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| Aung San Suu Kyi's House |
Until her release from house arrest in November 2010, anyone who wished to see Aung San Suu Kyi's house did so from the the other side of the Inya Lake, from a distance of 300 metres. All you could see then was the back of this crumbling colonial style mansion, shaded by a large tree. The front of the house on University Avenue was barricaded and guarded by security police.
The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and leader of the National League of Democracy was put under house arrest here off and on for 15 years since 1989. Subject to international pressure, the Burmese ruling military junta agreed to release Aung San Suu Kyi in 2010.
Because of her allure, it is very tempting for visitors to have a glimpse of her house, and hopefully her presence. The police no longer guard the house, but in place of the barricade, a new high wall, emblazoned with NLD posters and flags, is erected right around the mansion. The house can no longer be seen from the street.
So opinion has been divided – to see or not to see. While some say it is worth driving by to feel the spirit of this freedom fighter, other thinks it's a total waste of time. Still, all it takes is a short detour if you are on the way to town from the airport. The whole trip could take as little as 10 minutes.
Location: 51 University Avenue, north of Yangon.
