Yangon and Its Surroundings

Yangon

Yangon is the commercial capital of Myanmar and is the main entrance to enter into Myanmar. The city can be reached by various international flights from all around the world.

Yangon is a bustling city with over 7 million residents. Formerly known as Rangoon, the beautiful green city is surrounded by water on 3 fronts. As a former colony of England, many colonial-era houses and government buildings can be found around the city, which was built back in the 1940s during World War II.

The magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda towers the city and plays the role as one of the most important pagodas in Myanmar. The origin of the pagoda dates back to over 2,500 years and was built to house the eight sacred hairs of Buddha. Originally, the pagoda was just 9 meters high but has been restored and rebuilt over many centuries to reach the current height of 99 meters and has become one of the world’s wonders. It holds the pinnacle of Buddhist culture, where people offer food, water, flowers, etc. for blessings throughout the day.

Known as the brother of Shwedagon pagoda, Sule Pagoda has a unique octagonal shape with a height of 46 meters and is located in the center of Yangon. The origins of this pagoda date back to 2000 years ago and legends has it that the central stupa enshrine the hair relic of Buddha. Another famous pagoda in Yangon is the Botataung Pagoda, which is located near the Yangon River, and rises up to 40 meters. This pagoda’s unique architecture includes a mirror maze and glass showcases exhibiting the ancient relics and artifacts, which makes it one of the most unique pagodas in the world.

While visiting the former capital of Myanmar, you can experience the rich culture in places such as the Bogyoke Market, where you can purchase handcrafted Burmese artifacts and other locally made items. In addition, one can also visit the Mahapasana Cave, which is a remarkable artificial cave built in commemoration of the 2500th year of Buddhism.

Bago

Located just 80 kilometers away from Yangon, Bago was the capital during the Mon Kingdom back in 1365 AD. Located on the eastern bank of the Bago River, it served as an important port for the Kingdom back in the day. When visiting Bago, there are many places to explore such as the Htaukkyant War Cemetery which houses the graves of 27,000 soldiers who died in Myanmar during World War II.

Dominating the skies of Bago is the famous Shwemawdaw Pagoda, rising up to 114 meters tall, receiving the status of the tallest pagoda in Myanmar. Even though it was originally built during the Mon Kingdom, several earthquakes have destroyed it but were rebuilt in 1952. Another famous pagoda in Bago is the 52 meters long and 16 meters high Shwetharlyaung Reclining Buddha Image, which is considered to be one of the most lifelike of all reclining Buddhas. It was originally built in 994 AD by King Migadepa, but was restored back to its former glory in 1906, after it suffered from damages over time.

Bago is known for its cheroot industry where you can find some of the most successful cheroot companies in Myanmar. You can also find other typical Burmese products such as salt, dried fish, and a variety of traditional handicraft in the markets of Bago.

Kyaikhtiyo (Golden Rock) Pagoda

A very popular pilgrimage destination standing on a boulder that defies gravity by delicately balancing itself on the edge of a hill rising 1100 meters above sea level. A small stupa sits on top of the Golden Rock, which a massive gold-leafed boulder on the top of Mt. Kyaikhto. As the misty cloud rolls upon the Golden Rock, is the makes a perfect picturesque moment.

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda can be reached on foot by passing through more than 20 camps from the base of the mountain. However, people today prefer to go with either a truck reach to the top of the mountain or the newly installed cable cars to reach halfway and take a hike from thereon.

Chaung Tha Beach

A popular weekend getaway among the locals, Chaung Tha has gained popularity since the 90s as it is located just 4 hours away from the bustling city of Yangon. It is the closest beach that is available for tourist to visit and is ideal for those that want a short road trip. There are also islands nearby to visit for a cultural experience of a fisherman’s village on those islands. The fine beige sand with coconut and palm trees makes it an ideal place for locals to spend their holidays at this destination.

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda can be reached on foot by passing through more than 20 camps from the base of the mountain. However, people today prefer to go with either a truck reach to the top of the mountain or the newly installed cable cars to reach halfway and take a hike from thereon.

Ngwe Saung Beach

Just 5 hours away from Yangon, NgweSaung beach remains an unspoiled beach in Myanmar, with beautiful white sand beaches and mesmerizing sunsets. Different activities are available on this beach, which ranges from wind surfing, cycling, snorkeling, and even coral diving to accommodate for the interests of individuals that would like to visit. The range of international-standard luxury resorts offers impeccable service for you to enjoy the tranquility that NgweSaung has to offer.

Pyay

The famous highway between Pyay and Yangon is a smooth ride through immense tracts of paddy fields, along with small streams and small bodies of waters. Within the city of Pyay, there is the famous Shwesandaw Pagoda, which is known to contain a couple of Buddha’s hairs. From the pagoda, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the city and the majestic Ayeyarwaddy River. As Pyay used to be the trading hub between Upper and Lower Myanmar, there used to be a seaport on Akuak Hill. These hills are filled with Buddha Images are believed to be curved by traders when they have a pitch stop at the seaport.

The most interesting attraction around Pyay is the ancient city of Thayekhittayar, where ruins are hidden among thorny bushes, cactus, and wild white flowers. It was the largest and most elaborate city built by the ancient Pyu people who lived from the 5th to 9th century. Currently, there is a museum, containing a collection of artifacts collected from the excavations, including royal funerary urns, stone relieves, and other ancient artifacts that would excite the historian inside you.