Yangon

History
In 1755, King Alaungpaya (the founder of Kon-Baung Dynasty) accomplished his military campaign to reunite the whole of Myanmar, following his conquest of Dagon. At that time, Dagon was no more than a village or a small town. The king realized that the conquest of Dagon implied a total victory over Lower Myanmar because of its strategic location. Accordingly, he renamed the town Yangon which literally means end of strife. Afterwards, the town went by the name of Yangon for nearly a century. In 1851, however, the British annexation of Yangon resulted in getting the town refounded. And the name also was changed to Rangoon. Since then, the city has been designated as the capital of Myanmar and known to the world as Rangoon. The new city was modeled and constructed by Lieutenant Fraser, a British Officer of the Engineering Corps who, it was believed, also designed and constructed Singapore. The city was laid out on a chess-board pattern with wide roads running North to South and East to West.

The city lies where 16 19’N Latitude intersects 96 52’E Longitude. It now covers an area of about 500 square kilometers populated by nearly five million people.

A relatively simple city without skyscrapers, neon-lit clamor, crowded squalor and the pace of modern life, Yangon is attractive in its own special way. Towering over the city is the glittering world famous Shwedagon Pagoda with its spire rising to a height of 99.4 meter (326 ft.). It is the essence of Myanmar and a place that never fails to enchant. Other places worth visiting are the National Museum, the Natural History Museum, Marine Museum, Zoological Gardens, Kandawgyi (Royal Lake), Karaweik Hall and People’s Square and People’s Park.

Motor roads, rail roads, waterways and airways connect the city with the whole country. Yangon Port is the main gateway to the country for all imports and out of the country for all exports. It is handling 85% of the nation’s overseas trade.

Climate
As Myanmar is situated in the tropical zone, Yangon has a very fertile alluvial soil. A year is divided into 3 distinct seasons in the region: namely, hot season, rainy season, and cool season. Temperatures often reach 33 degrees Centigrade in hot season. The city usually receives a high annual rainfall. In Yangon, the period from October to February is most enjoyable: the city blooms under the azure cloudless sky and the weather is pleasantly cool and dry with the fresh northerly winds.

Yangon, the commercial capital, is the main gateway to Myanmar. Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of “The Garden City of the East”. Yangon was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small settlement called Dagon when he conquered Lower Myanmar in 1755.

Yangon Photos Gallery | Yangon Map

WHERE TO VISIT

When you visit Yangon, visiting Shwedagon Pagoda is a must. It is one of the most famous and interesting place to visit in Yangon. Sule Pagoda lies in the center of Yangon and can be easily visited. Other than pagodas, museums such as National Museum, Bogyoke Museum and Gems Museum display historical events of Myanmar.

AROUND YANGON

Bago is only 80 kilometer and about 1 hour drive from Yangon. Bago is one of the richest sites in Myanmar. Pyay lies 161 kilometers north of Yangon. The ancient ruins of the Pyu capital, Srikeshtra, lies in this city. Come and relax at the beautiful beaches of Chaung Thar and Ngwe Saung. Pathein well-known for the colorful Parasol.

WHERE TO STAY

Luxury Hotels, Moderate Hotels and Economy Hotels are available for your accommodation in Yangon. Full facility and services are provided Hotels, Motels and Inns.

WHERE TO EAT

Restaurants offering, Myanmar, Chinese, Indian, and European food are available. Coffee shops and snacks bar are mostly in downtown Yangon.

WHERE TO SHOP

Shopping Centres are blooming in Yangon. Souvenirs and Handicrafts shops are also available.

WHERE TO ENTERTAIN

Traditional dances and puppet shows are organized by Tour Operators and also available at Karaweik Hall. For your relaxation and recreation, at reasonable prices, Beauty Salons and Spa treatment Salons have increased in Yangon.