Yangon Division has the largest population of the 14 divisions and
states that make up Myanmar, despite occupying the smallest area. Yangon is one
of the most fertile delta areas in Myanmar. The capital city is located on the
Yangon River, about 21 miles from the sea.
The Yangon River borders the city in the south and west with the Pazundaung
Chaung River in the east enclosing the city. Within there are a multitude of
treasures to be found including Shwedagon Pagoda of which Kipling wrote 'a
beautiful winking wonder', Bogyoke Aung San Market. and the lakes of Kandawgyi
and Inya are within its borders.
Yangon was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small village called
Dagon when he conquered Lower Myanmar in 1775. Yangon means 'End of Strife'
which was Anglicized to Rangoon.
Other destinations are: Thanlym, home of the Kyaikhauk, Kyauktan Pagodas and
Letkhokkon Beach offers insights into the relaxed delta life of the region. The
village adjoining the beach is a typical beach town with an economy based on
coconuts and seafood. The lower part of the division is home to many Kay in
Rakhme and Bamar.