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 Yangon, previously
known as Rangoon, is the most diverse city in
Myanmar and home to about five million people
and cover over 350 square kilometers.
Yangon is bounded to the south and west by the
Yangon River (Hlaing River) and to the east by
Pazundaung Canal, which flows into the Yangon
River. This spectacular city is the main gateway
to Myanmar and has become one of the most
popular tourists attractions in Southeast Asia.
Yangoon was founded by King Alaungpaya on the
site of a tiny village called Dagon when he took
control of Lower Myanmar in 1755 whereby the
name Yangon means 'End of Strife' which was
anglicized to Rangoon.
Photo: Shwedagon
Pagoda
Although Yangon has
become Myanmar's capital city, a seaport and
metropolis, it still retains its colonial charm
with wide tree lined streets, tranquil lakes and
gracious turn of the century architecture of
stately columned and heritage buildings, some now stained and
rotting and yet appealing. Yangon is also known
as the 'Garden City of the East' due to its
countless enchanting parks and beautiful lakes
together with its lush tropical trees shading
most of its neighborhoods and this place is
Myanmar's best travel destination.
The grand
gold-plated Shwedagon Pagoda (also known as Shwedagon Paya
or Shwedagon Temple)
dominates the city skyline whereby all Buddhist
in Myanmar hopes to make a pilgrimage here at
least once in their lifetime. The paya is said
to be built upon the hill where relics of
previous Buddha have been enshrined, and
contains eight hairs of the Buddha. Towering
almost one hundred meters tall, this place of
interest in Yangon is visible from far away. The
Shwedagon Pagoda was built over 2500 years ago
where the four Buddhas' relics were enshrined.
 Yangon's streets is
a paradise for hunting a variety of exotics arts
and crafts which make very good souvenirs. The world famous Scotts Market (Bogyoke
Aung San Market) is
known for its shops selling precious gems and stones such
as rubies, sapphires and jade and visitors can
go through countless options of souvenirs sold
at low prices and this is the best place for
tourists to do their shopping here. Yangon's wide
streets come alive with hordes of stalls selling
delicious food during the night and this place
is usually packed with locals and tourists
during the weekends.
Photo: Royal
Barges (Karaweik) at Kandawgyi Lake
 The best time to
visit Yangon is from October to February whereby
the weather is pleasantly cool and dry with
fresh northerly winds. Tourists attractions in
Yangon include Buddhist Art Museum, Chauk Htat
Gyi Pagoda, Sule Paya, Kaba Aye Pagoda (World
Peace Pagoda) and Maha Pasana Guha, Maha Wizaya
(Vijaya) Paya, National Museum, Myanmar Motion
Picture Museum and the peaceful Kandawgyi Lake
with the grand Royal Barges (Karaweik). Other
places of interest in Yangon are Botataung
Pagoda, Bogyoke Aung San Park, Hlawga Wildlife
Park, Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha
Image, Mai-lamu Pagoda, People's Square and
Photo: Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda
People's Park, Tooth Relic Pagoda (Swedaw) and
Yangon Zoo.
When you
in Yangon, other nearby attractions which are
worth exploring include the town of Bago (Pegu)
which has attractions that include the beautiful Shwe Tha
Lyaung Reclining Buddha, Shwe Maw Daw Pagoda,
Kalyani Sima (Ordination Hall), Buddha Image of
Kyaikpun Pagoda and the Palace of King
Bayinnaung, Thanlyin (Syriam) town which has the
Kyaik-Khauk Pagoda and Kyauktan Pagoda, Twante
town which is known for the Twante Canal and
Htaukkyant which houses the Allied War Memorial
Cemetery.
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