Yangon

Pilgrims with the background of prayer halls and shrines
at the north-west corner of Shwedagon Pagoda

Yangon: Home of some five million people, is a city of style and dilapidated grandeur. Yangon is a fascinating city with a history spanning more than two millennia, though it has been the capital for just 100 years. Strolling through Yangon is most agreeable and safe. Yangon history is firmly linked to that of the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of Asia’s pre-eminent religious monuments. You will not have been in Yangon long before you catch a glimpse of the Shwedagon.

Scene of Bogyoke (Scott) market and its neighborhood

Scene of earthen pot market at Pottery Village in Twantay

Scene of various type of Shrines on Shwedagon in the late afternoon

Shwedagon Pagoda: Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is the dominant attraction for both the foreign visitor, and the local resident alike. It is a magnificent, shimmering spire of gold rising 326 feet (100 m). During your visit, you will be able to witness the endless procession of worshipers coming to pay their respects. The spectacle of the Shwedagon is one life’s most memorable travel experiences. The wide marble-paved platform is ringed with shrines and pavilions built in the best designs of religious architecture with ancient carvings by master artisans. Dawn and dusk are the best time to visit the Shwedagon.

Strolling around the heart of downtown: In the heart of Yangon, there stands Sule Pagoda, a beautiful octagonal golden stupa with a legend dating back 2,000 year. From Sule Pagoda it is a pleasant stroll to the Strand Hotel, another historic landmark of Yangon.

Building of British-time architecture at the heart of downtown Yangon

Myanmar family at Initiation ceremony to monkshood on Shwedagon Pagoda

Public Ferry across Yangon River with the background of Yangon

Twantay: A half day excursion, down the river in the early morning to visit a delta pottery village, seeing rural life and then return to Yangon by car.

Bogyoke Aung San Market: For market lovers, this one is a pure delight.

The Circle Line: Perhaps the best way to see Yangon for the first time is to go to the Central Railway Station and take the Circle Line train which chugs slowly around the city. Throughout the two-hour journey, the traveler can observe the daily life of the city dwellers. The scenery is both urban and rural and half of the journey is watching the other passengers.

National Museum: In the Museum, you will see a collection of royal memorabilia, colonial period artifacts, items from Bagan early history, Myanmar musical instruments and folk arts of the tribal people of Myanmar.