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. Yangon is perhaps the last authentic
example of an Asian Tropical City still featuring its former colonial
origins, huge parks, shady trees and lake. The number of colonial
buildings still standing in downtown Yangon is nothing short of
spectacular.
Highlights of Yangon
Shwedagon, the 100 meter high gold plated stupa, believed to have been
build over 2500 years
Sule, an octagonal stupa well known as an obvious landmark for the city
tour
Botataung, a pagoda with the glass mossaic maze
Nanthida Jetty, a Yangon Riverine view
Chaukhtat Gyi, a huge 72 meter reclining Buddha Image was built in 1907
Karaweik Hall, a royal floating barge
National Museum has five floors of exhibits, where displays the Lion
Throne, the Elephant Throne, the Royal Regalia, manuscripts, paintings,
etc.
Kaba Aye (World Peace) Pagoda was built to commemorate the Sixth Buddhist
Synod in 1954, which was held in Maha Pasana Guha (Cave) within the same
compound
Gems Markets and Museum
Chinatown
War Memorial Cemetery (Htaukkyaunt) has 27,000 tombstones of Allied
soldiers who lost their live in Myanmar during the World War II
Law Ka Chantha Abaya Labba Muni Buddha Image, carved from a Superlative
Monolithic marble stone weighting 500 tons
Royal White Elephant Camp
Yangon's Surrounding
Twante
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 Twante is known for making potteries.
Thanlyin (Syriam)
In early 17 Century, Thanlyin was a trading port occupied by the
Portuguese. The 270 meter long bridge spanning the Bago River made
possible the 45 miuntes drive from Yangon. Kyaik Khauk Pagoda, erected by
the Mon 800 years ago and Yele Pagoda (Mid River Pagoda) are worth
visiting.
