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In 1755, King Alaungpaya founded the small
but strategically placed town then known as Dagon, and renamed
it Yangon (meaning “ the end of strife”).
The British annexed the city in 1851, changing
its name to Rangoon. Refreshingly free of high rises until
now, this pleasant mix of colonial buildings and tree shaded
streets serves as a pleasant introduction to the country.
With its Buddhist temples, open-air markets,
shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has been called the
'Garden City of the East'. Indeed, a combination of careful
preservation and restoration mixed with thoughtful city planning
would undoubtedly make Yangon one of the most beautiful cities
in Asia.
It now covers an area of about 400 square
kilometres with a population of over five million.
Shwedagon Pagoda
One of the most spectacular Buddhist shrines
in Asia, this graceful structure dominates the city from its
hilltop site. According to legend, the original stupa was
built to enshrine eight of Buddha's hairs, and the towering
dome soars 98 metres above its base, plated with over 30 tons
of glittering gold. Kipling aptly described the pagoda as
'a beautiful winking wonder'. The base is surrounded by a
fascinating assortment of temples, shrines statues and pavilions.
The site reputedly dates back over 2500 years. The temple
was rebuilt in 1769.
Sule Pagoda
An interesting octagonal pagoda 46 metres
high in the centre of Yangon, said to date back over 2000
years and enshrine a hair of Buddha. The surrounding assortment
of small shops, astrologists, palmists makes and interesting
diversion.
Botahtaung Pagoda
Named after the thousand military leaders
('bo', leader and 'tahtaung', thousand) who escorted relics
of the Buddha brought from India over two thousand years ago.
The hollow inside of the 40 m high spire
has been turned into a museum displaying a number of interesting
pieces.
The golden pagoda spire rises to 40 metres.
Kaba Aye Pagoda
Meaning 'world peace' in Myanmar, the structure
was built in 1952 for the Sixth Buddhist Synod in 1954-1956.
Located 11 km north of the city beyond the Inya Lake Hotel,
the 34 metres high pagoda also measures 34 metres around its
base.
Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda
One of the largest reclining Buddhas in
Myanmar, this pagoda dates back to 1907 but was restored in
1966. Located only short distance beyond the Shwedagon Pagoda,
it is worth viewing this impressively huge image.
Mahavijaya Pagoda
The symbolic memorial of the First Successful
Congregation of the Sangha of All Orders held in 1980, this
elegant Mahavijaya Pagoda is a unique blend of traditional
patterns and the modern styles. The sanctuary contains the
finely wrought Buddha image and the reliquary donated by the
King and Queen of Nepal.
National Museum
Numerous interesting exhibits here including
the Lion Throne of King Thibaw, the last monarch, and the
19th century Royal Regalia. Other exhibits include artifacts
from various periods, a collection of gem studded arms, swords,
jewellery, paintings, and musical instruments.
Zoological Garden
Opened in 1906, it houses a variety of wild
animals. For local flavour, it is best visited on weekends
or public holidays when there are snake shows and elephant
performances.
Chinatown
An evening stroll in Chinatown is a pleasant experience.
Mai-Lamu Pagoda
An interesting site in North Okkalapa about
20 minute from the city, with giant images depicting the previous
lives of Buddha.
Hlawga Wildlife Park
About 45 minutes drive from the city and
covering 1650 acres the Lake is home to over 70 kinds of herbivorous
animals and 90 species of birds. Flocks of migratory birds
frequently visit the park. A presant spot for picnickers,
and of particular interest to naturalists, and bird-watchers.
Elephant rides, and fishing are also available.
People's Square and People's Park
Set in over 130 acres of land between Shwedagon
Pagoda and the parliament building of Pyithu Hluttaw (parliament).
The park also contains a museum with life-size
models of different national races in national dress.
Bogyoke Aung San Park
With a lovely view of Kandawgyi Lake, city-dwellers
enjoy their leisure time in the playgrounds and picnic areas.
Allied War Memorial Cemetery
27,000 graves of Commonwealth and Allied
soldiers who died in the Myanmar Campaign during WW II are
spread throughout the beautifully maintained grounds at Htaukkyant,
about 32km from Yangon.
Martyrs' Mausoleum
On a hill overlooking the city, close to
the Shwedagon, this memorial is dedicated to Bogyoke Aung
San - who played a key role in securing independence from
the British. He was assassinated along with fellow cabinet
members in 1947.
Twante
Noted for its pottery and cotton-weaving
industries, Twante is best reached by a two hour, 24km, boat
ride along the Twante Canal. The trip also provides a delightful
montage of life along the canal.
Thanlyin (Syriam) & Kyauktan
One hour from Yangon, across Myanmar's longest
bridge, lies the town of Thanlyin and the ruins of an 18th
century Portuguese church. On an island in the middle of the
river is Ye Le Paya Pagoda (literally "the pagoda at
the centre of the river") containing pictures of other
famous pagodas in different parts of the country. Beyond the
town is the pagoda at Kyauktan.
A short bus ride out of town, rising on
a hillock to the right of the road, is the large, golden Kyaik-khauk
Pagoda. The tombs of two famous Myanmar Poets Laureate - Natshinaung
and Padethayaza - stand just before this pagoda.
Bago
Once the glittering capital of lower Myanmar
during the Mon dynasty, Bago was destroyed by the Myanmar
in 1757, but partially restored in the early 19th century.
It's life as an important seaport was also denied it when
the Bago River changed its course, cutting the city off from
the sea.
Shwemawdaw Pagoda
Reminiscent of the Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon,
this temple date back 1,000 years, although parts were added
in 1952 and in 1954.
Shwethalyaung Buddha
After the destruction of Bago in 1757, this
historic reclining Buddha was swallowed up by the jungle,
not to be rediscovered until the British era, during construction
of the railway line from Yangon to Bago. The 55 metre long
and 16 metre high Buddha image dates back to 994AD, and is
one of the most revered statues in the country
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