Attractions in Yangon

YANGON	Lies in the fertile delta of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city is filled with shaded boulevards, while shimmering stupas float above the treetops. The city became the capital only in 1885, when the British completed their conquest of Upper Myanmar and Mandalay's brief period as capital of the last Burmese kingdom ended.
BOGYOKE AUNG SAN MARKET	Also known as Scott Market, this building contains over 2000 stalls and is the best place in Yangon to browse through the complete range of local handicrafts.
BOTATAUNG PAGODA	This paya was named after the 1000 military leaders who escorted relics of the Buddha brought from India over 2000 years ago. This ancient monument was completely destroyed during WWII. It was then rebuilt in a very similar style to its predecessor, but the zedi is hollow and one can walk through it.
BUDDHIST ART MUSEUM	Housed in a 1952 Art Deco-style building. The dominant lotus window depicts all the attitudes of the Buddha. The museum's contents were collected by the archaeology department: begging bowls, palm leaf scriptures and 18th-20th century wooden Buddha images.
KANDAYGYI LAKE	Also known as the Royal Lake, this natural body of water located in the city center is a good place for strolling and picnicking. The lake is attractive at sunset when the glittering Shwedagon pagoda is reflected in its calm waters.
MAHA WIZAYA PAGODA	Built by General Ne Win in the 1980s. The pagoda is hollow with a ceiling depicting Burmese constellations and a permanent display of pagoda styles through the ages.
NATIONAL MUSEUM	A museum with several interesting exhibits, especially the 8-meter high Sihasana Lion Throne, used by King Thibaw Min, the last Burmese king, and returned to Burma in 1908 by Lord Mountbatten. The main floor contains jewellery, old black and white photos of Mandalay Palace and Yangon, royal relics, Hintha opium weights and inscribed tablets.
NGADATKYI PAYA	Located in the Ashay Tawya monastery, this paya contains the huge seated "five-story" Buddha image.
SHWEDAGON PAGODA	The highlight of any visit to Yangon, this pagoda dates back about 2500 years and was built to house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha. Its original shape has changed beyond all recognition over the centuries. Its bell-shaped superstructure, resting on a terraced base, is covered in about 60 tons of gold leaf, which is continuously being replaced.
SULE PAGODA	The British used this 48-meter high golden dome as the nucleus of their grid pattern for the city when it was rebuilt in the 1880s. The pagoda's peculiarity is its octagonal-shaped stupa, which retains its shape as it tapers to the spire.