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| Yangon
Sightseeing |
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Only quite a few renowned
pagodas are found in Yangon. The most spectacular one is the Shwedagon
Pagoda. The Sule Pagoda, Kaba Aye Pagoda, and Botataung Pagoda are
also worth visiting. Additional places worth visiting include Wildlife
Park in Hlawga, Zoological Garden, National Museum and the Peoples'
Park on Pyay Road.
Shwedagon
Pagoda
Soaring almost 100 metres over the lush green scenery of Yangon,
the Shwedagon Pagoda is the outstanding landmark which can
be seen from miles around. Estimated to be constructed about 2,500
years ago, the Shwedagon is one of the wonders of the world.
It is the essence of Myanmar and a truly amazing place. The grand
golden dome is 98 metres or 326 feet high above its base.
The legend of the Shwedagon tells the tale of when 2 merchant
brothers met with the Buddha who gave them 8 strands of his hair
to be enshrined in Shwedagon. With the assistance of many heavenly
beings, the brothers and the king of this region (Myanmar) discovered
the hill where the relics of the preceding Buddhas were enshrined.
When the strands of the Buddha's hair were securely enshrined with
the relics of the previous Buddhas, a slab of gold was laid on the
relics chamber and a golden pagoda constructed on it. A silver pagoda
was built over this, then a tin pagoda, copper pagoda, a lead pagoda,
a marble pagoda and lastly an iron brick pagoda. Pagodas, and all
Buddhist structures, should respectably be walked around clockwise.
Sule Pagoda
Located in the heart of Yangon, next to the Myanmar Travel
and Tours office, the Sule Pagoda is a superb landmark which
is believed to be more than 2,000 years old. The pagoda is thought
to enshrine a hair of the Buddha: its Mon name, Kyaik Athok
means 'the pagoda where a Sacred Hair Relic is enshrined'.
The golden pagoda is unusual because its octagonal shape extends
right up to the bell and inverted bowl. It is 46 metres or 152 feet
high and is encircled by small stalls, shops and all the usual non-religious
services such as of astrologists, palmists, and so on.
Botahtaung Pagoda
Bo translates as 'leader' while tahtaung translates as 'a
thousand'. The Botataung Pagoda was named for the 1,000
military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha delivered from
India more than 2,000 years ago. The Botataung has an empty
space inside which is possible to walk through it. It is a kind
of mirrored maze inside the pagoda with glass showcases housing
many of the ancient artifacts and relics, which were sealed inside
the earlier pagoda. Above this intriguing interior, the golden pagoda
spire extends to 40 metres or 132 feet.
Kaba
Aye Pagoda
Kaba Aye in Myanmar translates
as 'world peace' to which this pagoda is devoted. This pagoda
was constructed in 1952 for the 1954-56 Sixth Buddhist Synod.
The 34 metre (111 feet) high pagoda also measures 34 metres around
its base. It is located approximately 11 kilometres north of the
city, a little past the Inya Lake Hotel. The Buddhist Art Museum
and Maha Pasana Cave are also situated in the same compound.
Mahana Guha
The great cave is an entirely factitious cave, constructed
near the Kaba Aye Pagoda. This is where the Sixth Buddhist
Synod took place to coincide with the 2,500th anniversary of
the Buddha's enlightenment. Those who participated at the Synod
recited, edited and approved the entire Buddhist scriptures known
as the Tipitaka. The cavern measures 139 by 113 metres or 455 by
370 feet.
Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda
The reclining Buddha image located here is among the largest
images in the country. The first original image was constructed
in 1907, but it has suffered damage from the climate over the years.
In 1957 it was completely destroyed and it was reconstructed in
1966. The pagoda is located on Shwegondine Rd, just a few
minutes stroll away beyond the Shwedagon Pagoda. If you don't
have time to visit Bago to see the Shwethalyaung, then don't miss
this enormous image.
Mai-Lamu
Pagoda
A wonderland of spired pagodas and sculptured figures situated in
North Okkalapa, a satellite town approximately 20 minutes drive
from the heart of Yangon. Mai-Lamu Pagoda is well known for
the huge images depicting Buddha's earlier lives.
Mahavijaya
Pagoda
The symbolic memorial of the First Successful Congregation
of the Sangha of All Orders held in 1980, this charming Mahavijaya
Pagoda is an outstanding mix of modern styles and traditional
patterns. The sanctuary houses the finely wrought Buddha image and
the reliquary given by the King and Queen of Nepal.
National
Museum
Situated at 26 Pansodan Street, the National Museum
houses the Lion Throne of King Thibaw, the last Myanmar King,
Royal Regalia of the 19th century, various ancient periods artifacts,
paintings and musical instruments.
Opening
hours are from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm except Saturday and Sunday.
Entrance Fee: US $4
Zoological Garden
Near the Kandawgyi Hotel, the Zoo is well known for its wide
selection of wild animals, flora and fauna which were collected
over the years since it first opened in 1906. Snake Dance
and Elephant Circus are performed for travellers on weekends
and public holidays.
Open daily from 8.00 am to
6.00 pm.
Entrance Fee: Kyat 4
People's
Square and People's Park
This Park is sited within more than 130 acres of land between Shwedagon
Pagoda and Pyithu Hluttaw (Parliament). There is a Museum
displaying life-size models of nationalities wearing their colourful
dress, flora and fauna. The restaurant offers Myanmar, Chinese and
European cuisine.
Open from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Entrance Fee US $3
Camera Fee: US $3
Video Camera Fee: US $6
Bogyoke Aung San Park
This stunning park with beautiful views of Kandawgyi Lake
is situated on Natmauk Road. It is a popular recreation sight
where people from the city chill out and enjoy their relaxed time
in tranquil atmosphere. The favourite spots for young kids and teenagers
are the playgrounds and picnic areas.
Martyrs' Mausoleum
Near the Shwedagon and on a hillside with nice views of the
city, stands this memorial honoring Bogyoke AungSan and his
fellow cabinet members who were assassinated with him. |
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