|
YANGON (FROMERLY RANGOON)
As Myanmar 's capital city is Yangon . In 1755 king Alaungpaya conquered lower Myanmar and built a new city on the site of Yangon , which at that time was known as Dagon. Yangon means 'end of strife' the king rather vainly hoped that
|
 |
with the conquest of lower Myanmar his struggles would be over. Being the main entrance to the country and principle seaport, it is the hub of business activities and government offices as well as non-governmental organizations. It also serves as the center for higher learning as it abounds with educational institutions. The city represents a mixture of diverse communities and cultures, with respect to people, religion, business, and settlement. The present day Yangon covers an area of 350 sq. km with a population of over 5 million. |
|
 Shwedagone Pagoda
 Shwedagone pagoda is the most beautiful pagoda in Myanmar . The pagoda dates back about 2,500 years and was built to house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha. It stands not in the down center, but about 3 km to the north yet totally dominates the Yangon skyline. A visit to Yangon would be incomplete without a call at the Shwedagon. There you may observe not only the wealth of ancient Myanmar architecture and artistic craftsmanship as it has developed throughout the ages, but also the deeds of Buddhist rituals such as offering water, candles, incense sticks and flowers to the Buddha.
|
Sule Pagoda
Situated in the center of Yangon . Sule pagoda is believed to date back over 2,000 years. Like the Shwedagone pagoda it was founded to house sacred hair relics. Two Buddhist missionaries from India ,Sona and Uttara. It has been rebu-
|
 |
ilt and repaired many times over the centuries so no one really knows when it was build. |
|
| Botataung
 Botataung means one thousand officers a thousand soldiers were said to have constituted the guard of honor, which received the Buddha relics donated by the king of Syriam.
|
Bogyoke Aung San Market
Formerly known as Scott Market, it is the most famous place for shopping in Yangon . Myanmar arts and handicrafts are best souvenirs available there at reasonable prices. Lacquer ware, wood and ivory carvings, tapestries, silverwa-
|
 |
re, brassware, silk and cotton fabrics, and shoulder bags as well as jewelry are some of the most favorite items it has to offer. |
|
Chaukhtatgyi
 The temple contains a gaudy, modern, 70m-long reclining Buddha, built in 1966, housed in a metal and corrugated iron pavilion. The image cost 5 million Kyats paid for entirely by public donation. Fortune-tellers on the surrounding platform offer astrological and palm reading.
|
Natural History Museum
Situated near the Kandawgyi Lake , the Natural History Museum has a notable collection of Myanmar 's geographical, biological and archaeological diversity including flora and fauna, forest products, minerals and rocks. |
 |
|
National Museum
 Located on Pyay Road , about a few minutes away from downtown, the newly built five-storied museum will let you know the glory of Myanmar . It exhibits the Lion Throne of the last Myanmar king, royal regalia of 19th century Myanmar kingdom, artifacts of various ancient periods, articles of cultural heritage and archaeological value, art and craft articles, weaponry, musical instruments and paintings.
|
Yangon Zoological Garden
These 70-acre gardens on Alaungpaya pagoda road (formerly King Edward Ave ) are a nice place for a stroll and encompass a pretty decent zoo as well. Originally developed in 1906 by the British. On weekends it's a favorite family picnic spot.
|
 |
|
| Karaweik
 The karaweik a reinforced concrete reproduction of a royal barge, (it certainly doesn't float) at the eastern of the Kandawgyi lake the Karaweik (Sanskrit : garuda) the legendary bird-mount of the Hindu god Vishnu, is also a restaurant see the places eat section. Dance performances are held here in the evening.
|
Strand Jetty
The jetty is situated in front of the famous Strand Hotel. From there, you may observe the daily lives of people who came across the river from the other side of the city for working or selling their local products. You can cross the river by
|
 |
| ferryboat, which takes about 10 minutes to return. |
|
| AROUND YANGON REGION |
| Thanlyin
 Thanlyin was the base during the late 1500s and early 1600s for the notorious Portuguese adventure Philip De Brito. Only 45 minutes by ferry across the Bago River or about 30 minutes' drive from Yangon to Thanlyin.
|
Ye le Paya or Kyauktan pagoda
Ye le Paya or Kyauktan pagoda, meaning the pagoda in the middle of the river is 12 km south of Thanlyin. It's appropriately named since the complex is perched on a tiny island in the middle of the river. In the temple there are pictures of
|
 |
| other famous Payas all over Myanmar and even further a field. |
|
| Twante
 Twante is best known for its pottery. Visitors can watch artists at work and then buy form a good, reasonably priced selection.
|
