 Yangon, at one time called Rangoon, is the capital of Myanmar and the main point of entry to the country. Located in southern Myanmar, the important port city of Yangon boasts many spectacular pagodas, lakes, shady parks and fine examples of colonial period architecture.
 Dominating this Buddhist capital is the Shewdagon Pagoda, sitting high on a hill in the centre with its golden stupa visible from many points in the city. It is said that this important religious site enshrines a hair of the Lord Buddha. In the streets around this pagoda, and throughout the city, visitors will find numerous historical sites, art galleries, museums and markets to explore.
In 1885 Rangoon became the country’s capital, as the British took control of the northern part of the country and renamed it Burma. Prior to the British occupation, Mandalay was the capital of Myanmar, with Yangon only a small port town. In the early 1840s, Yangon was devastated by a massive fire.
Rebuilt by its residents only to be severely damaged once again a decade later during the second Anglo-Burmese War, it was the British that took responsibility for rebuilding the city the second time. The British renamed the city Rangoon and make it the administrative centre of the country.
 Today tourists will find a range of accommodation options to meet their needs, from mid-range hotels to the luxurious resorts found outside the city proper. There’s no problem in finding diverse dining options either. In addition to traditional Burmese cuisine, Chinese, French, Italian, Korean and Thai restaurants are featured in Yangon.
Shopping opportunities abound with good choice at regional markets and shops in the city centre. For those looking for nightlife, there are rooftop bars, nightclubs, traditional music, dance venues and performances at the National Theatre.
Getting to Yangon is straightforward by air - the only reasonable option for reaching the capital city. Yangon International Airport is serviced by flights from several countries in Asia, and is undergoing significant renovation.
Although Myanmar’s climate is tropical and it’s quite warm here year-round, a good time to visit is after the monsoon season in November and December. During this period the weather is dry and relatively cool, making it a pleasant time to explore the city on foot.
History
King Alaungpaya chose Yangon as the administrative centre of the lower region of Myanmar in the 18th century, bringing about a measure of peace to the region. After Alaungpaya’s death, troops led an attack against Siam, killing the King of Siam in 1776 and annexing lands for Myanmar.
 The country was renamed Burma by the British when they took control in 1852 and made it a province of India. The British exploited the country’s natural resources, which led to a rebellion. In addition, the British removed the monarchy and separated monks from the workings of the government. As the people had only ever known the monarchy and were staunch Buddhists, they were alienated by these actions. The immigration of Indian workers in large numbers led to even greater destabilisation during this period.
Riots between Indians and supporters of the Burmese national liberation movement broke out in 1930. Soon afterwards, elections were held, with Ba Maw elected as president. Just a decade later, the country was invaded and occupied by Japanese forces during WWII. By the time the Japanese left in 1943, the country’s Minister of Defence, General Ang San, had launched his plan for an independent Burma with the support of the country’s Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League.
The British once again re-asserted control over the country following WWII, but a series of strikes led by General Ang San resulted in the British withdrawing from Burma. In 1947, the general was assassinated by right-wing politician U Saw. Civil war broke out, with the ethnic Karen minority disrupting transportation routes to the capital.
 In early 1962, a military government was established by General Ne Win, leading to further revolts, this time with university students in the lead. Large numbers of students were killed by the army during the demonstrations. By the late 1980s, a movement for democracy was born as much of the country faced poverty.
Since the late 1980s, the drive for democracy has been led by General Ang San’s daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi. The military junta suspended the 1978 Constitution and changed the country’s name from Burma to the Union of Myanmar. In an attempt to put an end to unrest and frequent uprisings by dissidents, the junta placed Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest in 1989.
Although the National League of Democracy (led by Aung San Suu Kyi) won the national elections held in 1990, the military dictatorship refused to turn over power, and arrested many leaders of Suu Kyi’s party. The country continues to be under military rule today, and Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest despite international sanctions.
Weather
The climate of Myanmar is tropical and characterised by three seasons. The dry season precedes the heavy rains of the monsoon season, which is followed by cooler weather in November and December. The best time to visit Yangon is during the cool months of November and December, when the rains have ceased, and the temperatures haven’t yet begun to climb.
Temperatures start to rise in March, signaling the beginning of the dry, hot season. This period stretches until late May and often into June. Typically, April is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures reaching 40°C and higher.
 During the monsoon season, heavy rains fall daily, although the sun typically makes an appearance at midday. The rainy season usually lasts from late May through mid-October. During this time flooding is common, particularly in September when the rains are heaviest.
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