Yangon Attractions & What to See
Yangon - Myanmar
There are many different attractions to see and experience in Yangon. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised to find many places of interest which will keep them busy for many days.
These include places of a spiritual nature, green parks and gardens, and museums that provide an insight into the rich history and culture of Myanmar. We have listed some of the more popular attractions in the city, along with some attractions that may be lesser known and less visited, but may also be of interest.
ATTRACTIONS OUTSIDE YANGON
The many ancient and spectacular paya are the most distinctive, and most popular attractions in the city. They are actually stupas, which are dome-like structures that contain a Buddhist relic. They are called paya by the Burmese. The name pagoda came from the British who call any Buddhist religious structure by that name. We have included some of the more important paya here.
Note: As with other Buddhist religious sites, footwear is not allowed inside. This rule is especially strict when entering paya in Myanmar. There is a place to leave your shoes or slippers located at each entrance/exit. But it may be best to put your shoes in a plastic bag, and take them with you. This way, you can leave by a different exit if you want.
Twante
Twante village - Myanmar
Famous for its pottery and cotton-weaving industries, Twante is best reached by a two-hour, 24km, boat ride along the Twante Canal. The boat trip provides a glimpse into life along the canal. It can also be reached by taking the ferry across the Yangon River, and then a 40 min bumpy taxi ride to the town. For lunch, there is excellent food at the Kabakyaw Restaurant located opposite the local market. The Shwe Santaw Paya is also located in Twante not far from town. This is a good full-day tour.
Thanlyin (Syriam) & Kyauktan
Thanlyin - Myanmar Central Park
About a one-hour drive from Yangon, across Myanmar's longest bridge, is the town of Thanlyin. From the 14th to the 18th centuries it was an important port and trading centre. You can see the ruins of an 18th century Portuguese church, and on an island in the middle of the river is Ye Le Paya (the pagoda at the centre of the river) which contains pictures of other famous pagodas in other parts of the country.
A short bus ride out of town, rising on a hill is the large, golden Kyaik-khauk Paya. The tombs of two famous Myanmar Poets Laureate; Natshinaung and Padethayaza, are just in front of this paya. You can also see local ceramic production at Bogyoke Village.
Pathein (Bassein)
Locally made parasols in Yangon
Well known for its paper umbrellas and beautiful religious architecture, it is approx. a four-hour drive by car from Yangon, or an overnight boat trip. The beaches of Chaungtha and Ngwe Saung, are only a few hours’ ride by bus or pick-up truck from here.
Bago
Bago - Myanmar
This was once the glittering ancient capital of lower Myanmar, which was ruled by the Mon dynasty from the 14th through the 16th century. It was the site of the Second Myanmar Empire founded by King Bayinnaung. Bago was destroyed in 1757, but was partially restored in the early 19th century. It was an important seaport, but when the Bago River changed course, it became cut off from the sea. Places of interest in Bago include the Shwe Mawdaw Paya, Kalyani Thein (Ordination Hall), the Shwe Thalyaung Reclining Buddha (9th century), Kyaikpun Paya with four large images of Buddha, and the Bago Market. Bago is only about 60km from Yangon, and is an easy day trip.
YANGON CEMETERIES
The many ancient and spectacular paya are the most distinctive, and most popular attractions in the city. They are actually stupas, which are dome-like structures that contain a Buddhist relic. They are called paya by the Burmese. The name pagoda came from the British who call any Buddhist religious structure by that name. We have included some of the more important paya here.
Note: As with other Buddhist religious sites, footwear is not allowed inside. This rule is especially strict when entering paya in Myanmar. There is a place to leave your shoes or slippers located at each entrance/exit. But it may be best to put your shoes in a plastic bag, and take them with you. This way, you can leave by a different exit if you want.
Rangoon War Cemetery
Rangoon War Cemetery in Yangon - Myanmar
This World War II allied cemetery is very well kept, and contains the remains of over 1,400 British, Australian, Gurkha, and Burmese prisoners of war. After Burma was retaken from the Japanese, the remains of soldiers were taken from a Japanese POW camp, and re-interred here.
