13 October
Nay Pyi Taz Zoological Garden and Safari Park were found to be teeming with visitors during the Thadingyut public holidays.
Following are the voices of the official and the visitors.
U Myo Min Htat, administrator, Nay Pyi Taw Zoological Garden and Safari Park

There were more visitors this holiday compared to last year’s Tahndingyut holiday. There was an average of six to seven thousand visitors every day. The zoo had 38 animal species totaling nearly six hundred. I’d like to invite all to visit and enjoy the zoo and the park.
Daw Swe Nwe Win (merchant, Tatkon Town)

I came from Tatkon near Nay Pyi Taw. I think there’ll be more visitors tomorrow so I brought my children today. Tomorrow, I’ll pay respect to my parents and elders in the neighborhood. I was busy last Thandingyut and didn’t go anywhere. May all our people feel happy.
Ma Aye Thida Aung (Zeyathirit Town)

After visiting Nay Pyi Taw Zoological Garden and Safari Park, I’ll visit pagodas around Nay Pyi Taw and also the Water Fountain Garden. I’m glad to have the chance to go around during the holiday. Tomorrow, I plan to go to Lay Khwin Mountain near here. I’m not going to faraway places this Thadingyut.
Ma Sandar Tun (company employee)
I’m visiting Nay Pyi Taw from Hlinethaya during the holiday. Yesterday I went to Uppatasanti Pagoda, Bodhgaya and Water Fountain Garden. After visiting Safari Park, I’ll return to Yangon later in the evening. It is convenient for workers like us to travel and visit places during long holidays.
Ko Zin (company employee)
I’m visiting Nay Pyi Taw from Yangon with my friends. We already went to markets and shopping centres in Nay Pyi Taw. After visiting Safari Park, we’ll go to Water Fountain Garden and other parks. After staying in Nay Pyi Taw for two days, we’ll return to Yangon and rest in our house during the remaining holiday.
Ko Soe Wai Lwin (gasoline station attendant)
After visiting Safari Park, I’ll pay homage to Uppatasanti Pagoda. I’m given five day-off during the holiday but due to work requirement I’ll go back to work. May all be happy and healthy.
U Htat Aung Lwin (General Administration Department)
As a public servant I came frequently to Nay Pyi Taw on work. But this time, I’m here on holiday with my family. After visiting the zoo, we’ll go on to Safari Park, Bodhgaya and Uppatasanti Pagoda. After going around Nay Pyi Taw today, I’ll pay respect to my parents in Bago. This year Thandingyut holiday was five day so public servants can travel to faraway places.
Aung Htat Paing (company employee)
I came from Yangon together with a social welfare group. After visiting Nay Pyi Taw for a day, we’ll return to Yangon. May our country prosper.
U Aung Than Hlaing (Department of Population)
Even though I’m a public servant, I hadn’t been to Nay Pyi Taw before. This is the first time I’m here and I came together with my family. We went to Uppatasanti Pagoda and Bodhgaya yesterday. Today, we’ll go to Safari Park, Lay Khwin Mountain, Water Fountain Garden and then return to Yangon. Most of our family members are workers and employees assigned in different places so it is only during such long holidays that we can come together and go on long trips. May our country be prosperous and peaceful.
Ma Thet Thet Aung (grocery seller)
This is the first time I’ve been to Nay Pyi Taw. I’m visiting places we’ve never been to with my family. I’ve been yearning to visit Nay Pyi Taw for quite some time. It is quite a pleasant place. We came to the zoo first. There are many places to visit. We will visit pagodas and significant places here. After visiting the zoo, we’ll go to Safari Park and Water Fountain Garden.
Interview by Han Lin NaingPhoto by Michael Htan (Translated by Zaw Min)