Naypyidaw

Naypyidaw, located near Pyinmana, officially replaced Yangon as the capital of Myanmar in November 2005. It officially goes by the acronym of NPT. Understand Naypyidaw is a unique city in the region. It is a fully constructed large city but with very few inhabitants compared to its size, so you can experience the amazing and unprecedented (for Asia) experience of never ever being stuck in traffic. With the current boom in Myanmar this will surely change over the next few years, but enjoy it while you can. Naypyidaw was constructed in secret by the Myanmar Junta in the early 2000s. In November 2005 it was officially announced as the country's new capital. Government workers were given two months notice that they would have to move from Yangon, as all government offices and ministries were relocated. Embassies and international organisations like the UN have not yet relocated but are expected to at some point. The city has wide boulevards/highways (still almost empty) and extravagant roundabouts. It has housing for government workers, but many still maintain residences for their families in Yangon as education and health infrastructure is not yet in place. Get in There is a newly built motorway (toll road) linking Yangon to NPT. It is 200 miles long, with a restaurant stop at 115 miles. The journey takes about 4 hours by car. By rail From Yangon, a train leaves at 1200 and arrives in Naypyidaw at 2100 (9 hours). By air To handle increased traffic to the capital, the existing airport at Ela was upgraded to handle the larger planes. It lies 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Kyatpyae. This airport is now listed as a destination for all domestic airlines in Myanmar (Myanma Airways, Yangon Airways, Air Mandalay and Air Bagan). In reality, only army generals and foreign visitors go to Naypyidaw via plane while all others travel by bus or car. The main reason for this is that the taxi from NPT airport to the centre ($80) costs more than the flight itself ($65). By bus From Yangon, a bus is available. It travels along a 8-lane highway for about 4 hours from Yangon to the capital (which just springs out of nowhere at a nondescript intersection - very unusual). Get around By motorbike taxi This is the typical transportation in Naypyidaw. By tuk tuk Similar to those in Bangkok although called a "Thaw Lar Gyi" in Myanmar. See The huge and impressive parliament building with an 11-lane highway (usually empty) leading up to it Three enormous sculptures depicting the Burmese kings Anawrahta, Bayinnaung and Alaungpaya U Aung Zeya, considered the three most important kings in Burmese history. National Herbal Park has exhibits of plants having medicinal applications from all of the major regions of Burma. There are thousands of plants at the park, representing hundreds of different species. There is no entry fee. The Naypyidaw Zoological Gardens opened in 2008 with some 420 animals and a climate-controlled penguin house. It is the largest zoo in Burma. It is said that most of the animals were relocated from Yangon zoo, at the same time as the government officials were making the same journey. A well known comedian who announced regularly that "all our animals are going to Naypiydaw" was imprisoned. The Naypyidaw Safari Park a Gem Museum Uppatasanti Pagoda also called the "Peace Pagoda" is a prominent landmark in Naypyidaw. The pagoda, which houses a Buddha tooth relic from China, is a replica of Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and stands 100 metres high. It also has Maha Hsutaungpyae Buddha Image in Maha Pasadabhumi Gandhakuti Chamber, Four jade Buddha images in the pagoda's hollow cave, 33 metre high flagpole, Bo tree Garden with Maha Bo Tree and the images of the 28 Buddhas, Marlini Mangala Lake with the chamber of Shin Uppagutta and Pagoda museum. Do Ngalaik Lake Gardens is a small water park situated along the Ngalaik Dam, near Kyweshin Village on Ngalaik Lake (approximately seven miles from Naypyidaw). Opened in 2008, facilities at the Ngalaik Lake Gardens include water slides, natural resorts, lodging and a beach. Naypyidaw also has two golf courses (Nay Pyi Taw City Golf Course and Yaypyar Golf Course) Behind the city hall, there is a park with a playground and water fountain complex, which hosts a musical light show every night. Buy Naypyitaw Myoma Market is currently the commercial centre of Naypyidaw. Other shopping areas include Thapye Chaung Market and Junction Centre Naypyidaw. There are two medium-sized shopping malls in the hotel zone: Junction and Capital, which each have a supermarket and restaurants. Junction also has a cinema. Eat Drink Sleep The Hotel zone has a handful of villa-style hotels that dot the hills on the outskirts of the city. There are currently twelve hotels located in or near Naypyidaw. Eight of these are located within the Naypyidaw Hotel Zone. Royal Naypyitaw Hotel has 100 rooms (US$60-80). Get out This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!