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The Best Travel Tips to Know before Traveling to Yangon

Updated on December 30th, 2023

You can explore Yangon with a one, two or three-day itinerary and it's not hard to visit all of the best markets, temples, landmarks and sights to see, along with some of the best food and cafes.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Posted in Myanmar (Burma)

Table of contents

Yangon International Airport

• KBZ Bank and Getting Money in Myanmar
• Chinatown, Yangon
• Downtown Yangon
• Green Gallery Thai Restaurant
• Fu Xiang Yunnan Xiaochidian
• Genki Sushi
• O’2 Nails Bar
• Hong Fa Beauty Salon
• Skyline Bar by Great Garden Bar
• Hotel Esperado Rooftop Bar
• A150 Chinatown Bistro & Bar
• Marketplace at Junction City
• 19th St BBQ Night Market
• Yangon Weekend Book Market
• Danyingon Market
• Bogyoke Market (Scotts Market)
• Maha Bandula Park (Maha Bandula Garden)
• Strand Hotel
• The Secretariat
• Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue (Historic Synagogue of Yangon)
• Sule Pagoda
• Yangon Circle Line Train
• Shwedagon Pagoda
• Mogul Shiah Jamay Mosque
• Peacock Lobby Lounge at the Shangri-La

How to find Yangon accommodation (amenities)

• What to look for in accommodation in Myanmar
• How much time do you need before booking?
• Stay in a hostel in Myanmar
• Stay in a hotel in Myanmar

2024 update: Myanmar is still going through a period of civil unrest, according to the US State Dept. at travel.state.gov. Travelers are asked to “reconsider traveling to Myanmar (Burma) due to armed conflict and the risk of wrongful detention of foreigners. The Travel Advisory for Myanmar (Burma) was renewed on July 24, 2023, as “Level 4: Do Not Travel.” For more information on this topic as well as developments, please visit the US Dept. of State website .

Ready for taking a new trip abroad ? Chaotic, frenetic, flavorful and colorful, Yangon is a place we arrived in and immediately wanted to explore. Luckily, we were jet lagged and at 7 a.m., we were already wide awake and the sun was already out.

With four days in total during our trip during which we could get to know Yangon, Myanmar , we pinpointed places of interest and determined where we wanted to spend our sunsets (cue all those gold pagodas and rooftop bars) with our travel cameras in hand.

We hope you’ll like Yangon, as you get to know its diversity, mix of cultures, street food, gem markets and golden Buddhist temples. Yangon is one of the safest cities to travel in for both first-timers in Southeast Asia and solo travelers alike.

The following list and questions with answers below were developed from both our experience and the recommendations we received from friends and expats who live in Yangon full-time. Enjoy!

Before you go, make sure you research how to get a travel visa and that you&rsqio;ve brought some essentials for visiting temples like durable sandals .

Essential Must-Know Things About Myanmar

If you plan to be traveling in Yangon, check our list of everything to know about travel in Myanmar , to help with things like how to get around, what kind of outlets Myanmar has, money, language and more.

Transit & Essentials in Yangon

To get around Yangon, we nearly exclusively used Grab, although we did try the Circle Train and the public bus (with the help of a local)!

If you fly into Myanmar, you’ll fly into either Yangon or Mandalay, the two main international airports. Yangon International Airport ( airport code RGN) doesn’t have such an impressive arrivals area, but when we came back for departing, we were impressed with the array of upscale shopping before the gates that seems to have been built for the large number of Chinese visitors who now come annually to travel in Myanmar.

Despite the affordable prices of most things in Myanmar like bottled water and snacks, we were surprised to see that everything in the news and snacks store was price in US Dollars and extremely overpriced, even for American airport prices! For this reason, we’re glad we had Priority Pass so that we could hang out in the airport lounge and have drinkable water and snacks as needed.

KBZ Bank and Getting Money in Myanmar

KBZ Bank is all over Yangon and Myanmar, and has ATMs that work in English. See our guide to Myanmar to learn about ATM fees and more about Burmese Kyat, and remember that it can be a smart travel money tip to call your banks before you go.

Best Yangon Neighborhoods to visit

Most points of interest are between Chinatown and Downtown, but to get a full picture of the city, you can expand into People’s Park, Kandawgyi Lake and Inya Lake.

Chinatown, Yangon

We really liked Chinatown, somewhat because of how its falling-apart buildings wit Chinese signs reminded us of taking photos in Hong Kong , and also because its plethora of street life and ‘things you can do on the street’ reminded us of walking around Hanoi .

Chinatown is not completely Chinese, so don’t be fooled — within Chinatown, there are ethnic Burmese people, people of Indian descent and others. A popular landmark is the Kheng Hock Keong Buddhist temple, built in the 1800s by Chinese ethnic clans.

Downtown Yangon

“Downtown” is the area to the east of Chinatown, where you will find most business, along with places of interest we list here. There are many religious, government, architectural, colonial and social institutions here, and walking around is simple because the streets have numbers.

Best restaurants in Yangon (traveler favorites)

You probably know that we focus on health when we travel and typically don’t eat out too much. In Myanmar, we wound up not staying anywhere with a kitchen because most hostels have a cafe instead of kitchen space. For this reason, we ate out for a few meals a day (no regrets, as you can find so much reasonably-priced food!).

Green Gallery Thai Restaurant

This is a delicious little restaurant with only a few tables, located in Downtown. Popular among expats, we were taken here by an expat friend and everyone dining on a weekend evening was an expat. The menu lists traditional Thai food, and mind-blowingly delicious red and green curry for not too steep a price.

Fu Xiang Yunnan Xiaochidian

This is a Chinese restaurant on 19th Street (Lower Block) that is pretty no frills, and not much English is spoken, but they had tomato egg with rice and tomato egg soup, which is why we went in. Prices are rarely higher than 3000 Kyat, which is $2.

Genki Sushi

Genki Sushi is an Asia-wide sushi chain that works much like the car-sushi restaurant we ate at in Taipei. After ordering on a touch-pad, your sushi will arrive at your booth on a wheeling … dog. It’s hard not to keep ordering more and more, and the prices were fine, considering we were in the Junction City mall, not an eatery on the street. Sushi rolls started at around $1 and increased with the type of fish.

Hair and Nail Salons

There are a good number of beauty salons between Chinatown and Downtown, with most salons providing services like threading, massages, nails and haircuts.

O’2 Nails Bar

Looking for a nail salon and getting led astray by Google Maps, I found O’2 in the Junction City Mall. The ladies initially quoted me for a gel manicure and pedicure, but if you ask for “OPI” anywhere, it seems, this will clarify that you want a regular manicure or pedicure. I paid 10,000 Kyat for a simple pedicure.

Hong Fa Beauty Salon

Chinatown has a good number of hairdressers, and this one was recommended to us by our hostel staff because it was one block away from Baobabed Hostel Yangon on Sint Oh Dan Street (Lower Block) near Maha Bandula. Staff did not speak English, but Becca got by with Mandarin Chinese, and the staff smiled when we said ‘thank you’ in Burmese (je-zu-ba). We both got haircuts for 6000 Kyat here.

Best rooftop bars in Yangon

Skyline bar by great garden bar.

This is a rooftop bar that not many seem to know about, despite its excellent location near Chinatown and close to lots of hostels.

Hotel Esperado Rooftop Bar

For a rooftop with a view of the Shwedagon Pagoda (and blocked to the south by the new Wyndham hotel tower) as the sun goes down, check out the top floor of Hotel Esperado near the smaller of the city’s two central lakes. This is a place where you’ll want to use credit for once (yay!), while noting that the menu only quotes drinks in USD (not Kyat). Guess they know their audience.

Best Cafes and Bars in Yangon

Hapa Cafe came recommended to us by a friend who knows the owner. We stopped by, and although the owner was not around, the barista was very friendly. Interestingly enough, Hapa (at the time when we went) was “pay-what-you-want,” so there was no set price for any drink. Very unique!

