Yangon

Yangon is the capital city and the main gateway to Myanmar. Yangon was built by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small village called Dagon when he conquered lower Myanmar in 1755. Yangon means " End of Strife". The population is about 5 millions. It gives a very different impression from other Asian capitals of similar sizes. It gets full of trees and shade. It is also known as " Garden City of the East".

The great Shwedagon pagoda rises to a height of 326 feet. It is the landmark visible from miles around. Other highlights are Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda ( a Colossal Reclining Buddha Image), a Meditation Center, Sule Pagoda ( the centre of the downtown), Botataung Pagoda (the landmark of Yangon's river-front), Kaba Aye Pagoda, Maha Pasana Guha Cave, Buddhist Art Museum, Chinatown, National Museum, Glass Blowing Factory, the Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) market, Karaweik and Kandawgyi Nature Park.

Yangon (Rangoon) has direct air-link s with Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dhaka, Kumming, Kuala Lumpur, Culcutta and Myanmar Airways International, Silk Air, Thai International, Malaysia Airlines etc. operate regular flights in and out of Yangon.

Yangon & Environs

Bago

Bago, located about 80 km from Yangon, an ancient capital of Mon kingdom in 15th century. Places of interest in Bago are Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha Image ( 55 metres long), Shwe-maw-daw Pagoda, Kalyani Sima ( Ordination Hall), the four giant Buddha Images of Kyaikpun Pagoda and Kamboza-thadi Palace of king Bayinnaung. Bago is about a two hour drive from Yangon.

 

Thanlyin (Syriam)

Thanlyin (Syriam) is about 45 minutes drive from Yangon by car across Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge. Thanlyin was a major port and trading centre in the 17th century under the Portuguese. Old Portuguese buildings, Kyaik Khauk Pagoda and Kyauktan Pagoda ( Yele Pagoda) on a small island at Kyauktan are some of the interesting places of Thanlyin.


 

Twante

Twante, a small town on the Twante canal, one hours drive from Yangon to Twante by coach. On the way driving along the road to see the paddy fields and the ways of life of people. Water Pottery is a major cottage industry in Twante. The places of interest are Shwesandaw Paya, Oh-Bo pottery industry, Baungdawgyoke Pagoda, Snake Temple and Twante market. The boat trip itself is a joy and a chance to see rural life along the canal.