The capital Yangon has its own
distinctive personality. Even in the twenty-first century,
Yangon still has very few tall buildings.
The oldest name of Yangon was Okkala,
later Dagon, possibly getting its name from the Shwe Dagon
Pagoda. For a long time, Dagon was a river-side fishing
village situated between Hlaing River and Bago River and
twenty-one miles away from the sea.
After the conquest of Lower Burma by King
Alaungpaya in 1755, it was renamed Yangon, meaning “End of
Strife” or “War Ended” and developed it into a seaport, the
British anglicized it “Rangoon”. Civilization started since
then and in 1852, it became the capital of Lower Burma and
since 1855, when the whole country became British Colony,
Yangon served as the center of government for more than 120
years. Yangon will continue to be promoted as the country’s
center of commerce.
Yangon is the main gate way to Myanmar
and the port city.
The two thousand five hundred years old,
Shwe Dagon Pagoda which dominates the city’s landscape is
the major highlight for international tourists.
In downtown area, new buildings replace
many colonial-style buildings, Indian-style buildings and
Chinese buildings.
The red-brick buildings such as the
Secretariat buildings, the Supreme Court, the General Post
Office, the General telegraph Office, the Central
Telecommunication Office, Railway Head Quarters and the
Yangon General Hospital in the downtown area are reminders
of colonial days.
At present, Yangon is bustling with 6
million populations.
The major attractions of Yangon and
places of interest are Shwedagon Pagoda, National Museum,
Nanthida Jetty, Scott Market (or) Bogyoke Market, Yangon’s
China Town and the Royal Lakes.
Yangon has two beautiful lakes; Kandawgyi
and Inya Lake and all the tropical trees in downtown areas
are witnessing that Yangon is a garden city of the east.
There are not only Buddhist Temples and
Pagodas in Yangon, also there are Christian churches, Muslim
Mosques and Hindu temples.
Yangon and its environ
Twante
An early morning calm riverine sunrise
trip to Twante (24 km from Yangon) is fascinating with
plenty to see along the way. Twante is known for its pottery
and cotton-weaving cottage industries.
Tanyin (Syriam)
An old Portuguese Settlement which once
had been an important port of Burma before Yangon was
developed. It was an important trading centre in the 1600s.
Ruins of old Portuguese buildings can still be seen. At
present, Tanyin is still and an industrial town connected to
Yangon by a bridge. A boat-ride at the mouth of the sea
around Kyauktan Yelei Pagoda about 20 km (13 miles) south of
tanyin is a memorable and romantic trip.
Bago
Fifty miles (80 km) by road from Yangon
is the ancient capital of the Mon dynasty of the 15th
Century. The 55-metre (180 ft) long oldest reclining Buddha,
Shwe-tha-lyaung, Mon Stupa Shwe Maw Daw pagoda and Kyaik Pun
are major tour sites. Apart from the ancient Mon stupas, one
can watch skilled craftsmen at work and also purchase wood
products carved out of the bulbous growth of Padauk ( a kind
of hardwood) at the Mazin Co-operative Society.
Kyaiktiyo
This famous legendary golden boulder,
shaped like a hermit’s head and capped with a pagoda sits on
the edge of a precipice, 1121 metres above sea level and 160
kilometres from Yangon. Your experience of Kyaiktiyo can
include an invigorating 12-kilometre trek uphill along a
meandering trail.
Mandalay
The last capital of the Myanmar kingdom
is in Central Myanmar, 688 km (416 miles) due north of
Yangon. At present, it is the second capital and the place
where one will come closest to the real Myanmar. Being rich
in monasteries and pagodas and ample in resources of Myanmar
arts and architecture, it is known as the centre of Myanmar
culture. Mandalay Hill rises over 230 metres above the
surrounding countryside; it takes 1700 steps to climb to the
top. Kuthodaw Pagoda is popularly known as “the World’s
Largest Book” because of its 729 upright stone slabs
inscribed with the entire Buddhist Scriptures. Maha Muni
Pagoda, built in 1784, enshrines the famous Buddha image
brought from RaKhine State. The early morning ritual of
washing the face of the Buddha image draws a large crowd of
devotees every day. Shwe Nandaw Monastery is famous for its
intricate wood carvings. The replica of the ancient Mandalay
Palace is worth visiting for an impression of the monarchic
days.
At Kywezun you will be able to watch
water buffaloes pulling out teak logs, which have been
floated down the Ayeyawaddy River from the upper country.
Although the water buffalo is known to be the most stubborn
creature, here one can see them working obediently on the
wet spongy ground where elephants and cranes cannot be used.
Being the centre of Myanmar culture,
Mandalay offers many cottage industries such as ivory
carving, wood carving, marble art, gold leaf making, silk
weaving, silver crafting and bronze casting. Marionette
shows or traditional puppet shows, a dying art, can be a
most enjoyable cultural entertainment after dinner.
