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- Destinations
- Asia
- Myanmar
- Yangon
Yangon
Yangon is Myanmar's largest and most interesting city, and its
economic and diplomatic centre despite the 2005 creation of remote
Naypyidaw as official capital of the ruling military junta.
The city was occupied by the British in 1852 when it became the
centre of the Burmese Raj.The resulting influx of traders,
diplomats and wealth transformed the city into a glorious regional
hub. The legacy of this time is evident in the decaying though
stately colonial buildings found along the Rangoon river and toward
the centre of town.
The shining jewel of Yangon's many attractions is Schwedagon
pagoda, the golden temple visible throughout the city and an iconic
sight emblematic of the country and its strong Buddhist traditions.
Other attractions include 2,200 year-old Sule pagoda, the fragrant
exoticism of Little India and Chinatown, and the vibrant night
markets including Bogyoke Aung San Market. Inle Lake is lined with
gardens and luxurious villas and provides a cooling distraction at
sunset. Another worthwhile stopover is a visit to recently released
pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's house, on University
avenue.
Yangon is hot and humid, especially at midday when most of the
population takes refuge indoors or by the shade of a temple or
banyan tree. It is a noisy and chaotic place too, with innumerable
scooters, orange robed monks, neon signs and golden temple spires
clashing in a visual landscape of uniquely Asian contradictions.
Yangon is also Asia's safest city, the only positive consequence of
the dictatorship that rules this country with impunity.
Information & Facts
Climate
Yangon has a tropical monsoon climate featuring a long rainy
season which runs from April through November. The dry season is
short-lived, lasting only from December through March, where little
rainfall is seen and pleasant warm weather prevails. Average
daytime temperatures are fairly constant in Yangon with highs
ranging from 84F to 96F (29°C to 36°C). The dry season is the best
time of year to visit Yangon.
Language
Burmese is the official language, yet English is widely
spoken and understood. Burmese's alphabet is made up of circular
and semi-circular characters. Other languages spoken are Karen,
Shan and Kachin.
Money
The official currency is the Kyat (MMK) pronounced 'Chat'. The
best currency to travel on in Myanmar is the US Dollar. The Foreign
Exchange Certificate (FEC) is a legal currency for visiting
tourists that is usable in government shops and hotels. It is no
longer a requirement to convert US$200 into FEC upon arrival in
Myanmar. One FEC is equivalent to one US Dollar. It is recommended
to use US Dollars. It is difficult to cash American Express
travellers cheques in certain cities, such as Mandalay, and even
when it is possible the commission can be as high as 10 percent. US
Dollar notes will not be accepted if they are damaged or torn in
any way, or have pen marks on them.
There is a big difference between the official and
unofficial exchange rates; street moneychangers offer
favourable rates at hotels and Scott Market. As a rough guide, the
black market rate is in the region of US$1 = MMK 1000 - a dramatic
difference when compared to the official government rate. Very few
major hotels, airlines, shops and restaurants accept credit cards
and ATM cards can rarely, if ever, be used. It is advisable to
carry cash. Banks are closed on weekends.