Yangon

The British Empire seized Yangon in 1852 and transformed it into the commercial and political hub of Burma. As Lower Burma became integrated into British India, the city's present boundaries were established.

During the colonial period, Rangoon's main industries were rice and timber, although other exports, such as raw cotton, precious stones, cheroots and ivory were also exported. By the early 1900's, Rangoon had public services and infrastructure on par with London.

Rangoon was heavily damaged by an earthquake and tsunami in 1930 and again during World War II. After the war, it retained its position as capital of Myanmar. Before WWII, Indians formed the majority in Rangoon; however, after independence, the population became more Bamar. (Note: Nowadays, the size of the population of ethnic minorities is gradually getting larger) Because the colonial policies that encouraged Indian and Chinese immigration, as well as Caucasian intermixing with the local Bamar were dismantled, their presence has dwindled significantly. The English name Rangoon was officially changed in 1989 to Yangon.

On 6 November 2005, the ruling military junta began its move for the capital city from Yangon to the newly developed city of Naypyidaw, 320 km north in Mandalay Division.

The Shwedagon Paya officially titled Shwedagon Zedi Daw) is a 98-metre gilded stupa located in Yangon, Myanmar. The Paya lies to the west of the Royal Lake on Singuttara Hill thus dominating the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese with relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined within, namely the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Konagamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight hairs of Gautama, the historical Buddha. Legend has it that the Shwedagon Paya is 2500 years old. Archeologists believe the stupa was actually built sometime between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon, but this is a very controversial issue because according to the records by Buddhist monks it was built before Lord Buddha died in BC 486. The story of Shwedagon Paya begins with two merchant brothers meeting the Lord Gautama Buddha and receiving eight of the Buddha's hairs to be enshrined in Burma. The two brothers made their way to Burma and with the help of the local king found Singuttara Hill where other Buddha relics had been enshrined.

The stupa fell into disrepair until the 1300s when King Binnya U of Bago had the stupa rebuilt to a height of 18 metres. It was rebuilt several times and reached its current height of 98 meters in the 15th century. A series of earthquakes during the next centuries caused damage. The worst damage came from a 1768 earthquake that brought down the top of the stupa. A new hti or crown was donated by King Mindon Min in 1871 after the annexation of Lower Burma by the British.

There are four entrances (mouk) to the Paya that lead up a flight of steps to the platform (yin byin) on Singuttara Hill. The eastern and southern approaches have vendors selling books, good luck charms, Buddha images, candles, gold leaf, incense sticks, prayer flags, streamers, miniature umbrellas and flowers. Two giant chinthe (leogryphs, mythical lions) guard the southern entrance and the image in the shrine at the top of the steps is that of the second Buddha, Konagamana. The base or plinth of the stupa is made of bricks covered with gold plates. Above the base are terraces (pyissayan) that only monks and men can access. Next is the bell-shaped part (khaung laung bon) of the stupa. Above that is the turban (baung yit), then the inverted almsbowl (thabeik), inverted and upright lotus petals (kya hmauk kya hlan), the banana bud (nga pyaw bu) and then the crown. The crown or umbrella (hti) is tipped with 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies. The very top, the diamond bud (sein bu) is tipped with a 76 carat (15 g) diamond.

The Gold seen on the stupa is made of genuine gold plates, covering the brick structure attached by traditional rivets. Myanmar people all over the country, as well as monarchs in its history, have donated gold to the pagoda to maintain it. It was started in the fifteenth century by the Mon Queen Shin Saw Bu who gave her weight in gold and continues to this day.  

Sule Pagoda

Sule Pagoda is located on a roundabout in downtown Yangon. Prior to land reclaimation, the pagoda lay on an island on the Hlaing River. During British occupation, downtown Yangon was restructured, with Sule Pagoda in its centre.

Bogyoke Aung San Market commonly known as Scott Market, is a major bazaar located in Yangon. It was built by the British in 1926, and is known for its colonial architecture and inner cobblestone streets. It was originally named after James George Scott, a British civil servant most noted for bringing soccer to Myanmar. It was renamed after Bogyoke (that is, General) Aung San, but most locals continue to use the original name.

Located on Kandawgyi lake, Karaweik palace is a popular tourist destination where you can sample a buffet meal and traditional Burmese music and dancing

Karaweik means Royal Regalia Boat