Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is Myanmar's largest city. Yangon was once quite a cosmopolitan city, with Burmese, Dutch, Indian, British and Portuguese residents. These days, most of the international community is gone, but a strong sense of history remains, as does numerous examples of British colonial architecture. Visitors will find that much of Yangon has remained unchanged in the past few decades. There are few tall buildings and most of the vehicles are from the 1950s and '60s. Due to the many lakes and park dotting the city, it is known as the "Garden City of the East."
Mandalay is Myanmar's second-largest city. It is the economic hub of upper Myanmar and a major cultural center. The city was originally built in the 19th century by a Burmese king and an impressive palace and pagoda, which were destroyed by fire and bombings during World War II. The palace and pagoda that stand in the city today were reconstructed by the military junta. It is an ethnically diverse city, with a large Chinese population, as well as Indian and Nepali communities.
Inle Lake is the second-largest lake in Myanmar. It is approximately 45 square miles, and is home to several species of fish and snails that have not been found anywhere else in the world. The Intha people who reside along the lake are mostly Buddhist farmers who live in wood and bamboo stilt houses and travel the lake by small, traditional boats.
Located 50 miles north of Yangon, the centuries old city of Bago (formerly Pegu) is known for its reclining Buddha. The Shwethalyaung Buddha, with a length of 180 feet, is the second-largest reclining Buddha in the world. The city also includes the tallest pagoda in the country, the Shwemawdaw Paya. It is 375 feet tall and traces its origins to the 10th century.
Kalaw was a hill station retreat for the British during colonial rule. With the altitude at 4,330 feet, residents enjoy cool weather year-round. Kalaw offers many hiking and trekking opportunities through rugged mountains and pine and bamboo groves. There are several temples and churches, and a market where local tribes come to sell their traditional wares.
