Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma)

The garden city of the east

This low-rise downtown consists of leafy avenues and quite a lot of colonial architecture, and makes for a small town feel despite a population of about six million.

From almost anywhere you are in Yangon, you will see the great gilded dome of the Shwedagon Pagoda hovering over you protectively, and a visit will introduce you not only to one of the Asia’s great religious sites, but to the daily life of the Burmese people, who come often to make their devotions, but also to spend time with friends, or sit in quiet contemplation.

Kipling called it a “golden mystery”, and it is indeed capable of casting a spell on all who visit.