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When King Alaungpaya conquered the small town of Dagon in
1755, he renamed it Yangon, meaning 'the end of strife.' It
is surprising how inaccurate that name has turned out to be
(see also History). The city was annexed by the British in
1851, who - due to a complete inability to pay attention when
being told something - changed its name to Rangoon. It was
expanded under the planning expertise of Lieutenant Fraser,
the British officer credited with the design of Singapore.
A pleasant mix of decaying colonial buildings and tree-shaded
streets, with its Buddhist temples, open-air markets, shady
parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has been called the "Garden
City of the East." It now covers an area of about 500 square
km with a population close to five million.
 Allied
War Memorial Cemetery - 27,000 graves of Commonwealth
and Allied soldiers who died in the Myanmar Campaign during
WW II are spread throughout the beautifully maintained grounds
at Htaukkyant, about 32km from Yangon.
Bogyoke
Aung San Park - With a lovely view of Kandawgyi Lake,
city-dwellers enjoy their leisure time in the playgrounds
and picnic areas.
Botahtaung
Pagoda - Its golden pagoda spire rising to 40 metres,
this pagoda is named after the thousand military leaders ('bo',
leader and 'tahtaung', thousand) who escorted relics
of the Buddha brought from India over two thousand years ago.
The hollow inside the spire has been turned into a museum.
Chauk
Htat Gyi Pagoda - A short distance beyond the Shwedagon
Pagoda, this pagoda houses one of the largest reclining Buddhas
in Myanmar. The pagoda dates back to 1907 but was restored
in 1966.
Chinatown
- A pleasant place for an evening stroll.
Hlawga
Wildlife Park - Home to over 70 kinds of herbivorous animals
and 90 species of birds, the park covers 1,650 acres. Flocks
of migratory birds also frequently visit the park. About 45
minutes from the city, the park also offers elephant rides,
boating and fishing.
Kaba
Aye Pagoda - 34 metres high and 34 metres around its base,
the pagoda was built in 1952 for the Sixth Buddhist Synod
of 1954 - 1956. Its name means "World Peace." Located 11km
north of the city beyond the Inya Lake Hotel.
Mai-Lamu
Pagoda - Contains giant images depicting the previous
lives of Buddha. About 20 minutes from the city in North Okkalapa.
Mahavijaya
Pagoda - The symbolic memorial of the First Successful
Congregation of the Sangha of All Orders held in 1980, this
elegant Mahavijaya Pagoda is a unique blend of traditional
patterns and modern styles. The sanctuary contains the Buddha
image and reliquary donated by the King and Queen of Nepal.
Martyrs'
Mausoleum - On a hill overlooking the city, close to the
Shwedagon, this memorial is dedicated to Bogyoke Aung San
- who played a key role in securing independence from the
British. He was assassinated along with fellow cabinet members
in 1947.
National
Museum - Exhibits include the Lion Throne of King Thibaw,
the country's last monarch, 19th century Royal Regalia, a
collection of gem studded arms, swords, jewellery, paintings,
and musical instruments.
People's
Square and People's Park - Set in over 130 acres of land
between Shwedagon Pagoda and the parliament building of Pyithu
Hluttaw (parliament). The park also contains a museum with
life-size models of different national races in national dress.
Shwedagon
Pagoda - Reputedly over 2500 years old, legend has it
that the original stupa was constructed to enshrine eight
hairs of the Buddha. Over the years it has been rebuilt many
times until it now towers 98 metres over the city. One of
the most spectacular Buddhist shrines in Asia, it is plated
with over 30 tons of gold. Kipling aptly described the pagoda
as "a beautiful winking wonder." The base is surrounded by
a fascinating assortment of temples, shrines, statues and
pavilions.
Shwedagon Pagoda is a Jewel of the Mekong - click
here - for more information
Sule
Pagoda - An octagonal pagoda 46 metres high, in the centre
of Yangon, said to date back over 2000 years and enshrine
a hair of Buddha. Surrounded by an assortment of small shops,
astrologers and palmists.
Zoological
Garden - Opened in 1906, it houses a variety of wild animals.
On weekends or public holidays there are snake shows and elephant
performances.
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