Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon
Dominating the skyline of Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a landmark not to be missed when visiting the former capital. By day, it is a golden dome that rises above the greenery; by night, it is a shimmering gem that lights up the night sky. Its glided exterior makes a very impressive sight and a tour reveals its full grandeur and intricate artwork.
My travel buddy, P’Aon, like any self-respecting Thai, still counts Myanmar as the arch enemy of Thailand, a rivalry that goes all the way back to the Ayutthaya era and earlier. He said to me, “It is believed that the Burmese, after defeating the Thais in the olden days, took the gold from us back to Myanmar to lay onto the Shwedagon.” When I recounted this comment to mr;p, he replied smugly, “See, I told you.” Whatever.