A150 Chinatown Bistro & Bar

An expat friend invited us here. This bistro and bar is three towering floors in an old building, and note: there either is not much AC or it doesn’t work, because this place was hot. In any case, you can get baijiu (Chinese grain spirit) cocktails here, which is unique, and I didn’t even find this in much of China! The menu is Chinese-themed, with some full meals, but mostly snacks and bites to share.

Best Shopping Malls and Markets in Yangon

Marketplace at junction city.

Junction City is a big indoor shopping mall (a great escape into air conditioning) with a wide range of shopping. You’ll find the grocery store CityMart on one of the upper floors, and there, you can get a range of goods from other parts of Asia, along with some foreign products and Western items. There’s also lots of (clean) fresh produce and household goods like toothpaste, shampoo and cleaning products.

19th St BBQ Night Market

Without having known it when we booked our nights at Baobabed Hostel on 19th St., the Upper Block (north block of the two) turns into a Burmese BBQ (think grilled meat skewers, not hot dogs and burgers) pedestrian market, with restaurants putting tables on the street and lots of Myanmar beer flowing all around.

Even if you don’t want to eat, go check it out for the scene! This is a popular place for both locals and travelers.

Yangon Weekend Book Market

Unbeknownst to us, there was a block-long ‘book market’ in full swing when we visited the Secretariat. You’ll find it on the street with the entrance to the Secretariat block, which is on Theinbyu Road. It’s good to support these booksellers, who are selling books both in Burmese and English at affordable prices.

Danyingon Market

We were brought to this absolutely massive produce and fresh goods market by a local man we met on the Circle Line. We never would have found this market otherwise, and there were 0 other foreigners or visitors who were not Burmese. For this reason, we may have been the attraction! This huge market has a section for vegetables, for spices, for fruit, for fish, for bamboo and for other fresh foods. It seemed endless. Danyingon Market is in rural Yangon off the Danyingon stop or the stop before it (because it’s so big, you can exit the “circle train” at either).

If you want to visit, look for the giant edifice with the silver roofs. Keep in mind you might be the only tourist.

Bogyoke Market (Scotts Market)

We pictured Bogyoke Market being more like a food and home products market, but actually, this market focuses on textiles, clothing, gems and gold jewelry. There are countless shops selling jade, rings, jewels and other types of shiny items, along with vendors selling traditional Burmese clothing and ‘backpacker’ clothing. If you want to come home with souvenirs, this is easily the place at which to do your shopping.

Bargaining is welcomed and you can consider that most prices are meant to be negotiated.

Sightseeing and Places to See

There are so many places in Yangon to see, ranging from religious sites to architectural heritage buildings to gardens. Grab your camera and get ready for awesome diversity in this city.

Maha Bandula Park (Maha Bandula Garden)

This is a city garden with a manicured garden, pathways and trees, and a sizable obelisk monument in the center. This is a place where you’ll see lots of families and couples hanging out and relaxing (despite the heat). We were overheated, so we did not stay long.

Go for a cold brew at Hapa Cafe nearby to cool off after sweating through this sunny garden.

Strand Hotel

We checked out the Strand Hotel on our final day in Yangon, and what a treat it was. This is the very top end of accommodations in Yangon, and it is a beautiful hotel property, part of the Leading Hotels of the World. Not only is it a historic landmark, but it has been revamped in a classic Victorian colonial style. If you’d like to go for a bite, they have a cafe and an upscale bar. The atmosphere is excellent.

The Secretariat

Our expat friend insisted multiple times that we make our way to “The Secretariat” while in Yangon, and while we thought we had already walked past all the landmarks on the Lonely Planet Colonial Architecture walking tour, we had missed this one.

Find other tips like this in a Lonely Planet guide to Myanmar (Burma). Get yours on Amazon or Bookshop.org

The Secretariat is important in Myanmar’s national history because it was the seat of the colonial British empire and was also the place where Aung San and others of the Burmese independence movement were assassinated.

During our time of visiting, much of the Secretariat compound was getting a face-lift and was under construction, but we were able to get into the second floor of the main building to get a view of the rest of the buildings. There is a cafe, if you need a coffee or cool beverage after walking across Downtown to get there.

Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue (Historic Synagogue of Yangon)

A Jewish synagogue? In Myanmar? Yes, it’s true! It’s the only Jewish house of worship left We loved visiting the Musmeah Yeshua Shul/Synagogue, which is a must-see on any walking tour or day out in the Chinatown-Downtown Yangon areas. The synagogue has a fascinating history, tracing back to the Baghdadi Jews, who came to Myanmar and set up a community. It was finished in the late 1800s. Today, Myanmar has about 20 Jews in total, and the synagogue is a landmark for Jews and all visitors to the country who want to see this architectural gem steeped in a fascinating history.

Admission is free, donations are encouraged and visiting times are slightly limited, so try to check in advance!

Sule Pagoda

Sule Pagoda is the downtown golden pagoda that rises from the street and essentially has all traffic built to go around it. This is one of the most accessible historic Buddhist sites in Yangon because of its location smack in the center of the city. We liked getting a view of it from the network of pedestrian bridges that go over the streets, surrounding it. While we did not enter the pagoda (there is a small admission fee and you must be dressed appropriately), we suggest visiting inside, if you are starting your trip and would like to see a temple.

Yangon Circle Line Train

The Yangon Circle Train is worth being part of your visit to Yangon. This somewhat-rickety vintage train (originally from Japan, even with exit instructions still in Japanese) goes in a circular route around the outskirts of the city and taking a ride on it gives you a window (literally!) into the lives of local communities outside the city center.

What we liked most about our trip on this train (one way, from the main city train terminal to Danyingon, the terminal station in the clockwise direction at the time of our visit) was the hustle and bustle of the train passengers as they shuffled on and off, but also that locals wanted to practice English with us and tell us about their city. A ticket costs 200 Kyat, or $0.13.

Keep in mind that the train does not have AC nor working fans (although the cars were built with both, it looked like), so it is rather warm during the entire ride (OK, it was steamy), and we suggest bringing enough water to get you through the trip, but not so much that you’ll need to use the bathrooms on board (we didn’t see any — only heard that there were some — and had no interest in finding them).

Shwedagon Pagoda

Shwedagon Pagoda is the postcard scene of Yangon. This is where you will feel like everything is dipped in gold and it’s hard to take a bad photo. We found these pagoda grounds to be some of the most unique scenes we’ve ever laid eyes on, as the massive golden stupa rises from the ground and reaches toward the sky. Surrounding the central stupa are pagodas and temples, where locals come to pray.

What to bring: Wear sandals that slip off, and bring a sarong or shawl (women travelers) to cover shoulders. If you’re a guy, come wearing any travel pants or bring a longyi, which you can easily buy in the city, if you don’t want to pay to rent one.

If you are interested in Buddhism, this is a great place to take a guided tour for not too steep a price. There are upright Buddhas, reclining Buddhas and more.

There is admission for foreigners is 10,000 Kyat ($6.50, at 1530 Kyat to a USD in October 2019). The admission is not the same for Burmese nationals, as they come to the pagoda as a religious trip or daily event.

Did you know? The gold and gems at Shwedagon Pagoda are worth $3 billion.

Go at sunrise or at sunset, and if you go at sunset, stay past dark, when the giant stupa is lit up.

Mogul Shiah Jamay Mosque

This beautiful white mosque is free of charge and is located only a few blocks from the synagogue and other temples of interest. For entrance, there is a very clear sign that the dress code demands no spaghetti strap blouses, pants or skirts above the knee or shoulders left uncovered. Taking photos is fine, but please be respectful of anyone engaging in prayer.

Peacock Lobby Lounge at the Shangri-La

If you need a break and you’re in the Sule Paya area, check out the five-star Shangri-La Hotel, where the lobby is a nice place to relax and enjoy some AC. There is also some upscale shopping, and a connection to a fancy shopping mall on the same block.

How to pick the perfect accommodation in Yangon (location)

It’s important to decide where to stay during a Myanmar trip. Staying in Yangon is pretty simple because most hotels, guesthouses and hostels are all within Chinatown and Downtown, which are safe, accessible and straightforward because the streets are in a numbered grid. If you’re traveling solo , a hostel is great for meeting other travelers.

