Yangon & The South >>
Yangon
 Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is the capital city and gateway to
Myanmar (formerly Burma). The name Yangon means "End of Strife".
Always green with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful
lakes, Yangon is known as the "Garden City of the East". The
settlement first came into prominence in the mid-1750s when King
Alaungpaya, or Alompra, founder of the last dynasty of Burmese
kings, chose the site as the administrative capital of Lower
Myanmar. It began to develop as a modern community in the late
19th century after coming under British rule at the conclusion
of the Second Anglo-Burmese War in 1852. When Myanmar achieved
independence in 1948, Rangoon became the
capital.Population(1983)2,513,023. Towering over the city of
Yangon is the magnificent gold-encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda. Other
recommended tour highlights include Chaukhtatkyi -the Reclining
Buddha, a Meditation Centre, Sule Pagoda, Botataung Pagoda, Kaba
Aye Pagoda, Maha Pasana Guha Cave, Buddhist Art Museum,
Chinatown, National Museum and the Bogyoke Aung San (Scott)
Market.
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Kyaikhtiyo (The Golden Rock)
Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is located about 160 km from Yangon. Rising
1100 meters above sea level, this small golden stupa stands on
the top of a huge gold-gilded boulder. This Golden Rock is
precariously perched on the edge of the hill and is a place of
important pilgrimage for Buddhists.
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Bago (Pegu)
An ancient city of the 15th century Mon Kingdom, Bago is one
of the richest archaeological sites in Myanmar. It is situated
80 km from Yangon and is a two hour drive through the
countryside - a convenient day excursion. Recommended tour
highlights include Shwemawdaw Pagoda, Kalyani Sima Ordination
Hall, Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha, Bago Market and the
Htaukkyant Allied War Cemetery.
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Thanlyin (Syriam)
Thanlyin is 45 minutes by ferry across the Bago River or
about 30 minutes ride from Yangon by car or by train across
Thanlyin Bridge. Thanlyin was an important trading centre in the
17th century under the Portuguese. Places of interest include
Old Portuguese buildings, Kyaik Khauk Pagoda and Yele Pagoda on
a small island at Kyauktan, 12 km south of Thanlyin.
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Kawthaung & the Mergui Archipelago
Kawthaung is a quiet fishing town at the southernmost tip of
Myanmar near the Thai border. The nearby islands of the Andaman
Sea offer visitors green tropical forests, beautiful beaches and
clear water.
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Twante
Twante is reached by a ferry boat on a 2-3 hour ride along
the Yangon River and the Twante Canal from Yangon. Pottery is a
major cottage industry in Twante. Shwesandaw Pagoda, Oh-Bo
Pottery Sheds, local town market, Baungdawgyoke Pagoda, Snake
Temple, weavers are among the interesting sites. A half day
excursion gives visitors a great chance to travel on the river
and see the life in a typical delta river village.
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Mawlamyine (Moulmein)
On the southern coast lies Mawlamyine, a picturesque old
colonial town once an important teak port. Places of interest in
this area include the Mahamuni & Uzina Pagodas, Kipling's
Kyaikthanlan Pagoda and the Mon Cultural Museum. Nearby places
of interest include Setse Beach; Kyaikhami (Amherst) - a seaside
resort with its Yele Pagoda perched over the sea; and
Thanbyuzayat where the cemetery for World War II's allied
prisoners of war who died while building the infamous 'Death
Railway'. ...............................................................................................................................................................................
Pathein (Bassein)
190 km west of Yangon in the Ayerwaddy Delta lies the port of
Pathein. Known for its quality rice production and colorful
historical past in colonial times. There's a picturesque
waterfront and numerous umbrella workshops making the unique
hand painted Pathein sun parasols. There's a slow, overnight
ferry from Yangon. Highlights include the Shwemokhtaw Pagoda,
Thihoshin Phondaw-pyi - Sitting Buddha, a colorful night bazaar
and the nearby Chaungtha Beach. ...............................................................................................................................................................................
Pyay (Prome)
Pyay is located 285 km north-west of Yangon which can be reached
by road in about 5 hours. Sites of interest include the
Shwesandaw Paya, Shwedaung Paya and the ancient ruins of
Thayekhittaya and Hmawza known also as Sri Ksetra. near Pyay and
reached by boat, are the Akaut Taung - beautiful Buddha images
carved in the banks of rock along the river.
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