• Location: 353 Pyay Road, Sanchaung Township (entrance on a side street).
Martyrs' Mausoleum
Martyrs' Mausoleum in Yangon - Myanmar
On a hill overlooking the city, this memorial mausoleum is dedicated to Aung San and the six cabinet members who were assassinated with him in 1947. It also contains the tombs of Queen Suphayalat, wife of Burma’s last king; nationalist and writer Thakin Kodaw Hmaing; former UN Secretary-General U Thant; and Aung San Suu Kyi’s mother, Khin Kyi. This mausoleum was bombed by North Korean agents during a ceremony in 1983 in an attempt to assassinate the visiting South Korean president. The president escaped, but 21 others were killed in the blast. The mausoleum is open only one day a year on July 19th.
Location: Ar Zar Street, north of Shwe Dagon Paya.
YANGON PARKS
The many ancient and spectacular paya are the most distinctive, and most popular attractions in the city. They are actually stupas, which are dome-like structures that contain a Buddhist relic. They are called paya by the Burmese. The name pagoda came from the British who call any Buddhist religious structure by that name. We have included some of the more important paya here.
Note: As with other Buddhist religious sites, footwear is not allowed inside. This rule is especially strict when entering paya in Myanmar. There is a place to leave your shoes or slippers located at each entrance/exit. But it may be best to put your shoes in a plastic bag, and take them with you. This way, you can leave by a different exit if you want.
People's Square and People's Park
This is a large park with a huge expanse of grass and trees, 130 acres in all, and west of the Shwe Dagon Paya. The area of the People's Square and People's Park used to be part of the palace grounds during the reign of Queen Shin Sawbu, and then during the colonial period it was a golf course. In both the square and park, there are thousands of plants, trees and flowers.
• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 19:00 except national holidays.
• Location: Near the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Kan Taw Mingalar Park
Kan Taw Mingalar Park in Yangon - Myanmar
Popular with couples and families, it is a great place to spend a few relaxing hours. It is a nice little park with an attractive lake. The lake has little duck pedal boats and rowboats for rent, and there is an interesting little pavilion. The Golden Duck Restaurant is located in the park.
• Location: corner of U Wisara Rd. and U Htaung Rd., just south of Shwe Dagon Paya.
Inya Lake
Inya Lake in Yangon - Myanmar
This huge artificial lake is some five times larger than Kan Daw Gyi Lake. Located in the north of the city, the lake cannot be seen from the street, and some parts of the shoreline are accessible on foot. On the eastern shore is the famous Inya Lake Hotel, and the University of Yangon is southwest of the lake. Around the lakeside are many expensive villas, and upscale restaurants.
• Location: Bounded by University Ave., Pyay Rd., Kahar Aye Pagoda Rd., and Parami Rd.
Independence Monument & Mahabandoola Garden
Independence Monument in Yangon - Myanmar
The Independence Monument is located inside the gardens. The obelisk was erected to commemorate Myanmar's independence. Known for its rose gardens, the park provides good views of City Hall, and other colonial buildings. People come to practice tai chi in the park early in the morning.
• Location: Downtown, southeast of the Sule Paya Roundabout.
Hlawga Wildlife Park
Hlawga Wildlife Park in Yangon - Myanmar
There are some 70 kinds of animals and almost 100 species of birds in this park that covers about 1,650 acres, and includes a lake. Popular activities here are bird watching, elephant rides, boating and fishing. There is also a museum with replicas of traditional Myanmar buildings, and a small zoo with a rock garden. The park is a good place for picnickers, naturalists, and botanists.
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 16:00.
• Location: Approx. 25 miles north of central Yangon on the Hlawga Road, west of Yangon-Paya Road, Taukkyan Model Village, Mingalardon Township.
