Yangon

Yangon is the cosmopolitan and the gateway of Myanmar. The city is Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes. The name of "the Garden City of the East" was founded by King Alaungpaya. He called Dagon when he conquered Lower Myanmar in 1755. Afterwards, the town went by the name of Yangon for nearly a century. Yangon means "End of Strife" which was named Rangoon after the British had annexed Myanmar in 1885. The new city was modeled and constructed by Lieutenant Fraser, a British Officer of the Engineering Corps who also designed and constructed Singapore. The city was laid out on a chess-board pattern with wide roads running North to South and East to West. It is about 350 sq. km and has a population over five million. Places of interest in Yangon areas are as follows:

Shwedagon:
The magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda on Singuttara Hill, considered by many as the greatest and most impressive Buddhist Pagoda in Myanmar today. Originally 8.2 meters tall, just now it stands close to 100 meters in all its glory through successive renovations by Myanmar monarchs. The Pagoda, more than 2,500 years old, enshrines strands of Buddha's hair and other holy relics. Colorfully dressed worshippers offering flowers, incense sticks, food, candles and water can be constantly seen circling the shrine daily. A sunset visit promises a spectacular sight, when the gold spire gleams and glitters in the light of the setting sun.

Sule Pagoda:
Sule Pagoda had said to be built over 2000 years ago. This Pagoda is enshrined with hair relic of Buddha, 48metre (152ft). The pagoda’s peculiarity is its octagonal-shaped pagoda, which retains its shape as it tapers to the spire. It is situated at the center of downtown Yangon. Surrounded by small shops and all the familiar non-religious services such as of astrologist, palmists and so on. The view of the surroundings are the Independence Pillar in the Maha Bandoola Park, the Immanual Church, the mosque nearby, the Town Hall of Myanmar architectural design, and the High Court Buildings of colonial style making a circuit around Sule Pagoda.

Chaukhtatkyi (reclining Buddha Image):
The Chauk-Htat-Kyi Pagoda is famous for its huge image of Reclining Buddha, built in 1966 replacing the old image built in 1907. But it was suffered damage due to climate over the years. In 1957 it was demolished and rebuilt to this structure in 1966. It measures 65 meters and is housed in an iron structure with corrugated iron sheets roof of six layers. The monasteries in the vicinity of this pagoda accommodate over six hundred monks who study Buddhist Scriptures from the senior and qualified monks. The entire cost of maintenance is met from the people's donations.

Karaweik Hall:
Karaweik Hall is a landmark of Yangon, locating in Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake. The mythological water bird from Indian pre-history, many tiered spire carried on top, the Karaweik Hall represents a fine work of traditional Myanmar architecture. This whole building was gilded with gold about 20 years ago. Karaweik Palace is for weddings and other receptions, social and business events for all occasions guaranteeing efficiency and satisfaction. Spend an unforgettable evening at this luxurious dining spot, enjoying an outstanding dance performance accompanied by classical Myanmar music.

Christians Churches in Myanmar:
Myanmar are open – minded and by no means bigoted in religious matters. When Christians missionaries opened missions schools in the days of Myanmar Kings, among the first to join those schools were the children of the Kings and others members of the royalty. This tradition is still alive and thriving. As a proof, just opposite of the Sule Pagoda, all can clearly see "Emmanuel Baptist Church" and it is one of the major attractions of Yangon and it's down town. The pictures of the church is"St Mary Cathedral Catholic Church" and it is the main church as well as the "Bishop's house".

National Museum:
National Museum exhibits the Lion Throne of the last Myanmar King, Royal Regalia of 19th century, and artifacts of various ancient periods, musical instruments and paintings. It has four floors. The ground floor exhibits the Myanmar script and alphabet, the Lion Throne Room and Ratanapon Period pieces. The first floor display the royal regalia of ancient kings throughout Myanmar history, the second hall exhibits Myanmar music, song and dance; the third floor exhibits the Myanmar paintings and ancient ornaments and jewelry. The fourth floor exhibits the natural history and the culture of the ethnic races of Myanmar. The Buddha images include those, which date back to the Pyu Period and up to the present day. Open from 10:00 AM to 15:30 PM daily.

Other attractions in Yangon are Kaba Aye Pagoda (World peace pagoda), Mai-lamu pagoda, Botataung Pagoda, Tooth Relic Pagoda (Swedaw), Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image, Bogyoke Aung San Park, People's Square and People's Park, Yangon Zoological Garden and Hlawga Wild-life Park.

AROUND YANGON
Thanlyin:
Once a trading port occupied by the Portuguese in early 17th century, Thanlyin and its surroundings offer many attractions. The old buildings, churches still stand in evidence of the days of Portuguese occupation. Among the old monuments, which still stand on a hillock locally called Shin Mwe Lun Hill, is an old Roman Catholic Church in ruins. The two inscriptions sheltered in a small brick house inside the church give its history. One is a tombstone with inscriptions in Latin and Myanmar. The other is a Latin inscription, which says that the church is dedicated to Virgin Mary, and that it was built in 1750. Kyaik-Khauk Pagoda and Kyauk tan (Yele) Pagoda in the creek are also worth visiting.

Twan-te:
The pottery town of Twante is famous for the 21-mile-long canal that runs between the Ayeyawady Delta and the Yangon River. A small town on the Twan-te Canal is two hours away by boat from Yangon. The boat trip itself is a joy and a chance to see rural life along the canal. Twan-te is known for making potteries and cotton weaving industries. Pots are major products in Twante. Various shapes and sizes of pots are produced in Oh-Bo ward. 76m tall Shwesandaw Pagoda is worth visiting.

Pathein:
Pathein is the capital of the Ayeyarwady Division, 113 miles (190km) west from Yangon. Can go by car or by boat. Pathein is a center of trade and the rice bowl in Myanmar. The city is in a region rich in marine resources. Pathein is also famous for its colorful hand-painted umbrellas, known as “Pathein Hti”. It is the nearest beaches resort located in the Ayeyarwaddy Division.