Yangon was formerly a village called Dagon in the vicinity of Dala, a Mon town over 2,000 years ago. It is said that King Pondayeik, ruler of Bago (Pegu) in the distant past, established Dagon as a town in AD 704. But we know for certain only when King Alaung Phaya, the founder of the third Myanmar Dynasty, subdued all the Mon towns and brought them under his control and he made Dagon the residence of Myanmar Kings and changed its name Yangon which literally means "End of Strife" in 1755. The population of Yangon is about six million, and Yangon has a unique charm with its glistening Pagodas, old colonial buildings, tree-lined streets, bustling local markets and tranquil lakes.

Yangon is home to the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the wonders of the world. Described by Rudyard Kipling as "a beautiful, winking wonder," Shwedagon Pagoda is the one of the most magnificent monuments on earth.

It is said to have been built over 2,500 years ago and four relics of the four buddhas are enshrined in it. The Pagoda is covered with 60 tons of pure gold and Its Umbrella or Tip is set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. It is said that a hue diamond bud at the top catches the first and last rays of the sun.

Other famous Pagodas are Sule Pagoda, an excellent landmark in the downtown area, Botataung Pagoda, said to house a Hair and two other Relics of the Buddha, Kaba Aye Pagoda, literally means "World Peace" and Mahapasana Cave, which was built for the Sixth Buddhist Synod and Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, noted for its 72 meter long reclining Buddha Image, one of the largest in Myanmar.

Many old colonial style buildings are still standing in Yangon, many of which are now occupied by government offices.

The City Hall is one of the grandest, an impressive stone structure with classical colonial style and integrated with a Myanmar touch. The Supreme Court, High Court, General Post Office, Strand Hotel, Port Authority Building, Custom House and Railway Administrative Building are also magnificent remembrances of the bygone era.

YANGON is changing greatly as international investment comes into Myanmar. High-rises and vehicles increase on the road almost everyday. However, the city has a very special charm, and one, which will certainly be preserved in spite of the changing skyline.