Happy World Amusement Park
Happy World Amusement Park in Yangon - Myanmar
There are several amusement parks in Yangon, and going to an amusement park here is a somewhat like going back in time, just like arcades used to be years ago. They have fun houses, haunted houses, bumper cars, rides of all kinds, and many arcade games.
• Location: at the north end of Kan Taw Mingalar Park, junction of U Htaung Bo Rd. and U Wesara Rd., Dagon Township.
Bogyoke Aung San Park
Bogyoke Aung San Park in Yangon - Myanmar
A small scenic park located on the north side Kan Daw Gyi Lake with hills and shady trees. It is a popular park where city dwellers come to relax and enjoy leisure time. You get a good view of Kan Daw Gyi Lake from here. The playgrounds and picnic areas are favourite spots for children and teenagers.
• Location: Natmauk Road.
YANGON MUSEUMS
The many ancient and spectacular paya are the most distinctive, and most popular attractions in the city. They are actually stupas, which are dome-like structures that contain a Buddhist relic. They are called paya by the Burmese. The name pagoda came from the British who call any Buddhist religious structure by that name. We have included some of the more important paya here.
Note: As with other Buddhist religious sites, footwear is not allowed inside. This rule is especially strict when entering paya in Myanmar. There is a place to leave your shoes or slippers located at each entrance/exit. But it may be best to put your shoes in a plastic bag, and take them with you. This way, you can leave by a different exit if you want.
Strand Hotel
Strand Hotel in Yangon - Myanmar
The Strand Hotel is not actually an official tourist attraction, but it is the oldest and most famous hotel in Myanmar. The Sarkies brothers built it in 1901, and it is a national landmark. After years of neglect, it was renovated in the 1990s. The hotel doesn’t look like much from the outside, but for those who are interested in historic old buildings, it is very much worth a visit.
• Location: 92 Strand Road, across from the Pandosan Jetty.
National Museum of Myanmar
National Museum of Myanmar
This five-storey museum is the repository for a priceless collection of artifacts and items of historical significance. The main feature of the collection is the Sihasana, or Lion Throne, which was the throne of King Thibaw Min, the last king of Myanmar. Among the artifacts on display is royal regalia from the 19th century, jewel encrusted beds, silver and gold rugs, and ornate palanquins. There are also artifacts from ancient times, cultural heritage artifacts, art, weaponry, musical instruments and paintings.
• Opening Hours: 10:00 – 16:00 Closed on Monday, Tuesday and government holidays.
• Location: 66/74 Pyay Road, Dagon Township.
• Remarks: Tickets are available only up to 15:30.
Bogyoke Aung San Museum
Bogyoke Aung San Museum in Yangon - Myanmar
This is the 1920s house where General Aung San lived, with his wife, Daw Kin Kyi, and their three children. It is still in original condition, and has several interesting items on display, including Aung San's car, his library, photos, and his suit.
• Opening Hours: 10:00 to 15:00. Closed on Monday and public holidays.
• Location: Bogyoke Aung San Museum Street, Bahan Township (north of Kan Daw Gyi Lake).
YANGON PAYAS (PAGODAS)
The many ancient and spectacular paya are the most distinctive, and most popular attractions in the city. They are actually stupas, which are dome-like structures that contain a Buddhist relic. They are called paya by the Burmese. The name pagoda came from the British who call any Buddhist religious structure by that name. We have included some of the more important paya here.
Note: As with other Buddhist religious sites, footwear is not allowed inside. This rule is especially strict when entering paya in Myanmar. There is a place to leave your shoes or slippers located at each entrance/exit. But it may be best to put your shoes in a plastic bag, and take them with you. This way, you can leave by a different exit if you want.
Shwethalyaung Buddha
Shwethalyaung Buddha in Yangon - Myanmar
After the destruction of Bago in 1757, this historic reclining Buddha was swallowed up by the jungle, not to be rediscovered until the British era, during construction of the railway line from Yangon to Bago. The 55 metre long and 16 metre high Buddha image dates back to 994AD, and is one of the most revered statues in the country.
