Yangon
Yangon formerly Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar until it was superseded by Naypyidaw in November 2005. Yangon is the economic capital and the most inhabited city (7 million people). The elegant Shwedagon Pagoda is Yangon’s most famous landmark. A very interesting fact is that Yangon has the privilege to be the city with the most colonial style buildings in South East Asia.
Shwedagon Pagoda
The most notable building in Yangon is the Shwe Dagon Pagoda, a great cone-shaped Buddhist monument that crowns a hill about one mile north of the Cantonment. The pagoda itself is a solid brick stupa (Buddhist reliquary) that is completely covered with more than 30 tons of gold. It rises 326 feet (99 m) on a hill 168 feet (51 m) above the city.
It is the prominent landmark visible from miles around. Being one of the wonders of the world, the Shwe Dagon is believed to have been built approximately 2,500 years ago.
Nearby Attractions
- Mahavijaya Pagoda
- People’s Park and Museum
- Martyrs’ Mausoleum
Famous Pagodas in Yangon
Sule Pagoda :
Pronounced as ‘soo-lay’, this pagoda is recognized as the heart of Yangon, which is right beside the Myanmar Travels and Tour office and the City Hall. This also is an excellent landmark. It is said to be over 2000 years old too. Water encircles this pagoda until about 200 years ago.
Botahtaung Pagoda:
stands for “a thousand military leaders”. This pagoda was named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted relics of Buddha, brought from India over millenniums ago. The Botahtaung is hollow inside and you can walk through it.
Kabar Aye Pagoda (World Peace Pagoda):
Built in 19502 in dedication to the 1954-56 Sixth Buddhist Council. This 111-feet-high pagoda measures 34 meters around the base. The Buddhist Art Museum and Maha Pasana Cave are also in the same compound.
Chauk Htat Kyi Pagoda :
This reclining Buddha image is one of the largest images in Myanmar. The original image was built in 1907.
National Museum
The National Museum of Myanmar was founded in 1952. The present National Museum is located on Pyay Road in a splendid five-storey building constructed for the purpose in spacious and specially landscaped grounds. Priceless ancient artefacts, works of art and historic memorabilia are on display in 14 halls on four storeys.
Yangon City Heritage Lists
The list consists of 188 structures (as of 2001), and is largely made up of mostly religious structures and British colonial era buildings. In 2010, the Ministry of Culture further announced that 16 ancient pagodas in Yangon Division are recognized as cultural heritage sites. The Shwedagon Pagoda is recognized as both an Ancient Monument Zone and Protected and Preserved Zone.
Currently 21 blue plaques have been installed in 20 places in Yangon, including two in Mahabandoola Park. The most Tourist attractions in British colonial era buildings are-
Currently 21 blue plaques have been installed in 20 places in Yangon, including two in Mahabandoola Park. The most Tourist attractions in British colonial era buildings are-
- Bogyoke Market
- Mahabandoola Park
- City Hall
- Secretariat Office
- High Court
- Strand Hotel