Yangon

Yangon was the main gateway to Myanmar destination before Naypyidaw was founded in March 2006. Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of 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.

Tourist Attractions

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.

Sule Pagoda
This strange Architectural monument is situated right in the center of Yangon which can be served as the evident land mark of the City, just beside the Myanmar Travels and Tours office, Maha Bagdoola Park and Independent Monument, Town Hall and Super Court. Sule Pagoda is said to have been built over 2,000 years old and enshrined a hair of Buddha. It has own original “Mon” name “Kyaik-Athok” translates as “ the pagoda where a Sacred Hair Relic is enshrined”. The golden pagoda is unusual for its octagonal shape continues right up to the bell and inverted bowl. It stands 50 meters (152 Feet) high and is surrounded by small shops and all the familiar non-religious services such as of astrologists, palmists, and so on.

Kaba Aye Pagoda and Maha Pasana Cave
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.

Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda
This huge 72 meter Reclining Buddha, built in 1907, was damaged due to exposure to climate over the years.

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.

Royal Kandawgyi Lake
“Kandawgyi” royal lake is situated in the east of Shwedagon Pagoda. It was created by the British and a good spot for relax with well shady trees and plants. The Glisten Shwedagon pagoda reflects in the restful waters of the lake. There is full of interesting places around the lake. On the eastern part of Royal lake is the Karaweik floating restaurant made of concrete fully decorated with pilaster work. It is the replica of Royal Barge with two mythical birds at fore-front which has been used by King Alongsithu of Bagan dynasty (12 Century AD).

Botahtaung Pagoda
Pagoda was named after the thousand military leaders who escorted the relics of the “Buddha” brought from India over 2,000 years ago. “Bo” means “Military Leader” and “Tahtaung” means “one thousand “the “Botahtaung” it is hollow inside and one can walk through it and a sort of mirrored maze inside the pagoda with glass show-cases containing many of the ancient relics and artifacts which were sealed inside the earlier pagoda. Above this interesting interior, the golden pagoda spire rises to 40 meters (132 feet).
 

Bogyoke Aung San Market
Bogyoke Aung San Market is situated in the heart of Yangon, on Bogyoke Aung San Road. The name of this road was also named after the market. The Bogyoke Aung San Market is the most popular market and a great tourist destination in Yangon. It is one of the precious colonial buildings you can find in Yangon. The market was first built and inaugurated on the present premises in 1926. It was named Scott Market after Mr.C.Scott, the Municipal Commissioner. Nowadays, it is called Bogyoke Aung San Market in honor of our national leader General Aung San who was assassinated in 1947.

Other attractions in Yangon are Tooth Relic Pagoda (Swedaw), Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Miun Buddha Image, People’s Park, Gem Museum, 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 meters long), Shwemawdaw Pagoda , Kalyani Sima (Ordination Hall), 28 meter high huge Buddha Image of Kyaikpun Pagoda and the Palace of King Bayinnaung are some of the places of interest.

Thanlyin (Syriam)

Once trading port occupied by the Portuguese in early 17th century. Thanlyin and its surrounding offer many attractions. The old buildings still stand in evidence of the days of Portuguese occupation. The 1822 meter 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 Twante 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.