Shwemawdaw Pagoda
Shwemawdaw Pagoda in Yangon - Myanmar
Reminiscent of the Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon, this temple date back 1,000 years, although parts were added in 1952 and in 1954.
Maha Wizaya Pagoda
Maha Wizaya Pagoda in Yangon - Myanmar
As with the Kaba Aye Paya, this is a relatively new construction. It was built in 1980 as a memorial to the First Successful Congregation of the Sangha of All Orders, when all sects of the Buddhist monastic order came under one supervisory body. It is a well-proportioned paya that combines modern and traditional styles, and is connected to the Shwe Dagon Paya by a pedestrian bridge.
• Opening Hours: 05:00 – 21:00.
• Location: U Htaung Bo Road, just south of Shwe Dagon Paya.
Maha Pasana Guha
Mahapasana Guha Cave in Yangon - Myanmar
This is an excavated cave which was also constructed for the sixth Buddhist synod, held from 1954 to 1956 to coincide with the 2,500th anniversary of the enlightenment of Buddha. It is known as the ‘Great Cave’, and this enormous cave took more than a year to construct. It can hold up to 10,000 people, and is still used for large religious ceremonies.
• Location: Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Mayangone Township, just north of the Kaba Aye Pagoda.
Kaba Aye Pagoda
Kaba Aye Pagoda in Yangon - Myanmar
Constructed in 1952, this is a new paya, built for the sixth Buddhist synod, held from 1954 to 1956. The name means 'world peace' in English, and is known as the World Peace Paya. It is 112 feet high, the interior is hollow, and contains some Buddhist statues. Admission is free.
• Opening Hours: 06:00 – 20:00.
• Location: Kaba Aye Road, Mayangone Township.
MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS IN AND NEAR YANGON
Yangon Zoo
Yangon Zoo in Myanmar
Yangon Zoo beside Kandawgyi Lake is a good place to escape from the heat and hustle and bustle of the city, especially for families with young children.
The zoo was established in 1901 and was called Victoria Memorial Park and Zoological Gardens in honour of Queen Victoria. At that time, the highlight of the opening was the auspicious white elephant belonging to King Thibaw, the last king of Burma.
Renamed Yangon Zoological Gardens and Parks in 1951, the spacious 70-acre establishment now boasts over 1,100 animals, representing 200 species that include rare and endangered breeds such as Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, clouded leopards, hornbills and marsh crocodiles, among others. The rich varieties of animals include 60 species of mammals, 70 species of birds and 20 species of reptiles.
Apart from the fauna, Yangon Zoo also houses a rich variety of Southeast Asian flora including trees, shrubs, bamboo, palms and seasonal flowers.
Yangon Zoo in Myanmar
The Museum of Natural History, located at the southern end of the park, is well worth a visit for its exhibits of taxidermy of rare indigenous animals with explanatory charts and captions. In addition, there is an amusement park with the city’s only roller-coaster, and a large-scale aquarium.
Yangon Zoo, which includes part of Kandawgyi Lake, is a welcome respite from the heat of the city and although some animals have been moved to the zoo in the new capital Naypyidaw in 2008, there are still many to go around, and children in particular will enjoy feeding monkeys and watching such exotic animals as hippopotamus, crocodiles, Himalayan bears and otters.
Don’t miss the snake shows and elephant performances at the weekend and on public holidays.
• Opening Hours: 08:00 - 18:00 daily.
• Location: 40 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, near Kandawgyi Lake and Shwedagon Pagoda, north of the city.
Taukkyan War Memorial
Taukkyan War Memorial in Yangon - Myanmar
The Allied War Memorial Cemetery in Taukkyan commemorates over 30,000 British Commonwealth soldiers who died in Burma during World War II. There are 6,374 beautifully well-kept graves in all (along with 52 graves of WWI soldiers). A further 27,000 names of fallen soldiers with no known graves are engraved on the Rangoon Memorial, an imposing and sombre memorial pillar.
