Yangon Images Gallery

Yangon, formerly Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar until it was superseded by Naypyidaw in November 2005. Today with a population of over 5 million people, Yangon remains the largest city, nerve center and main economic hub of Myanmar. The city is a combo of British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian influences, and is known for its colonial architecture which although decaying, remains an evocative hotspot in Southeast Asia. The greatest highlight is of course Shwedagon Pagoda - the single most important religious site in all of Myanmar. The pagoda stands on the top of Singuttara Hill, and, according to legend, that spot has been sacred since the beginning of time, just before our present world was created.



Yangon - Images by John Lander

Bangkok Images Video

Hua Hin Images Gallery

Hua Hin Images - Images by John Lander

Hua Hin is Thailand's oldest and most traditional Thai resort. The town combines the attractions of a modern holiday destination with the charm of a still-active fishing port. Though it has to be said that it's chief asset is proximity to Bangkok, the town still retains an air of good living without the sprawl and noise of other beach resorts. Another perk is that while most other Thai holiday destinations cater mainly to foreign tourists, Hua Hin is a holiday resort that attracts Thais as well. After all, why visit Thailand to only hang out with other foreigners?

Moscow Metro Images

Moscow Metro Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

The Moscow Metro spans almost the entire Russian capital and is the world's second most heavily used rapid transit system. Opened in 1935, it is well known for the ornate design of many of its stations, which contain outstanding examples of socialist realist art. It is famous worldwide for some of its ornately decorated stations, some with frescos and chandeliers. It was also used during WWII as a bomb shelter.

Bagan Images

Bagan is home to the largest area of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th century. The shape and construction of each building is significant in Buddhism with each component taking on a spiritual meaning of some kind. Bagan became a central powerbase in the mid 9th century under King Anawratha, who unified Burma under Theravada Buddhism. As many as 13000 temples and stupas once stood on this plain in central Myanmar. Marco Polo once described Bagan as a "gilded city alive with tinkling bells and the swishing sounds of monks robes". Approximately 2200 remain today in various states of repair or disrepair. Some are large and well maintained, such as the Ananda Pahto. Others are tumbledown relics in the middle of overgrown grass. All, however, are considered active sacred sites,
Bagan's golden age ended when the Kingdom and its capital city was invaded by the Mongols.



Bagan - Images by John Lander

Qinghai Tibet Railway Images Gallery

The Qinghai Tibet Railway is the world's highest railway. Nearly 1000 kilometers of its tracks are located 4,000 meters above sea level The Golmud-Lhasa section zigzags more than 1000 kilometers across the Kunlun and Tanggula mountain ranges. Astonishingly, about 500 kilometers of the tracks run on frozen earth, considered a marvel of train technology and engineering. The maximum train speed can reach 100 kilometers per hour in the frozen earth areas and 120 kilometers per hour on regular terrain but you’ll want it to slow down to take in the majestic landscape when passing from Beijing to Lhasa on one of the world’s great train adventures.


Qinghai Tibet Railway - Images by John Lander

Singapore Images

Stepping outside Changi, Singapore's award-winning airport, you are not greeted with the usual concrete sprawl, but tidy landscaping and swaying travellers palms. On the way into town, your taxi whizzes along a road, which in any other city in the world, would be called a parkway. Many visitors come to Singapore as a convenient layover between continents or cities or for its world-class shopping. Even regular visitors tend to think of the city-state as a huge, modern shopping mall. But just beyond the sparkling malls lie nature preserves, innovative zoos and parks and one of the world's most renowned botanical gardens. These, together with the artfully landscaped streets, sidewalks and esplanades have earned Singapore the nickname 'Garden City' making it the envy of many cities around the world.


Singapore Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Trans-Siberian Images Gallery Slideshow

The Trans Siberian Railway - The endless Siberian landscape is punctuated, now and then, by a gingerbread village. But no matter how alluring the scene, you will soon forget its charm as the gentle rocking of the train is about to lull you back to sleep once again. Life on the world's greatest railway results in a blur of images - sepia birch forests, rural station platforms, massive rivers and bridges. Notions of time and space melt away as you cover one quarter of the way around the earth, especially as all clocks on board are set on Moscow time, never mind the eight different time zones you will be passing through....


