Mogok - One Of Myanmar's True Gems!

In the hills about 5 hours drive north of Mandalay you'll find the sleepy city of Mogok. Known locally as ‘Ruby Land', it is the centre of one of the world's foremost ruby and gem mining areas. Until recently Mogok has been closed off to foreign visitors, but it is now possible to visit so long as you have a permit and are travelling with a guide (both of which Bamboo Travel will arrange for you).

On a recent trip, I spent a few days discovering the charm of Mogok where, aside from gems, there are also stunning rolling hills and pristine forests - ideal for trekking and bird or butterfly watching. The breath-taking mountain vistas found in this area rival any that you will see in other more developed tourist spots in Myanmar and at over 1100m above sea-level, the cooler climate too makes for a pleasant change from the heat experienced on the lower plains around Mandalay.

Mogok is best known for its gemstones which include ruby, sapphire, spinel, peridot and moonstone. It is said that most of the world's finest rubies come from Myanmar and most of these from Mogok, where there are hundreds of working mines. Depending on the season and the day of your visit, it is usually possible for your guide to arrange a visit to one of the bigger mines and first thing in the morning, I was lucky enough to be taken to one of the largest, about 20 minutes' drive out of town. On a hill top, looking down into the vast mine, we met the manager who explained the gem mining process to us in detail and gave a fascinating insight into the life of the people who work there as we peered down into the vast manmade crater. The manager himself lives in a temporary house on the edge of the crater, looking down into the mine so he can keep a watchful eye at all times.

If possible, a look at one of Mogok's mines will give you more context for a visit to another highlight of Mogok, its gem markets. There are several open-air gem markets scattered around Mogok and neighbouring Kyatpyin that operate on a daily basis. Some such as the ‘Pan Shan' afternoon market, vendors rent small tables with umbrellas in the hope of enticing a buyer into sitting down with them and looking through their collection of gems for sale. Other markets such as ‘Aung Thit Lwin' are little more than a gathering of hopeful dealers around a street corner or, in the case of this particular market, a junction in central Kyatpyin. Each market has a slightly different vibe and its own well known characters. Whilst you will be approached, mostly by ladies keen to show you their small collection of precious gems and commence negotiations, it is by and large a refreshingly hassle-free experience to walk around one of these markets and unless you choose to sit down and examine the gems, visitors are largely left alone. Should you wish to make a purchase, speak to your guide about how to do this and they will be able to help you find a reputable seller, but do be aware that any large purchase should be declared and a special tax receipt obtained when you return to Mandalay or Yangon and before you fly home. This can be a pain and we would instead recommend resisting any expensive purchase in the gem markets and instead buy your precious stones already set into jewelry in a reputable gem store where you can get an official certificate and receipt. Nevertheless, even if you aren't buying, it is a must to visit at least a couple of the gem markets while you are in Mogok, they are very much the beating heart of this unique area.

I stayed in the more than comfortable Golden Butterfly Hotel, which is located between Mogok and Kyatpyin. The hotel offers very comfortable hillside chalets, has a swimming pool and the views out over the valley from the restaurant and terrace are truly breath-taking. There are also a number of great trekking routes from the hotel through the forests to local farms and villages, natural caves and refreshing waterfalls.

Mogok is featured in our 'Gems & Generals' itinerary but can also be included in any tailor-made tour of Myanmar.