Yangon, Myanmar

Welcome to Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar and a city rich in history and culture. With its charming colonial-era buildings and the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Southeast Asia. Yangon is home to over 7 million people, making it Myanmar’s largest city and most important commercial center. Despite its size, Yangon suffers from inadequate infrastructure, especially when compared to other major cities in the region. However, this lack of development only adds to the city’s charm and character, allowing visitors to experience a more authentic side of Myanmar. The name Yangon is derived from the Burmese words yan and koun which mean enemies and run out of, respectively. This word combination can be translated as End of Strife, and it reflects the city’s tumultuous past. Yangon was founded in the early 11th century by the Mon people, who inhabited Lower Burma at that time. Over the centuries, the city has been ruled by various kingdoms and empires, including the Hanthawaddy Kingdom and the British Empire. Today, visitors can explore Yangon’s rich history and culture by visiting its many temples, museums, and other attractions. The Sule Pagoda is the city’s central landmark and is reputed to be over 2,000 years old. The Shwedagon Pagoda is Myanmar’s most sacred and famous Buddhist pagoda, and it is covered in gold leaf and jewels. In addition to its temples, Yangon boasts a unique colonial-era urban core that is remarkably intact. The city has the largest number of colonial-era buildings in Southeast Asia, and visitors can explore these historic structures by taking a walking tour of downtown Yangon. Despite its many attractions, Yangon remains a city in transition. While many historic buildings have been renovated in central Yangon, most satellite towns that ring the city continue to be profoundly impoverished and lack basic infrastructure. Nevertheless, Yangon remains a vibrant and exciting destination for any traveler to Myanmar.