When King Alaungpaya conquered the small town of Dagon in 1755, he renamed it Yangon, meaning 'the end of strife.'  The city was annexed by the British in 1851, and  changed its name to Rangoon.  A pleasant mix of  colonial buildings and tree-shaded streets, with its Buddhist temples, open-air markets, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has been called the "Garden City of the East." It now covers an area of about 500 square kilometres with a population close to five 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. Kipling aptly described the pagoda as "a beautiful winking wonder." The base is surrounded by a fascinating assortment of temples, shrines, statues and pavilions.

People's Square and People's Park - Set in over 130 acres of land between Shwedagon Pagoda and the parliament building of Pyithu Hluttaw  (Parliament). The park also contains a museum with life-size models of different national  races in national dress.

Sule Pagoda - An octagonal pagoda 46 metres high in the centre of Yangon, said to date back over 2000 years and enshrine a hair of Buddha. Surrounded by an assortment of small shops, astrologists and palmists.

Mahavijaya Pagoda - The symbolic memorial of the First Successful Congregation of the Sangha of All Orders held in 1980, this elegant Mahavijaya Pagoda is a unique blend of traditional patterns and the modern styles. The sanctuary contains the Buddha image and the reliquary donated by the King and Queen of Nepal.

Bogyoke Aung San Park - With a lovely view of Kandawgyi Lake, city-dwellers enjoy their leisure time in the playgrounds and picnic areas.

Botahtaung Pagoda - Its golden pagoda spire rising to 40 metres, this pagoda is named after the thousand military leaders ('bo', leader and 'tahtaung', thousand) who escorted relics of the Buddha brought from India over two thousand years ago. The hollow inside the spire has been turned into a museum.

Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda - A short distance beyond the Shwedagon Pagoda, this pagoda houses one of the largest reclining Buddhas in Myanmar. The pagoda dates back to 1907 but was restored in 1966.

Mai-Lamu Pagoda - Contains giant images depicting the previous lives of Buddha. About 20 minutes from the city in North Okkalapa.

Kaba Aye Pagoda - 34 metre high and 34 metres around its base, the pagoda was built in 1952 for the Sixth Buddhist Synod in 1954 - 1956. Its name means "World Peace." Located 11 km north of the city beyond the Inya Lake Hotel.

Martyrs' Mausoleum - On a hill overlooking the city, close to the Shwedagon, this memorial is dedicated to Bogyoke Aung San  - who played a key role in securing independence from the British. He was assassinated along with fellow cabinet members in 1947.

National Museum - Exhibits include the Lion Throne of King Thibaw, the country's last monarch, 19th century Royal Regalia, a collection of gem studded arms, swords, jewellery, paintings, and musical instruments.

Zoological Garden - Opened in 1906 it houses a variety of wild animals. On weekends or public holidays there are snake shows and elephant performances.

Hlawga Wildlife Park - Home to over 70 kinds of herbivorous animals and 90 species of birds, the park covers 1,650 acres. Flocks of migratory birds also frequently visit the park. About 45 minutes from the city, the Park also offers elephant rides, boating and fishing.

Allied War Memorial Cemetery - 27,000 graves of Commonwealth and Allied soldiers who died in the Myanmar Campaign during WW2 are spread throughout the beautifully maintained grounds at Htaukkyant, about 32 km from Yangon.