This is no longer technically the capital – since 2005 that status has been held by Myanmar´s now third-largest city Naypyidaw, purpose built up in the north centre of the country. But Yangon remains the largest city (with a population of more than 5.6 million) and is a bustling mix of modern and architecture and that left over from Burma´s century and a quarter (1824-1948) as part of the British Empire; its urban core is home to the largest grouping of colonial-era structures in Southeast Asia).  

One absolute must in Yangon is 367-foot (112-meter) tall Shwedagon Pagoda (pictured here), one of this country´s most sacred Buddhist sites, and according to legend it was built during the Buddha´s lifetime but is believed by researchers more likely between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. Also known as the Golden Pagoda because of its massive, gilded stupa, adorned with thousands of diamonds and other precious gems, it's still a place of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists and offers a unique opportunity to witness local spiritual life.

Also very much worth a visit are Yangon´s vibrant street markets, tea shops, historic Bogyoke Aung San Market, and beautiful Kandawgyi Lake.

Read more in my post Burmese, if You Please: 6 Musts in Myanmar/Burma.


Stefan Fussan