Tourist Attractions in lower Myanmar
Yangon is the Commercial City and the Main Gateway to Myanmar. It was founded by King Alaungpaya on the side of a small village called Dagon. The name Yangon means “End of Strife” which was anglicized to Rangoon.
The Shwe dagon Pagoda
The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the World Wonders and the Landmark visible from miles around as it is towering almost 100 meters above the green cityscape of Yangon. It was believed to have been built over 2500 years ago and four Buddhas’ relics were enshrined inside it. Glittering in gold upon the holy Singuttara Hill makes the Pagoda to be magnificent and fabulous. Visitors should not miss this Pagoda as the concentrated ancient architectures reveal the greatness of the Myanmar’s Culture.
As it name implies, it is dedicated towards the realization of global peace. It was built during the middle of 19th Century to commemorate the Sixth Buddhist Synod which was held in Maha Pasana Guha(Cave) within the same compound. Visitors will have a chance to study at Buddhist Art Museum at Kabar Aye Pagoda with a wide collection of religious paraphernalia and Buddha texts.
The Sule Pagoda is also a landmark of Yangon and located in the heart of Yangon. The golden pagoda is unusual in that its octagonal shape continues right up to the bell and inverted bowl. Visitors can see the image of Nats or spirits guarding the bell which is rung by the Myanmar people after making good deeds. The marble footprints of Buddha filled with gold foils which describe the lives of Buddha will also be seen there.
This reclining Buddha Image has a length of 195 feet (59.28 meters) and a height of 100 feet (30.4 meter). This curious way of Buddhist worship seems to be an indigenous development which began during the second Innwa Period.
Visitors who want to know Myanmar History and cultures should not miss the National Museum. It has five floors displaying the Lion Throne, the Elephant Throne, the Royal Regalia, manuscripts, paintings, etc.
This Market was first named as Scott Market and nowadays called Bogyote Aung San Market in hornour of our national leader General Aung San (Daw Aung San Su Kyi’s father). It is the most popular tourist destination for shopping in Yangon and located in the downtown. A variety of Myanmar lacquer wares, gems and jewellery, etc are attractively displayed in this market.
Yangon is famous for its highest number of colonial buildings in Southeast Asia. The former High Court, the former Inland Water Transport Building, the former Secretariat Buildings and Strand Hotel are excellent examples of Yangon’s colonial period. Century-old buildings with finest architecture are the main tourist attractions in downtown Yangon.
National Races Village was constructed by Ministry of Border Affairs and situated in Tharketa Township on the left side of Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge. Visitors can enjoy the different cultures and traditions of Myanmar ethnic groups in this village as the traditional houses, Landmarks and significant features of each national race are scattered to prove the unique beauty of Myanmar.
Around Yangon
It is the ancient capital of Mon Kingdom in 15th Century and 80 km far from Yangon. As it is an ancient city, many places of interests reflecting the Myanmar traditions and culture are concentrated like
Shwe-tha –hlyaung Reclining Buddha (55 meters Long)
Sein-tha-hlyaung Reclining Buddha
Shwe-maw-daw Pagoda
Kalyani Sima (Ordination Hall)
28 meter high huge Buddha image of Kyaikpun Pagoda
Kan-baw-za-thar-di (The Palace of King Bayintnaung)
Once Thanlyin was occupied by the Portuguese in early 17th century, its surrounding offers many attractions. The old buildings will call you back to the days of Portuguese occupation. It is 45 minutes drive from Yangon passing through the1822 meter long bridge over the Bago River. Kyaik-Khauk Pagoda and Kyauk-Tan Pagoda in the creek are famous destinations around Thanlyin.
Twante is a small town on the Twante Canal and is two hours away by boat from Yangon. Visitors can taste the joyful boat trip and will have a chance to see the rural life along the Canal.
Htauk-Kyant is 32 km from Yangon and it is famous for Allied War Memorial Cemetery where 27,000 tombstones of Allied Soldiers who lost their lives in Myanmar during the World War II. The cemetery is peaceful and beautifully tended.