Like many Asian cities of comparable size, Yangon could hold ones attention indefinitely. The unlikely meshing of a rapidly modernizing infrastructure with the inherent preservationism surrounding such venerated sites as the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha, Sule Pagoda and Shwedagon Paya ensures thrillingly anachronistic discoveries around every corner. This abbreviated visit to the former capital of Myanmar ensures that you see the cultural and architectural highlights that shouldn’t be missed!

Yangon is the main gateway and former capital city of Myanmar, whose name means “End of Strife”. Unlike other Asian capitals of similar size, it seems full of trees and shade, even old teak growth, with some outlying neighborhoods refreshingly overgrown, taking on a more provincial feel rather than that of an international city. The city represents a mixture of diverse communities and cultures with respect to people, religion, business and settlement.

From urban to rural, modern to traditional, there are few destinations that offer such a varying degree of experiences. Starting in the bustling city of Yangon and then traveling north to Bagan, the heart of Burmese Buddhism, you’ll sample the rich history and culture of ancient empires pressed up against the day-to-day activities of a rapidly modernizing populace.