From Wikitravel

Yangon (ရန္ကုန္) [1], known formerly as Rangoon, is a former capital of Myanmar. The city is an amalgamation of British, Burmese, Chinese, and Indian influences. The city is known for its colonial architecture, which although is decaying, maintains an elegance of Rangoon's colonial days. New high-rise buildings have been constructed since the 1990s, as the government began to allow foreign investment. However, Yangon continues to be a city of the past, as seen by its longyi wearing pedestrians, its street vendors, and its pungent smells.

Contents 1 Understand 1.1 History 1.2 People 1.3 Climate 1.4 When to visit 2 Get in 2.1 By plane 3 Get around 4 See 4.1 Religious sites 4.2 Parks 4.3 Miscellaneous 5 Do 6 Buy 7 Eat 7.1 Budget 7.2 Mid-range 7.3 Splurge 8 Drink 9 Sleep 9.1 Budget 9.2 Mid-range 9.3 Splurge 10 Contact 11 Stay safe 12 Stay healthy 12.1 Medical care 12.2 Toilets 13 Get out

Understand

History

Yangon began as a small Mon village known as Dagon. It was captured by King Alaungpaya and was renamed Yangon, which essentially translates "end of strife". The town remained insignificant until British occupation. Yangon was first designated capital by the British, in the 1850s, after Lower Burma was captured successfully. The city was renamed Rangoon, a name used for nearly two centuries. Throughout British occupation, the city was modernized, designed as a replica of London. After Burma declared its independence in 1948, it entered an era of turmoil and isolation. In 1988, Rangoon was the site of peaceful pro-democracy protests, in which thousands, including monks and students were gunned down. In 1989, the city was renamed Yangon by the military junta. In 2005, the government shifted the capital to Pyinmana, located in upper Myanmar.

Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD promote usage of Rangoon to Yangon, as a sign of support for the democracy movement. Many Western governments, including that of the United States maintains usage of Rangoon, as a sign of not honouring the legitimacy of the current government.

People

The majority of Yangon's population is Bamar. The largest minorities are the Chinese and Indians, two immigrant groups that arrived during the 1800s. Ethnic groups such as the Shan and Kayin are also present. Kabya, or persons of mixed heritage, are most common in Yangon.

Climate

Yangon, located in the tropical zone, experiences monsoon rains from February to October. The weather is most pleasant from November to January, because the weather is cooler and less humid.

When to visit

It is best to visit Yangon from November to January, because the weather is most mild during this time. However, those who want to experience the Thigyan Festival (Burmese New Year) should visit in April.

Get in

By plane

Yangon International Airport, located 30 minutes north of Yangon's cantonment, is Myanmar's primary international gateway. Direct flights from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Taipei can be arranged. However, because of friendly Myanmar-China relations, flights from Taipei may experience some problems and have second-class status.

Try not to allow porters to carry your luggage, as they will demand specified tips and hassle you. This is especially a problem in the domestic terminal as there is no customs to pass through with your bags. If a porter has not attached himself to a hapless tourist, he may take random bags off the luggage cart (as of August 2006, there were no luggage conveyers in the domestic terminal) hoping someone will follow him.

Problems at customs inspections can easily be resolved with bribes (locally known as "tea money"). Outside the airport, another large mass of unofficial porters wait. Watch your luggage carefully to ensure some luggage is not stolen.

A final note - if you are flying in on an international flight, it is advised to use the bathroom before you land (the closest toilet is only after customs and is a squat and not very clean). The toilet for arriving domestic passengers is passable.

During high-season months (November - January), taxis to the cantonment are less readily available. It is advised to arrange such services prior to the trip during these months.

Get around

Taxicabs, because they are too expensive for locals, are readily available in the city. Always negotiate the prices prior to the trip. Drivers are generally decent and honest, and can serve as all-day for relatively low prices. Taxicabs always have a laminated green slip and a large-print taxi driver identification card on the dashboard of the car.

Do not drive yourself, because roads are dangerous and accidents have severe penalties. Motorcycles and bicycles are illegal to ride in the city, and have hefty fines.

Walking is feasible in the cantonment, because many sights of interest are within walking distance. However, always be observant and cautious, especially when crossing the street. Many intersections have no signal lights.

