Yangon, the commercial city, is the main gateway to Myanmar. Yangon was founded by King Alaungpaya in 1775 on the site of a small settlement called Dagon. The name Yangon means "End of Strife" which was Anglicized to Rangoon after the British annexed Myanmar in 1885. The present day Yangon covers above 350 sq.km with a population of over 5.5 millions.
Getting to Yangon
Yangon International Airport has direct air link with Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Chiang Mai, Kolkata, Gaya, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Doha, Dhaka, Kunming, Nanning, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh, Ha Noi, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Guangzhou. Regularly 8 Domestic Air Lines connect Yangon to Mandalay, Bagan, Heho, Kyaing Tong (Keng Tung). Tachileik, Thandwe, Kawthaung and other tourist destinations. There are regular rail services and coaches from Yangon to major cities in the States and Regions.
By Air (International)
Myanmar Airways International (MAI). Air Bagan, Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Thai Air Asia, Silk Air, Jet Star Asia, Malaysia Airline, Air China, china Eastern Airline, China Southern Airline, China Airline, Air India, Vietnam Airline, Korean Airline, Qatar Airways, All Nippon Airways, Dragon Air, Asiana Air, Biman Airline, Tiger Air, Singapore Airline, Air Asia, Golden Myanmar Airway.
By Air (Domestic)
Myanmar Airway, Air Mandalay, Air Bagan, Air KBZ, Asian Wings, Yangon Airways, Golden Myanmar Airway, Mann Yadanarbon Airway.
Highway Express Terminals
Aungmingalar Station, Dagon Ayeyar Station.
By Sea
Myanmar International Terminals Thilawa (MITT), Nan Thida Jetty and Bo Aung Kyaw Jetty.
Highlights of Yangon
Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the wonders of the world, is the prominent landmark visible from miles around. The Pagoda has a height of 326 feet. The Shwedagon Pagoda where the four Buddha's relics were enshrined, is believed to have been built more than 2600 years ago, that is during the Buddha's lifetime. The Shwedagon Pagoda is the holiest place of worship to Buddhists all over the world and the whole complex is practically a work of art. Most of the building around the Pagoda are decorated with the beat specimens of Myanmar painting and sculpture. A visit to Yangon is incomplete without a visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Kaba Aye Pagoda
The Kaba Aye Pagoda meaning World Peace Pagoda was built in 1952. This Pagoda was significant for the Sixth World Buddhist Synod which was held in Maha Pasana Guha (Cave) within the same compound during 1954. The Buddhist Art Museum is also located in the same compound and it has a wide collection of religious paraphernalia and Buddhist texts.
Sule Pagoda
The Sule Pagoda is situated in the center of the city, across from the City Hall, It stands 46m high and it is also one of the excellent landmarks of Yangon.
Botahtaung Pagoda
It is located on the Botahtaung Pagoda Road, situated beside the Yangon River. It was named after1000 military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha from India to Myanmar over 2000 years ago. It contains hair relics of the Buddha.
Chauak Htat Gyi Pagoda
The Chauak Htat Gyi Pagoda, 65.72 meter long reclining Buddha, is one of the largest images in Myanmar. The original image was built in 1907. The Pagoda was demolished in 1957 and it was built to this structure in 1966.
National Museum
The National Museum is located on Pyay Road, and it has five floors of exhibits. The 8m high Lion Throne of King Thibaw, the last Myanmar King, the Royal Regalia of 19th century, the artifacts of various ancient periods, manuscripts, traditional dresses of various ethnic groups, Traditional musical instruments, paintings, etc are displayed in the museum.
Myanmar Gums Museum and Gums Mart
Myanmar Gems Museum is located on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, close to the Kaba Aye Pagoda. It displays very famous precious stones of Myanmar such as rubies, jades, sapphires and pearls. It also houses the Gems Mart and sells raw gemstones, polished and various kinds of jewellery.
Other interesting museums in Yangon are Bogyoke Aung San Museum, Drug Elimination Museum.
Allied War Memorial
Allied War Memorial Cemetery is located at Htaukkyant, 32 km from Yangon. It is a memorial cemetery of Allied soldiers who died in the Myanmar Campaign during World War II. The Cemetery is peaceful and its beautifully kept grounds has 27000 stone graves of Commonwealth and Allied soldiers.
Colonial Buildings
There are some colonial buildings situated in downtown of Yangon. The highlights are City Hall, High Court, former Ministerial Office and some government buildings.
Parks
Kandawgyi Gardens and Kandawgyi Lake, located in the center of Yangon, a walking distance from the Shwedagon Pagoda. Now, this is upgraded comprising the education zone, relaxation zone and recreation zone. There are nine agricultural technology educative booths, the agricultural museum and shops in the education zone. New restaurants, Timber Walkway, Rock Garden, Orchid Garden, Mount Popa Tower, elephant plaza, fresh water aquarium, landscaping, trees and seasonal flowers, water fountain, waterfalls. Children play ground and Mini Zoo are additional pleasure of the Park.
Hlawga Wildlife Park
Hlawga wildlife park is about 45 minutes drive from Yangon and it covers 7 square km of land. The park is an ideal place for bird watching, elephant rides and picnicking and it is home to over 70 kinds of herbivorous animals, and 90 species of birds.
