Five Highlights in Exploring the Burmese Heartland of Yangon

Quietly nestled among the tropical foliage and stunning lakes that snake across a landscape peppered with pagodas, Yangon is indeed an Asian city with a difference. Dubbed "The Garden City of the East" in the past, the political and cultural capital of Myanmar is a captivating touristic haven rich in culture, history and natural wonders.

As in any other city, there are some attractions and landmarks that define and epitomize the locale itself and thus become focal points of any visitor's memories. And no trip to Yangon would be complete without a visit to the breathtaking and iconic Shwedagon Pagoda. Often described as the soul of Myanmar, the magnificent 326-foot high structure towers over the city with its gold facade and monumental stairwell. As a temple complex surrounded by pavilions and pagodas full of Buddha statues, the massive bronze cast bells are another distinctive feature of this 2500 year old golden shrine. Described by Rudyard Kipling as a "beautiful wonder that blazed in the sun," the golden pagoda is considered one of the most venerated sites in South Asia.

Located near Shwedagon lies the equally impressive Sule Pagoda which is said to enshrine the sacred hair relics of Gautama Buddha. The octagon shaped pagoda in gilded gold also dates back nearly 2000 years and is a little over 144 feet in height. Another must-see venue when in Yangon, is of course the National Museum located on Pyay Road. Home to a vast collection of royal regalia, the museum building is situated in the only Mandalay Palace in existence today out of a collective of nine. Visitors can view the pomp and intricacies of the Lion Throne and other royal items such as solid gold crockery and flower caskets. The monarch's golden slippers set with rubies is another highlight while the ivory chair and gilded beds and bookcases of the royal family are also awe-inspiring in their resplendence. Calligraphy from the Pyu period and paintings depicting the royal residents are also on display here in addition to certain weapons such as a dagger and a flywhisk used by the King himself.

Spread out across 1650 acres, the Hlawga Wildlife Park is another not-to be missed place of interest in Yangon. Housing over 70 herbivorous inhabitants and nearly 90 bird species, the scenic landscapes of the parkland also encompasses breathtaking Hlawga Lake. Other highlights on-site include a museum that displays replicas of Myanmar's historic structures while a rock garden and a zoo are also part of the landscape. Frequented by nature lovers, bird watchers and families, the wildlife park is also a fantastic venue for a picnic as elephant rides, fishing facilities and boating excursions are also available.

An evening at Bogyoke Aung San Market is also an essential part of any Yangon tour, as this colourful local market has been a veritable Yangon institution since it was first built in the 1920s. Stocked to the brim with hundreds of stalls, visitors can expect to find every conceivable commodity from food, clothing and fashion accessories to local delicacies, flowers, fresh produce and handicrafts for sale. Famed for its objects d'art in jade and silver, creative souvenirs to take home are also available here.

Those in search of Yangon hotel accommodation in the CBD can find no better alternative than the Traders Hotel Yangon. Ideally situated within the cultural district and shopping hub of the city, this stylish Yangon Hotel offers guests a luxurious rest in the heart of the capital.