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City of Yangon & Beyond
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King Alaung Phaya gave this name Yangon ‘ End of Strife ‘ to a small
fishing town of Dagon in Mid 18th century. By 1798 British
Administration made Yangon its capital city and pronounced the name
as Rangoon. In 1852, Dr.William Montgomery and Lieutenant A. Fraser
of Bengal Engineers developed the plans for Yangon to expand. With
shady parks and lakes dotted around the city Yangon also earned the
name of “The Garden City of the East” The expansion of the city made
Sule Pagoda as its center and it still remains so to this day. The
main interest of visit are the National Museum, the world famous
Shwedagon Pagoda, the Royal lake and the Bogyoke market. One can
also detour around the busy streets of the city.
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Shwedagon Pagoda |
The new administrative capital of Myanmar “Nay pyi taw” ( The
Capital ) was established in 2006 and is about 260 miles north of
Yangon.
Reclining Buddha |
Vendor |
Thanlyin (Syriam)
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Thanlyin
also known as Syriam was one of the famous seaports from 16th
century to early 18th century. Like any other Myanmar cities,
Thanlyin’s glory is in the past. It was an important trading post
for Lower Burma (Myanmar) and many Portuguese, French, Dutch and
British merchants resided in the city at that time. The Portuguese
adventurer Philippe de Brito established his own private fiefdom in
Syriam in early 16th century but was defeated by the Myanmar Army
led by King Anaukpetlun and since that time Thanlyin had retreated
into history.
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Ye Le Paya |
It takes 30 minutes by ferry to cross the river
from Yangon but approximately an hour’s drive by car going over the Thanlyin Bridge on Bago River. Places of interest in Thanlyin are:
Kyaik kauk Pagoda on the hill top, a famous Muslim mosque called the
Darga where a Moslem saint is supposedly buried, and places for Nat
(spiritual being) worshippers. There is also a ruined Catholic
Church of more than 100 years old. Find a horse drawn carriage to
visit Kyaik kauk Pagoda, which will make your trip more authentic.
About 13 miles from Syriam is a small and charming town “Kyauktan”.
This small town is busy with visitors to an island pagoda “Ye Le
Paya” situated in the middle of the river. Small motorized canoes
take pilgrims to the pagoda and giant catfishes will circle around
your craft as you feed them.
Twante
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It’s
a small town near Yangon, good for a day trip. Twante is the place
noted for its pottery work. Twente jars and pots are famous because
of their quality and workmanship. It is accessible by ferry cruising
along Yangon River and Twante Canal. This gives a chance to observe
the life style of people living in Yangon River: the farmers, the
simple rural folks, vendors & fishermen. With the newly completed
Twente Bridge it is now possible to visit this small town by car,
going via Bayintnaung Bridge. |
Pottery work |
Bago
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It was the city of Talaing (Mon) people who had ventured down the
Thanlwin River and settled at this place. Their land “The golden
land of Suvannabhumi” stretched from Malaysia to the Bay of Bengal.
The glorious city of Thaton fell to Myanmar King Anawratha of Bagan
in early 11th century but when Bagan dynasty was destroyed by the
Mongols in 1287, the Mon gained power again and established Bago or
Hanthawaddy as their new capital. The Hanthawaddy dynasty lasted
until the 17th century. The power and the glory of Hanthawaddy was
the subject of many narratives by foreign merchants visiting the
city at that time.
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Kyaikpun Buddha Image |
Also other monuments in Bago serve as reminders of glorious past of
the Mon kingdom.
Places not to miss are the Shwemawdaw Paya; the tallest Pagoda in
Myanmar, Shwe tharlyaung Reclining Buddha Image, Maha Zedi,
Kambawzathadi Palace of the great king Bayinnaung, and the four
Buddha images each 98 feet high at Kyaikpun with an interesting
story why they are left without any cover. Bago is only 50miles
north of Yangon.
Moeyingyi wetland bird sanctuary
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About 20 minutes drive from Bago lays Moeyingyi wetland bird
sanctuary. This sanctuary is under the management of the Forest
Department and is one of the best places to see both the endemic and
migratory birds in their natural habitat close to Yangon. It is also
a model for nature and humans to exist side by side. The best time
to visit Moeyingyi is from late September to March. |
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Meinmahla Island wildlife and bird sanctuary
( Ayeyarwaddy Delta )
Meinmahla Island situated in the Ayeyarwady Delta. It is to the
south of Yangon and close to the sea. As the area has a mix of both
salt and fresh waters it is an ideal place for nesting crocodiles.
The Forest Department now manages a crocodile farm on Meinmahla
Island and visitors are welcomed to see these creatures in their
natural habitat. Visitors also have the opportunity to see other
creatures and birds at this place also and at night fireflies’ dance
before you. Boggle can be reached by either bus or ship from Yangon.
Myaing Haywun & Pokyar Elephant Camp
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Drive to North West of Yangon to Taik-kyi and arriving at Pha-lone
junction take a right turn to Myaing Haywun elephant camp. The route
is about 120km and some parts of the road are a challenge as they
are mostly logging roads.
The elephant camp is for juvenile elephants that are being trained
to work at logging sites. Visitors have the opportunity to observe
the training of elephants as well as ride on them or go trekking
into the surrounding jungle. Accommodations are available for
overnight visitors.
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A real atmosphere and essence of being in an ideal ecotourism spot
is Pho Kyar forest resort at the foot of Bago Yoma mountain ranges.
The camp is 204 miles from Yagon. The nearest gateway to the camp on
Yangon-Mandalay road is Thagara.
The camp is inside a Teak plantation and visitors have the chance to
see 150 years old teak wood and other commercial hardwood species
towering above their bungalows as well as many seasonal flowers,
wild orchids and birds. Visit MAHOUTS (ELEPHANT handlers) village
and see the relationship between elephants and mahouts. It is one of
the best places for eco tourism and or to study nature, culture and
life style of the villagers living around the camp. Accommodations
are available in bungalows.
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