Yangon is the main gateway to Myanmar and the former Capital of Myanmar. It was named by King Alaung Phaya (U Aung Zeya) after he had conquered Dagon in 17th century. It was known as Capital since January 4th, 1948 (Independent Day of Myanmar). Though Nay Pyi Taw becomes the Capital of Myanmar, it still remains as a commercial city. It was founded by King Alaung Phaya on the side of a small village like town called Dagon when he conquered lower Myanmar in 1755. The name of Yangon is "End of enmity and danger". City has beautiful Lakes; Kandawgyi Lake and Inya Lake, one of the world's largest gold gilt sputa - Shwedagon Pagoda, Parks with trees aged more than 3 or 4 decades such as Hlawgar Park.

Around Yangon, Bago (Pegu), an ancient Capital in 2nd Myanmar Empire was founded, Thanlyin where Portuguese occupied in 17th Century by crossing the 1822 meter long bridge over Bago River, and Twante (a famous place for earthen pot and jar are produced in traditional way) can be visited.

Bago ( Pegu @ Hamsavati)

Bago was founded by Mons. Historically, it is called Honsawatoi - from Pali Hamsavati. Today, it is also known as Bago or Hanthawadi. Around 1056, Capital became under the ruling of Myanmar -by The Great King Anawyahtar, the founder of 1st Myanmar Empire in the Bagan age. Mon re-gained their power when Bagan was destroyed in 1287 and founded Pegu @ Bago known as Hantharwaddy. During the Reign of The King Razadarit, Bago and Ava Kingdom were fightings causing wars for 40 years. Finally King Razadarit's daughter, Queen Shin Saw Pu ended the 40 years of war with Ava Kingdom, and she chose Dhammazedi (who was formerly Buddhist Monk before Kinghood) to succeed her. At the time of Dhammazedi, Bago became a Center of Trading of Myanmar. As Bago was the Major habour port city of Myanmar at that time, a lot of foreign merchants including Europeans visited to City and left the comments on City's Magnificence.

The City's Magnificence are being seen till now including re-built Palace of King Bayint Naung (the founder of 3^rd Myanmar Empire) whose palace was recorded for its Maginificently Glorious with Complete Gold showing the country's wealth and power of the time.

Places of Interest

• Shwe Thar Lyaung Buddha Image (Reclining Buddha Image)

• Shwe Maw Daw Pagoda

• Kyaik Pun Pagoda

• Kanbawzathadi Palace Site and Museum

• Maha Kalyani Ordination Hall

• Mahacedi Pagoda

• Koe Thein Koe Than Pagoda

• Shwegugalay Pagoda

• Saw Nan Nwal Pagoda

 Places Around Bago

• Moe Yun Gyi Inn (Moe Yun Gyi Wet land)

• Pyin Pone Gyi (Dried Fish Workshop)

• Acient Chinese Temple

• Tha Nat Pin (Hindu Spiritual Monastery)

Thanlyin

Thanlyin formerly known as Syriam is now a major port city of Myanmar, located across Bago River from the city of Yangon. The City was also called "Tanyin" by Myanmar people. The largest Port Thilawa is located in Thanlyin. This place was known as port city since 1539 in Taungoo Period. In later years of 1500, Thanlyin was defeted by King of Rakhine. As per the records, the war troop of Rakhine King was lead by Filipe de Brito (Filipe de Britio e Nicote) who was official trade representative of Rakhine. Therefore, he was made Governor of the City by Rakhine King. Brito declared the independence to his Rakhine masters in 1603 and he successfully established Portuguese rule in 1604 and 1605 till Myanmar King A Naut Phat Lun Min re-captured the city, and executed Philip De Brito by impalement ( off the head) as a punishment reserved for defilers of Buddhist Temple in 1613. Thanlyin remained as the port of Taungoo kingdom until 18th century until the time when King Alaung Paya of 3rd Myanamr Empire founder shift the port to Yangon in 1756.

Twante

Twante was the ancient city of Mon people in age of Hantharwaddy and it is 24 Km away from Yangon. Visitors can get there by boat or cruise and by car and it will take about 3 hours by boat or cruise and takes about two hours by car. Twante is famous for its pottery and cotton weaving industries. If we go to Twante by cruise such as R.V Mahaythi, we can see the way of life along Twante canal which was dug during the colonial era as a short cut across the Ayeyarwddy Delta. Though main business is agriculture and fishery , pottery is still high light the town and it can be commonly found in Twante. It is originated of making pot for many years since the ancient time. The villagers are usually busy with molding the items on the potter-wheels, baking, designing and applying ceramic. Mon-built Cedi; Shwesandaw Pagoda is just a few years younger than famous Shwedagon Pagoda.