YANGON
Destination Accessible From Yangon

Shwe Dagon Pagoda


Built 2,500 years ago and enshrined by 4 Buddha's relics, stands nearly 100 meters in height. The present height was raised by Queen Shin Saw Pu in the 15th Century.

Bogyoke Aung San market

Bogyoke Aung San market is a must for visitors and in a very central location. In the hearth of the city is the Sule Pagoda, the nucleus from where downtown Yangon was laid out in its Victorian grid pattern by the British about 150 years ago.

Gem Museum

The Gem Emporium Museum, next to the Kaba Aye Pagoda compound, has an extensive collection of gems and ores, displayed uncut or as elegant jewelry. Here you will see necklaces of golden or silver pearls, a flawless, cut ruby of excellent quality and a huge velvet-blue sapphire set in a pendant.

National Museum

Myanmar’s history, culture, literature and national races are displayed at National Museum . On the ground floor exhibits the development of the Myanmar alphabet and script, as well as those of other national races.

The royal regalia of Myanmar kings, exquisite murals from past dynasties and fossils dating back millions of years are among the exhibits.

The second floor features exhibits explaining Myanmar culture, music, songs and dances and displays, including those of Myanmar traditional musical instruments and marionettes.

Traditional Myanmar paintings and modern contemporary art as well as ancient personal ornaments and jewelry are exhibited on the third floor.

The fourth floor features exhibits of Buddha images from different eras and displays of the culture of the country’s national races, including their traditional dress.
 

Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp (Yangon Division)

 

This elephant camp offers more than elephant rides and the sight of elephant being captured and domesticated. Visitors also have the option of observing a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild cats, bears, peafowl and lizards. The park is about 72 miles (116km) northwest of Yangon.
 

Thanlyin

 Half an hour's drive across the river will arrive Thanlyin, once the oil refinery of BOC.

In the 16th Century, Portuguese mercenary Filipe de Brito y Nicote occupied the town
and destroyed many pagodas and monasteries. Furthermore, melted the brass bells from the pagodas to cast cannons.

An old Portuguese Church , tombs of King Natshin Naung, de Brito and Minister Padaytha Yazar can be seen there.

Another half an hour's drive will reach Kyauk Tan with a pagoda in the middle of the river, accessible by boats. On the way, a place of interest is the Nats (Spirits) and Natsin Taya (A Hundred Nat Shrines) and several monasteries lining the road. A chance to see the country side life though not far from the Capital.
 

Twante

By local ferry across the river to the other side of Yangon River and an hour's drive on a bumpidy bumpy road along the Twante Canal will arrive Twante.
After visiting to Shwesandaw Pagoda can take a trishaw to the pottery production places to see locals busy moulding pots and filling the old fashioned kilns. Numerous ancient kilns were discovered in that region thus honored by the name "City of Pots" in the 7th century stone inscriptions.

Bago

2 hours drive from Yangon will reach Bago, once a Capital of the 16th Century Myanmar Kingdom, the 2nd Myanmar Empire. 180 feet long Reclining Buddha Statue found in the jungle is the main attraction in Bago. Hintha Gon, a hill is also a place for the spirit worshipping at weekends. King Bayintnaung's Palace was destroyed long before and was reconstructed a replica in accordance to the detailed descriptions found from the old palm leaf manuscripts. The original foundation was excavated more than a decade ago.


Moeyungyi Wetlands

Just beyond Bago, Moeyungyi is a sanctuary for birds and waterfowls of more than 50 species. Migratory birds are also seen there and boats are also available to roam about the wetland habitat of approximately 40 sq. miles.
 

Pho Kyar Elephant Camp (Bago Division)

Pho Kyar Elephant Camp has demonstrations showing how these animals are captured and domesticated. Visitors can enjoy a ride on elephants. The camp was established as a base camp for timber extraction in the area and it is possible for visitors to seek working elephants in action.

Pyay

Pyay, formerly known as Prome 179 miles north of Yangon by car. To and from Yangon, first railway line was built to Pyay in 1877. Pyay lies on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River with a fantastic view overlooking the river and the cliffs. Shwe –Hsan- Daw (Hair relic enshrined) Pagoda and the enormous Se-Htat-Gyi (Ten Storied) Pagoda are the places to be seen there.
Srikshetra, the ancient Pyu capital about five miles to the east, is an interesting place for its historical importance and archaeological finding indicating it's hey-days during the 6th to 9th centuries