The post-war political unrest in Burma meant that the Allied War Memorial Cemetery could not be opened until 1951. Every attempt was made by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to bring in the remains of those who died in different parts of the country, and the graves are grouped into different battles, namely Meiktila, Akyab (Sittwe), Mandalay, and Sahmaw.
Allied War Memorial Cemetery
A closer look at the Rangoon Memorial reveals that a high number of the soldiers are from Africa and the sub-continent. The sentiment, solemnity and the scale of loss are expressed in these words, written in English, Hindi, Urdu, Gurmukhi and Burmese: They died for all free men.
Also on the site is the Taukkyan Cremation Memorial, which commemorates more than 1,000 soldiers who were cremated according to their faith.
The Allied War Memorial Cemetery is situated 32km north of Yangon, on the road to Bago. This beautifully landscaped ground is a place of quiet reflection where relatives of the soldiers from all over the world come to pay homage to their loved ones.
• Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00.
• Location: In Taukkyan, on Yangon-Pyay Road, 32 km north of Yangon.
Sule Pagoda
Sule Pagoda in Yangon - Myanmar
Sule Pagoda is an important Yangon landmark. Smack right in the centre of a busy commercial district, on the thoroughfare between two major roads, Sule Pagoda has historical and cultural significance.
The temple is believed to have been built during the time of the Buddha Guatama and is therefore more than 2,500 years old. It contains a single hair relic of the Buddha.
Sule Pagoda in Yangon
Sule, a derivative of the Myanmar word Su-way, means ‘meeting’. Indeed, it seems that all roads, and therefore life in Yangon, meet here. The British used Sule Pagoda as the centre of their grid town planning when redesigning Yangon in the 1880s. And any local will tell you that royalty and astrologers convened here over 2,000 years ago to determine the present-day site of Shwedagon Pagoda. Sule Pagoda has a modern-day relevance too when, during the political demonstrations of 1988 and 2007, it served as a meeting point for many political activists.
Sule Pagoda is a typical dome-shaped structure or stupa, found in the neighbouring countries of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The main Pagoda, a curious octagonal bell shape, is surrounded by minor stupas, bronze bells, and shrines containing Buddha images. There are eight Buddha images representing each day of the week (Wednesday represents two days).
Walking along the circular path, you can inspect the shrines up close and stop to pay homage to your birthday Buddha (the day of the week on which you were born). Offerings of flowers, fruits and gold leaves can all be bought from the shops on the ground level. There are four stair entrances leading up to Sule Pagoda. As it is situated on a busy intersection, crossing the road to it can be tricky so exercise care.
Sule Pagoda’s unique location, surrounded as it is by a few tourist attractions, means that it is a good starting point of a walk around the city centre. A short stroll away, admire the typical colonial-style buildings at the City Hall, the High Court and the Independence Monument.
• Opening Hours: 04:00 - 22:00.
• Location: At the junction of Sule Pagoda Road and Mahabandoola Road, Central Yangon.
Shwedagon Pagoda
Golden Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon - Myanmar
It is said that no visit to Myanmar is complete without a trip to Shwedagon Pagoda. Considered one of the wonders of the religious world, the magnificent Shwedagon rises majestically over Singuttara Hill to the north of central Yangon, casting its golden gleam over the low-lying capital.
This 2,500-years old structure, which contains the relics of four Buddhas, is the guardian temple of Yangon and the most sacred site for the people of Myanmar.
Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
Shwedagon Pagoda or Paya as it is known locally is a 100-metre high bell-shape structure that sits atop an octagonal base. Its complex structure is plated in gold, and the upper dome is studded with more than 5,000 diamonds and precious gems. At the tip of the stupa, a single 76-carat diamond graces this magnificent structure.
From the large open terrace that surrounds the Pagoda, you can see the whole of Yangon. The terrace is a treasure trove of hundreds of colourful shrines, pavilions, small stupas, Buddha images, and other objects of devotion. Pilgrims walk clockwise, as is tradition, around the main Pagoda, before stopping in one of the pavilions to prayer, meditate or simply contemplate.
