Yangon sightseeing includes world famous Shwedagon Pagoda, Kyauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, the National Museum, Sule Pagoda, Botahtaung Pagoda and Bogyoke Market.

Yangon lies in the fertile delta country of southern Myanmar on the wide Yangon River about 30km (19mi) from the sea. Although the population hovers around 4 million, the city seems so full of trees and shade that some neighbourhoods are practically jungle, giving it a totally different feel to other Asian cities of comparable size. At night, Yangon's wide boulevards come alive with hordes of stalls selling delicious-looking food and piles of huge cigars. If you can close your eyes to the decay of the old colonial architecture downtown, you'll probably agree that this is one of the most charming cities in Asia.

Yangon is home to the gold-plated Shwedagon Paya, which dominates the city from its hilltop site. Legend has it that the original stupa was built to enshrine eight of Buddha's hairs. Today's mighty monument was built in the 18th century and is surrounded by an incredible assortment of statues, temples, shrines, images and pavilions. The Shwedagon was called 'a beautiful winking wonder' by Kipling and it truly is a magical place. Other sights include the colonial architecture of the legendary Strand Hotel, the colossal reclining Buddha in Chaukhtatgyi Paya and the peaceful Kandawgyi and Inya Lakes. Pro-democracy landmarks include the Martyr's Mausoleum and Aung San Suu Kyi's House."

YANGON

The origins of Yangon as an important city dates back to the middle of the 18th Century. Until then known as Dagon, the strategically placed small town came under the control of King Alaungpaya during his campaign to consolidate the whole of Myanmar in 1755. The town was then renamed Yangon, which basically means 'end of strife'.
However, in 1851 British colonial expansion led to the annexation of Yangon and the city was renamed Rangoon. Due to its importance to the British Empire at the time, the city was remodelled and large construction projects were undertaken. Under the instructions and supervision of Lt. Fraser, an officer with the Engineering Corps, the modern day layout of the city was formed.

Places of Attractions

Shwedagon Pagoda
The golden dome of this pagoda, Yangon's most famous, is visible from miles away from the city. Accredited with being one of the wonders of the world, the top of the pagoda reaches 98 metres above the bustling streets of the city.
The pagoda was believed to have been constructed around 2,500 years ago, when, according to legend, two brothers enshrined eight strands of hair from the Lord Buddha with relics from the previous Buddha. The chamber was sealed with a gold slab and built over with a golden pagoda. This pagoda was in turn built over with a silver pagoda, then a tin, a copper, a lead , a marble and then an iron brick pagoda.

Kyauk Htat Gyi Pagoda
Located close to the Shwedagon Pagoda, on Shwegondine Rd. The pagoda enshrines a large reclining Buddha image, which was originally built in 1907 but was demolished and rebuilt in 1966.    

The National Museum
The museum is located on Pansodan St. Amongst the items on display are royal regalia and the Lion throne of the last Myanmar royal leader, King Thibaw. Other exhibits are various paintings, artefacts and musical instruments from the nation's colourful past. Opening times are 10:00-15:00, Mon-Fri.

Sule Pagoda
Situated in the heart of Yangon, this pagoda is believed to date back some 2000 years. Standing at a height of 46 metres, the golden pagoda differs from the usual design in that the octagonal shape, usually just at the base, remains all the way to the bell shaped part.

Botahtaung Pagoda
The name of the pagoda takes its name from 'Bo' - meaning 'leader' and 'tahtaung' meaning 'thousand'. The legend has it that a thousand esteemed military leaders safely brought relics from India to this pagoda over 2000 years ago. Inside the pagoda, which is at a height of 40 metres, visitors can walk around the display cases that  contain many of the relics and other highly revered artefacts.

Bogyoke Market

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THANLYIN (SYRIAM)

Located just across the river, to the south east  of Yangon, lies the large golden pagoda at Kyaik-Khauk on a small hill beside the road. Before reaching the pagoda are the tombs of two famous Myanmanese poet laureates, Natshinaung and Padethayaza. In the town of Thanlyin there are the ruins of a Portuguese church that was built during the 18th Century and the Sacred Heart Church built by French Missionaries in 1870.

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BAGO

Bago is located just 80km to the northeast of Yangon. It is believed the first people to settle here were the Mons. Legend has it that two Mon brothers, Thamala and Wimala, founded the city in 825 AD. In the 13th century Bago became the capital of the Mon Kingdom, when it became to be known as Hansavati or Hanthawaddy. Today it is the capital of the Bago Division.

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BAGAN

The majestic ancient city of Bagan is one of the most important archaeological sites that have revealed the lifestyle of the distant past in the Asian region.
The deep rooted beliefs of Buddhism amongst the populace were sown here, along with the distinct architectural and artistic heritage still to be admired today.
Situated on the eastern banks of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy, nearly 200 km south of Mandalay, the city area covers an area of over 40 sq km. The city is often referred to as the 'City of Four million Pagodas'. Though the number is certainly less than that, the visitors view of the over 2000 pagodas and monastic centres will be etched in their memory for a very long time.
The initial of the building of the pagodas was started during the Bagan Dynasty, founded by King Anawratha around 1044 AD. After he had conquered the Mon Kingdom of Thaton, he brought back with him an entourage of highly skilled craftsmen, architects and artists. He also brought back with him the Pali scripts of Theravada Buddhism, and along with his aide - Shin Arahan, a Mon monk, went about converting his people to the following of Theravada Buddhism. The results are the great number of religious structures, of varying inspired designs that fill the city.

