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Yangon (Rangoon)

Yangon, the former capital city and the gateway to Myanmar, was founded in 1755 by King AlaungPaya on the site of the small settlement called Dagon.
Yangon has a unique charm, with its old colonial buildings, tree-lined streets, bustling local markets and tranquil lakes.
Glistening among the trees and buildings, you can catch glimpses of famous golden pagodas such as the Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Botataung Pagoda and Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, to name but a few.
The Shwedagon Pagoda, situated on a small hill with its spire rising to a height of 99.4 metres (326 ft.) is visible from all parts of the city and considered one of the most magnificent monuments on earth. Its stupa or dome is covered with 8,000 solid gold plates and its tips set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and topaz. A huge emerald in the middle of the stupa catches the first and last rays of the sun. Eight hairs of Lord Buddha and other relics are said to be enshrined in this pagoda.

Around Yangon

Bago (Pagu)

Bago, an ancient capital of Mon Kingdom in the 15th century, is 80 km trip from Yangon. The stunning 55 metre Shwe-tha-lyaung reclining Buddha, the venerated Shwe-maw-daw Pagoda, Kalyani Sima Ordination Hall), the four gigantic Buddha images of Kyaikpun Pagoda and King Bayinnaung’s Kambosa Thardi Palace are the star attractions.

Thanlyin (Syriam)

The 1,822 metre long bridge spanning the Bago River makes the drive from Yangon to Thanlyin a 45 minute reality. Many old buildings still stand in evidence of this 17th century Portuguese trading port. The city’s surroundings also offer an opportunity to visit the Kyaik-Khauk Pagoda and the Kyaik-Hmaw-wun pagoda in the creek.

Twante

This small town on the Twante Canal is a two hour boat trip from Yangon. The trip itself is a joy and a chance to see rural life along the Canal, while Twante pottery has been renowned for centuries.

War Memorial Cemetery

You will find Htaukkyant 32 km from Yangon, on the way to Bago. It has 27,000 tombstones of allied soldiers who lost their lives in Myanmar during the World War ll. The cemetery is peaceful and beautifully tended.

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