Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
YANGON STREET NAMES
The English terms 'street' and 'road' are often used interchangeably in Yangon for
the single Burmese word làn. Hence, some local maps may read Shwegondine Rd,
while others will say Shwe Gone Daing Rd or Shwe Gone Daing St; in Burmese, it's
simply Shwe Gone Daing Làn. We use the most common English version that trav-
ellers encounter.
And as the previous examples demonstrate, different maps may also present the
actual names of streets differently; eg Shwegondine Rd is Shwegondaing Rd on
some local maps.
Sule Paya
BUDDHIST STUPA
(cnr Sule Paya Rd & Mahabandoola Rd, Pabedan; admission $2/K2000; 5am-9pm)
It's not
every city where the primary traffic circle is occupied by a 2000-year-old golden temple.
This 46m
zedi,
said to be older than Shwedagon Paya, is an example of modern Asian
business life melding with ancient Burmese tradition.
Just after the sun has gone down is the most atmospheric time to visit the temple.
The central stupa's name, Kyaik Athok, translates in the Mon language as 'the stupa
where a Sacred Hair Relic is enshrined'. As with many other ancient Myanmar shrines, it
has been rebuilt and repaired many times over the centuries.
The gilded
zedi
is unusual in that its octagonal shape continues right up to the bell and
inverted bowl. Near the north entrance look for the small golden
karaweik
(royal barge
designed in the shape of a mythical bird), which you can load with a prayer card, then
winch up a chain to deposit the card in a shrine higher up the stupa (K1000).
The exterior base of the temple is surrounded by small shops (including an internet
cafe and a guitar shop) and all the familiar nonreligious activities that seem to be a part
of every
zedi
in Myanmar.
Besides its significance as a landmark and meeting place, maybe its most mundane
function is as a milestone from which all addresses to the north are measured.
National Museum
MUSEUM
(66/74 Pyay Rd, Dagon; admission $5/K5000; 9.30am-4.30pm Tue-Sun)
Even though the
museum's collection is appallingly labelled and lit, the treasures that lie within this cav-
ernous building deserve a viewing.