There are three ancient capitals around Mandalay:
Sagaing lies 21 km south-west of
Mandalay. The Sagaing Hills, the enormous dome-shaped pagoda
Kaungmudaw and the silversmiths from Ywahtaung village are
places and people of interest.
Amarapura is situated about 11 km south
of Mandalay and its attractions include the Patodawgyi
Pagoda, U Pein’s Bridge and the silk weaving industry.
The historical capital city of Inwa is
impressive for its fine Myanmar masonry, art and
architecture, especially the outstanding Maha Aung Bonzan
Monastery.
Mingun
A huge unfinished Pagoda and the world’s
biggest ringing bell is located at Mingun. To get there you
need to take a short 11-km boat trip from Mandalay up the
Ayeyarwaddy River.
Pyin Oo Lwin
The flower city of Myanmar and a hill
station over 1100 meters above sea level is 69 kilometres to
the east of Mandalay. It is a place where one can find 19th
Century Victorian colonial buildings and a resort where
visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery and cool highland
temperatures within the 142-hectare botanical Gardens and
Pwekauk Waterfalls. Horse and cart tours through the city
around the Botanical Gardens, or from downtown to the
railway station is great fun for tourists.
Bagan
Roughly 200 kilometres south of Mandalay,
on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River is Bagan. It
was the capital of the first unified Myanmar kingdom from
the 11th to 13th Century under 55 monarchs and is known as
the city of four million pagodas (within the area of 42
sp.km). Today, there are 2217 religious edifices to be seen
standing as testimonies to the past glory and piety of
ancient Myanmar kings. Bagan is presently most famous for
its lacquerware industry.
On the way from Nyaung U airport to your
hotel you can drop in at the ever busy Ngaung U market where
local consumer goods and regional products are on sale.
There you will see women with typical Myanmar make-up (the-na-kha),
smoking cheroots wrapped in corn husk garment, selling
regional farm produce.
Mount Popa, an extinct volcano, 1518
metres high, is located about 50km south-east of Bagan. It
is regarded as the home of the gods. During the month of May
of June the annual Festival of the Spirits is held. On clear
days the view from the top across the vast dry plain is the
most beautiful panorama that can be seen in central Myanmar.
Taunggyi
The capital of Shan State is a pine-clad
city situated at an altitude of 1430 metres. It was formerly
a quiet British hill-station, but it is now one of Myanmar’s
most enterprising and prosperous cities. On market days,
hill tribe people of Shan Hills such as Shan, Lahu, Palaung,
Padaung and Pa-O in their traditional colourful costumes
will come to Taunggyi to sell their wares.
Inle Lake
This is a breathtakingly beautiful lake
sheltered by the Shan Hills. It is famous for its leg
rowers, floating farms, floating market, the high pageantry
of the Phaundaw Oo Pagoda and century old wooden
monasteries.
Kalaw
A quiet and peaceful pine clad hilly town
known for trekking destination is Kalaw. It has been a
summer holiday resort since the days of British colony. The
name “Kalaw”is in Palaung language means “the bowl” for the
town is surrounded by mountains.
Kalaw and its surroundings are always
green with vegetations.
Kalaw is situated about 71 km west of
taunggyi, the capital of Southern Shan State. There are
Palaung villages nearby and hill tribes people such as Danu,
Taung Yoe and Pa-o in their colourful costumes can be seen
at Kalaw Market held every five days.
From Kalaw, tourists can visit Pindaya,
Inlay Lake and KeKhu.
Kalaw is located 4297 feet above sea
level.
Pindaya
50 km above Kalaw are the famous Pindaya
limestone caves which overlook a picturesque lake. In the
chambers of the caves are countless Buddha images. The
oldest image is over one thousand years old.
Myitkyina
Myitkyina is the largest town in Kachin
State. From Myitkyina, visitors can tour the confluence (Myitsone)
of Maikha and Malikha, the source of the Ayeyarwaddy River.
There are regular flights from Yangon and Mandalay to
Myitkyina.
The capital Yangon has its own
distinctive personality. Even in the twenty-first century,
Yangon still has very few tall buildings. 
Yangon is the main gate way to Myanmar
and the port city. 
The major attractions of Yangon and
places of interest are Shwedagon Pagoda, National Museum,
Nanthida Jetty, Scott Market (or) Bogyoke Market, Yangon’s
China Town and the Royal Lakes. 
An early morning calm riverine sunrise
trip to Twante (24 km from Yangon) is fascinating with
plenty to see along the way. Twante is known for its pottery
and cotton-weaving cottage industries. 
An old Portuguese Settlement which once
had been an important port of Burma before Yangon was
developed. It was an important trading centre in the 1600s.
Ruins of old Portuguese buildings can still be seen. At
present, Tanyin is still and an industrial town connected to
Yangon by a bridge. A boat-ride at the mouth of the sea
around Kyauktan Yelei Pagoda about 20 km (13 miles) south of
tanyin is a memorable and romantic trip. 