To find accommodation in Yangon, we suggest using Hostelworld for hostels and Booking.com for hotels.

What to look for in accommodation in Myanmar

We found it helpful to filter by rooms that had air conditioning, breakfast included, free WiFi, a 24-hour reception desk (we arrived at midnight for our flight in) and a location close to what seemed like places of interest.

While we stayed at the Baobabed hostel chain during our entire trip (Baobabed has hostels in Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake), we did hear that Ostello Bello Hostel is an awesome place to stay in both Bagan and Inle Lake.

How much time do you need before booking?

Travel in Myanmar changes year by year. Our friends who went in 2013-2014 had the issue of a shortage of hotels, higher prices and the need to book terribly far in advance. Things have changed in favor of the traveler by now, and to our advantage, there is a wide range and great amount of places to stay, more competition in prices and less need to book far in advance.

We booked our hostels one month out before our trip would begin, and this was because we wanted to secure private rooms at hostels. It’s a good thing we did, because we stayed at (in our opinion) the best hostel in Yangon and scored one of only two private rooms in the whole property. If you travel in low season and you’re looking for a standard room in a hotel or a dorm bed, these two types are much easier to come by and you could probably book between one day and one week in advance and find something.

We did not visit Myanmar in high season, as we like to travel in low season to save money , so we cannot speak to diminishing availability of places to stay. To be safe, we’d suggest booking as far out as you can, and getting cancellation protection.

Should you stay in a hotel or a hostel?

Staying in a hotel or a hostel is entirely up to you. Having stayed in both hotels and hostels for many years, we’ve chosen our happy medium, which is a private room (usually with private bath) in a hostel.

Stay in a hostel in Myanmar

This way, we get to experience the community, social aspects and fun events that hostels put on, and we also have privacy, peace and quiet and have complete control over the noise level and security in our own room. You can read more on our opinion about hostels !

Stay in a hotel in Myanmar

If a hostel is not for you, stay in a hotel! There are so many to choose from, from top-end like the Strand Hotel and Shangri-La (both in the $200-350 per night range) to local hotels that you can book in most of the country for $20-40 a room. Keep in mind that you will get what you pay for, so expect amenities to be less on a shoestring budget.

Best Backpacker Hostel in Yangon, Baobabed Hostel Review

We liked Baobabed Hostel Yangon a lot, with the Yangon location as our favorite of the three. The Yangon location is a historic house-turned-hostel, with narrow wooden staircases and some architectural charm.

The top floor is the two private rooms, which each are located at the top of their own narrow staircases. Both private rooms share the (very big) communal bathroom on the third floor, which has a good number of showers and bathrooms. We found it to never be full.

The other floors have dorms and more bathrooms, and the second floor has a ‘chill room,’ which has bean bag chairs and a small library of travel and multi-language books. You can hang out here after your check out and before your night bus or flight, or if you arrive on an early flight or bus and have to wait until your room is ready.

At 4 pm every day, the staff offers a traditional Yangon snack for anyone who wants to try! There is also a cafe with a brief menu of lunch and dinner foods, a bar for happy hour drinks and the lobby, which functions as a social space and also the breakfast room. It’s here that friendly staff will help you plan your day, help you book a night bus or a trek and might even teach you some phrases in Burmese.

How to prepare for a Southeast Asia Trip

Ready to jet? Don’t forget to bookmark our minimalist packing guide and this checklist of ways to travel with your partner .

Moving onward in Myanmar? See the best things to do in Inle Lake and tips for travel in Bagan .

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Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

Yangon (ရန္ကုန္), Myanmar's largest city, is by far the most exciting place in the country to be right now, as former political exiles, Asian investors and foreign adventurers flock in. As Myanmar's commercial and artistic hub, it's Yangon that most reflects the changes that have occurred since the country reopened to the world. There's a rash of new restaurants, bars and shops. And there are building sites – and traffic jams – everywhere.

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Yangon Travel Guide

Once the capital of Myanmar, Yangon today is the largest city in the country counting 5.2 million people inhabitants. Almost all visits to Myanmar start in Yangon because the country’s major international airport is located here. There are many things you may not know before coming to Yangon. Many travelers just plan it for a quick stop before heading to other destinations. But Yangon is worth more than that. Our Yangon Travel Guide will help you to explore things that are awaiting you.

Table of Contents

1. Best time to visit Yangon

Yangon water bus, 5. things to do in yangon, 6. where to stay in yangon, 7. what to eat in yangon, 8. nightlife in yangon, 9. shopping in yangon, 10. hospital in yangon, 11.  tips for travelers.

Like many cities in Southeast Asia, Yangon experiences two seasons – rainy and dry. The rainy season is from May till October while the dry season is from November till April. Late October to February is the coolest time of year, while March and April have scorching temperatures. Therefore, the period from October to February is considered as the best time to visit Yangon when it is not too hot and wet. During the rainy season, it is usually downpour which makes many streets in the city are usually flooded. If you plan on coming in this period, be sure to pack an umbrella and some waterproof shoes.

October to February is the best time to visit Yangon thanks to the cool and dry weather.

2. How to get to Yangon from other countries?

Yangon International Airport is the biggest airport among the three international airports in Myanmar. It handles the biggest number of international connections from many cities in Asia. From Southeast Asia, you can find direct flights to Yangon from Bangkok, Singapore, Saigon, Hanoi, and Kuala Lumpur. Flights to Yangon are also available from smaller Southeast Asian cities such as Chiang Mai and several major cities in India. Longer distance flights also depart from major East Asian cities such as Beijing (China), Hong Kong, Seoul (South Korea), and Tokyo (Japan). Other regions in Asia which have direct flights to Yangon as Dubai (UAE) and Doha (Qatar)

Bangkok, Dubai, and Doha are hubs of international flights all over the world. So, they are preferable connection points for people who come from North America or from Euro to Yangon.  Yangon International Airport is located to the north of the city. Depending on the traffic, which is getting worse and worse in Yangon, the trip to downtown should take about 50 – 60 minutes. You can take a taxi to the airport. There’s a taxi counter in the arrivals terminal that’ll assign you to a taxi driver and arrange a fixed price.

Yangon International Airport, 15km from Yangon downtown.

For more instructions about Yangon airport, view on our post: https://myanmartravel.com/yangon-international-airport/

As Myanmar shares the border with Thailand, Laos, India, Bangladesh & China, this opens a chance for travelers to reach Myanmar overland instead of flight. However, Yangon is located far from borders thus it will take much of your time. At the moment, Myanmar has 7 international bordering crossing points with Thailand, India, and Laos. To travel overland to Yangon, the most convenient way to get through Myawaddy crossing point which shares the border with Mae Sot town in Thailand. You can take a night bus from Bangkok to Mae Sot which gets you in town in the early morning. From here, cross the border to reach Myawaddy where you catch a direct bus to Yangon. The journey can take up to 24 hours.

For more details of this journey, view on this post: https://myanmartravel.com/how-to-get-from-bangkok-to-yangon/

Passengers arrive in Thilawa port, Yangon by the international luxury cruises.

A small but growing number of international cruise itineraries include Yangon as an overnight stop, often alongside other ports in the region such as Singapore, Phuket (Thailand) and Penang (Malaysia). The cruises will anchor in 2 or 3 full days at Thilawa port. It takes 1 hour to get to Yangon downtown, so it is convenient to do day trips to explore the city and some nearby attractions.

3. How to travel around Yangon city?

Motorbikes and bicycles are banned on almost all streets in Yangon. So, the streets are full of cars and buses.  The best way to get around in Yangon is on foot. If the distance is far, travelers have several options including trishaw, ferry, bus, or car.

YBS – the new city bus system now becomes the main transportation for local people.

Since 2017, a new city bus system (YBS) has been introduced in Yangon that offers a huge number of routes all over the city.  It is replaced for more than 2,000 outdated public transport vehicles, removing them from running in the former capital for the purpose of safety and environmental conservation. The new buses are modern with air-con. It quickly became the main local transportation for both Yangonites.

