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Visitors' Guide
Brief Information |
What to see |
Yangon
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Bagan |
Inle & Tounggyi |
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Myanmar Food |
Festival in Myanmar
Yangon
Yangon, the former 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 clamour, crowded
squalor and the pace of modern life, Yangon is
attractive in its own special way. Yangon was founded by
"King Alaung Paya" on the site of a small settlement
called "Dagon" when he conquered Lower Myanmar in
1755. The name "Yangon" means "End of Strife" which was
anglicized to "Rangoon" after British annexed Myanmar in
1885. At present, "Yangon" covers about 600 sq.km and
has a population of over 6 million.
Places Of Attraction In Yangon Areas
Shwedagon Pagoda
 The historic Shwedagon Pagoda, which towers almost 98
metres (326 feet) above the green city-scape of Yangon,
never fails 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 Pogoda is
believed to be the earliest Pagoda of Gautama
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 only just one main stupa but
also a complex of many stupas. All around the principal
stupa is a
cluster of smaller stupas, temples, shrines, prayer
halls, pavilions, religious images and statues. Lengthy
staircases lined
with stalls selling religious articles, Silver-wares,
Souvenirs, Lacquer-wares, handicrafts, flowers,
ceremonial umbrellas,
and etc. The best time to visit Shwedagon Pagoda is at
sunset when the 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 the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Sule Pagoda
 It is situated right in the centre of Yangon—beside the
Myanmar Travels and Tours office, the Maha Bandoola
Park and the Independence Monument, the City Hall and
the Supreme Court (Yangon). the Sule Pagoda is said to
be
over 2,000 years old and to enshrine a hair of Buddha.
"Mon" name "Kyaik Athok" translates as "the pagoda where
a
Sacred Hair Relic is enshrined". The golden pagoda is
unusual in that its octagonal shape continues right up
to the bell
and inverted bowl. It stands 46 metres (152 feet) high
and is surrounded by small shops and all the familiar
nonreligious
services such as astrologers, palmists, photo studios,
mini-stores, etc.
Chauk Htat Kyee Reclining Buddha Statue
Located on Shwegondaing Road, this colossal (72 metres
long) Reclining Buddha Statue is one of the largest
images in Myanmar. The original image was built in 1907.
But it has suffered damage due to climate over the
years. In
1957, it was demolished and rebuilt to this structure in
1966.
Mei Lamu Pagoda
A wonder land of spired pagodas and sculptured figures
located in North Okkalapa, a satellite town about 20
minutes drive from the city centre. Mei Lamu Pagoda is
famous for the giant images depicting Buddha's earlier
lives.
Maha Vijaya Temple
The Maha Vijaya Temple is situated adjacent to the
Shwedagon Pagoda. The symbolic memorial of the First
Successful Congregation of the Sangha of All Orders held
in 1980, this elegant Maha Vijaya Temple is a unique
blend
of traditional pattern and the modern styles. The
sanctuary contains the finely wrought Buddha image and
the reliquary
donated by the King and Queen of Nepal.
There is a very interesting miracle thing if you are
into architecture. There is a specially designed hole on
the
ceiling that permits the sunlight to inside only a
single day every year. That is Myanmar New Year Day
according to the
Myanmar Lunar calendar.
Botahtaung Pagoda
"Bo" means "Military Leader" and "Tahtaung" means "one
thousand", the "Botahtaung" Pagoda was named
after the thousand military leaders who escorted relics
of "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 (132 feet).
Buddha's Replica Tooth Relic Pagoda (Yangon)
"Gautama" Lord Buddha's Sacred Tooth Relic was conveyed
to Union of Myanmar from People's Republic of
China for the Second time on 20th. April,1994 under the
programme of friendly cooperation between the two
countries
and kept for 45 days for Myanmar public homage. Buddha's
Tooth Relic from China was kept together with two
Replica Tooth Relics of Myanmar.