There are four entrances leading up to the shrine, which are used by the locals. Foreign visitors are required to enter from the north gate. Along with the entrance fee there is also a camera charge. From here you take off your shoes and take the lift up to the terrace. Some people might present themselves to you as tour guides and they are usually certified by the Shwedagon Board of Trustees (ask to see their license) and speak good English.
Shwedagon is dazzling by day but becomes truly magical by night when the whole place is lit up. Expect no fewer people as streams of devotees still arrive at this hour to worship. The shrine is especially full on Buddhist religious days, which take place almost every month. The terrace tends to get very hot underfoot so avoid visiting during the hottest time of the days. Always dress modestly when visit religious sites in Asia; trousers or knee-length shorts or skirts with elbow-length sleeves are acceptable norm.
• Opening Hours: Daily, from 04:00 to 22:00. Last admission is at 21:45.
• Location: Shwedagon is located north of central Yangon, between the People’s Park and Kandawgyi Lake.
• How to get there: There are public transport options that will get you there. Consult the hotel concierge for help with bus routes or taxi.
Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue
Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue in Yangon - Myanmar
Myanmar’s only Jewish house of worship, Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue, downtown Yangon, stands as a testament to the once thriving and influential Jewish community who lived here during the first half of the 20th Century.
Located right on the busy lane off the 26th Street in central Yangon, this small synagogue is surrounded by traders from other faiths. As is the case in downtown Yangon, Burmese, Hindus and Muslims co-exist happily and peacefully.
Mushmeah Yeshua was constructed in the 1890s to serve the 2,500 Jews, who migrated here from the Middle East and formed part of the vibrant business scene in Rangoon, as it was known then. With the Japanese invasion during World War II, the Jews were forced to escape from Burma and settle in other countries. Some attempted to return after the war, but found it hard to re-establish what was once a prosperous livelihood. Today, only 20 Jews still live in Yangon.
Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue in Yangon
The synagogue has kept its quaint blue-colour colonial-style façade. The interior is quite spacious thanks to the high ceiling and graceful columns. Decor is kept quite simple with the Star of David being the main design.
The adjacent cemetery housing more than 600 gravestones is a little run-down and overgrown. As one tourist blog puts it, “there’s a sense of sadness about the place.” But the keeper of synagogue Moses Samuels is determined to put some sort of life back into this small congregation.
He holds the minyan service every Friday and posts a sign on the front of the synagogue that reads: “A tree may be alone in the field; a man alone in the world, but a Jew is never alone on his holy days.” Moses Samuels is known to make every effort to welcome and give guided tours to visitors of all faiths outside opening hours.
• Opening Hours: 09:00 – 12:00 daily, Saturdays and other holy days open until evening.
• Location: 85, 26th Street, Central Yangon.
Karaweik Hall at Kandawgyi Lake
Karaweik Hall at Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon - Myanmar
Dubbed "The Garden City of the East", Yangon is suitably surrounded by lush tropical gardens and leafy trees, the product of the northeasterly monsoon rains that continuously fall here six months of the year. If you love parks and need a break from the city, take a stroll among the luxurious tropical woods that surround the Royal Lake of Kandawgyi.
Covering an area of 150 acres, Kandawgyi Lake’s placid surface is any photographer’s dream comes true: at dawn it is shrouded in morning mist and at sunset it is described by one guidebook as looking like ‘liquid gold with depths of red fire.’ From a certain vantage point of the Lake the reflection of the nearby Shwedagon Pagoda can be seen clearly.
Karaweik Hall & Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon
Kandawgyi Lake hosts annual regatta of traditional boat races in November. Participating oarsmen come from all over the country. Even the leg-rowing Intha from Inle Lake take part in this exciting and entertaining competition.