Buses run from early morning 5.00 AM. till 9.00 PM. Lines ply as far north as Hlawga and as far east as Thanlyin and Kyauktan. Each journey costs 200ks, apart from the airport bus that charges 500ks per trip. There is a payment box at the front of the bus. When you board the bus, drop money there. Ensure you have the exact fare as there’s no way for the driver to give change. However, it’s quite hard for travelers to tell where the buses are headed. The next stop is always announced, but understanding the announcement is the difficult part.

Taxi is easy to meet on Yangon streets.

Taxis are everywhere in Yangon and clearly marked. Taxis in Yangon do not charge as per meter. You need to tell the driver where you want to go first, then the driver will quote the price. Bargaining skills are a necessity. Try to check the local price for your intended destination before approaching a driver; knowing how much the journey should cost makes it much easier to know if you’re being asked for too much.

Although most drivers speak at least some English, it’s better to have your destination written in Burmese to make things easier. Taxi fares tend to be higher at weekends and after sunset and are much higher late at night and in the early morning hours (11.00 PM – 5.00 AM) when the supply of drivers is less. You’ll need to bargain harder at these times!

Enjoy the sunset on the Yangon River by Yangon Water Bus.

Yangon Water Bus is a commuter ferry service that operates along the Yangon River. There are five jetties, beginning at the Botataung Terminal downtown and terminating at the Insein Terminal in the north of the city. The other three stops are at the Pansodan, Lan Thit, and Kyemyindaing terminals.

Yangon Water Bus is much slower than normal buses. However, it is still worth making a trip once during your stay in Yangon. It offers a great way to see life on the Yangon River, as well as the ports and businesses that operate close to the water. They also operate some special trips including a sunset river tour and return journeys to Thanlyin and Twante. All special trips include drinks and snacks.

Ticket Price: 300ks (Local)/ 1,500ks (Foreigner). You need to buy tickets at the jetty ticketing counters. You can reserve seats for special trips in advance by phone, email, or Facebook, then get the tickets at their counters.

Trishaw is the unique transportation to explore Yangon.

A trishaw is a fun way to make short hops within Yangon. Myanmar trishaw is very different from others in Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia. It is made of three wheels – a combination of a bicycle and sidecar which has two back-to-back seats for two passengers on the left side of the driver. Expect to pay around 1,000ks for a quick trip. Trishaws can go along Yangon’s crowded streets slowly. It is comfortable and very convenient for to people watch and take photos at leisure.  

4. How to travel from Yangon to other destinations within Myanmar?

Yangon Airport connects Yangon with the most destinations in Myanmar.

Yangon Airport is a hub of domestic flights to most destinations in Myanmar. For some remote areas such as Loikaw in Shan state or areas in the far South of the country as Myeik and Kawthaung, it is possible to fly from Yangon only.

Myanmar has 5 domestic airlines which are operating domestic routes: Air KBZ, Golden Myanmar Airlines, Mann Yadanarpon Airlines, Myanmar National Airlines, and Air Thanlwin (formerly Yangon Airways). To fly to remote areas mentioned above, Myanmar National Airlines is the most reliable. For flights to major destinations as Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, or Ngapali, you can check with all airlines to look for the best deal.

Travelers can travel by slow trains from Yangon to major cities throughout the country.

Yangon handles an extensive but old railway system. Trains connect Yangon with other cities and destinations including Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake, Bago, Kyaikto, Mawlamyine, Dawei Nay Pyi Taw, Taungoo, Thazi & Pyay… However, travel times are very slow and rides can be extremely bumpy.

Yangon train station is just a short walk (1.2km) north of Sule Pagoda. Upper-class tickets should be purchased one day before from the Myanmar Railways Booking Office on Bogyoke Aung San Road (7 am-3 pm). Or you can book it through any hotel or travel agent. You can buy ordinary class tickets on the day of travel.

Top Tip: Check departure times at the booking office a day or two before you intend to travel. There’s no reliable, up-to-date information online and timings seem to change often.

The bus is the most popular mode of transportation for both locals and foreigners.

Yangon is connected with most other destinations in Myanmar by bus. The journeys can range from fast and relatively easy to slow and uncomfortable depending on where you go. Destinations such as Mandalay, Bagan, and the Ayeyarwady Region can be reached within six to ten hours from Yangon. Yangon has two main bus terminals: Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal   and  Hlaing Thar Yar Bus Terminal . 

Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal  i s around 22km from downtown, located in the city’s northeast. The majority of buses to and from Yangon use this terminal. It takes about an hour to get there by taxi which costs 8,000ks (7 US$). Local buses do run to Aung Mingalar but it will take longer. Please check bus routes in advance and ensure you reach the relevant bus office 30 minutes prior to departure.

Buses run from Aung Mingalar to all the main destinations in Myanmar including Nyaung U (for Bagan), Mandalay, Kalaw, Taunggyi, Hpa-An, Mawlamyine and Kyaikto (for the Golden Rock). Hlaing Thar Yar Bus Terminal is around 25km from downtown; it lies on Pathein Road across the Hlaing River. It can take 45 minutes to one hour from downtown. This terminal serves the travel to the Ayeyarwady Division including Chaung Tha Beach, Ngwe Saung Beach, and Pathein.

Tickets can be booked through hotels and travel agencies, or buy tickets directly at bus ticket offices around town.

As the busiest city in Myanmar, Yangon has many things to offer its visitors. Being a former capital, Yangon has many cultural and historical values to explore. Yangon is home to the most beautiful pagoda of Myanmar, Shwedagon. A visit to the golden pagoda will give you a brief of Burmese relief. Besides, Yangon has so many other pagodas which you can see everywhere as Sule, Botahtaung….

Walking is the best way to visit the busy streets of Yangon.

If you are a history lover, a walk through colonial buildings is a must. It brings you back to 100 years ago when Yangon was a British colony. Yangon has all kinds of entertainment from modern shopping malls with international brand shops, restaurants, nightlife with bars to local street vendors at the night markets or China town.

For more details of things to do in Yangon, view on our post: https://myanmartravel.com/things-to-do-in-yangon/

Many hotels have been built over the past few years in Yangon.

With a bloom in tourism, a number of accommodations in Yangon has increased rapidly in last few years, from budget hostel to top luxury hotels. Price range can vary from just US$ 10 per person in dorm sharing room to nearly US$ 1,000 per room for 2 people in high – end accommodations. To have more idea for where to stay, please view information on this link:

https://myanmartravel.com/best-hotels-in-yangon/

A typical meal in Myanmar.

Yangon is a paradise for foodies. There is a variety of options to choose from ranging from Mohinga (fish broth based noodle soup) to Khaosuey (yellow coconut noodles) to the more adventurous one in fried grasshoppers, squid on stick to lots of other varieties.

Deep – fried snacks, one of popular street food in Yangon.

Check out what we recommend to eat and where to eat on this post: https://myanmartravel.com/myanmar-cuisine-where-to-eat-in-yangon/

BME Entertainment

Compared to few years ago when there were just few local bars available, nightlife in Yangon is now very uproarious. Many modern bars, pubs have been opened which meet international standard. Besides, traditional shows or street food are also interesting options to try.

Find out what to entertain after dark here: https://myanmartravel.com/best-nightlife-in-yangon/

Bogyoke Aung Sang Market, the most well – known place for shopping lovers in Yangon.

