Yangon

At the break of dawn each day, it provides a glimmer ray of hope to the Myanmar people for a better tomorrow especially it's potential as a prime tourist destination.

What I noticed visibly in this trip is the lesser presence of military personnel on the streets of Yangon. However, certain strategic locations and buildings are still under the watchful eyes of the military junta with Aung San Suu Kyi still subjected to house arrest as she had been for almost 20 years. Despite the various peace brokering by United Nations (UN) and ASEAN to name few, the hardcore military junta remained adamant in the running of the country.

Recently, Myanmar had agreed to call for elections in 2010 with the last elections was in 1990 which National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi won but it was not recognised by the military regime.

The recent uprising in the city of Yangon by the revered monks from the many Buddhist temples and monastery around Myanmar had certainly left an impact on tourist arrivals and the hotel industry had taken a severe beating to make ends meet. Room rates are on the decline as compared to several years ago. Budget hotels remain vibrant due to the rates offered and the chosen hotel accomodation of the travellers to Myanmar.

New hotel like Yangon Hotel offers similar facilities like any other 4 star hotels around the world and with the largest club to be opened within the property soon. This property which was previously used by the military intelligence unit as their based had since been converted into hotel and is the latest in Yangon.

Daily life for Myanmar people is just about trying to make ends meet without many electrical equipment e.g. television, refrigerator and etc. which in majority countries are considered necessity. They would rely more on public transport to move around as to own a car would be out of question for a very long time. License to own a mobile phone is ridiculous whilst car and fuel prices are astronomical which throws the lifestyle of the Myanmar people into backwaters.

Myanmar has lots of tourism potential and is just awaiting for the right time. Dubbed "Land of Pagodas", with the more prominent pagoda being the historic Shwedagon Pagoda, which towers almost 98 metres (326 feet) above the green city-scope of Yangon, never fail to enchant visitors.

The shimmering main stupa soars high above the capital and is visible for miles around.
One of the wonders of the world, the Shwedagon Pagoda is believed to be the earliest Pagoda of Buddha Era and it had been built on the Singottara Hill more than 2500 years ago. The Pagoda was renovated many times over the centuries by various Myanmar Kings. A layer of gold is added each year around the stupa.

Bogyoke Market (Scott Market) is a shopping destination in Yangon which was built and inaugurated in 1926. It's earlier known as Scott Market, named after Mr. C. Scott, the then Municipal Commissioner . Today, its name is changed after national leader General Aung San who was assassinated in 1947. The 2,000 shops sells luxury items, handicrafts, foodstuffs, clothing, jewellery, fashion & consumer goods.

Other places like Ngapali beach, Popa Mountain, Bagan and Mandalay are some of the fascinating tourist destinations which have yet to expose globally today.

About Yangon

Yangon was the capital city and main gateway to Myanmar. In 2004, Naypyitaw (formerly known as Pyinmana) town, about 350 kilometres north of Yangon was declared as the new administrative and capital city of Myanmar. Yangon is an evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of "the Garden City of the East." Yangon was founded by 'King Alaungphaya' on the site of a small settlement called 'Dagon' when he conquered the Lower Myanmar in 1755. The name 'Yangon' means "end of strife" which was anglicized to 'Rangoon' after the British annexed Myanmar in 1885. At present, 'Yangon' covers about 500 sq. km and have the population of over 5 million.