Yangon ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The capital of Myanmar with over five million inhabitants, is surrounded by water on three sides. Formerly known as Rangoon, is a garden city of tropical lakes, with no skyscrapers, neon lights, crowds or hectic pace of life. Many British-era houses and government building are visible in this city. A legacy of British presence in Myanmar, these structures were built between the mid-19th century and the outbreak of World War II in 1940. The magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda towers the city.

What to see?

Shwedagon Pagoda

Towering almost 100 metres above the green cityscape of Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda is the landmark visible from miles around, One of the wonders of the world it was believed to have built over 2500 years ago where the Buddha's relics were enshrined. Successive kings had embellished the Pagoda during the 15th century and Queen Shin Saw Pu raised it to its present height.

Kaba Aye Pagoda and Maha Pasana Guha

Kaba Aye, meaning World Peace, was built to commemorate the Sixth Buddhist Synod in 1954, which was held in Maha Pasana Guha (cave) within the same compound.

Buddhist Art Museum

The Buddhist Art Museum at the Kaba Aye Pagoda has a wide collection of religious paraphernalia and Buddhist texts.

Chauk Hatat Gyi Pagoda

This huge 72 metre Reclining Buddha was sculpted more than ten years ago. The original image, built in 1907, was damaged due to exposure to climate over the years.

National Museum

Located on Pyay road, the newly contructed National Museum has five floors of exhivits. It display the Lion Throne, the Elephant Throne, the Royal Regalia, manuscripts etc.

Other attraction in Yangon are Sule Pagoda, Mai-lamu Pagoda, Botataung Pagoda, Bogyoke Aung San Park, People's Square and People's Park, Zoological Garden and Hlawga Wildlife Park.

Around Yangon

Bago (Pegu)

Located only 80 km from Yangon, Bago was an ancient capital of Mon Kingdom in 15th century. Shwe-tha-lyaung reclining Buddha (55 metres long), Shwe-maw-daw pagoda. Kalayani Sima (Ordination Hall), 28 metre high huge Buddha Image of Kyaikpun Pagoda and the Palace of King Bayinnaung are some of the places of interest.

Thanlyin (Syriam)

Once a trading port occupied by the Portuguese in early 17th century. Thanlyin and its surroundings offers many attractions. The pld building still stand in evidence of the days of Portuguese occupation. The 270 metre long bridge spanning the Bago River made possible the 45 minutes drive from Yangon. Kyaik-Khauk Pagoda and Kyauktan Pagoda in the creek are worth visiting.

Golden Rock

Myanmar's largest and one of the most scenic sites is located 160 km from Yangon. The Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda stands on a gilded boulder on the edge of a hill, at over 680ft above sea level. There is a popular belief that a person gains in wealth every time he climbs the hills, which is a test of endurance but exhilarating to achieve.

Twan-te

A small town on the Twante canal is two hours away by boat from Yangon. The boat trip itself is a joy and a chance to see the life along the canal while Twante is a centre for pottery.

Allied War Memorial Cemetery

Located at Htaukkyant, 32 km from Yangon, on the road to Bago. It has 27,000 tombstones of Allied soldiers who lost their lives in Myanmar during the World War II. The cemetery is a calm, peaceful place and is beautiful tended.

Shopping

Myanmar arts and crafts, mostly pure hand-made, are the best souvenirs with reasonable prices. Lacquerware, wood and ivory carving, tapestries, silverware, brassware, silk and cotton fabric and traditional garments, shoulder bags are some of the favourite items. World renowned Myanmar rubies, jade, sapphires and pearls are also available at Myanmar Gems Centre and other licensed Jewelry Shops. Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) is the largest market in Yangon and it is one of the best places for souvenir shopping.

Myanmar | Yangon | Bagan | Mandalay | Inle Lake | Other