Like many countries in Asia, Yangon has many local markets which sell everything for your needs including food, clothes, housewares…. Moreover, Yangon has a lot of modern shopping centers which clients can find international brand products. Find out more information on our posts:

https://myanmartravel.com/shopping-centers-in-yangon/ https://myanmartravel.com/local-markets-in-yangon/

SSC – Shwe Gon Daing Hospital

Yangon has some international hospital and healthcare centres with good quality and service. In urgent cases, you can come to one of below centres depending on your location:

https://myanmartravel.com/best-hospitals-in-yangon/

• Get a local sim card as soon as you arrive in the country. There are 3 popular providers: Telenor, Oredoo and Mytel though be aware that Oredoo does not work in Chin state. Data and calling credit are cheap and easy to load. 1GB of data costs around 1,000ks (0.8 USD)
• Buddhism is the national religion in the whole country. This is very important, you should pay attention to respect the monks, pagodas, as well as the Buddha statue
• Be careful when walking on pavements (many are wobbly) and when crossing roads
• Remove your shoes before entering a pagoda and ensure your shoulders and knees are covered
• Be careful not to point your feet towards a Buddha image
• Ensure you have plenty of small change, especially for local buses, markets and street food
• Always check the price of something before purchasing, unless it’s clearly marked
• Don’t bring up politics or the military when conversing with locals; they are very sensitive subjects
• This is still a cash country and most places accept Cash only. So bring a lot of cash and if USD then crisp new unfolded notes.
• Exchange and keep Kyats. There are ATM’s but if you use your home debit card, there is a charge of 6500 kyats for every transaction.
• Learning basic phrases in local language, like “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye” really goes a long way with the locals.

Related Posts

Best hotels in Yangon

Shopping centers in Yangon

Best Nightlife in Yangon

Local Markets in Yangon, Myanmar

Things to do in Yangon

Barber shops in Yangon, Myanmar

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Home » Travel Guides » Myanmar » 25 Best Things to Do in Yangon (Myanmar)

25 Best Things to Do in Yangon (Myanmar)

Yangon is the former capital city of Myanmar and this is also the largest city in the country. The city is famous for having a mix of gorgeous colonial architecture which is located alongside traditional pagodas covered in gold leaf and studded with jewels. As you wander around the city, you can also enjoy delicious street food bites or you can also visit some of the more modern parts of the city to have a rooftop cocktail as you take in the glittering monuments and limpid lakes for which Yangon is so famous.

If you don’t have much time to visit Myanmar then this is also a good chose as Yangon is close to other spots that make an easy day trip such as Hpa-an and the Golden Rock.

Here are the 25 best things to do in Yangon …

1. Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most famous pagodas in the world and is simply stunning.

This is the main attraction that you have to see when you are in Yangon and the pagoda is also one of the most sacred sites to the Buddhist community in Myanmar.

The pagoda is made up of a central structure which is covered in gold leaf and studded with precious stones like diamonds and rubies.

You will also find other amazing objects here such as diamond crowns and if possible try to come here at sunset when you can take in the gorgeous skies across Yangon.

It is said that the pagoda has been in situ since the 6th century AD when lotus blossoms bloomed here and a sacred hair of the Buddha was housed in the building.

2. Eat at 999 Shan Noodle

Many visitors to Myanmar don’t realize that the food is simply delicious, as Burmese cuisine has failed to catch on as much as other Asian foodstuffs worldwide.

That said, Yangon has an amazing food scene and when you are in town you need to try one of the most famous dishes in Myanmar which is Shan noodles that originated in Shan State.

The best place to eat them in the city is in 999 Shan Noodle and this small shop serves up bowls of steaming noodles which are accompanied by vegetables, herbs, and a range of sauces to customize your dish.

999 Shan Noodle is a humble eatery in the city so don’t expect anything fancy but the line of locals eating here proves just how delicious the toothsome delicacy served here really is.

3. Walk through Chinatown

Yangon has a sizeable Chinese population and as you would imagine it also has its own Chinatown.

This is one of the best places to visit in the city if you are looking for local markets as well as a whole plethora or barbecue and street food options.

Chinatown is located around 19th street in Yangon and this is also one of the best places to not only shop and eat but also take in the pretty architecture in this part of town which is quite different from other locations.

4. Visit the Sule Pagoda

Sule Pagoda was built some 2,500 years ago and is one of the most famous temples in the city.

What makes this pagoda so unique is that it is located in the middle of a rather modern part of town which serves to highlight its historical importance.

The Sule Pagoda, also known as Sule Paya is made up of a 46 meter stupa that is shaped like an octagon.

You can now walk around the pagoda and check out all the architectural motifs inside the main building and the walkways are an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city.

5. Tour the Martyrs’ Mausoleum

The Martyrs’ Mausoleum is located near to Shwedagon Pagoda and is a memorial which was built to honor the Major General and ‘founding father of modern Myanmar’ Aung San and six of his cabinet members who were assassinated.

It also contains the tomb of Queen Suphayalat who was the wife of the last king of Myanmar as well as others such as former Un Secretary General U Thant and writer Thakin Kodaw.

From the mausoleum you can also check out panoramic vistas over the rest of Yangon although bear in mind that it is only open on the 19th of July every year as this is a public holiday to remember the assassination of Aung San.

6. Walk through Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple

Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple is known for having a statue of a reclining Buddha which is 217 foot long and is one of the largest in Myanmar.

This is one of the most beautiful Buddha statues in this part of the world and the attention to detail that was put into this monument is amazing.

The face was worked on several times as it was said to look too severe when it was first made, and you can now enjoy all the intricate details and design touches up close.

You can even take in the long eyelashes of the Buddha as well as inscribed feet which make this well worth the trip as the temple lies outside of downtown Yangon.

7. Feed the catfish at Yangon Lake

If you want to try a favorite local activity in Yangon then you can go down to Yangon Lake (also called Kandawgyi Lake) and feed the resident catfish.

This may sound strange but when you get down to the water you will find vendors who sell hunks of bread which you can then throw to the amazing catfish.

Be warned that the fish are rather large and if you throw bread to them this will result in a spirited feeding frenzy, but it is also one of the quirkiest activities you can enjoy in the city.

8. Have a bowl of Mohinga

If Myanmar has a national dish then it is definitely Mohinga.

Usually eaten for breakfast, this dish is made of rice noodles which are cooked in a fish based broth.

The whole dish also has a curried flavor to it as it is packed full of spices and aromatics and this is usually eaten for breakfast so make sure not to miss trying a steaming bowl when you are in town.

9. Explore Botataung Pagoda

Botataung Pagoda is also known as ‘1,000 soldiers’ and it was built to honor 1,000 military leaders in Myanmar who made of guard of honor and paid their respects to the relics of eight strands of hair that were said to have belonged to the Buddha and which were brought over from India some 2,000 years ago.

The hair is still preserved in the pagoda although it is not on show to the public, but this is still one of the most important religious monuments in Yangon.

10. Walk through Kandawgyi Park

Kandawgyi Park is one of the best places to visit in Yangon if you want to get out of the center of the bustling city.

The lake here is a top spot to watch the sunrise or sunset across the city and you can watch local families visiting the park at all times of the day.

From the park you can look out across the lake and see sights such as a massive golden dragon boat which sits on the water and also look across to the brilliant Shwedagon Pagoda.

11. Visit Bahadur Shah Zafar Grave

Bahadur Shah Zafar Grave is located on Zi Wa Ka Street and is known for being the final resting place of the last Mughal emperor of India.

Bahadur Shah Zafar was also the last ruler of the Timurid Dynasty and after the Indian Rebellion in 1857 he was exiled to Yangon.

Nowadays you can visit the tomb and there are guides here who will take you around the modest complex and tell you all about the history of the emperor who is now also considered to be a Sufi saint.

12. Have a cocktail at the Strand Hotel

The Strand Hotel is a Yangon institution and is known for being the grandest hotel in the city.

The Strand Hotel was built in 1901 by the Sarkies brothers and it was renovated in the 1990s to its former glory.

This is one of the most famous colonial buildings in Myanmar and you can come here for a cocktail or have a traditional English afternoon tea.

13. Stroll around Kaba Aye Pagoda

Kaba Aye Pagoda is one of the prettiest pagodas in Yangon and you will find a peaceful courtyard here that seems a world away from the busy streets of the city.

The main reason to come to the Kaba Aye Pagoda is to take in the Buddha centerpiece which is made of silver.

Make sure to note that you can’t wear your shoes in the pagoda so you will need to bring a bag with you or leave these outside, which is true of all sacred spots in Myanmar.

Also make sure you try to visit in the morning or late afternoon as the sun can make for rather a hot visit.

14. Visit the National Museum

If you want to walk through some of the history in Yangon then you need to head to the National Museum.

Here you will find a whole range of Burmese artifacts as well as galleries filled with antiques and other regalia that date back to the Konbaung Dynasty.