There are lakeside restaurants serving local food at reasonably prices, but the highpoint of any visit would be Karaweik Hall, the bird-shaped floating restaurant on the eastern side of the lake. This is where you can take in the whole vista of the lake and the Shwedagon Pagoda beyond. Established in the 1980s, Karaweik Hall comprises three floors that include private dining rooms, spaces for traditional performances, shops selling Myanmar art and crafts, and amusement section for children.
In this huge concrete replica of a royal barge, they serve an international buffet in large ornate halls along with a cultural show. The cultural show presents traditional Kachin, Shan, and other dances. They cater to gala occasions such as weddings, receptions, and social and business events.
• Opening Hours: 04:00 – 22:00 daily.
• Cultural show from 18:00 to 21:00.
• Location: Natmauk Road and Kandawgyi Kanpat Road.
• Tel: 951-290546, 290547, 951-295744.
Golden Rock - Kyaiktiyo Pagoda
Golden Rock - Myanmar
Another wonder of Buddhist monuments, Kyaiktiyo or the Golden Rock Pagoda, which precariously hangs over a cliff edge 1,100 metres above sea level, defying all laws of gravity, is not to be missed by any visitor to Myanmar.
Located 180km south of Yangon in the town of same name, Kyaiktiyo is regarded as one of sacred sites that any devout Myanmar must visit once in their lifetime. The rock itself is 5.5 metres high and is topped by a small pagoda or zedi. It is covered in gold leaf and, like any other Buddhist monument in Myanmar, contains a hair relic of Buddha Gautama.
Kyaiktiyo - Golden Rock Pagoda Highlights in Yangon
Any geologist will explain the Kyaiktiyo phenomenon as a volcanic accident, but to the local people this is a work of the force that is larger than life, a miracle of Buddha himself that keeps the rock up. Legend relates the story of a yogi who, after having been given a hair strand of the Buddha, was looking for a stupa to contain it. As he lived in the wild, this proved almost impossible. The task was taken over by Indra, the supreme Hindu god, who found a suitable rock under the ocean and deposited it on Paung Laung hill.
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is located in a town of the same name, 180km east of Yangon. A 4-5 hour car journey will take you to the Kinpun base camp where visitors ride in a small open top truck along the windy road a further eight kilometres (it takes about 30 minutes). From here, either hike up another two kilometres (about 45 minutes), or ride a sedan chair, which should cost about US$ 25 one way.
As this is quite a long journey, this is probably not a day-trip outing. Spend a night in one of the agreeable hotels up in the hills so you can soak up the atmosphere while watching worshippers come and go. The view at the top is spectacular, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Opening Hours: All year round, best time to visit is in the dry season from October to April.
• Location: Kyaikto in Mon State, 180km east of Yangon, via Bago.
Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda
Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda in Yangon - Myanmar
Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, just a short distance northeast of Shwedagon, houses a striking reclining Buddha image that measures an impressive 65 metres long and 16 metres high. Sometimes referred to by foreign visitors as the "Sweet-Eyed Buddha", the statue's porcelain face is punctuated by expressive large eyes (made from special imported Japanese glass), vermillion lips and bright blue eyeshadow.
Even the nails are painted red. Resting on his right, the Buddha's staggered feet (indicating the living state just before his death, as opposing to parallel feet, denoting his passing away) are decorated with 108 sacred Buddhist symbols.
Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda in Yangon
Chauk Htat Gyi was built at the turn of the 20th century but, after years of neglect, was brought to the present site in 1966 by a devout Buddhist named U Hop Thar. The renovations were made possible by donations from the local community, and some foreign tourists, whose names and contributed amounts are inscribed on the beams of the roof. The maintenance cost is therefore reflected in the higher-than-usual-admission fee, which also goes towards the education of 300 or so monks in the nearby Ashay Tawya monastery.
Surrounding the statue are small shrines devoted to Buddhas of each day of the week. According to eastern astrology, there are eight days to a week, Wednesday counting as two. The custom is that visitors first pay homage to the main Buddha, with offering of flowers and candles, and then worship at the shrine of the Buddha of their birthdate.