Fifty miles (80 km) by road from Yangon
is the ancient capital of the Mon dynasty of the 15th
Century. The 55-metre (180 ft) long oldest reclining Buddha,
Shwe-tha-lyaung, Mon Stupa Shwe Maw Daw pagoda and Kyaik Pun
are major tour sites. Apart from the ancient Mon stupas, one
can watch skilled craftsmen at work and also purchase wood
products carved out of the bulbous growth of Padauk ( a kind
of hardwood) at the Mazin Co-operative Society. 
This famous legendary golden boulder,
shaped like a hermit’s head and capped with a pagoda sits on
the edge of a precipice, 1121 metres above sea level and 160
kilometres from Yangon. Your experience of Kyaiktiyo can
include an invigorating 12-kilometre trek uphill along a
meandering trail.
The last capital of the Myanmar kingdom
is in Central Myanmar, 688 km (416 miles) due north of
Yangon. At present, it is the second capital and the place
where one will come closest to the real Myanmar. Being rich
in monasteries and pagodas and ample in resources of Myanmar
arts and architecture, it is known as the centre of Myanmar
culture. Mandalay Hill rises over 230 metres above the
surrounding countryside; it takes 1700 steps to climb to the
top. Kuthodaw Pagoda is popularly known as “the World’s
Largest Book” because of its 729 upright stone slabs
inscribed with the entire Buddhist Scriptures. Maha Muni
Pagoda, built in 1784, enshrines the famous Buddha image
brought from RaKhine State. The early morning ritual of
washing the face of the Buddha image draws a large crowd of
devotees every day. Shwe Nandaw Monastery is famous for its
intricate wood carvings. The replica of the ancient Mandalay
Palace is worth visiting for an impression of the monarchic
days. 
At Kywezun you will be able to watch
water buffaloes pulling out teak logs, which have been
floated down the Ayeyawaddy River from the upper country.
Although the water buffalo is known to be the most stubborn
creature, here one can see them working obediently on the
wet spongy ground where elephants and cranes cannot be used.
Amarapura is situated about 11 km south
of Mandalay and its attractions include the Patodawgyi
Pagoda, U Pein’s Bridge and the silk weaving industry. 
A huge unfinished Pagoda and the world’s
biggest ringing bell is located at Mingun. To get there you
need to take a short 11-km boat trip from Mandalay up the
Ayeyarwaddy River. 
The flower city of Myanmar and a hill
station over 1100 meters above sea level is 69 kilometres to
the east of Mandalay. It is a place where one can find 19th
Century Victorian colonial buildings and a resort where
visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery and cool highland
temperatures within the 142-hectare botanical Gardens and
Pwekauk Waterfalls. Horse and cart tours through the city
around the Botanical Gardens, or from downtown to the
railway station is great fun for tourists. 
Roughly 200 kilometres south of Mandalay,
on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River is Bagan. It
was the capital of the first unified Myanmar kingdom from
the 11th to 13th Century under 55 monarchs and is known as
the city of four million pagodas (within the area of 42
sp.km). Today, there are 2217 religious edifices to be seen
standing as testimonies to the past glory and piety of
ancient Myanmar kings. Bagan is presently most famous for
its lacquerware industry. 
Mount Popa, an extinct volcano, 1518
metres high, is located about 50km south-east of Bagan. It
is regarded as the home of the gods. During the month of May
of June the annual Festival of the Spirits is held. On clear
days the view from the top across the vast dry plain is the
most beautiful panorama that can be seen in central Myanmar.
The capital of Shan State is a pine-clad
city situated at an altitude of 1430 metres. It was formerly
a quiet British hill-station, but it is now one of Myanmar’s
most enterprising and prosperous cities. On market days,
hill tribe people of Shan Hills such as Shan, Lahu, Palaung,
Padaung and Pa-O in their traditional colourful costumes
will come to Taunggyi to sell their wares.
This is a breathtakingly beautiful lake
sheltered by the Shan Hills. It is famous for its leg
rowers, floating farms, floating market, the high pageantry
of the Phaundaw Oo Pagoda and century old wooden
monasteries.
A quiet and peaceful pine clad hilly town
known for trekking destination is Kalaw. It has been a
summer holiday resort since the days of British colony. The
name “Kalaw”is in Palaung language means “the bowl” for the
town is surrounded by mountains. 
50 km above Kalaw are the famous Pindaya
limestone caves which overlook a picturesque lake. In the
chambers of the caves are countless Buddha images. The
oldest image is over one thousand years old.
Myitkyina is the largest town in Kachin
State. From Myitkyina, visitors can tour the confluence (Myitsone)
of Maikha and Malikha, the source of the Ayeyarwaddy River.
There are regular flights from Yangon and Mandalay to
Myitkyina.