Yangon (Rangoon)

Became capital in 1885 when the British finally conquered Upper Myanmar and Mandalay. Prior to that it was a small town.

Yangon, the capital city, is the gateway to Myanmar. A city unlike any other. Lush tropical trees lend shade to evergreen avenues. Countless enchanting parks and beautiful lakes all contribute to Yangons deserved title of "the Garden City of the East."
A simple city with few skyscrapers, crowds, or the pace of modern life.

Yangon was founded in 1755 by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small settlement called "Dagon" when he conquered lower Myanmar. The name Yangon, means "end of strife", was Anglicised in 1885 to Rangoon by the British colonial settlers. It was only then it became the capital.

The streets of Yangon are all perpendicular and retain geometric symmetry. The road system was constructed by the British.
Today Yangon covers 350 sqr km and has a population of 5 million. The city is flanked on three sides by water; the Hlang or Yangon river flows from the Bago (Pegu) Yoma (hills) down Yangons western and southern sides, then continues another 30km (20 miles) to the gulf of Martaban. To the east of the city is Pazundaung Creek, a tributary to the Hlang. Yangon's port is 34km inland on the Hlaing River.

Attractions

Towering almost 100 meters above the green city of Yangon on Singuttara Hill is one of the wonders of the world: the golden Shwedagon Pagoda.
The original platforms for the Shwedagon Pagoda are believed to have been built over 2500 years ago by the Mon settlers, although the current stupa was replaced in the 18th century. Truly a feat of imagination and architecture.
There are over 8000 gold plates covering the monument and in excess of 5000 diamonds and 2000 other semi-precious stones creating an awesome sight to behold.

Little wonder upon Rudyard Kipling's visit to Yangon in 1889, he was prompted to verse:
"Then , a golden mystery upheaved itself on the horizon - a beautiful, winking wonder that blazed in the sun, of a shape that was neither Muslim dome nor Hindu temple spire. It stood upon a green knoll…"there's the old Shway Dagon," said my companion… The golden dome said, "This is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any land you know about."  - Rudyard Kipling, Letters from the East

Sule Pagoda

Also at over 2000 years old Sule Pagoda, or the heart of Yangon. Located in the centre of the city acting as a tranquil yet dominating traffic island, it was once the social and religious focal point for centuries.
The British established the Pagoda as the geographic center of the city in the 19th century when they structured their Victorian street system around it
By night the 46 meter (157 feet) Pagoda, with its unique octagonal form, makes a fine spectacle with its decorated spire.
That is just two of the hundreds of Pagoda's and impressive stupa's that decorate this wondrous city's skyline. Walking through Yangon you'll notice the Pagodas are amongst an assortment of latter day Chinese and Hindu Temples, Islamic Mosques, Cathedrals, and a Synagogue.

As well as cultural and religious monuments Yangon has a multitude of Theatres and cinemas. Spread through out the city is over 50 cinemas. In Sule Pagoda Rd alone you can find 5 English cinemas.

To find original native arts & crafts visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market, (know during British times, and by some today, as Scott Market)
The market is over 70 years old and sprawls seamlessly across Bogyoke Aung San Street. Providing the keen shopper with some of the most reasonable prices in town.

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