Stripped of its status as capital in 2005, Yangon nonetheless continues to be the hub of economic activity, a hive of underground intellectual debate and the gateway for most international visitors. The stunning Shwedagon Paya is the centerpiece of the city, a gleaming golden stupa visible from all over town. Closer to the waterfront, downtown Yangon is a warren of historic streets concealing some of the best British colonial-era architecture in the region. Forget the cosmetic renovations in Singapore: this is the real deal. A walk along the Strand or Pansodan St is like strolling down Pall Mall, albeit without the paint job.

Vibrant and dynamic, sweaty and steamy, reaching for the future but trapped in the past, Yangon is a fascinating introduction to Myanmar. It’s diverse too – home to Burmese, Shan, Mon, Chinese, Indians and Western expats. Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest here in her home on University Ave. General Than Shwe is rumored to return on weekends, perhaps unable to survive the boredom of sterile Naypyidaw, the new ‘capital’.

Money
Yangon generally offers the best exchange rate in the country. Touts around Sule Paya or the northern end of the adjacent Mahabandoola Garden offer the best rates, but you shouldn’t make the exchange before counting all the kyat. Hotels and guesthouses are the safer option.

At a pinch, a couple of top-end hotels (such as the Sedona Hotel) accept credit cards.

Climate
Myanmar has a largely tropical climate with three seasons: the monsoon or rainy season, from May to October; the cool season, from November to February; and the hot season, generally from March to April. Rainfall during the monsoon season totals more than 500 cm (200 in) in upper Myanmar and over 250 cm (100 in) in lower Myanmar and Yangon (formerly Rangoon). Central Myanmar, called the dry zone, and Mandalay, the chief city in the area, each receive about 76 cm (30 in). The mean annual temperature is 27°C (81°F); average daily temperatures in Yangon (Rangoon) range from 18° to 32°C (64–90°F) in January, during the cool season, and from 24° to 36°C (75–97°F) in April, during the hot season. The climate in upper Myanmar, particularly at altitudes ranging from about 300 to 1,220 m (1,000–4,000 ft), is the most temperate throughout the year, while lower Myanmar, especially in the delta and coastal regions, is the most humid.

History
There were mainly 3 main well-known empires in the Myanmar History. The First Myanmar Empire was created by King Anawrahta of the Bagan