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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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