Of the two, one Sacred Replica Tooth Relic was enshrined
in the Buddha's Replica Tooth Relic Pagoda
(Yangon) on Dhammapala Hill in Mayangon Township. The
pagoda was being built with cash donations contributed
by the people of Myanmar and Buddhist donors of entire
world under the supervision of the Myanmar government.
The Myanmar government authorities and donors hoisted
Buddha's Replica Tooth Relic Pagoda of
Yangon's Shwe Htidaw (sacred golden umbrella),
Hngetmyatnadaw (sacred bird perch vane) and Seinphudaw
(sacred diamond bud) on 24th, November, 1996.
National Museum
The National Museum of Myanmar, located in Dagon,
Yangon, is the main museum of Myanmar art,
history and culture in Myanmar.
Founded in 1952, the five-story museum has an extensive
collection of ancient artifacts, ornaments, works of
art,
inscriptions and historic memorabilia, related to
history, culture and civilization of Myanmar people.
Natural History Museum
Situated on Lu-O-Yon Street, the Natural History Museum
has a notable collection of Myanmar natural resources
including flora and fauna, forest products, minerals and
rocks.
Memorial to Fallen Heroes
The "Memorial to Fallen Heroes" is situated at
Singottara Hill which is very close to the famous
Shwedagon
Pagoda. It was unveiled on 27th March, 1990, in
commemoration of 45th Anniversary of Myanmar Armed
Forces Day.
The objective of the establishment of this Memorial is
in honour of the Myanmar Fallen Heroes—commencing all
theFallen Heroes of Anglo-Myanmar First War in 1825; the
Fallen Heroes who fought for Independence; and the
Fallen Heroes who fought for the safeguard of the
National Independence, sovereignty and stability of
Union of Myanmar Territory.
On 27th September, 1943, the War Minister, General Aung
San (the Great Fallen Hero and National Leader)
established the first monument for the Memorial
to Fallen Heroes at the said place.
The honorary slogan of the Memorial is "Honour beyond
compare for the noblest sacrifice".
The Memorial is open from 8:00 a.m to 5:30 p.m every
day.
Bogyoke Aung San Park
A scenic park with a lovely view of Kandawgyi Lake is
located on Natmauk Road and close to the
pagodas of Shwedagon and Mahavijaya. This Park is a
popular recreation centre where city-dwellers relax and
enjoy their leisure in peace and tranquillity. The
playground and picnic areas are favourite spots for
children
and teenagers.
People's Square and People's Park1
The People's Square and the People's Park occupied over
130 acres of land between the Shwedagon
Pagoda and the Pyithu Hluttaw (Parliament). There is a
museum housing life-size models of nationalities in
their colourful dresses and flora and fauna. The
restaurant serves Myanmar, Chinese and European cuisine.
Zoological Garden
Located near the "Kandawgyi Palace Hotel", the Zoo is
noted for its collection of wild animals, flora and
fauna which have been collected over the years since it
was opened in 1906. On weekend and Public holidays,
snake dance and elephant circus are performed for
visitors.It is open daily from 08:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m
hours.
The Zoological Garden Amusement Park is also a
well-known spot for children and teenagers.
Hlawga Wildlife Park
The Hlawga Wildlife Park is situated at Htaukkyant,
Mingaladon Township, Yangon Division, about 45
minutes drive from Yangon. The Park which covers 1650
acres of land and lake is home for over 70 kinds of
herbivorous animals and 90 species of birds. It has a
museum with a background of landscapes of 7 States and
7 Divisions, picnic area, view point with pagoda, monastery and Myanmar Traditional Buildings and a small
zoo
with rock garden. Flock of migratory birds frequently
visit the park. It is an ideal place for picnickers,
naturalists,
botanists and bird-watchers. Visitors can also enjoy
elephant rides, fishing and boating in the park.
Allied War Memorial Cemetery
" The Allies " (Conquerors of the World War II led by
Britain, the United States of America and France)
had established the Allied War Memorial Cemeteries all
over the world. There were 3 Allied War Memorial
Cemeteries in Myanmar—Htauk Kyant, Thanbyuzayat and
Yangon.