Trans-Siberian Railway Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Chiang Rai Images

Chiang Rai is the main commercial centre serving the Golden Triangle region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. It is an excellent base for exploring the region as trekking areas are nearer and more accessible to town. Often compared to Chiang Mai, the city has a more relaxed small-town atmosphere than most other Thai cities, including Chiang Mai. Area attractions, apart from the Golden Triangle are boat excursions on the Kok River, unique temples such as Wat Rong Khun, Wat Phra Kaew and elephant rides all surrounded by nature.


Chiang Rai - Images by John Lander

Manila Images

Once known as the "Pearl of Asia" for its beauty, Manila was almost completely destroyed during WWII. Yet Manila still has its charm especially along Roxas Boulevard running along Manila Bay. Here, every evening, the miracle of Manila begins with its famous sunsets, turning Manila Bay and the city itself golden for a few moments. New developments on Manila Bay, such as Mall of Asia and the refurbishing of Manila Bay Walk promenade along Manila Bay gives residents and visitors a venue to take in the sunset, mingle and get some fresh air from the sea. Intramuros, the old walled Spanish-Colonial city is also another major attraction, as are the friendly and exhuberant Filipinos themselves.



Manila Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Angkor Wat Images

Angkor Archaeological Park - the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia -stretches over 400 square kilometers. Angkor contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. These include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. The Angkor complex itself has no accommodations and few facilities - the nearby town of Siem Reap is the tourist hub for the area. Together with Tonle Sap Lake and its "floating villages", Siem Reap and the area are packed with interesting attractions not to mention the UNESCO World Heritage site Angkor.


Angkor Wat Images - Images by John Lander

Siem Reap Images

As interesting as Angkor Wat may be, the archeaological park has no accommodations and few facilities. The nearby town of Siem Reap is the tourist hub for the area. Together with Tonle Sap Lake and its "floating villages", Siem Reap is an interesting attraction in itself with colorful markets, friendly people, local crafts especially at Artisans d'Angkor - a self-supporting craft and silk workshop.


Siem Reap Images - Images by John Lander

Phnom Penh Images Gallery

Phnom Penh is the largest city in Cambodia, located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers. In recent years, Phnom Penh has become far more pleasant and has tidied up, though perhaps not "The Paris of the East" pre 1970s, the city's French colonial buildings are beautiful, and its streetscapes make for a pleasant walk especially along Sisowath Quay down by the Tonle Sap River - in many respects the heartbeat of the city.


Phnom Penh Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Ayutthaya Images - Click slideshow for static or larger view

Originally founded by King U-Thong in 1350 along the Chao Phraya river, Ayutthaya was the capital of the Thai kingdom in its heyday. Conquered by the Burmese in 1767, today only the ruins of its splendor remain. Thanks to its history as former capital of Thailand, the former base of Thai Buddhism and original home Siamese royalty it is steeped in Thai culture. Ayutthaya Historical Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.


Ayutthaya Images - Images by John Lander

Chiang Mai Images Gallery Slideshow - Please click on select image to view larger static version

Chiangmai, "the Rose of the North" is Thailand's second biggest city after Bangkok. Well known for its vibrant markets, ancient temples such as Doi Suthep and numerous chedi scattered throughout the old part of the city make Chiang Mai one of Thailand's most popular destinations for both Thai and foreign visitors.


Chiang Mai Images - Images by John Lander

Asakusa Images - Please click slideshow to view static or large images

Asakusa was the origins of ancient Tokyo, and is most famous for Sensoji Temple dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. For many years Asakusa was the major entertainment district in Tokyo but has been surpassed by Shinjuku and Roppongi in its role as a pleasure district. Nowadays it is happy to bask in its retro charm and revel in its colourful festivals.


Tokyo Asakusa Gallery - Images by John Lander

Tibet Images Gallery - Please click slideshow to view static images

Lhasa, which means "Land of the Gods" is the heart of Tibet. Over 1,300 years old, it sits in a valley right amidst the Himalayas. The Eastern end of Lhasa is more prominently traditional Tibetan, focusing on the area around Jokhang Monastery and Barkhor Square. Traditionally dressed Tibetans engaged on a kora (a clockwise journey around Jokhang Monastery, often spinning prayer wheels) is all very much part of the local scene.


