Yangon ( Rangoon ) has direct air-links with Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Guangzhou, Singapore, Kumming, Kuala Lumpur, Culcutta and Myanmar Airways International, Silk Air, Thai International, Malaysia Airlines etc. operate regular flights in and out of Yangon ( Rangoon ).

Almost all International Airlines serving Myanmar ( Burma ) fly to Yangon International Airport. So one-night stay in Yangon is recommended before visiting or traveling to the up-country and one night at the end of the trip.

And full or half a day of Yangon city sightseeing is advised - the highlight being, of course, the Shwedagon Pagoda, Chauk Htat Gyi reclining Buddha and shopping trip to Boyoke ( Scott ) Market that closed on Gazette Holiday.

The name Kaba Aye in Myanmar means “World Peace” to which this pagoda is dedicated. Built in 1952, the pagoda is significant for the Sixth World Buddhist Synod which was held in its large compound in 1954. The Buddhist Art Museum and Maha Pasana Cave are also located in the same compound.

Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda

Located on Shwegondine Road, this colossal (70 metres long) Reclining Buddha is one of the largest images in Myanmar. The original image was built in 1907. But it has suffered damage due to climate over the years. In 1957 it was demolished and rebuilt to this structure in 1966.

National Museum

Located at 66/74 Pyay Road, the National Museum exhibits the Lion Throne of the last Myanmar King, Royal Regalia of 19th century, artifacts of various ancient periods, musical instruments and paintings.

Situated on Lu-O-Yon street, the Natural History Museum has a notable collection of Myanmar natural resources including flora and fauna, forest products, minerals and rocks.

Formerly named Scott Market, it is the main shopping centre of the city. Open daily from 09:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. except Gazetted Holidays.

People's Square & People's Park

People’s Square and People’s Park occupy over 130 acres of land between Shwedagon Pagoda and Pyithu Hluttaw (Parliament). There is a Museum housing life-size models of ethnic groups in their colourful dress and flora and fauna. The restaurants serves Myanmar, Chinese and European Food.

Located near Kandawgyi Hotel, the zoo is noted for its collection of wild animals, flora and fauna which have been collected over the years since it was opened in 1906. On weekend and public holidays Snake Dance and Elephant Circus are performed for visitors.

The Hlawga Wildlife Park is about 45 minutes’ drive from the city. The park which covers 1650 acres of land, is home to over 70 kinds of herbivorous animals and 90 species of birds. Flocks of migratory birds frequently visit the park. It is an ideal place for picnickers, naturalists, botanists and bird - watchers. Visitors can also enjoy elephant rides, boating and fishing in the park.

Meditation Centres

The Mahasi Meditation Centre at 16, Thathana Yeiktha Road and the International Meditation Centre at 31 A, Inya Myaing Road have facilities for full-time meditation. Aspiring yogis from abroad should write to the centres for detailed information.

Located at Htaukkyant, about 32 km from Yangon on the road to Bago (Pegu), is a memorial cemetery of Allied Soldiers who died in Myanmar Campaign during the Second World War. The Cemetery’s beautifully kept ground has 27,000 stone-graves of Allied Soldiers.

It is a 40 year old factory where fanciful objects of glass are produced by ancient techniques.

Town Hall & Independence Monument

Situated in the centre of the city, Town Hall and Independence Monument are usually alive with the teeming crowd during rush hours.

Shopping

Myanmar arts and crafts, mostly pure hand-made, are best souvenirs and prices are very reasonable. Lacquerware, wood and ivory carvings, tapestries, silverware, brassware, silk and cotton fabrics and shoulder bags are some of the favourite items. For jewellery, there are Myanmar rubies, sapphires, jade and pearls available at Myanmar Gems Shops.

