Different from other places I have been to, Yangon (Myanmar) is diverse and has its own uniqueness. My first impression of Yangon is of the beautiful architecture and people. An intersection of Buddhist culture and capitalism influenced by English colonization form a wonderful city, ancient yet very fresh. Many differing schools of architecture are present here. The mix of different religions, including Buddhism, Islamism and Christianity, shows in them any construction and is woven through local life.

My hotel is located on an ancient street in Downtown Yangon and along a famous walking route for travelers. I start to discover Yangon from that route. Yangon is peaceful in the morning; pigeons flocks on the streets and eat the food people share. They take off in a flurry and overshadow the sky briefly, whenever cars come past.
 

Going toward river banks, passing preserved buildings, there are ferries leading to suburbs. I buy a ticket, the strange thing is the fare for tourists is 20 times higher than the fare for locals, but still cheap compared with Vietnam; and more importantly, I can be amongst flocks of gulls and see a peaceful village not too far from a big urban area.

Transportation in Yangon is another defining feature of this ancient city. Apart from the colorful traditional means of transportation, the British brought and left Yangon a legacy in the form of a railway around the city. People in Yangon still consider it the most useful means of transport, especially for poor laborers, but for tourists it is an ideal vehicle to experience the daily life of the locals. Similar to ferry ticket, train ticket for tourists is a bit more expensive than that for the locals. It takes four hours to make a journey around Yangon.

I am on the way to Shwedagon Pagoda, the architectural masterpiece of Yangon, the first construction I see when arriving there. Most of the people of Myanmar dream of going on a pilgrimage to this legendary pagoda, the pride of Myanmar in general and of Yangon in particular for thousands of years. The golden tower of Yangon is 99m high, surrounded by 1,000 small pagodas with lively and strange architecture. It is said that the pagoda is inlaid and carved with 90 tons of gold and tens of thousands of diamonds and gems. It is such an unimaginable fact.
 

Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar

Sparkling Shwedagon Pagoda at night

I come to the golden pagoda in the afternoon, walk around and take photos until I feel bone tired and the sun is setting. Lights illuminate the pagoda as evening settles, inviting me inside. Pilgrims already cover the floor of the main tower and are praying. I am absorbed in taking pictures of a Buddhist community lighting candles, and startled by a strange voice asking me in Vietnamese: “Hey, what are you taking photo of?” Surprised as I am in Myanmar, I put the camera down suddenly and look up to see the gentle smiles of Vietnamese monks making a pilgrimage ho here. They recognize I am Vietnamese, they ask me about my hometown and I say Hanoi. It is great to unexpectedly meet a fellow-countryman in such as wonderful place.

Bidding farewell to the monks, I leave Swedagon at 9pm. Yangon by night is so calm; the bustling urban scene in the daytime now is sleeping soundly. The streets are deserted with the occasional vehicle fleeting by.

Yangon was the capital of Myanmar till 2006. Besides ancient streets in downtown, Yangon has skyscrapers and a large commercial area. I am spending my last moments in Yangon here, wandering around to buy souvenirs at Bogyoke Aung, a famous market with all kinds of goods from Myanmar, from industrial products to old items of the colonial period, to finely crafted items made nationwide.
 

Despite its ancient heritage, from another perspective, modern design aspects can be found here. There are skyscrapers and high-end bars offering panoramic views over Yangon. Certainly, I will not miss the chance to enjoy a final beverage here and look around the city. I spend my last afternoon sitting on the rooftop of the highest building in Yangon. From here I can see every corner of the city. It is a special feeling to look around from such a nice place. I can clearly see every street, every pagoda, every river, every harbor and the ways I have passed.

The sun gradually sets down and sunlight fades out over old houses; the golden color of Sule pagoda stands out in the purple glow of Downtown. Looking from my perch, Shwedagon shows its splendid gold in the afternoon, then shines brightly in the evening haze. Good bye Yangon! Good bye Myanmar! Until next time we meet.