Yangon (Rangoon) is the cosmopolitan capital city and gateway to Myanmar. Always green with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon is known as the “Garden City of the East”. It 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”. The city today still maintains its colonial charm and gracious turn of the century architecture. Towering over the city is the magnificent gold-encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda – one of the country’s most beautiful treasures and a place pray or to meet devoted Buddhists at meditation.
Other recommended Yangon highlights include Chaukhtatkyi - the Reclining Buddha, colourful markets of Chinatown, a Meditation Centre, Sule Pagoda, Botataung Pagoda, Kalewa Monastery, Buddhist Art Museum, National Museum, Naga glass factory and the Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) Market.