Praying at Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar.
The most sacred stupa in Myanmar, 2,500-year-old, one simply must visit it to behold the great gilded pagoda, walk around, and say a prayer or meditate here. Despite being a huge draw for tourists, the atmosphere here remains very tranquil. The best time to visit is in early evening, when you can see the changing colours of the sky, the stupa turning a more intense gold, and the flickering glow of candles.
Climb the iconic Naga staircase to pay respect to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai.
The one and only Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most visited destination with visitors, both local and foreign, undeterred by the iconic naga staircase they need to climb to reach the mountaintop temple with its golden spire. In addition to paying respects at the temple and receiving blessings, visitors will be rewarded by the panorama of Chiang Mai in its entirety.
Washing the Mahamuni Buddha image at 4 am in Mandalay.
A must-visit, enshrined in a small chamber within Maha Myat Muni temple sits the highly revered Mahamuni Buddha image, which is one of the most exquisite of such images you’ll ever see. The daily morning ritual of washing this Buddha image is performed at 4 a.m., when a senior monk and his apprentices will wash its face and brush its teeth. Nearby is Maha Buddhavamsa of World Buddhism, a gallery narrating the Lord Buddha’s life.
Join the Alms giving ceremony in Luang Prabang.
The early-morning Buddhist Almsgiving Ritual is a revered daily tradition that takes place along the main city street, and visitors are welcome to participate. This spiritual ceremony is essential Luang Prabang and perhaps depicts best what locals say, that is, how the city will slow your pulse but lure your souls.
