It's drizzling and the mist is hanging in the air as I approach the iconic pagoda. I have seen photos of this place, usually at sunrise and sunset and to be here in the rainy season is special. Some are carried on stretcher like means of transport, protected from the rain in their temporary rain capes. Some have travelled for hundreds of miles from within Myanmar and beyond in other Buddhist countries. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage location. For or ju...

It's my first venture outside of Yangon and I have decided to get a bus to the pilgrimage site of Kyaikhtiyo in Mon state. The main bus station is right on the northern edge of the city and is a chaotic place with buses, taxis and people all trying to use the same space. I am shown where my bus ticket can be purchased - people are very honest and respectful generally and I like that. It's just 8,000 kyat (£6) for a four hour journey. I sit in the waiting a...