Yangon

Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is the capital city and gateway to Myanmar (formerly Burma). The name Yangon means "End of Strife". Always green with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon is known as the "Garden City of the East". The settlement first came into prominence in the mid-1750s when King Alaungpaya, or Alompra, founder of the last dynasty of Burmese kings, chose the site as the administrative capital of Lower Myanmar. It began to develop as a modern community in the late 19th century after coming under British rule at the conclusion of the Second Anglo-Burmese War in 1852. When Myanmar achieved independence in 1948, Rangoon became the capital.Population(1983)2,513,023. Towering over the city of Yangon is the magnificent gold-encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda. Other recommended tour highlights include Chaukhtatkyi -the Reclining Buddha, a Meditation Centre, Sule Pagoda, Botataung Pagoda, Kaba Aye Pagoda, Maha Pasana Guha Cave, Buddhist Art Museum, Chinatown, National Museum and the Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) Market.

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Kyaikhtiyo (The Golden Rock)

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is located about 160 km from Yangon. Rising 1100 meters above sea level, this small golden stupa stands on the top of a huge gold-gilded boulder. This Golden Rock is precariously perched on the edge of the hill and is a place of important pilgrimage for Buddhists.

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Bago (Pegu)

An ancient city of the 15th century Mon Kingdom, Bago is one of the richest archaeological sites in Myanmar. It is situated 80 km from Yangon and is a two hour drive through the countryside - a convenient day excursion. Recommended tour highlights include Shwemawdaw Pagoda, Kalyani Sima Ordination Hall, Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha, Bago Market and the Htaukkyant Allied War Cemetery.

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Thanlyin (Syriam)

Thanlyin is 45 minutes by ferry across the Bago River or about 30 minutes ride from Yangon by car or by train across Thanlyin Bridge. Thanlyin was an important trading centre in the 17th century under the Portuguese. Places of interest include Old Portuguese buildings, Kyaik Khauk Pagoda and Yele Pagoda on a small island at Kyauktan, 12 km south of Thanlyin.

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Kawthaung & the Mergui Archipelago

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Twante

Twante is reached by a ferry boat on a 2-3 hour ride along the Yangon River and the Twante Canal from Yangon. Pottery is a major cottage industry in Twante. Shwesandaw Pagoda, Oh-Bo Pottery Sheds, local town market, Baungdawgyoke Pagoda, Snake Temple, weavers are among the interesting sites. A half day excursion gives visitors a great chance to travel on the river and see the life in a typical delta river village.

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Mawlamyine (Moulmein)

On the southern coast lies Mawlamyine, a picturesque old colonial town once an important teak port. Places of interest in this area include the Mahamuni & Uzina Pagodas, Kipling's Kyaikthanlan Pagoda and the Mon Cultural Museum. Nearby places of interest include Setse Beach; Kyaikhami (Amherst) - a seaside resort with its Yele Pagoda perched over the sea; and Thanbyuzayat where the cemetery for World War II's allied prisoners of war who died while building the infamous 'Death Railway'.

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Pathein (Bassein)

190 km west of Yangon in the Ayerwaddy Delta lies the port of Pathein. Known for its quality rice production and colorful historical past in colonial times. There's a picturesque waterfront and numerous umbrella workshops making the unique hand painted Pathein sun parasols. There's a slow, overnight ferry from Yangon. Highlights include the Shwemokhtaw Pagoda, Thihoshin Phondaw-pyi - Sitting Buddha, a colorful night bazaar and the nearby Chaungtha Beach.

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Pyay (Prome) 

Pyay is located 285 km north-west of Yangon which can be reached by road in about 5 hours. Sites of interest include the Shwesandaw Paya, Shwedaung Paya and the ancient ruins of Thayekhittaya and Hmawza known also as Sri Ksetra. near Pyay and reached by boat, are the Akaut Taung - beautiful Buddha images carved in the banks of rock along the river.