The Htauk Kyant War Memorial Cemetery, beautifully kept
ground, had 27,000 stone-graves of
Commonwealth and Allied Forces Fallen Soldiers in
Myanmar Campaign were honourably kept. It is located in
Mingaladon Township, Yangon Division about 32 km from
Yangon, on the road to Bago.
The 3771 stone-graves can be seen in Thanbyuzayat
Memorial War Cemetery at Mawlamyaing
District, Mon State near Thai-Myanmar border. It was
unveiled on 18th December, 1946 by Myanmar National
Leader, AFPFL Chairman, Major General Aung San and
British Governor Sir Huburt Rance.
The 1450 stone-graves were also in Yangon War Memorial
Cemetery which was situated at Pyay
Road, Sangyoung Township, Yangon Division. The visitors
will notice the important point that all the successive
Governments of Myanmar and the people of Myanmar's
honourable concept, forgiveness, and heart and soul,
when they see the under-mentioned quoted historic words
at the said cemetery with their own eyes:-
" Yangon War Cemetery (1939-1945) — the land on which
this cemetery stands in the gift of Myanmar people for
the perpetual resting place of the sailors,
soldiers and airmen who are honoured here ".
" This Cemetery was built and is maintained by the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission ".
" Inquiries may also be addressed to the Commonwealth
War Graves Commission, Maidenhead, England ".
The relatives of the Allied Forces Fallen Soldiers
throughout the world used to visit the said War Memorial
Cemetries in Myanmar to pay homage to their
respective Allied Forces Fallen Soldiers' Graves ".
Japanese Imperial Fallen Soldiers Graves
" The Axis " (Alliance of Germany, Italy and Japan) had
lost the World War II. The Japanese Imperial Forces
occupied almost Asia except Russia and India
Sub-continent during the said World War. The casualities
of Japanese soldiers were more than 200,000 even only in
Myanmar Campaign according to the historical
records. The Japan got no right to establish the War
Memorial Cemeteries legally like " The Allies " — the
conquerors of the World War II. But there were many
graves of Japanese Imperial Fallen Soldiers in entire
Myanmar — North Okkalapa Yayway Cemetery in Yangon
Area; Bago (Pegu) near Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda and Bago
mountain area in Bago Division; Myeik in Taninthayi
Division; Ayeyawady Division; Monywa in Sagaing
Division; Shan State; Thanbyuzayat in Mon State; Kachin
State; Kayin State; Meiktila in Mandalay Division;
Rakhine State; and Myanmar-India border areas.
The people of Myanmar never destroyed the graves of the
Japanese Imperial Fallen Soldiers with
hatred throughout the Country. Myanmars kept very well
not only the graves of Japanese Imperial Fallen
Soldiers but also all the Fallen Soldiers from all over
the World from heartfelt humanitarian ground. Some
relatives from Japan used to visit to pay homage yearly
at their respective Japanese Imperial Fallen Soldiers'
graves throughout Myanmar.
Shopping
Myanmar arts and crafts, mostly pure hand-made, are best
souvenirs and prices are very reasonable.
Lecquer-wares, wood and ivory carvings, tapestries,
silver-wares, brass-wares, silk and cotton fabrics and
bags (especially traditional slig bags) are some of the
favourite items. For jewellery, there are Myanmar
rubies,
sapphires, jades and pearls available at the authorized
Myanmar gems shops.
Yangon’s Surrounding
Bago (Pegu)
An ancient capital of the Mon Kingdom (15th Century),
Bago(Pegu) is situated only 80km from Yangon. It is
about 2 hours drive from Yangon across the
countryside.
Shwemawdaw Pagoda
Over 2000-year-old Shwemawdaw Pagoda, 114-metre-high
Stupa overlooks the landscape, was built by two
merchants 'Taphussa ' and 'Bhillika',and was
rebuilt several times because of damage caused by
earthquakes. The gilded Pagoda is said to house a number
of Holy Relics of the Buddha and is consequently
one of the most venerated pagodas in the country.
