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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.
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.
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.
 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.
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.
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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