Yangon & Environments

YANGON AREAS

Yangon the capital City, is the main gateway to Myanmar. Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of "the Garden City of the East." Relatively simple city without skyscrapers, neon-lit clamor, crowded squalor & the pace of modern life, Yangon is attractive in its own special way. Yangon was founded by 'King Alaungphaya' on the site of a small settlement called 'Dagon' when he conquered the Lower Myanmar in 1755. The name 'Yangon' means "end of strife" which was anglicized to 'Rangoon' after the British annexed Myanmar in 1885. At present, 'Yangon' covers about 500 sq. km and have the population of over 5 million.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN YANGON AREAS

Shwedagon Pagoda

The historic Shwedagon Pagoda, which towers almost 98 metres (326 feet) above the green city-scope of Yangon, never fail to enchant visitors. The shimmering main stupa soars high above the capital and is visible for miles around.

One of the wonders of the world, the Shwedagon Pagoda is believed to be the earliest Pagoda of Buddha Era and it had been built on the Singottara Hill more than 2500 years ago. The Pagoda was renovated many times over the centuries by various Myanmar Kings.

There are many pagodas in Myanmar but few were come closer to it in scale or beauty. It is not just one main stupa but a complex of many stupas. Around the principle stupa is a cluster of smaller stupas, temples, shrines, prayer halls, pavilions, religious images and statues. Lengthy staircases lined with stalls selling religious articles, Sliver wares, Souvenirs, Lacquer wares, handicrafts, flowers , ceremonial umbrella, and etc.

The best time to visit Shwedagon Pagoda is at sunset when its gilded stupa is bathed in the fading rays of the sun & takes on a magical glow. A visit to Myanmar is incomplete without a visit to Shwedagon.

Sule Pagoda

It is situated right in the center of Yangon-beside the Myanmar Travels & Tours Office, Mahabandoola Park and Independence Monument, City Hall & Supreme Court. Sule Pagoda is said to be over 2,000 years old and to enshrine a hair of Buddha. "Mon" name " Kyaik Athok" translated as "the pagoda where a Sacred Hair Relic is enshrined." The golden pagoda is unusual in that its octagonal shape continuous right up to the bell and inverted bowl. It stands 46 metres high and is surrounded by small shops and all the familiar non- religious services such as astrologers, palmists, photo studios, mini-stores, etc.

Kaba Aye Pagoda

The name "Kaba Aye" in Myanmar means "World Peace" to which this pagoda is dedicated. Built in 1952. this pagoda is significant for the Sixth World Buddhist Synod which was held in its large precinct in 1954. The Buddhist Art Museum, Maha Pasana Cave and newly built Wizaya Mingala Dhammathabin Hall are also located in the same precinct.

Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha Statue

Located on Shwegondaing Road, this colossal 70 metres long 0 Reclining Buddha Statue is one of the largest in Myanmar. The original image was built in 1907. But, it have suffered damage due to climate over the years. In 1957, it was demolished and rebuilt to this structure in 1966.

Botathaung Pagoda

" Bo" means " Military Leader " and " Tahtaung" means " one thousand " ,The "Botathaung" pagoda was named after the thousand military leaders who escorted relics of the "Buddha" brought from India over 2,000 years ago. Its hollow inside can walk through and a sort of mirrored maze inside the pagoda with glass showcases containing many of the ancient relics and artifacts which were sealed inside the earlier pagoda. Above this interesting interior, the golden pagoda spire rises to 40 metres.

Bogyoke Aung San Market

Bogyoke Market (Scott Market), a shopping center of Yangon. It was first built and inaugurated on the present premises in 1926. It was named Scott Market after Mr. C. Scott, the then Municipal Commissioner . Nowadays, the name was changed to our national leader General Aung San who was assassinated in 1947. There are some 2,000 shops selling luxury items, handicrafts, foodstuffs, clothing, jewellery, fashion & consumer goods. The market is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM except Mondays and gazetted holidays. Even though it's open at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM would be the best time to visit, when the entire market is opened.

Shopping

Myanmar are and crafts, mostly pure hand-made, are best souvenirs and prices are very reasonable. Lacquer-wares, wood and ivory carvings, tapestries, silverwares, brasswares, silk and cotton fabrics and bags ( especially traditional sling bags ) are some of the favourite items. For jewellery, there are Myanmar a ruby, sapphires, jades and pearls available at the authorized Myanmar gems shops.

ENVIRONMENT OF YANGON

Thanlyin ( Syriam )

Only 45 minutes by ferry along Ngamoyeik Creek and Bago River and about 30 minutes drive from Ynagon by car or by train through " Thanlyin Bridge" which was constructed by the aid of People's Republic of China. and one of the Biggest & Longest bridge in Myanmar.Thanlyin was an important trading centre in the 17th century under the Portuguese Colonial Administration - Old buildings can be seen in Thanlyin. Kyaikkhauk Pagoda and Yele Pagoda (a pagoda on a small island) at Kyauktan are worth visiting. Ferries for Thanlyin leave lower Pazundaung jetty every hour. In the future, Thanlyin Area will be one of the Industrial and Economic Zones of the country according to the government plan.

Twantay

A boat cruise to Twantay (24 km from Yangon) along the Twantay Canal takes about two hours. Twantay is noted for its pottery and cotton-weaving industries and it also affords visitors an opportunity to see along the canal.