YANGON
Yangon, the capital city is the main gateway to Myanmar. Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of the Garden City of the East. Yangon was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small village called Dagon when he conquered Lower Myanmar in 1755. The name Yangon means ''End of Strife'' which was anglicized to Rangoon. The present day Yangon covers over 350 sq. km. and has a population of over 5 million.
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Shwedagon Pagoda
Towering almost 100 meters 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 been built over 2500 years ago where the four Buddhas' relics were enshrined. Successive kings had embellished the Pagoda during the 15th century and Queen Shin Saw Pu raised it to its present height.
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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 Htat Gyi Pagoda
This huge 72 meter Reclining Buddha, built in 1907, was damaged due
to exposure to climate over the years.
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National Museum
Located on Pyay Road, the National Museum has five floors of
exhibits. It displays the lion Throne, the Elephant Throne, the Royal
Regalia, manuscripts, paintings, etc.
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Other attractions in Yangon are Sule Pagoda, Mai-lamu Pagoda,
Botataung Pagoda, Tooth Relic Pagoda (Swedaw), Lawka Chantha Abhaya
Labha Muni Buddha Image, Bogyoke Aung San Park, People's Square and
People's Park, Yangon Zoo 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, Kalyani Sima (Ordination Hall), 28 metre
high huge Buddha Image of Kyaikpum Pagoda and the Palace of King
Bayinnaung are some of the places of interest.
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Thanlyin (Syriam)
Once a trading port occupied by the Portuguese in early 17th century,
Thanlyin and its surroundings offer many attractions. The old buildings
still stand in evidence of the days of Portuguese occupation. The 1822
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.
Twan-te
A small town on the Twan-te Canal is two hours away by boat from
Yangon. The boat trip itself is a joy and a chance to see rural life
along the canal while Twan-te is known for making potteries.
Allied War Memorial Cemetery
Locate at Htaukkyant, 32 km from Yangon, on the way to Bago. It has
27,000 tombstones of Allied soldiers who lost their lives in Myanmar
during the World War ll. The cemetery is a peaceful place and is
beautifully tended.
