Yangon Attractions

What to See in Yangoon

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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