Yangon, formerly known as Dagon, was founded by King Alaungpaya after annexed to Mon in 1755. Yangon or a hundred year old “End of Strife” city is the main gateway to Myanmar. It is the largest city of Myanmar, with over 4 millions population, and former capital of Myanmar. Home to many cultural sites, including Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the wonders of the world.

Colonial Buildings

Colonial Building scattered around Yangon can be seen reflecting the architecture design of British Colonial Style. Yangon City Hall, High courts, churches around down town area are the main attractions colonial buildings.

Must see places in Yangon

Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda

Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, 72 meters long, reclining Buddha is one of the largest images in Myanmar.

KabaAye Pagoda

KabaAye Pagoda (or) World Peace Pagoda was significant for the Sixth World Buddhist Synod which was held in Maha Pasana Guha (cave) within the same compound.

Sule Pagoda

Sule Pagoda situated in the centre of the city as one of the excellent landmarks of Yangon.

Shwedagon Pagoda

A visit to Yangon is incomplete without visiting to Shwedagon Pagoda. Included in one of the wonders of the world, the Shwedagon Pagoda is believed to have been built more than 2600 years (estimately 486 BC) ago during the Buddha’s lifetime where the four Buddha’s relics were enshrined.

The pagoda fell into disrepair until the 1300s when King Binnya U of Bago had the pagoda rebuilt to a height of 18 metres. It was rebuilt several times and reached its current height of 98 meters in the 15th century. A series of earthquakes during the next centuries caused damage. The worst damage came from a 1768 earthquake that brought down the top of the stupa and it was raised to its current state by King Hsinbyushin (lit. Lord of the White Elephant) of Konbaung Dynasty. A new hti or crown was donated by King Mindon Min in 1871 after the annexation of Lower Burma by the British.

The story of Shwedagon Pagoda begins with two merchant brothers meeting the Lord Gautama Buddha and receiving eight of the Buddha's hairs to be enshrined in Burma. The two brothers made their way to Burma and with the help of the local king found Singuttara Hill where other Buddha relics had been enshrined. When the hairs were taken from their golden casket to be enshrined some incredible things happened:

“There was a tumult among men and spirits ... rays emitted by the Hairs penetrated up to the heavens above and down to hell ... the blind beheld objects ... the deaf heard sounds ... the dumb spoke distinctly ... the earth quaked ... the winds of the ocean blew ... Mount Meru shook ... lightning flashed ... gems rained down until they were knee deep ... all trees of the Himalayas, though not in season, bore blossoms and fruit."

Surrounding Yangon

Bago (Pegu)

Bago, formerly known as Hanthawaddy of Mon Kingdom in 15th century, is located about 80 km from Yangon. Among the many places of cultural heritage include the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, the huge Reclining Buddha of Shwethalaung, the four Giant Buddha images of Kyaikpun Pagoda and the excavation site and restoration work of Kanbawathadi, the palace of famous King Bayinnaung.