The museum has one of the best collections of antiques in Southeast Asia and this is the ideal place to come for anyone interested in Burmese craftsmanship and heritage items.

15. Visit the Maha Wizaya Pagoda

The Maha Wizaya Pagoda is one of the more modern temples in Yangon and is located on top of a small scenic hill.

The pagoda is notable as it is topped with a picturesque blue domed ceiling that is covered in motifs and you can also see turtles crawling around the monument and swimming in the lakes on the lush grounds.

Another reason to come here is to take in the amazing views over Yangon from the top of the hill.

16. Take a ride on the Yangon Circular Train

Myanmar is known for epic railway journeys and many of the train lines here were built during the British colonial period.

If you don’t have time to get outside the city however, then you can go for a short jaunt on the Yangon Circular Train which offers you the chance to take a three hour trip into the outskirts of the city.

As you ride on the railway you can take in the emerald green rice paddies and other sights like rustic villages that dot the railway line.

17. Enjoy the views at the Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro

The Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro is the best place to come in Yangon if you want to get a drink with a view.

The bistro is located on the 20th floor and looks out over the city with panoramic vistas over the downtown area which stretches to the Shwedagon Pagoda.

The best time to come here is in the late afternoon when you can watch the sunset with a bottle of ice cold local beer.

18. Check out Kandawgyi Lake

Kandawgyi Lake used to be known as Victoria Lakes and although it is not the largest body of water in the city it is definitely the most famous.

The lake is located on Bogyoke Aung San Park and is known for its boardwalk which wraps around the water and is the best place to go for a stroll in the evening.

Depending on when you visit you can also find musical performances held in the park.

19. Shop at Bogyoke Aung San Market

Bogyoke Aung San Market is also sometimes referred to by its former name which is Scott Market.

This market was built in 1926 during the British colonial period and surrounding the building you will find a number of cobbled streets that look like they wouldn’t be out of place in an English city.

There is also a large indoor section of the market where you can get a good range of Burmese souvenirs such as textiles, handicrafts and paintings, so if you are shopping for gifts and mementos of your trip then this is the ideal place to come.

20. Ride on the Dallah Ferry

If you want to briefly get out of the city then consider a trip on the Dallah Ferry.

Dallah is a small village which lies across the river from Yangon but the main reason to come here is for the chance to ride on the ferry.

This is a local ferry so you will get the chance to take to the water with the locals and the ferry is usually used to transport local produce across the river such as fruits, vegetables and tea.

It is also free if you choose to sit on the upper deck.

21. Check out the Swe Taw Myat Pagoda

The Swe Taw Myat Pagoda is one of the nicest in Myanmar and is made of gold leaf and white stucco which glows in the afternoon sun.

The pagoda is also covered in eye catching motifs in different colors and there are a number of entrances which mean that you can spend time exploring the different alleyways through the pagoda.

This is also a famous religious spot in Buddhism as it is said to house a tooth of the Buddha.

22. Walk around Inya Lake

Inya Lake is the largest lake in Yangon and has recently been renovated so that you can now easily walk along its pretty shores.

The lake also backs on to lush gardens and the area is known for its scenic villas which are owned by many of Yangon’s elite.

This makes a top choice to go for a walk in the evening and you can also stop off for a drink at the Inya Lake Hotel and watch the views across the water that way if you prefer.

23. Admire the colonial architecture

Myanmar used to be a former British colony and it is still covered in traditional architecture.

In recent years the government has made efforts to preserve the former colonial buildings and you can now go for a walk through the city and see some of the most beautiful spots.

Some of the best to look out for include the Strand Hotel as well as the old Yangon Railway Station.

24. Visit Aung San’s House

Aung San was a famous Major General and some consider him to have been the ‘founding father’ of Myanmar before he was assassinated.

As such, he was an extremely important political figure in the country and you can now go and visit his home and learn more about his role in the founding of modern Myanmar.

On a visit to his home you will be able to take in a range of memorabilia including his old car, his suits and his library.

25. Try the street food

Myanmar has a delicious street food scene and what makes it so amazing is that it is made up of a range of influences including Indian, Chinese and Thai flavors.

As you wander the streets of Yangon therefore, make sure not to miss out on local bites such as grilled meats on skewers or delicious fried samosas.

If you want to stop off in a simple cafe then you can also try one of the most unusual dishes in the country which is a kind of salad which is made of tea leaves which have been pickled.

25 Best Things to Do in Yangon (Myanmar):

• Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda
• Eat at 999 Shan Noodle
• Walk through Chinatown
• Visit the Sule Pagoda
• Tour the Martyrs’ Mausoleum
• Walk through Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple
• Feed the catfish at Yangon Lake
• Have a bowl of Mohinga
• Explore Botataung Pagoda
• Walk through Kandawgyi Park
• Visit Bahadur Shah Zafar Grave
• Have a cocktail at the Strand Hotel
• Stroll around Kaba Aye Pagoda
• Visit the National Museum
• Visit the Maha Wizaya Pagoda
• Take a ride on the Yangon Circular Train
• Enjoy the views at the Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro
• Check out Kandawgyi Lake
• Shop at Bogyoke Aung San Market
• Ride on the Dallah Ferry
• Check out the Swe Taw Myat Pagoda
• Walk around Inya Lake
• Admire the colonial architecture
• Visit Aung San’s House
• Try the street food

Yangon (Rangoon) Travel Guide

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Though no longer the capital, YANGON remains Myanmar’s commercial heart and also the core of its spiritual life, thanks to the glorious Shwedagon Paya (Pagoda), while its colonial-era buildings (decaying as many of them may be) give the downtown area a historical charm which new capital Nay Pyi Taw – and Mandalay for that matter – will never possess. Whether you get lost in the city’s animated markets, seek out beer and barbecue in Chinatown, visit Hindu temples or take an eye-opening ride on a commuter train, Yangon’s streets provide a vibrant and engaging introduction to the country.

Brief history

Bogyoke aung san market and around, botataung paya, the colonial core, drinking and nightlife, hledan market, kandawgyi and inya lakes, kyauk taw gyi, maha wizaya paya, national museum, shwedagon paya, sule paya and mahabandoola garden.

Most travellers spend most of their time downtown, in the grid of streets north of the Yangon River that has Sule Paya at its heart. The main reason to head out of the downtown area is Shwedagon Paya , although there a number of other attractions further north including the shady shores of Kandawgyi Lake , busy (but almost tourist-free) Hledan Market and the enormous marble Buddha at Kyauk Taw Gyi .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Myanmar (Burma), created by local experts

10 days  / from 2372 USD

Old World Myanmar

Myanmar offers visitors a tantalisingly exotic culture of gilded stupas, red-robed monks and elaborately carved teak palaces. Discover the country’s rich cultural heritage as you take in its spectacular charms.

9 days  / from 2840 USD

Myanmar Family Adventure

An ideal short tour for families and first-time visitors to get a glimpse of what Myanmar is all about, discover the land of rice and rivers, breath-taking pagodas and stupas. Meet the locals in Mandalay, Yangon and Inle Lake and sleep on the Ayeyarwady for a real family adventure.

4 days  / from 383 USD

Love Yangon

Explore the intriguing architecture, captivating art and delightful culinary scene of Yangon with a visit to Myanmar’s bustling former capital.

There is a long history of settlement in this part of the delta, with the Mon village of Dagon growing up around Singuttara Hill (on which Shwedagon Paya is located) during the sixth century AD. After the area was conquered by King Alaungpaya in 1755, the village was renamed Yangon and its importance as a port grew. In 1852 it was seriously damaged by the invading British, who called it Rangoon and rebuilt it to their own plans; in 1885 the British made Rangoon their capital after expelling the last Burmese king from Mandalay.

The city was occupied by the Japanese during the World War II, but bomb damage was relatively limited. The decades of international isolation since then have meant that most of the city’s heritage buildings have been neglected, and in 2005 many were abandoned completely as the government moved its ministries north to new capital Nay Pyi Taw. Despite this, Yangon is still Myanmar’s commercial centre and has started to attract developers following the recent easing of international sanctions. It remains to be seen to what extent the city’s architecture will be revitalized.

