Yangon & the Countryside
Yangon
Yangon (Rangoon) is the cosmopolitan capital city and gateway to
Myanmar. Always green with lush tropical trees, shady parks and
beautiful lakes, Yangon is known as the “Garden City of the
East”. It was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small
settlement called Dagon when he conquered lower Myanmar in 1755.
The name Yangon means “End of Strife”. The city today still
maintains its colonial charm and gracious turn of the century
architecture. Towering over the city is the magnificent
gold-encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda – one of our country’s most
beautiful treasures and a place to meet devoted Buddhists at
meditation and pray.
Other recommended Yangon tour highlights
include Chaukhtatkyi - the Reclining Buddha, colorful markets of
Chinatown, a Meditation Centre, Sule Pagoda, Botataung Pagoda,
Kaba Aye Pagoda, Maha Pasana Guha Cave, Kalewa Monastery,
Buddhist Art Museum, National Museum, Naga glass factory and the
Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) Market.
Bago
An ancient city of the 15th century Mon Kingdom, Bago (Pegu)
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.
Hpa-An
The capital city of Kayin State, Hpa-An is located 270 km east
of Yangon. The town is dotted with a ridge of hills, magnificent
caves such as Bayin nyi, Saddan and the Kawtgoon (natural lime
stone) which measures 200 feet height and 300 feet length. The
visit to the unusual shaped of Zwekabin Hill and brilliant
landscape will be unforgettable experience. It is easily
accessible by land route from Yangon. This is perfect hiking
country with its small lakes and many grottoes. The colourful
costumes of the Kayin women are a sight to be seen.
Kyaikhtiyo
(The Golden Rock)
Rising 1100 metres 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. Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda
is located about 160 km from Yangon.
Mawlamyine
On the southern coast lies Mawlamyine (Moulmein), 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.
Further down the coast you can visit 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’.
Moeyungyi Wetlands
About 70 miles north of Yangon lies Moeyungyi Wetlands, a vital
shelter for both resident and migratory waterfowl. A census at
Moeyungyi revealed that there are 125 species of waterbirds
including 70 species of migrants. It is about three and a half
hour drive from Yangon. Moeyungyi Wetlands Resort Hotel is
situated at the edge of Moeyungyi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is
perfectly convenient place to make an overnight stop on bird
watching trip either on the way to Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock)
Pagoda or on return journey.
The Wetlands is best visited in the winter
season from November through March. In addition to bird
watching, you can observe the fauna and flora of the wetlands.
Travellers can witness the typical Myanmar countryside life at
nearby villages - fishing and duck breeding at Pyun Chaung
village; rice cultivation in the paddy field (still using manual
labour and water buffalos) at Inn Daing Su Village; and hundreds
of water buffalo enjoying their bath time in the muddy waters.
Pathein
190 km west of Yangon in the Ayerwaddy Delta lies the port of
Pathein(Bassein). 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. Highlights include
the Shwemokhtaw Pagoda, Thihoshin Phondaw-pyi - Sitting Buddha,
a colorful night bazaar and the nearby Ngwe Saung Beach.
Pyay
Pyay (prome) 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 Akauk Taung - beautiful Buddha images
carved in the banks of rock along the river.
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.
Thanlyin
Thanlyin (Syriam) 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. Thanlyin is
about 30 minutes ride from Yangon by car or by train across
Thanlyin Bridge.
Map >>
