Despite the fact that since 2006, Yangon is no longer officially the country’s capital city, it is Burma’s largest & most internationally famous metropolis. It possesses one of the most exotic urban landscapes on the continent with many lush, leafy parks interspersed with narrow rivers, large clean lakes, decaying Neo-Classic British Colonial streets, dusty concrete downtown blocks & traditional wooden architecture. Mopeds have been banned from the city centre which has helped ease the traffic congestion, popularly associated with so many Asian city centres. In almost tours to Burma, Yangon is usually the first stop.

The most famous icon of the city is the magnificent Shwedagon, whose golden stupa dominates the skyline of Yangon. This 2,000 year old temple is truly magical place, intimately, informally spiritual with none of the haughty chill that can deter secular folk from Western churches. For formal etiquette, you will need to remove your shoes & cover up, at least further than your elbows & knees, although you can borrow longyi – traditional Burmese wraps – from the ticket booth.

If your time allows, the Shwedagon is surely not the only attraction, here. The two Anglican cathedrals left behind by the British have stunning interiors, the parks & zoological gardens offer many lovely leisurely walks, & the market shopping at Bogyoke (Scott’s) market is great fun, especially for souvenirs. Yangon’s main sights & colonial old city are lovely located within a fairly small area which is easily explored on foot, providing you pace yourself & don’t stuff yourself with too many noodles en route.

YANGON ATTRACTIONS:

Shwedagon	Sule Pagoda	Yangon City Hall	Chauk Htat Gyi	Nga Htat Gyi	Botataung
Karaweik Barge	Hlawgar Park	Maha Bandula	Kandawgyi Lake	Scott Market	Kaba Aye Pagoda

YANGON HOTEL SUGGESTIONS:

WHERE TO EAT: