Yangon (Rangoon) is the cosmopolitan capital city and gateway to Myanmar. Always green with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon is known as the "Garden City of the East". It was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small settlement called Dagon when he conquered lower Myanmar in 1755. The name Yangon means "End of Strife". The city today still maintains its colonial charm and gracious turn of the century architecture. Towering over the city is the magnificent gold-encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda - one of our country's most beautiful treasures and a place to meet devoted Buddhists at meditation and pray.

Other recommended Yangon tour highlights include Chaukhtatkyi - the Reclining Buddha, colorful markets of Chinatown, a Meditation Centre, Sule Pagoda, Botataung Pagoda, Kaba Aye Pagoda, Maha Pasana Guha Cave, Kalewa Monastery, Buddhist Art Museum, National Museum, Naga glass factory and the Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) Market.

BAGO

An ancient city of the 15th century Mon Kingdom, Bago (Pegu) is one of the richest archaeological sites in Myanmar. It is situated 80 km from Yangon and is a two hour drive through the countryside - a convenient day excursion. Recommended tour highlights include Shwemawdaw Pagoda, Kalyani Sima Ordination Hall, Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha, Bago Market and the Htaukkyant Allied War Cemetery.

HPA-AN

The capital city of Kayin State, Hpa-An is located 270 km east of Yangon. The town is dotted with a ridge of hills, magnificent caves such as Bayin nyi, Saddan and the Kawtgoon (natural lime stone) which measures 200 feet height and 300 feet length. The visit to the unusual shaped of Zwekabin Hill and brilliant landscape will be unforgettable experience. It is easily accessible by land route from Yangon. This is perfect hiking country with its small lakes and many grottoes. The colourful costumes of the Kayin women are a sight to be seen.

KYAIKHTIYO (THE GOLDEN ROCK)

Rising 1100 metres above sea level, this small golden stupa stands on the top of a huge gold-gilded boulder. This Golden Rock is precariously perched on the edge of the hill and is a place of important pilgrimage for Buddhists. Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is located about 160 km from Yangon.

MAWLAMYINE

On the southern coast lies Mawlamyine (Moulmein), a picturesque old colonial town once an important teak port. Places of interest in this area include the Mahamuni & Uzina Pagodas, Kipling's Kyaikthanlan Pagoda and the Mon Cultural Museum. Further down the coast you can visit Setse Beach; Kyaikhami (Amherst) - a seaside resort with its Yele Pagoda perched over the sea; and Thanbyuzayat where the cemetery for World War II's allied prisoners of war who died while building the infamous 'Death Railway'.

MOEYUNGYI WETLANDS

About 70 miles north of Yangon lies Moeyungyi Wetlands, a vital shelter for both resident and migratory waterfowl. A census at Moeyungyi revealed that there are 125 species of waterbirds including 70 species of migrants. It is about three and a half hour drive from Yangon. Moeyungyi Wetlands Resort Hotel is situated at the edge of Moeyungyi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is perfectly convenient place to make an overnight stop on bird watching trip either on the way to Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock) Pagoda or on return journey.

The Wetlands is best visited in the winter season from November through March. In addition to bird watching, you can observe the fauna and flora of the wetlands. Travellers can witness the typical Myanmar countryside life at nearby villages - fishing and duck breeding at Pyun Chaung village; rice cultivation in the paddy field (still using manual labour and water buffalos) at Inn Daing Su Village; and hundreds of water buffalo enjoying their bath time in the muddy waters.

PATHEIN

190 km west of Yangon in the Ayerwaddy Delta lies the port of Pathein(Bassein). Known for its quality rice production and colorful historical past in colonial times. There's a picturesque waterfront and numerous umbrella workshops making the unique hand painted Pathein sun parasols. Highlights include the Shwemokhtaw Pagoda, Thihoshin Phondaw-pyi - Sitting Buddha, a colorful night bazaar and the nearby Ngwe Saung Beach.

PYAY

Pyay (prome) is located 285 km north-west of Yangon which can be reached by road in about 5 hours. Sites of interest include the Shwesandaw Paya, Shwedaung Paya and the ancient ruins of Thayekhittaya and Hmawza known also as Sri Ksetra near Pyay and reached by boat, are the Akauk Taung - beautiful Buddha images carved in the banks of rock along the river.

TWANTE

Twante is reached by a ferry boat on a 2-3 hour ride along the Yangon River and the Twante Canal from Yangon. Pottery is a major cottage industry in Twante. Shwesandaw Pagoda, Oh-Bo Pottery Sheds, local town market, Baungdawgyoke Pagoda, Snake Temple, weavers are among the interesting sites. A half day excursion gives visitors a great chance to travel on the river and see the life in a typical delta river village.

THANLYIN

Thanlyin (Syriam) was an important trading centre in the 17th century under the Portuguese. Places of interest include Old Portuguese buildings, Kyaik Khauk Pagoda and Yele Pagoda on a small island at Kyauktan, 12 km south of Thanlyin. Thanlyin is about 30 minutes ride from Yangon by car or by train across Thanlyin Bridge.