Maha Zedi Pagoda
The Maha Zedi or the Great Pagoda, where only men are
allowed to ascend the steps to the top of the
100-metre-high structure was built in AD1560 to house a
duplicate tooth of the Buddha and Emerald Bowl
containing more of His Relics. There is an another
similar pagoda at Sagaing in Upper Myanmar.
Shwe Tha Lyaung Buddha Image
The huge over 1000-year-old Shwe Tha Lya1ung Buddha Image
is reckoned to be one of the largest
Reclining Buddha and the most life-like, measuring
55-metre in length and 16-metre in height.
Kanbawza Thadi Palace
Bago is one of the richest archaeology sites in Myanmar.
The Archaeology Department has been
excavating at the Palace site of "King Bayint Naung" at
the ancient Royal Capital Bago.
Actually, "Bayint Naung" was the title, not the name.
"Shin Ye Htut" was "Bayint Naung's" name. It was
at "the Battle of Naung Yoe" in 1538 that "Shin Ye Htut"
earned the title "Bayint Naung". "Bayint Naung"
literally
means "the King's Elder Brother". King Tabin Shwe Hti,
brother-in-Law of Bayint Naung, had high regard for
"Shin Ye Htut". The King conferred upon him the unusual
title of "Bayint Naung".
King Tabin Shwe Hti and Shin Ye Htut fought side by side
in wars of national unification. In A.D. 1551, a year
after the death of King Tabin Shwe Hti, Bayint
Naung became king. After assuming office, King Bayint
Naung began his career of conquest, building the "Second
Myanmar Empire".
The creditable achievement of King Bayint Naung was
fully recorded in Myanmar History. Especially, the new
Capital "Hamsavaddy" (Hanthawady)
which King Bayint Naung founded and the new Palace
"Kamboza Thadi" which he built were mentioned in some
details not only in native chronicles but also
in foreign historical writings.
Achievement of King Bayint Naung's millitary campaigns,
political, social and religious merits, and his Capital
Palace "Kamboza Thadi" were of world
renown. An immortal fame and historic figure like King
Bayint Naung, the Royal Capital Hamsavaddy and that of
the Palace "Kamboza Thadi" at Bago has been
well-known to Myanmar people.
The work of excavation and restoration of old Capital
and Palace was begun in 1990.The archaeological diggings
make good progress with enthusiasm and high
tempo. The construction work of some historic Buildings
have completed during 'Visit Myanmar Year 1996'.
Thanlyin (Syriam)
 Only 45 minutes by ferry along Ngamoyeik Creek and Bago
River and about 30 minutes drive from
Yangon 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 and longest bridge in
Union of Myanmar. Thanlyin was an important trading
centre in the 17th century under the Portuguese Colonial
Administration—Old buildings can be seen in
Thanylin.The construction work of some historic
buildings were completed during 'Visit Myanmar Year
1996'.
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
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 life along
the canal.
Let-khok-kone Beach
"Letkhokkone" is the Capital City's nearest Beach. It is
located only 50 km due to the south of Yangon about
one-hour drive from the capital.There were
direct buses to Let-khok-kon. Those who desire to come
in their own or special arrangement Limousine can cross
the river of Yangon or Hlaing in a Z-Craft from Sinoh-
dan jetty three times a day. Day return visitors are
travelling everyday by car. The hotel also provides a
ferry service on Tuesdays and Saturdays with a 10-seater
mini-bus. There were colourful, beautiful and decent
cottages which together could accommodate 108 visitors
at any time.
Visitors can sit or loll about on the beach in day time
under shady palms. The sea breeze is most refreshing and
carries no sand.
Visitors can see not only the sun, but also the moon
rising out of the sea in the East and sinking into the
sea in the West. The hotel has built a swimming
platform and provided a speed-boat for joy rides. There
is a 14-acre golf link on the west of the coconut grove.
All of the preparations such as tele-communication,
transports, construction works and roads under repairing
have been finished in time since the "Visit Myanmar Year
1996".
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