Top image: Pagoda Shwedagon © Sakdawut Tangtongsap/Shutterstock

Finding a budget room in Yangon is getting harder and harder, and it’s best to book ahead to stand a chance of finding anything affordable (particularly at weekends or during holidays).

Also known as Scott Market, the huge Bogyoke Aung San Market , on Bogyoke Aung San Road, is popular with tourists looking for souvenirs such as paintings, puppets, lacquerware and jewellery. It’s well worth a wander, even if you’re not buying anything, and also a fine place for lunch – look out for kyeq k’auq-s’wèh (noodles in garlic oil, with pork and a watery soup), nàn-gyì thouq (cold rice-noodle “salad”) and avocado shakes.

The streets to the south of the market are arguably even more interesting, particularly Theingyi Zei (between 27th Street and Shwedagon Pagoda Road) and the street market on 25th Street . Both are aimed purely at locals, with lower prices than Bogyoke Aung San Market.

The large riverside complex of Botataung Paya has a 40m-high golden stupa at its heart and includes a bamboo-shaded picnic area popular with families. It is said to have a history stretching back more than 2000 years, but the buildings were destroyed by RAF bombers in 1943 and rebuilt after the country gained independence.

Unusually, the rebuilt stupa is hollow and contains a series of atmospheric and dimly lit chambers with gold-covered walls, where visitors roam and monks meditate. The chambers surround the pagoda’s relic, a hair from the Buddha stored in a case embellished with gold and gems. Outside the pagoda complex, opposite the main entrance, is a popular nat (spirit) shrine.

The streets around Sule Paya contain many of Yangon’s most interesting colonial-era buildings, including several abandoned by the government when it moved to Nay Pyi Taw. On the northeast of the roundabout is the imposing and still active City Hall , based on a British design but with ornamentation inspired by Bagan’s temples. Just east of this is the now-empty former Immigration Department , originally built as a department store that was once described as “the Harrods of the East”.

Nearby, bookstall-lined Pansodan Street is a treasure-trove of colonial buildings including the High Court , built from 1905–11 in a style typical of the British Empire in India. The building is still used for the same function, but the country’s highest court is now in Nay Pyi Taw. The southern end of Pansodan Street was once home to the most prestigious businesses in Yangon including several in the old Sofaer’s Building at no. 62, which was built by a Baghdadi Jew and housed legal and financial offices as well as shops selling imported luxury goods. It now contains the Lokanat Art Gallery. Look out also for the Internal Revenue Department , on the same street, which has Art Deco flourishes.

At the corner with Strand Road are the Port Authority and Yangon Division Court buildings. A left turn leads to the Strand Hotel , built in 1901 and – post-restoration – once again one of the city’s best hotels.

The easiest way to get a taste of small-town and village life in the Ayeyarwady delta is to take a five-minute ferry ride from the Pansodan Street jetty on Strand Road, straight across the river to Dala township. Rickshaw drivers wait on the other side and offer half-day tours, usually including rural villages and monasteries, for K4000–5000. The contrast with urban Yangon, just a stone’s throw away, is an eye-opener.

Yangon’s nightlife is getting livelier, but it still has a long way to go before it’s anything close to that of somewhere like Bangkok. If you’re just looking for a drink then there are plenty of simple “beer stations” around, with those in Chinatown (roughly 18th to 24th sts) typically staying open latest. With a few exceptions, nightclubs in Yangon tend to involve little dancing; many have nightly “fashion shows” or karaoke. You may encounter prostitution in some nightclubs, but it is low-key compared to many other large cities in the region.

You can’t walk far in Yangon without coming across a few street food stalls. One of the most popular places for an outdoor meal (and a draught beer or two) is the lively collection of barbecue stalls on 19th St, which set up from around 5pm until 9pm. You pay by the stick, and should be able to fill up for less than K2000; look out also for the marinated pork ribs.

Hledan produce market , southwest of Inya Lake and close to Hledan stop on the Circle Line train route, is a great place to experience daily life well off the tourist trail. Hundreds of food stalls set up each day in the surrounding streets (6–11am & 3–11pm), particularly “50ft Street” behind the market, and it’s really buzzing in the evenings as its proximity to the University of Yangon makes it a popular student hangout.

Boasting great views of Shwedagon Paya to the west, the boardwalk around and (in places) across Kandawgyi Lake is a good place for a walk. There’s less shade at the much larger Inya Lake to the north, but the southern shore is the site of Aung San Suu Kyi’s home. The road is now open – it was off-limits when she was under house arrest – but there is little that can actually be seen there today.

A huge seated Buddha makes Kyauk Taw Gyi pagoda, situated around 14km northwest of the centre – close to the airport and infamous Insein prison – one of Yangon’s most impressive Buddhist sites. It was carved from a single piece of marble near Mandalay in 1999, then brought to Yangon by boat and train. You can reach it by train yourself (it’s close to Insein station on the Circle Line) or by taxi.

The modern pagoda of Maha Wizaya Paya , just southeast of Shwedagon Paya, isn’t anything special on the outside but the interior comes as a surprise: the ceiling has been painted with a Buddhist zodiac and the central area is often stuffed with offerings, which makes the whole place smell of flowers.

The National Museum on Pyay Road is a litany of missed opportunities to showcase Myanmar’s rich culture and history. Most exhibits languish in poorly lit cases with no explanatory text, with the notable exception of the prominently displayed Lion Throne of the last Burmese king.

The vibrant heart of Buddhist Myanmar, the huge golden stupa of Shwedagon Paya is located less than 3km northwest of the downtown area, and is visible throughout much of the city. Legends claim that a shrine was first built here during the lifetime of the Buddha to house eight of his hairs which were brought back by two merchants, but the current structure was rebuilt most recently in 1775 following an earthquake.

It’s possible to approach along covered stairways from any of the four cardinal directions, or a wheelchair-accessible lift in the south. The huge, solid main stupa may dominate the 14-acre platform at the top, but there’s a whole host of smaller shrines, stupas and Buddha images surrounding it. For many locals, a visit to the pagoda is a social event as well as a religious one, a chance to catch up with friends and family or to meet with business contacts. The pagoda is particularly atmospheric in the evenings, which is also when novice monks visit in the hope of practicing their English with foreigners.

As at all Buddhist holy places, you should walk clockwise around Shwedagon. The first thing many Buddhists do is visit the appropriate shrine for the day of their birth, offering flowers, lighting a candle and pouring water on the image. Next they will visit each of the four large Buddhas, one facing each entry point. Look out also for a Buddha on the south side which has been carved from a single piece of jade, and the damaged Singu Min Bell on the west side – the British looted it in 1825 but when they got it to the river their ship sank.

A Tamil temple at the corner of 51st Street and Anawrahta Road, Sri Devi is a brightly coloured change from the usual white-and-gold Buddhist pagodas. Puja (ritual offerings to the deities) takes place at 8am and 6pm, while the temple’s biggest annual festival is on June 10. The priests prefer you not to take photos of the statues of gods.

When the British drew up a plan for the city’s streets, they put Sule Paya at the heart; today its golden central stupa, 45m tall, is still one of the most striking landmarks in downtown Yangon. The pagoda is surrounded by a ring of shops and forms a busy roundabout, which buses hurtle around throughout the day, but is surprisingly calm inside. You’ll be pestered by unlicensed moneychangers around here, but don’t be tempted – they’re notorious for scamming the unwary.

Just southeast of Sule Paya is Mahabandoola Garden , a bit scruffy but another good place to escape the downtown bustle. Its statue of Queen Victoria is long gone, and today it contains an austere independence monument placed there in 1950. Fortune-tellers ply their trade outside the garden’s railings.