Tibet Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Bangkok Images Gallery - Please click slideshow to view selected images

There is nothing to compare with the breeze in your hair and the spray in your face as a boat ferries you to your destination in Bangkok. Life here has always centered around the river and the network of canals spreading through the city. Board an express boat bound for the Grand Palace or charter a longtail and meander up the canals north of the city and you will soon see why Bangkok was once called "Venice of the East." The further upriver you go, the better the scenery becomes with teak houses on stilts, orchid farms, fresh air and greenery. As luck would have it, most of Bangkok's major attractions lie along the river, making it not only easy to get around but a pleasure besides.


Bangkok Images - Images by John Lander

Arashiyama Kyoto Images Gallery - Please click slideshow to view individual images

Arashiyama - this western part of Kyoto is dismissed in most Western guidebooks in a brief paragraph suggesting "other attractions", the area is rightfully very popular with Japanese visitors. First and foremost, Tenryuji Temple is one of Japan's most famous gardens Sogenchi Pond Garden which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple also has a well known vegetarian restaurant serving "Shojin Ryori" temple cuisine. Cruises along the Hozu River, the Bamboo Grove behind Tenryuji, Matsuo Shrine are some of the other hot spots in Arashiyama.


Arashiyama - Images by John Lander

Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Image Gallery

Built in the year 794 on the model of the capitals of ancient China, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan from its foundation until the middle of the 19th century. As the center of Japanese culture for more than 1000 years Kyoto illustrates the development of Japanese architecture, and the art of Japanese gardening, which has influenced landscape gardening the world over. No other city on earth enjoys more UNESCO World Heritage sites with 17 within the city or in the nearby vicinity - not counting an extra 4 in nearby Nara.


Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage - Images by John Lander

Beppu Images

Beppu is Japan's onsen capital with the largest volume of hot water in the world apart after Yellowstone and the largest number of hot spring sources in Japan. Beppu contains nine geothermal hot spots, which are referred to as the nine hells of Beppu. These take the form of multicolored volcanic pits of boiling water and mud and one geyser. The hells are too hot for bathing at source as they emerge at temperatures ranging from 50 to 99.5 C Among them are Umi Jigoku or Sea Hell; Oniishibozu Jigoku or Shaven Monk's Head Hell, Yama Jigoku or Mountain Hell, Kamado Jigoku or Boiling Hell, Oniyama Jigoku or Demon Mountain Hell, Shiraike Jigoku or White Pond Hell. Chinoike Jigoku or Blood Pond Hell, Tatsumaki Jigoku or Geyser Hell and finally Honbouzu Jigoku or monk's head hell.


Beppu Images - Images by John Lander

Galle Images - Please click slideshow to view collection, static images

Galle is located on the South Coast of Sri Lanka, 116 km from Colombo and only four kilometres from renowned sands of Unawatuna Beach. Galle Fort is the largest intact Dutch fort in Asia. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Located along the Indian Ocean in the town of Galle on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle Fort is one of the best preserved examples of 17th century colonial fortifications in the world.



Galle Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Kandy Images - Please click slideshow to view full size images

Kandy is located at the center of Sri Lanka and the city is generally recognized as the island nation's cultural capital. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Kandyans are usually proud of their heritage. Since western influence has played a comparatively little role in the city most Kandyans are rather traditional. Since it is in the cultural triangle the authorities try to retain these values as well as the architecture and Buddhist temples in the area.


Kandy Images - Images by John Lander

Harajuku Images Gallery - Please click thumb or link to view collection

Harajuku and Aoyama are Tokyo's most fashionable neighborhoods. Home of world-class fashion houses such as Mori Hanae, Comme des Garcons, and Issey Mikaye showrooms, as well as most foreign fashionistas. But Harajuku is also the gathering spot for the costume players on weekends, Meiji Shrine - Tokyo's most venerated Shinto shrine as well as the sight of the Tokyo Olympics at Yoyogi Park.


