All flights land in Yangon (formerly called Rangoon), Myanmar's capital city. The city's foremost attraction is the Shwedagon Pagoda, set in a 14-acre/6-hectare plaza of shrines and temples. The 326-ft-/98-m-high pagoda, which reportedly holds eight hairs from the Buddha, is topped by a spire covered with 5,000 diamonds. Shwedagon is, in some ways, as striking as the Taj Mahal (though it's as cluttered as the Taj is simple). The spectacle, colors and wind chimes leave a visitor breathless. Much of the central section of Yangon—particularly the government buildings—retains the feel of the Raj (Burma was part of British India).
Other points of interest in Yangon (pronounced yahn-KOH) include the lively covered Bogyoke Aung San market (also known as Scott Market) and the Botataung Pagoda (with its maze of mirrored walls inside). The military museum has an extensive collection of old aircraft. Yangon also has a number of world-renowned meditation centers. Special arrangements can be made ahead of time to visit one. 350 mi/565 km south of Mandalay.
