Yangon
INTRO
Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is undoubtedly one of the most charming and fascinating cities in Asia. Lying in the fertile delta of Yangon River, with population of more than 4 million, the city is full of trees and greenery, and some of its neighbourhoods are particularly jungle, thus giving Yangon a totally different look than other Asian cities of comparable size. The city is famous for its colonial architecture, which, although decaying, is reminiscent of the 19th century British colonial capital. The capital city of Myanmar is a cosmopolitan metropolis that has made the most of the amalgamation of British, Chinese, Indian and Burmese influences. A lot of glittery high-rise buildings have been constructed in the last 2 decades, but Yangon remains to be a city of the past - with its pungent smells, stunning night life and streets and boulevards full of stalls selling delicious local food and huge cigars.
City Profile
City: Yangon (formerly - Rangoon)
Country: Myanmar (formerly - Burma)
Area: 1036 km2
Population: 5, 000, 000
Districts: 4
Mayor: Brigadier General Aung Thein Lynn
Language: Burmese, English
LOCATION
Yangon is surrounded by water on three sides. The Yangon River flows from Bago Yoma to the western and southern parts of the city, and flows into the Gulf of Mottama which is 30 km away from the city. To the east of Yangon flows Pazundaung creek - a tributary of Hlaing. The British created some artificial lakes that today are located in the centre of Yangon's residential district.
TIME TO VISIT
The winter in Myanmar - from November to January - is significantly cooler and less humid, and that is the season when the city is most visited by foreign tourists. Major festivals take place throughout the year - they are keyed to the lunar circle, especially to the full-moon days of each lunar month. That's the reason why they fall on different days in the Western calendar which is solar-based. One of the most popular festivals - Thingyan - the water festival - occurs in April - but you need to check about the certain date every year if you want your trip to coincide with it. The climate of Yangon can be described as tropical monsoonal - with three distinguished seasons. The extremely humid and hot rainy season is from June to October, winter - from November to February, and the hot and dry season starts from the beginning of March up until the end of May.
POPULATION
Most of the inhabitants of Yangon are Bamar (ethnic Burmese). Chinese and Indians are the largest minorities, and there are some other ethnic groups such as Kayin and Shan. Buddhism, Christianity and Islam are the most common religions in Yangon. Big part of the population - which is more than 5,000,000 - are Kabya - people of mixed heritage.
DISTRICTS
The city of Yangon is divided into 4 districts. Altogether, they have 32 townships. Each of those townships is administered by a committee of township leaders - they are the ones making decisions about issues such as city infrastructure and beutification.
- Western District (Downtown) - includes 6 townships. Latha Township is the Chinatown of Yangon. Mahabandoola Street is one of the major shopping districts of the city, with many local shops, goldsmiths and street vendors. Pabedan Township is in the centre of the downtown townships, thus being home of many bazaars - such as the famous General Aung San Market. Kyauktada Township is the home of many historic buildings - the High Court, the City Hall, and many Colonial style structures - a lot of them on Pansodan Street.
- Northern District - includes 8 townships, most famous of which is Insein Township. It is home to one of the most infamous prisons in Myanmar. Built by the British colonialists, it houses thousands of political prisoners.
- Southern District - 7 townships are within its borders. In Thaketa Township there are a large number of monastery schools which have long history in Myanmar. They play an important role in providing education mostly for orphans and children from poor families.
- Eastern district - has 8 townships.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
- Shwedagon Paya - Myanmar's most famous pilgrimage site. The 100-metre high gold-gilded stupa is located on the outskirts of Yangon and it's believed that in the core of the pagoda there are a few strands of Buddha's hair.
- Mailamu Paya is a large plot of land in the outskirts of the city where a lot of statues of Buddha are located. It also houses a pavilion on a man-made lake.
- Saint Mary's Cathedral is a catholic cathedral with run-down facade, but has an exquisite interior.
- Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue - this is the only Jewish synagogue in Yangon. The structure itself is a colonial relic from 1893.
- National Museum - displays a lot of Burmese historical artefacts. It is open for visitors Monday to Friday, from 10.00 till 15.00.
- Strand Hotel - the oldest and most famous hotel in Yangon, built in 1901 and completely restored in 1995 - after being totally neglected by the socialist regime.
- People's Park - 130 acres of land between Parliament and Shwedagon Paya. The park has a museum and is famous for its large concrete water fountain.
- Inya Lake is the largest lake in the city, the shoreline of which was recently renovated. Many villas owned by military leaders surround it. Along the lake's shorelines is the Yangon University.
- Zoological Gardens - it contains the biggest collection of wild animals in the whole country. During public holidays, Elephant Circus and Snake Dance are performed for the visitors.
- Mahabandoola Garden is famous for its rose gardens. Located in the cantonment, it houses the Independence Monument which was built to signify the independence of the country. From the garden you can enjoy stunning views to the City Hall and some colonial buildings.
AIRPORT
19 km from Downtown Yangon, in Mingaladon Township is located the Yangon International Airport. Built in 1947 by the Calcutta Metropolitan Airports Authority, it was considered to be the best facility of such kind in South Asia. A new terminal built by the government, was opened on the 25th of May 2007. The airport is Myanmar's major international hub, and it is being operated by the Ministry of Transport. The easiest way to reach the Yangon International Airport is by taxi. There is a desk at the exit of the arrivals hall, and as of November 2006, there is a fixed rate to the centre - $6. The ride takes about 45 minutes.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
- Taxi - it is usual to negotiate prices prior to the trip. Genuine taxis have a big identification card of the taxi driver on the dashboard of the vehicle. Taxis could be hired on daily or weekly basis - as foreigners with visas are not allowed to drive themselves in Myanmar.
- Sidecars - three-wheel bicycle taxis (saik-ka) are suitable for short journeys. Unlike the rest of the country, motorbikes and bicycles are not allowed in Yangon city.
HISTORY
Yangon was founded in the 6th century AD by the Mon - an ethnic group that then dominated in the lands of present-day South Myanmar. The name of the settlement then was Dagon. The British Empire seized Yangon in 1852, anglicized its name to Rangoon, and soon transformed it into the major industrial and administrative hub of Burma. The British also introduced a western educational system to Burma, establishing in Rangoon a lot of colleges and boarding schools. Rice and timber were the major industries of the city at that time, and big amounts of raw cotton, ivory and precious stones were exported mainly to Europe. A tsunami in 1930 heavily damaged the city. The English name Rangoon was officially changed to Yangon in 1989 - along with many other names in the whole country. These changes were quite controversial as some countries, including US, have not recognised the military junta that take over Burma that time. As of 2006, residents of some townships of Yangon are required to hang family photographs in their homes - for security purposes. Residents of Yangon are also obliged to keep a list of family members, and visitors, living temporarily in homes of Yangon citizens must register with local authorities shortly after they arrive to the city.
CITY LINKS
- Yangon City Hall Web Site - http://www.yangoncity.com.mm/
- Yangon Travel Guide - http://wikitravel.org/en/Yangon
- Yangon Map - http://www.maplandia.com/burma/yangon-rangoon/
- Yangon Travel Tips - http://www.travel-library.com/asia/myanmar/yangon/
- Yangon News Website - http://www.burmadaily.com/
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- Yangon University - http://www.myanmar-education.edu.mm/moe_main/
- Yangon Technological University - http://www.ex-rit.org/