BAGO

Bago(Pegu) is just 80 km(50 miles) north of Yangon ( Rangoon ). Apparently Mons was the first to settle at this site. The ancient capital of “Hanthawadi” said to have founded in 573 AD by two Mon princes from the capital Thaton. In 13^th century Bago became the center of the Mon Kingdom of “Ramanadesa” which consist of all lower Myanmar ( Burma ).

Shwethalyaung reclining Buddha Image Measuring 55 meter long 16 meter high is reputed to be one of the largest as well as most life linked reclining Buddha images in the world. Built by the Mon in 994 this big Buddha was restored several times but was overgrown by the jungle after the total destruction of Bago by the Burmans in 1757.

Being a small town with not many interesting sites, Bago should be included as a day trip from Yangon only when we have extra time or can be part of the longer trip or travel to Kyaiktiyo ( Golden Rock ).

KYAIKTIYO ( GOLDEN ROCK )

The famous legendary Pagoda on the Golden Rock about 160 Km from Yangon. This pagoda is situated on a rocky mountain 3615 ft above sea level. The Kyaikhtiyo pagoda is one of the most ancient and celebrated of all pagodas in Myanmar ( Burma ). There is also a popular belief that a person gains in wealth every time he climbs the hill. It is a test of one’s endurance and is very exhilarating once a person has reached the summit. Kyaikto Hotel located on the hillside is the full view of pagoda. The season of pilgrimage is from October to May. Our coach has to stop at Kinpun Base camp. From there the pilgrims have to take an open truck which is normally used for hilly track up to the hermit “ Yathae Hill “. On arrival at the “Yathae Hill” they have to trek about one hour up hill. It can also be reached by trekking from the base camp. Porters and palaquins are available to carry luggage and pilgrims who are too old or weak.

Some people think its not worthwhile to take a 6 hours drive ( oneway ) and an overnight just to see or travel a guilted bolder. But if you are a nature lover and if you are totally aware of what could you expect at Golden Rock you will enjoy your trip very much. Due to no competitive, the hotel rate is very high but facilities are very basic and simple.

TAUNGOO

Located 175 miles from Yangon and is the only place for the tourists where you can get good accommodation on Yangon - Mandalay road. Taungoo (Kaytumadi City) was founded by King Mingyinyo in 1510 A.D and later innovated by King Minye Kyawhtin.

All the four sides of the city wall are still very conspicuously seen, with the exception of the part of the southern wall. The wall is built of bricks. About 6.4 m from the wall city is the first moat filled with soft mud, which is about 9.6 m wide.

It is one of the main gateways to Bago Yoma and its teak forests in which you can see how elephants work like pulling logs and to treat them. But the working site is not stable as it is moving around, so need to follow where they are. And the accommodation will be very simple we will be arranging the camping tents and sleeping bags on bamboo decks.

 Taungoo is only good as a stop over to avoid tedious ( 14 hours ) drive between Yangon and Mandalay. However, if ones wish to visit or travel Elephant camp call ‘Thargara’, one night stay in Taungoo is recommended.

PYAY ( PROME )

Pyay (Prome) is only 161 km north of Yangon travelling along a well-maintained highway by car. Pyay is situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River on a lovely location.  Visitors can stop over in Pyay and travel on to Bagan and Mandalay.

Pyay was anglicized as Prome after the Second Anglo-Myanmar war and in ancient times was known as Thaye-khittra (Srikshetra) from 1-9 AD. Srikshetra, the ancient Pyu capital about five miles to the east, is interesting place to visit because of their historical importance and archaeological sites. Interesting Places in Pyay are Shwesandaw Pagoda, Sehtetgyi Pagoda, Baw Baw Gyi Pagoda, Be Be Gyi Pagoda and Payama Pagoda. It is famous for the “Ahkauktaung” which was the custom port in the ancient time and it is know for its curving on the cliff along the river.

This small town of 6 hours drive from Yangon, offers some interesting sites but it is not suitable to do it as a separating visit. Normally we do it as a stop over between long drive of Yangon and Bagan.