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Yangon ( Rangoon )
Yangon, the capital city, is the main gateway to Myanmar. Yangon was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small settlement called Dagon when he conquered Lower Myanmar in 1755. The name Yangon means "End of Strife" which was anglicized as Rangoon by the British. The present day Yangon covers more than 400 square km of land and has a population of over 4 million ( 1997-98 estimate ).
The main attraction of Yangon is the world-famous Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon, believed to have been built more than 2500 years ago, is a much-revered shrine whose cultural splendor never fails to enchant. Towering 100 meters above the green cityscape of Yangon, the Shwedagon is a landmark visible from afar.
Other tourist attractions include: the 70 meters long Reclining Buddha of Chauk-tat-gyi Pagoda; Kaba Aye (World Peace) Pagoda and Maha Pasana Cave; giant images of Buddha's earlier lives at Maila-mu Pagoda; National Museum; Bogyoke Aung San Park and Kandawgyi Lake; Zoological Garden and Bogyoke Aung San Market for shopping.
Bago (Pegu)
Bago is located 80 km north east of Yangon. Apparently Mons were the first to settle at this site. The city was first founded by two Mon brothers Thamala and Wimala from Thaton in about 825 AD. In 13th century AD Bago was made the capital of the Mon Kingdom and it came to be known as Hanthawaddy. Bago today is the capital of Bago Division, one of the 14 States and Divisions that constitute the Union of Myanmar.
Bago is famous for its cheroot industry. Different brands of cheroot are available there. Other products are rice, salt, dried fish and various handicrafts.
Bago can be reached by car or by train from Yangon. The journey takes just a couple of hours.
Famous pagodas worth visiting, among others, are the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, the Shwetha Lyaung Pagoda and the Mahasedi Pagoda. Visitors and devotees throng to the Shwemawdaw Pagoda Festival which is usually held in the month of April.
For people who wish to have a glimpse of the traditional way of Myanmar life, Bago is an ideal place to visit. People are seen going about their business in a simple and peaceful way - unspoiled by the urbanity of metropolitan life.
Thanlyin (Syriam)
Only 30 minutes' drive from Yangon across the Bago River ( to the south of Yangon city ) Thanlyin was a major port from the 14th to the 18th century until it was displaced by Yangon in 1755, and was briefly controlled by the Portuguese adventurer de Brito at the beginning of the 17th century. The ruins of a Catholic Church built by an Italian Barnabite missionary in the 18th century can still be seen in Thanlyin. Kyaikkhauk Pagoda in Thanlyin and Yele' Pagoda ( built on a small islet in the water ) at Kyauktan are some of the places of interest.
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