Just across the street stands an equally impressive Ngar Htat Gyi Pagoda containing a large seated Buddha with an elaborate armour-like golden robe. While here, also have a look at the clever artwork of the Buddha in three-dimensional form followed by a long line of disciples, which starts as a few sculptures and slowly changes and blends into the painting behind.
• Opening Hours: 06:00 - 20:00 daily.
• Location: Shwe Gon Taing Road, Tanwe Township.
Botahtaung Pagoda
Botahtaung Pagoda in Yangon - Myanmar
Considered one of the three major worship sites in Yangon (the other two being Shwedagon and Sule Pagoda), Botahtaung features quirky charms and peculiarities.
Located on the bank of the Yangon River, Botahtaung is a typical gilded dome that tapers gradually to the top and is capped by a symbolic fan-shape spire. Unlike many pagodas (known as zedi in Myanmar), Botahtaung is hollow inside allowing visitors to walk through to admire what is considered the highlight of any pilgrimage – a glass case containing a sacred hair relic of the Buddha.
Botahtaung Pagoda in Yangon
Legend has it that several of Buddha’s remains, brought over from India 2,500 years ago and deposited here on the river bank, were guarded by a thousand soldiers, thus lending the name ‘Botahtaung’ which means ‘one thousand generals.’ During World War II, the original structure was bombed but was rebuilt in 1956 to its present-day height of 48 metres.
The road in front of the shrine beckons visitors in with its colourful array of shops selling fruits, flowers and other offerings items. Enter the main entrance on the right and marvel at the gleaming hall covered in gold (leaf). From here, turn left and follow the narrow circular walkway laced with dazzling glass mosaic. Halfway through the labyrinth is the centrepiece glass case with the Buddha hair.
Outside the Pagoda to the west, a small building houses a splendid specimen of a Mandalay-style Buddha image seated on a bejewelled throne. Nan-oo, as it is known here, was taken by the British in the 1885 and exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Only in 1951 was it returned to the people of Myanmar.
There is a large pond with fish and turtles feeding on popcorns, which is on sale conveniently nearby. A covered bridge leads visitors to a shrine of a few resident Nats (guardian spirits) who cast their protective sight over the temple grounds. The Nats, who form an important part of most religious monuments in Myanmar, can allegedly grant wishes and fulfil dreams. Nats are said to be fond of young coconuts and bananas. Offerings in the form of money are widely practiced.
There is a monastery across the road from the main Pagoda providing a glimpse into the temple life. A short stroll from here is the jetty where visitors can observe life along the Yangon waterway.
• Opening Hours: 06:00 - 20:00 daily.
• Location: Corner of Strand Road and Botahtaung Pagoda Road.
Aung San Suu Kyi's House
Aung San Suu Kyi's House in Yangon - Myanmar
Until her release from house arrest in November 2010, anyone who wished to see Aung San Suu Kyi's house did so from the the other side of the Inya Lake, from a distance of 300 metres. All you could see then was the back of this crumbling colonial style mansion, shaded by a large tree. The front of the house on University Avenue was barricaded and guarded by security police.
The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and leader of the National League of Democracy was put under house arrest here off and on for 15 years since 1989. Subject to international pressure, the Burmese ruling military junta agreed to release Aung San Suu Kyi in 2010.
Aung San Suu Kyi's House in Yangon
Because of her allure, it is very tempting for visitors to have a glimpse of her house, and hopefully her presence. The police no longer guard the house, but in place of the barricade, a new high wall, emblazoned with NLD posters and flags, is erected right around the mansion. The house can no longer be seen from the street.
So opinion has been divided – to see or not to see. While some say it is worth driving by to feel the spirit of this freedom fighter, other thinks it's a total waste of time. Still, all it takes is a short detour if you are on the way to town from the airport. The whole trip could take as little as 10 minutes.
• Location: 51 University Avenue, north of Yangon./.
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