Yangon, the commercial capital city of Myanmar, is so evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes it has earned the name of "The Garden City of the East". Though with the atmosphere of a typical Asian city, It stands out in contrast as it is not yet overwhelmed with the global trends of modernity and is making its own progress at its own pace, in its own calm, civic culture. Being the main entrance to the country and principle seaport, it is the hub of business activities of government offices as well as non-governmental organizations.

It also serves as the centre for higher learning as it abounds with educational institutions. The city represents a mixture of diverse communities and cultures, with respect to people, religion, business, and settlement. Yangon was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small town called Dagon when he conquered lower Myanmar in 1755. He changed its name to Yangon, which means "End of Strife", but was anglicized as Rangoon by the British when they annexed Myanmar in 1885. The present day Yangon covers an area of 350 sq. km with a population of over 5 million.

Shwedagon Pagoda - Reputedly over 2500 years old, legend has it that the original stupa was constructed to enshrine eight hairs of the Buddha. Over the years it has been rebuilt many times until it now towers 98 metres over the city. One of the most spectacular Buddhist shrines in Asia, it is plated with over 30 tons of gold. Rudyard Kipling aptly described the pagoda as "a beautiful winking wonder." The base is surrounded by a fascinating assortment of temples, shrines, statues and pavilions.

Sule Pagoda - The landmark at the Yangon City centre and symbol of downtown Yangon is situated right at the heart of the city. The Sule Pagoda is said to be over 2,000 years old, enshrining a hair relic of the Buddha. The golden pagoda is unusual in that its octagonal shape continues right up to the top terrace. It stands 46 metres high.

Kaba Aye Pagoda - The name Kaba Aye in Myanmar means "world peace" to which this pagoda is dedicated. This pagoda was built in 1952 for the 1954-56 Sixth Buddhist Synod. The 34 metres (111 feet) high pagoda also measures 34 metres around its base. It stands about 11 km north of the city, a little beyond the Inya lake Hotel. The Buddhist Art Museum and Maha Pasana Cave are also located in the same compound.

National Museum - Located at 26, Pansodan Street, the National Museum exhibits the Lion Throne of King Thibaw, the last Myanmar King, Royal Regalia of 19th century, and artifacts of various ancient periods, musical instruments and paintings. It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 15:00 p.m. except Saturday and Sunday.

Zoological Garden - Located near Kandawgyi Hotel, the Zoo is noted for its collection of wild animals, flora and fauna, which have been collected over the years since it was opened in 1906. On weekend and public holidays Snake Dance and Elephant Circus are performed for visitors.

People's Square and People's Park - This Park occupies over 130 acres of land between Shwedagon Pagoda and Pyithu Hluttaw (Parliament). There is a Museum housing life-size models of nationalities in their colorful dress and flora and fauna. The Restaurant serves Myanmar, Chinese and European Food.

Bogyoke Aung San Park - A scenic park with a lovely view of Kandawgyi Lake is located on Natmauk Road. The Park is a popular recreation centre where city-dwellers relax and enjoy their leisure in peaceful tranquility. The playgrounds and picnic areas are favorite spots for children and teenagers.

Hlawga Wildlife Park - Hlawga Park is about 45 minutes drive from downtown. The park covers 1,650 acres of land including the Hlawga Lake , which is a home for over 70 kinds of herbivorous animals and 90 species of birds. It has a museum of the replica of Myanmar traditional buildings and a small zoo with rock garden. Flocks of migratory birds frequently visit the park. It is an ideal place for picnickers, naturalists, botanists and bird-watchers. Visitor can also enjoy elephant rides, boating and fishing in the park.

Allied War Memorial Cementary - Located at Htaukkyant, about 32 km from Yangon on the road to Bago. It is a memorial cemetery of Allied soldiers who died in the Myanmar Campaign during the Second World War. The cementary's beautifully kept grounds have 27,000 stone-graves of Commonwealth and Allied soldiers.

Bogyoke Aung San Market - This market was first built and inaugurated on the present premises in 1926. It was named Scott Market after Mr. C. Scott, the then Municipal Commissioner. Nowadays, it is called Bogyoke Aung San Market in honor of national leader General Aung San who was assassinated in 1947. Bogyoke Aung San Market is situated in the heart of Yangon, on Bogyoke Aung San Road. There are 1,641 shops selling luxury items, handicrafts, food stuffs, clothing, jewellery, fashion and consumer goods. The market is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM except on Monday and gazetted holidays. Even though it's opened at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM would be the best time to visit, when the entire market is fully opened.

Myanmar Gems Museum - Located on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road , Mayangon, Yangon. This Gems Mart display the whole range of Myanmar ruby, sapphire, Peridot and a variety of assorted colored stones, jade, pearls in lots or embedded in exquisite jewelry, gold ware, silverware and jade figurines. Out of 100 counters altogether, only two counters on the ground floor are occupied by the Myanmar Gems Enterprise and Myanmar VES Joint Venture Co., Ltd. The other 30 on the ground floor and 34 counters each on the first and second floors are run by private.. These are sold in Myanmar Kyats, US$ or foreign exchange certificates (FEC).

Around Yangon

Bago - Bago, ancient capital of the Mon Kings of the 14th to 16th century and of second Myanmar Empire created by King Bayinnaung, is located only 80 km from Yangon. The Shwemawdaw Pagoda, Kalyani Thein (Ordination Hall), the 55 metre Long Shwetha Lyaung Reclining Buddha, the four giant Buddha images of Kyaikpu Pagoda and the reconstructed Kambawzathadi Palace of Bayinnaung are some of the highlights.

Thanlyin - Only 45 minutes drive from Yangon across the Bago River, Thanlyin was a major port from the 14th century, until it was displaced by Yangon in 1755, and was briefly controlled by the Portuguese adventurer de Brito at the beginning of the 17th century. The old buildings still stand in evidence of the days of Portuguese occupation. Kyaik-Khauk Pagoda in Thanlyin and Kyauktan Pagoda in the creek are the places of interest.

Twante - Twante, a small town on Twante canal is two hours away by boat from Yangon. The boat trip provides a view of life along the canal while Twante itself provides interest as a centre of pottery and hand-woven cotton cloth.