be takeaway food), you attach it to a clip so it can be raised to the flat window. Why come down to the door when you can pull it up on a string?

Chinatown, Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma)

I had heard that Chinatown in Yangon (Rangoon) was worth a look. So, I decided to pop along and see what was happening, and I was not disappointed. I found a thriving market and street scene.

They had some spectacular and very smelly Durian Fruits on sale. These were big! Much bigger than I was used to seeing in Malaysia.

You could buy pretty much anything in this market.

I liked how this toddler was sitting in a tray usually used for displaying vegetables or fruit on sale.

Chinatown, Yangon, had the usual selection of food stalls….

And for the first time, I saw insects on sale and ready to eat.

Under one underpass, I saw these kettles being boiled. I liked the intensity and colours of the fires.

Exploring the streets of Yangon (Rangoon) was great fun. So many things to see, hear and experience.