See

Religious sites

• Shwedagon Paya, Myanmar's foremost pilgrimage site, is a 100 m gold-gilded stupa located on the outskirts of Yangon. The core of the pagoda is believed to house many Buddhist relics, including a few strands of Buddha's hair. The pagoda is surrounded by many zedis, and is an excellent shopping location.

• Sule Paya, located on a roundabout in the cantonment, is a 46 m octagonal-shaped stupa that houses a strand of Buddha's hair. It is gold-gilded, and is surrounded by an array of smaller zedis and Buddhas.

• St. Mary's Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral located near the cantonment. The cathedral's exterior is rundown, but its interior is exquisite.

• St. Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral built by the British. It is one of two cathedrals in Yangon, and has a beautiful interior.

• Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue, located at 85, 26th Street, is the only Jewish synagogue in Yangon. It is a colonial relic, built in 1893. Its interior is beautifully maintained.

• Mailamu Paya, located in the outskirts of Yangon, is a large expanse of land on which larger-than-life and colorful statues depicting Buddha's lives are located. Mailamu Paya also showcases a pavilion on a man-made lake, and several zedis.

Parks

• Zoological Gardens, first opened by the British in 1906, contains Myanmar's most expansive colletion of wild animals. During public holidays, the Snake Dance and Elephant Circus are performed for visitors. The zoo is opened from 800 to 1800 hours.

• Mahabandoola Garden, located in the cantonment, is known for its rose gardens. Inside the gardens is the Independence Monument, built to signify Myanmar's independence. The garden offers a great view of the City Hall, and colonial buildings of the cantonment.

• People's Park, which occupies 130 acres, is located between Parliament and Shwedagon Paya. The park is open from 700 hours to 1900 hours, and is known for its large concrete water fountain. Inside the park is a museum. The government collects entrance fees for tourists.

• Inya Lake, the largest lake in the city, recently renovated its shoreline. Some parts of Inya Lake's shorelines are accessible by foot, and are known for their gardens. Along Inya Lake's shorelines is the famous Inya Lake Hotel, now owned by Dusit, and the Yangon University. Surrounding the lakeside are many villas owned by military leaders.

• Kandawgyi Lake (formerly Victoria Lakes) is a large oval-shaped lake northeast the cantonment. It was recently renovated, and foreigners must pay a entrance fee. At its northwestern tip is Bogyoke Aung San Park, which is located on Natmauk Road. The Lake is best known for its Karaweik (located at its southwestern tip), a replica of a traditional Burmese royal boat.

• Martyrs' Mausoleum is a memorial built to honour Aung San and 6 cabinet members who were assasinated. The mausoleum is located on a hill, and is adjacent to Shwedagon Paya. It offers a beautiful panoramic view of Yangon.

Miscellaneous

• Aung San Suu Kyi's House, located on University Avenue, is frequented by many tourists. However, the house is barricaded by a concrete wall and barbed wire, and has surveillance and security to prevent documentation. In addition, the government has blocked traffic to the right side of University Avenue.

• National Museum, located at 26, Pansodan Street displays many Burmese historical artifacts, including regalia of the last Konbaung Dynasty. The museum is open from 1000 to 1500 hours, and is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Strand Hotel, located at 92, Strand Road, is the oldest and most famous hotel in Myanmar, built by the Sarkies brothers in 1901. It is a national landmark and has been maintained for nearly 100 years. The hotel is located in the cantonment.

Do

If you would like to make a guide tour you can contact with local english lunguage guide who are offical licensed tour guide: Khin Maung Aye khinmaungaye@mail4u.com.mm

Buy

Yangon offers many bargains for tourists looking for Burmese handicrafts. Bargaining is expected, although tourists will be charged significantly higher prices.

Although not as well known as Bangkok or Hong Kong, Yangon is an excellent place to have a shirt tailored. One can have a shirt with a traditional burmese collar (mandarin collar) made for around $6 USD. 4-5 days should be sufficient for a shirt to be made.

• Chinatown offers a wide selection of street vendors, who open shop from 1500 to 2100 hours. Colonial coins, paintings, and other souvenirs can be easily bought.

• Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) is an excellent source to buy Burmese handicrafts, such as wood carvings or lacquerware. Beware, however, because some lacquerware is not traditionally-made, and will wear away quickly. The market is also known for its clothing and fabrics.

• Shwedagon Paya's entrance hallway offers many 1-room shops that sell Burmese antiquities, including papier-mache owls, wood-carved statues, and Buddhas.

There are several shopping malls in Yangon, such as the Dagon Centre and the FMI Centre. Many of the items sold are from Thailand and China, and usually have fixed prices.

Eat

Budget

• 999 Shan Noodle Shop (No. 130, 34th St.) offers very good noodle dishes for around 1000 K.

• Feel (No. 124, Pyihtaungsu Ave., Dagon Township) offers a wide variety of Burmese curry dishes (~2000 K) displayed in the back. Salads and fries can be ordered easily.

• Kyet Shar Soon Biriani (franchises in Mingalar Taung Nyunt, Pabedan, and Kyauktada Townships) offers a dish of Burmese-accented biryani for around 700 K.

• YKKO (No. 286, Seikkanthar St. (Upper Block), Kyauktada Township), is a well-established restaurant that is known for its kyei-o, a Burmese noodle soup.

• Street vendors sell fries, such as samosa, onion balls, and other Indian snacks in Little India for ~200 K.

Mid-range

• Karaweik Buffet Restaurant (Kandawgyi Lake), a buffet restaurant inside the Karaweik boat, offers a wide selection of Asian dishes, and a 1-hour cultural show from 1930 to 2030 hours. It is 7500 K per person.

Splurge

An interesting experience is to have High Tea at the Strand Hotel,on 92 Stand Rd. High Tea is around $15, astronomical for normal Burmese folk, but is served in the restaurant of one of the classic examples of the Colonial Hotel in Southeast Asia. One can choose from either Burmese or English high tea.

Drink

There are a number of nightclubs and evening venues located in Yangon. Nightclubs located in 5 star hotels include The Music Club (at the Grand Plaza), Paddy O'Malley's (at the Sedona) and Pioneer (at the Yuzana Garden). There are also stand-alone nightclubs (BME1 and BME2 in the North of the city). Local entertainment plazas that include Karaoke, fashion shows, bar and disco include Asia, JJ's and 225. Closing times are from 11pm to 3am, and entrance usually costs between $3 - $5. Beer is around $1 - $2.

Sleep

Accommodations in Yangon is relatively cheap. Tourists are expected to pay in euros or USD, and will be charged significantly higher than locals. Be aware of the fact that many military generals are sharers in the hotels, and that many hotels are under a 30-year government lease. After the lease expires, the hotels are put under governmental control.

Budget

• Panda, No. 205, Corner of Wadan Street & Min Ye Kyaw Swa Road, [2]. Panda, located near Yangon's Chinatown, offers 117 rooms overlooking the cantonment. Rates start at USD 25.

• Thamada, No. 5, Alan Pya Paya Road. A veteran hotel in Yangon, located near the Railway Station, offers 58 rooms. Rates start at USD 25.

• Yuzana Garden, No. 44, Alan Pya Paya Road, [3]. Located near Bogyoke Aung San Market, Yuzana Garden offers 12 rooms and a disco club. Rates start at USD 30.

• Classique Inn, 53(B) Golden Valley Road (+951525557). Located in embassy district (about one mile from Shwe Dagon Pagoda) just a few doors down from Bahrain embassy. It is a cute, small, quiet hotel made with teak and decorated with traditional Burmese lacquerware. Only a couple of minutes away lies Bogalay Mohenga shop which sells great mohenga (perfect for breakfast). As of August 2006, a very large room with king bed cost USD 25.

Mid-range

• Traders, No. 223, Sule Pagoda Road, [4]. Traders Hotel, located in the cantonment and facing the Sule Paya, offers 403 rooms. Rates start at USD 70.

• Dusit Inya Lake, No. 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, [5]. A Russian-built hotel alongside Inya Lake, the hotel offers 176 rooms overlooking the lake. Rates start at USD 55.

• Nikko Royal Lake, No. 40, Natmauk Road, [6]. A 10-storey hotel offering 310 guest rooms. Opposite of the hotel is the Kandawgyi Lake. Rates start at USD 55.

