Yangon

Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is Myanmar's largest city and commercial hub. With its blend of colonial-era architecture, traditional pagodas, and modern developments, the city offers a fascinating glimpse into a country that was largely closed to tourism until recently.

At Yangon's heart lies the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, a golden Buddhist shrine visible from most parts of the city. Dating back over 2,500 years, this impressive structure is covered with gold plates and topped with a stupa containing thousands of diamonds and precious stones.

The downtown area is home to one of Asia's best-preserved colonial cores, with buildings dating back to British rule. Many are now being restored after decades of neglect, creating an atmospheric setting for exploring the city's past.

The bustling streets are filled with food stalls serving delicious Myanmar cuisine - influenced by neighboring Thailand, India and China, yet distinctly its own. The local tea shops are cultural institutions where people gather to chat, read newspapers, and watch the world go by.

Yangon's pace of change has accelerated in recent years, with shopping malls, restaurants, and art galleries popping up alongside traditional markets and temples. Despite this modernization, Yangon retains its unique character, where monks in burgundy robes walk past street vendors selling everything from lotus flowers to smartphone accessories.