Tokyo Harajuku Images - Images by John Lander

Mongolia Images - Please click slideshow to view still images & filmstrip

The area of what is now Mongolia has been ruled by various nomadic tribes for centuries. The Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan in 1206 and came to rule much of Asia in its heyday. After the collapse of the Yuan Dynasty the Mongols returned to their earlier patterns. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Mongolia came under the influence of Tibetan Buddhism. Mongolia is the most sparsely populated country in the world, with a population of only around 3 million people.


Mongolia Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Nara Images - Please click slideshow to view still images

Overshadowed by its traditional neighbor Kyoto and shiny, modern Osaka, Nara is omitted from many a visitor's itinerary. As Japan's first capital city, Nara is home to attractively preserved UNESCO World Heritage sites. Most of Nara's attractions, including temples, shrines and the town's famous deer who roam around town are conveniently within Nara Park - a wide, pleasant space of greenery. Besides the ever-present deer, Todaiji Temple is home to the Daibutsu, literally "Big Buddha" the largest Buddha statue in Japan. The other main UNESCO attraction is Kasuga Shrine, lined with more than 1000 lanterns, and scene of many festivals and Japanese ceremonies throughout the year.



Nara Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Onsen Images - Please click slideshow to view static collection

Vapour wafts around you as you carefully rinse with the cedar bucket before your bath. Silently, you slowly ease yourself into the hot mineral water. A Japanese garden has been artfully arranged around the edge of the bath for admiring while you soak. You are at a Japanese hot spring, or onsen as they are known in Japan. Rubbery and relaxed from your dip, you get back into your robe and return to your tatami room for dinner. There on your table is a dazzling array of dishes, laid out for your arrival. A tiny dish of pickles, a delicate basket of tempura, shellfish arranged on rectangular plates. The dishes are so beautifully presented that it feels almost philistine to begin eating. But you will. The onsen is one place in Japan where all kinds of people, young and old, wealthy and modest can mix without social barriers. This gives the foreign visitor an opportunity to mingle with the locals and learn something of Japan. Some foreign guests may feel intimidated by the prospect of bathing au naturel, albeit with members of the same sex. However, a tiny towel is part of the onsen kit used for modesty, scrubbing and drying yourself.


Onsen Images - Images by John Lander

Phnom Penh Images Gallery - Please click slideshow to view select images

Phnom Penh is the largest city in Cambodia, located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers. In recent years, Phnom Penh has become far more pleasant and has tidied up, though perhaps not "The Paris of the East" pre 1970s, the city's French colonial buildings are beautiful, and its streetscapes make for a pleasant walk especially along Sisowath Quay down by the Tonle Sap River - in many respects the heartbeat of the city.


Phnom Penh Images Gallery - Images by John Lander

Hoi An Images Gallery - Please click slideshow to view static images

Once upon a time, Hoi An was Southeast Asia's busiest port. When traffic moved elsewhere the town took a long nap. This preserved the town's unique architecture, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chinese temples jostle Sino-Portuguese shophouses while down along the riverfront, elegant mustard-hued villas with colonnades remind us of Colonial France. Chinese temples and assembly halls, vibrant with reds, golds and fire-breathing dragons bring us back to Asia. Hoi An is so renowned for its unique retro charm and great food it is maybe not so surprising that few think of it as a beach town. If you can manage to tear yourself away, one of Southeast Asia's broadest and cleanest beaches is a short bicycle ride away. The quiet surf, lack of crowds and minimal hustle will make you wonder why all those beachbums flock to Bali or Phuket. Cua Dai Beach is, for the time being, part of the time warp that is Hoi An. Enjoy the serenity while it lasts.


Hoi An Images - Images by John Lander

Ubud Images Gallery - Please click slideshow to view static collection

Ubud is located amongst rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of the Gianyar regency of Bali. Bali's major arts and culture center, it has developed a large tourism industry and is a favorite of travelers to Bali. The town's original importance was as a source of medicinal herbs and plants - Ubud gets its name from the Balinese word "ubad" for medicine. There are some remarkable architectural sights, artistic gems to be found, and a general feeling of well being to be enjoyed, all thanks to the spirit and surroundings of the place.


Ubud Images - Images by John Lander