• Sedona, No. 1, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, [7]. The Sedona, located near Inya Lake, is built using Burmese architecture and offers 366 rooms. Rates start at USD 60.

• Grand Plaza Park Royal, No. 33, Alan Pya Paya Road, [8]. A five star quality hotel, the Grand Plaza Park Royal offers 359 rooms and is near the cantonment. Rates start at USD 45. Rooms on the Orchid floor (8th floor) are USD 70, and include free laundry and food.

Splurge

• The Governor's Residence, No. 35, Taw Win Road, [9]. A renovated teak mansion, and located in one of Yangon's most exclusive neighbourhoods, the hotel offers 48 rooms. Rates start at at USD 140.

• Savoy, No. 129, Dhammazedi Road, [10]. A renovated boutique hotel near Shwedagon Paya. Rates start at USD 100.

• The Strand, No. 92, Strand Road, [11]. A five-star colonial hotel built by the Sarkies Brothers in 1906. Rates start at USD 450.

Contact

In case of emergency, always take precautions and register at the Embassy of your nationality.

• Australian Embassy, No. 88, Strand Road, faces the Strand Hotel.

• British Embassy, No. 80, Strand Road, is adjacent to the Strand Hotel.

• Chinese Embassy, No. 1, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, is a clearly visible building with red paint.

• French Embassy, No. 1, 102 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Road, is near the outskirts of the city.

• German Embassy, No. 32, Natmauk Road, is near the Kandawgyi Lake.

• Japanese Embassy, No. 100, Natmauk Road, is near the Kandawgyi Lake.

• U.S. Embassy, No. 581, Merchant Street, is located in the cantonment. The lane leading to the Embassy is barricaded, although it is still accessible.

Stay safe

Since 2005, these has been an increase in street violence in Yangon. There is some correlation to the government's ninefold increase of gasoline. Some pedestrians walking alone in darker areas have been attacked at knife for money. Avoid walking at night, and if you must, walk in moderately crowded areas. It is still much safer than any European or American city.

There have also been bombings in the city. In 7 May 2005, bombs exploded at three locations (Dagon Centre Shopping Mall, Junction 8 Shopping Mall and a City Mart), killing and wounding nearly 200 people. In 21 October 2005, a smaller explosion occurred outside Traders Hotel in the cantonment. You may be searched before entering some buildings (including hotels) in the city. Always be cautious and avoid overly crowded areas throughout the day. However Yangon is one of the safest cities in Asia, with crime levels far below other major population centres in the region.

Because of government surveillance, do not openly talk of government opposition to any citizens.

Prostitution and drug trafficking are illegal. Drug trafficking is punishable by death.

Stay healthy

Yangon's tap water is unsafe to drink. Always buy bottled water. Yangon's warm and humid weather makes it imperative to carry water around.

Tuberculosis and AIDS afflict a disproportionately high percentage of the people.

Medical care

Medical care is limited, but is most expedient at private medical clinics. Government hospitals are usually unreliable and require bribes. Do not seek medical care at the General Hospital; it is unsanitary and inefficient.

Toilets

Many hotels, shopping centres, and restaurants offer toilets. However, aside from hotels, expect "squat toilets" throughout the city. Try to avoid the need to use public toilets at regularly visited sites, such as pagodas and temples.

Get out

• Allied War Memorial Cemetery, a memorial cemetery to Allied soldiers who died during WWII, is located in Htaukyant, 32 km north of Yangon. The grounds contains 27,000 gravestones of Commonwealth and Allied soldiers.

• Thanlyin (Syriam) is located south of Yangon, containing the ruins of a Portuguese church built in the 1700s, and the Sacred Heart Church built in 1870 by French missionairies.

• Kyauktan, which contains Ye Le Paya, is located on a small island in the Hlaing River. It is near Thanlyin and is accessed by boat.

• Bago (Pegu), located north of Yangon, is a large town known for its pagodas and temples. It is accessed using Myanmar's main highway.

• Pathein (Bassein), located west of Yangon, is an overnight boat ride away. It is famous for its paper umbrellas, and its stunning religious architecture.

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