MOGOK

The daily public market at Mogok, in the heart of Myanmar's gem-mining country, is reached by a smooth and scenic 3.5 hour ride from Pyin Oo Lwin (the former Maymyo). Buyers with their examining tools sit at tables in the open air, while sellers approach them with raw gems, precious and semi-precious, such as rubies, sapphires and spinels. The rolling hills beyond the town look down on a lakeside scene of gentle haggling.

The open air gems market at Mogok. Buyers come from around Myanmar, and sometimes from further afield.

The road to Mogok. Few villages are passed, and little motorised traffic is encountered.

Two scenes on the periphery of Mogok. Mine workings, both active and abandoned, are encountered in the hills round about, and even down to the edge of the town itself.