Places of Attractions

Bagan Museum
This small museum is located close to Ananda Temple. It displays a large collection of Buddha images and many artefacts found in the temples around Bagan.

Ananda Temple
The most renowned of Bagan's temples it was built in 1091 under the direction of Kyanzittha. This large and well preserved temple was damaged in an earthquake, but the damage was repaired in 1979.
The central square of the temple measures 53 metres, with the terracing rising to a height of 51m. It is finely decorated with glazed tiles reflecting scenes from the Jataka. Inside are four standing Buddha images, representing the four Buddhas that have attained Nirvana. The north and south facing images are originals, while the east and west images replaced those that were destroyed by fires. In the western porch are two footprints of the Lord Buddha.

Shwezigon Pagoda
The name of the temple takes its name from 'Jeyyabhumi', meaning "Ground of Victory". The temple is linked with two great kings: Anawratha (1044-1077AD) and Kyansittha (1084-1113 AD), the latter finishing the building around 1086. The structure has kept its original shape although it had been repaired through later ages.

Shwegugyi Temple
This temple was built in 1311 by Alaungsithu. Inside, the stone slabs of the inner wall tell the story of the history of the temple.

Thatbyinnyut Temple
This is the highest of the temples in Bagan, standing at a height of 61m. It was built during the mid 12th century during the reign of Alaungsithu. Unfortunately an earthquake damaged parts of the building, however, repairs were completed in 1979.
To the southwest of the temple is a monastery compound with stone slabs which once supported the temple's large bronze bell. To the northeast of the temple is a small pagoda, which was built with one brick for every 10,000 bricks used to build the main temple.

Shwesandaw Pagoda
This fine pagoda was built by Anawratha after his conquest of Thaton in 1057. The pagoda bell rises from two octagonal bases which top the five square terraces. Nearby is the Lawkahteikpan temple, which is rather small but has many fine inscriptions in Myanmar and Mon scripts.

Htilominlo
This temple was built during the reign of Nadaungmya (1211-1234). It is in the form of a double-storey temple and contains four Buddha images in each storey.

Mahabodhi
This temple was built to resemble the inspirational Mahabodhi in Bodh Gaya. Constructed under the guidance of Nadaungmya, it distinctly differs to the other temples in Bagan. It is built in the form of a rectangular hall facing eastwards and has a seated image located at the western wall.
A pyramidal tower raises from the main hall, which is divided into seven stages. There are stairways that lead to a terrace above the hall and to a chamber where another image is enshrined.

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MANDALAY

The city of Mandalay was founded in 1857 by King Mindon. The original city centre is in the form of a fortified square, surrounded by protective walls standing 25 metres high. Access is possible through 12 gates, which are seperated at equal distances, with three on each side. A surrounding moat is approximately 225 feet wide and 11 feet deep. Four bridges span the moat and lead to the main gates.
The central palace was unfortunately destroyed by fire during the second world war, however, the Lion Throne escaped the destruction and is now on display in the National Museum in Yangon. The palace was later reconstructed to reflect its former splendour.
The city was named after Mandalay Hill, which is located to the northeast of the city. It is said that the Lord Buddha prophesised that a great centre of Buddhism would be established at the foot of the hill.

Places of Attractions

Mahamuni Pagoda
This pagoda is located to the south of Mandalay, and is named after the holy image 'Maha Muni' which is enshrined within the pagoda. The image is originally from the town of Myohaungin, in the Rakhine State. The image was taken to the old royal capital of Amarapura in 1784, before being relocated to Mandalay. The image is highly revered by all Buddhists in Myanmar and ranks alongside the Shwe Dagon in importance.

Kyauk Tawgyi
This pagoda is situated slightly to the south of Mandalay hill. Built during the reign of King Mindon, it enshrines a large marble image of Buddha carved out of a single block of marble.

Kuthodaw Pagoda
Located to the east of town, this pagoda is renowned for its 729 monoliths which contain the entire teachings of Buddha.

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TAUNGGYI

Taunggyi is the capital of the Shan State. Bordering with Thailand, Laos and China, the Shan State is a classic example of the diversities that exist in Myanmar. The landscape is a large plateau, roughly 3,000 to 4,000 feet above sea-level, with some higher peaks. The plateau is home to a diverse mixture of ethnic races, amongst which the Pa-O, Padaung, Wa, Lahu and Kaw all reveal their unique cultures.

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INLE LAKE

The most popular of places to visit in the Shan State, the lake is located roughly 30km to the south of Taunggyi. The lake is 22 km long and 10 km wide and offers plenty of opportunities for the keen photographer.
Surrounded by serene mountain scenery, the lake itself is in complete contrast, with the daily activities of the Innthas who still live and trade on the lake.