We are pleased to welcome you to Yangon. You will quickly see that this Southeast Asian city is like none other in the world. With a population of over 5 million, Yangon is lively and filled with excitement. This city was once under the power of the British Empire, and you will notice the Victorian architecture of the colonial days throughout the city. Yangon is filled with lush green parks, vast lakes, and charming people, and were sure that you have made the right choice for your travel destination. There are many things to do and see in Yangon and we assurethat your time is well spent. We have highlighted some of the main destinations within Yangon, but this city has a lot more to offer.

 

Shwedagon Pagoda

While roaming around the city of Yangon a very tall golden pagoda may have caught your eye. This is the most famous pagoda, Shwedagon, in all of Myanmar. Built in the 6th century B.C. Shwedagon is said to hold eight strands of Buddha’s hair. It is a place of worship for the local people and an amazing site for non-locals. With thousands of Buddha images and hundreds of monks wondering around the temple, it is surely to touch your heart and soul. The pagoda also provides and excellent view of the city and its surroundings. You can easily spend a few hours gazing up at the gold covered tower, as well as exploring the different and lavishly decorated buildings within the complex. Shwedagon also has a lot of history within its walls.

 

Sule Pagoda

Sule Pagoda is located right in the heart of Yangon, within a traffic circle, in fact. Indeed, Sule Pagoda is considered the very heart of Yangon. When the British administrators planned the grid-street system for Yangon, they used Sule Pagoda as reference point for the heart of the city. The landmark of Sule is the 48 metre (157 ft) pagoda. The octagonal structure is indicative of Brahman-Buddhist style.The name of Sule Pagoda is linked to the Sule Nat, the guardian spirit of Singuttara Hill. According to legend, two monks Sona and Uttara, were sent from India to Thaton as missionaries after the Third Buddhist Synod, around 230BC. The King of Thaton gave them permission to build a shrine at the foot of Singuttara Hill to preserve a hair of the Buddha which they brought from India. The pagoda was known for centuries at Kyaik Athok, which means "the pagoda that contains the hair relic" in the Mon language, or Sura Zedi, after the minister who supervised its construction, Maha Sura.

 

Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda

Here within the old metal roofed shed you will find one of the larges reclining Buddha images in all of Southeast Asia. This temple is a must see while touring around Yangon, and it is just a short distance from Shwedagon pagoda. You’re sure to be impressed by its massiveness. If you are into fortune telling then you have come to the right spot. There are quite a few astrological and palm readers within the temple. If you’re impressed by this Buddha and would like to see one a bit bigger we suggest a day trip to Bago. (see day trips around Yangon)

 

Kaba Aye Pagoda and Maha Pasana Guha

The building of Kaba Aye meaning World Peace started in 1950 and was completed in 1952. The 34 metre high pagoda also measure 34 metre around its base. Close to Kaba Aye Pagoda is the Maha Pasana Guha (The Great Cave), and extraordinary artificial cave specifically constructed to hold the Sixth Buddhist Synod( 1954-56). The cave was modeled on the Satta Panni Cave in India where the First Buddhist Synod took place three months after the demise of Gautama Buddha. The cave is still used to hold grand religious ceremonies such as World Buddhist conference.

 

Botahtaung Pagoda

It is a shrine with hollow passages inside to walk through. The name Botahtaung means "a thousand military leaders". This pagoda was named after the 1,000 military leaders who escorted the sacred hair relics of Buddha, brought from India over two thousand ago. Inside the pagoda, there are glass showcases containing many ancient relics and donated artifacts sealed but visible inside the shrine. The original shrine was destroyed during the World War II bombing. Present day structure is built over the old original one. Above this interesting interior, the golden pagoda spire rises to 132 feet (40 meters).

 

The World's Largest Marble Buddha Image

The Loka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image is enshrined on the Minn Dhamma Hillock. In 2003, the huge marble alms bowl the largest of its kind, was carved out of a monolithic Sagyin marble. Within the walking distance from Minn Dhamma Hill, there is Elephant House where the total of three white elephants are kept.

 

Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market)

Bogyoke or Scott market is located in the southern part of the city near Chinatown and the river. It is known for its lively upbeat pace. This market hosts a variety of goods from all over Myanmar ranging from jewelry, paintings, fabrics, lacquer wear, wood and stone carvings, gems, and much more. The prices at Scott market cannot be beaten, and be sure you try a bit of bargaining. It is quite fun and you will be surprised at how low you can get the price. If shopping wears you out and you are looking for a bite to eat, Bogyoke has a wide assortment of traditional Burmese food to try and it is a different experience than your typical restaurant.

 

National Museum

The National Museum in Yangon hosts a great collection of artifacts from around the country. Here you can begin to understand the culture and history of the people. The displays range from Myanmar paintings, ancient ornaments and jewelry, culture of the ethnic races, and various craftworks. A trip will give you the understanding you need to have a better feel for the culture of Myanmar.

 

Myanmar Gems Museum

Located on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangon, and Yangon. This Gems Mart display the whole range of Myanmar ruby, sapphire, Period and a variety of assorted colored stones, jade, pearls in lots or embedded in exquisite jewelry, gold ware, silverware and jade figurines. These are sold in Myanmar Kyat, US$.

 

Karaweik Hall

Karaweik Hall is one of the landmarks of Yangon, standing in the Kandawgyi Lake (Royal Lake). This modern architecture is built in the shape of the mythical creature Karaweik bird. It has 3 floors including a ceremonial hall. This wholly gilded building is about 20 years old.

 

Twan-Te

A small town on the Twante Canal and centre for pottery manufacturing and cotton weaving and it is two hours away by boat from Yangon located at 24km. The boat trip itself is a joy and a chance to see rural life along the canal, which was dug during the time of British rule in Myanmar a ride on the canal offers contrasting images; from the buzzing chaos in Yangon to the provincial calmness of the countryside only a few minutes outside the capital. It is noted for its pottery production and cotton weaving industries and it also affords visitors and opportunity to see life along the canal. Another interesting site to visit is an old Mon Pagoda.

 

British War Cemerty

Located at Htaukkyant, about 32 km from Yangon on the road to Bago, there is a memorial cemetery of Allied soldiers who died in the Burma Campaign during World War II. The cemetery's beautifully kept compound has 27,000 tombstones of fallen Common Wealth and Allied soldiers.

 

Thanlyin (Syriam)

Thanlyin is located on the bank of the Bago River on the other side of Yangon. It is used to be an important trading centre in the 17th century under the Portuguese colonial administration. The old buildings still stand as evidence of the Portuguese occupation. The 1822 meter long bridge spanning the Bago River made possible the 45 minutes drive from Yangon. Places of interest are Kyaik-Khauk pagoda and Kayauktan Pagoda (Mid-Stream-Pagoda) in the creek is worth visiting. Hand-feed fish that come right up to you from the water.