We don’t love cities, so only planned to spend a couple of days here in the capital. There’s a lot to see here though, with three old capitals and the main one all displaying ancient pagodas, surrounded by monasteries and with the amazing Ubein bridge to explore.
After hearing about the ‘most beautiful train ride in the world, which also includes a massive metal viaduct 700m long and 100m tall crossing a valley we knew we had to go. We had planned to travel from Pyin Oo Lwin to Hsipaw by train both there and back, with a few days spent exploring the mountains and local Shan villages of Hsipaw in between. Things rarely go to plan though…
After arriving into Mandalay airport, we hopped straight in a taxi to the mountain town of Pyin Oo Lwin. A charming town, and a great introduction to the Burmese culture. All in a beautiful setting with a chance to explore stunning waterfalls and forested hills.
Our final days in New Zealand walking in tunnels, through gorges, along beaches, up massive sand dunes and through stands of gigantic Kauri trees. A pretty awesome ending to our time here.
Our favourite area in New Zealand? Quite possibly!! Ridiculous colour lakes, hot water bubbling from the ground, the satisfying sound of mud pools and some of the most beautiful hills we’ve ever seen!
After exploring the green city of Wellington we headed inland past the volcanoes of Tongariro, to the massive crater lake Taupo and up to the karst country of Waitomo, famed for its glowworm caves.