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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Yangon Travel

• Mt. Kyaiktiyo Golden Rock
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Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, is by far the most exciting place in the country to be right now, as former political exiles, Asian investors and foreign adventurers flock in. As Myanmar's commercial and artistic hub, it's Yangon that most reflects the changes that have occurred since the country reopened to the world. There's a rash of new restaurants, bars and shops. And there are building sites – and traffic jams – everywhere. But in many ways Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, has hardly changed at all. The city remains focused on Shwedagon Paya, an awe-inspiring golden Buddhist monument around which everything else revolves. Close to it are the parks and lakes that provide Yangonites with an escape from the surrounding chaos. Then there's downtown, its pavements one vast open-air market, which is home to some of the most impressive colonial architecture in all Southeast Asia.

Yangon Weather Overview

Being in Southeast Asia, the climate of Yangon is tropical. Average temperatures in Yangon vary little. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a very low chance of rain throughout the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 28th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Yangon, the hottest months are April, March, and then May. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally mid April where highs are regularly around 100.8°F (38.2°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 76°F (24.4°C) at night.

Check the below table to have the general idea of Yangon weather throughout the year.

Best time to go to Yangon

The best time to visit Yangon is between November and March , with the best conditions overall. Temperatures are comfortable with average highs of about 30°C. Nights during the dry season are chilly, normally around 15°C (59°F), so warmer clothes are required.

Since it is the peak tourist season, the price of air tickets and accommodation is higher than at other times. And when sightseeing, you can probably expect attractions to be crowded.

Yangon Seasonal Weather Guide

Yangon experiences three seasons, namely the dry season, the hot season and the wet season.

Dry Season (November to February)

In the dry season, from November to February, the temperature of Yangon is around 20 °C, and the climate is pleasant. Even at the highest temperature at noon, it will not be very hot. That said, the dry season is the best season for visiting Yangon, and it is also the tourist season for Yangon.

The hotels that are in short supply in peacetime are more crowded at this time, and the price will rise accordingly. It is recommended to book accommodation arrangements one month in advance.

Hot Season (March to May)

From the beginning of March, temperatures increase steadily, reaching 40°C (104°F) by the end of the month. It is more humid in Yangon than in other places, as it is close to the beach.

As temperatures increase a lot, tourists should be aware of the uncomfortable outdoor environment. Lakes are generally cooler, so for example Inya Lake is a good option for relaxation.

If you can put up with the heat, you’ll find that travel and accommodation prices during the hot season are cheaper than at other times, and crowds are smaller. The Shwedagon Pagoda Festival and Thingyan Water Festival are two main hot-season events in Yangon, attracting many people every year.

Wet Season (June to October)

The rains start in May, and by June it is time for monsoon storms. As the wettest months, July and August have temperatures hovering around 30°C. It is not the best time to travel to Yangon, as its location on the south coast means it has more rainfall than other regions.

However, the rain usually comes in short bursts, so rainfall should not have a huge negative impact on your overall experience. Most beach resorts are closed at this time, so it is not a good time for the beaches.

The good news is that the price of air tickets and accommodation during this season should be lowest, and you can expect fewer crowds, especially when you visit the popular destinations. Thadingyut Festival is the largest festival, held either in September or October. It attracts many people every year.

Yangon Current  Weather & 7-Day Forecast

Yangon is the former capital city of Myanmar and this is also the largest city in the country. The city is famous for having a mix of gorgeous colonial architecture which is located alongside traditional pagodas covered in gold leaf and studded with jewels. As you wander around the city, you can also enjoy delicious street food bites or you can also visit some of the more modern parts of the city to have a rooftop cocktail as you take in the glittering monuments and limpid lakes for which Yangon is so famous.

If you don’t have much time to visit Myanmar then this is also a good chose as Yangon is close to other spots that make an easy day trip such as Hpa-an and the Golden Rock.

Here are the best things to do in Yangon:

1. Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most famous pagodas in the world and is simply stunning.

This is the main attraction that you have to see when you are in Yangon and the pagoda is also one of the most sacred sites to the Buddhist community in Myanmar.

The pagoda is made up of a central structure which is covered in gold leaf and studded with precious stones like diamonds and rubies.

You will also find other amazing objects here such as diamond crowns and if possible try to come here at sunset when you can take in the gorgeous skies across Yangon.

It is said that the pagoda has been in situ since the 6th century AD when lotus blossoms bloomed here and a sacred hair of the Buddha was housed in the building.

2. Eat at 999 Shan Noodle

Many visitors to Myanmar don’t realize that the food is simply delicious, as Burmese cuisine has failed to catch on as much as other Asian foodstuffs worldwide.

That said, Yangon has an amazing food scene and when you are in town you need to try one of the most famous dishes in Myanmar which is Shan noodles that originated in Shan State.

The best place to eat them in the city is in 999 Shan Noodle and this small shop serves up bowls of steaming noodles which are accompanied by vegetables, herbs, and a range of sauces to customize your dish.

999 Shan Noodle is a humble eatery in the city so don’t expect anything fancy but the line of locals eating here proves just how delicious the toothsome delicacy served here really is.

3. Walk through Chinatown

Yangon has a sizeable Chinese population and as you would imagine it also has its own Chinatown.

This is one of the best places to visit in the city if you are looking for local markets as well as a whole plethora or barbecue and street food options.

Chinatown is located around 19th street in Yangon and this is also one of the best places to not only shop and eat but also take in the pretty architecture in this part of town which is quite different from other locations.

4. Visit the Sule Pagoda

Sule Pagoda was built some 2,500 years ago and is one of the most famous temples in the city.

What makes this pagoda so unique is that it is located in the middle of a rather modern part of town which serves to highlight its historical importance.

The Sule Pagoda, also known as Sule Paya is made up of a 46 meter stupa that is shaped like an octagon.

You can now walk around the pagoda and check out all the architectural motifs inside the main building and the walkways are an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city.

5. Tour the Martyrs’ Mausoleum

The Martyrs’ Mausoleum is located near to Shwedagon Pagoda and is a memorial which was built to honor the Major General and ‘founding father of modern Myanmar’ Aung San and six of his cabinet members who were assassinated.

It also contains the tomb of Queen Suphayalat who was the wife of the last king of Myanmar as well as others such as former Un Secretary General U Thant and writer Thakin Kodaw.

From the mausoleum you can also check out panoramic vistas over the rest of Yangon although bear in mind that it is only open on the 19th of July every year as this is a public holiday to remember the assassination of Aung San.

6. Walk through Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple

Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple is known for having a statue of a reclining Buddha which is 217 foot long and is one of the largest in Myanmar.

This is one of the most beautiful Buddha statues in this part of the world and the attention to detail that was put into this monument is amazing.

The face was worked on several times as it was said to look too severe when it was first made, and you can now enjoy all the intricate details and design touches up close.

You can even take in the long eyelashes of the Buddha as well as inscribed feet which make this well worth the trip as the temple lies outside of downtown Yangon.

7. Feed the catfish at Yangon Lake

If you want to try a favorite local activity in Yangon then you can go down to Yangon Lake (also called Kandawgyi Lake) and feed the resident catfish.

This may sound strange but when you get down to the water you will find vendors who sell hunks of bread which you can then throw to the amazing catfish.

Be warned that the fish are rather large and if you throw bread to them this will result in a spirited feeding frenzy, but it is also one of the quirkiest activities you can enjoy in the city.

8. Have a bowl of Mohinga

If Myanmar has a national dish then it is definitely Mohinga.

Usually eaten for breakfast, this dish is made of rice noodles which are cooked in a fish based broth.

The whole dish also has a curried flavor to it as it is packed full of spices and aromatics and this is usually eaten for breakfast so make sure not to miss trying a steaming bowl when you are in town.

9. Explore Botataung Pagoda

Botataung Pagoda is also known as ‘1,000 soldiers’ and it was built to honor 1,000 military leaders in Myanmar who made of guard of honor and paid their respects to the relics of eight strands of hair that were said to have belonged to the Buddha and which were brought over from India some 2,000 years ago.

The hair is still preserved in the pagoda although it is not on show to the public, but this is still one of the most important religious monuments in Yangon.

10. Walk through Kandawgyi Park

Kandawgyi Park is one of the best places to visit in Yangon if you want to get out of the center of the bustling city.

The lake here is a top spot to watch the sunrise or sunset across the city and you can watch local families visiting the park at all times of the day.

From the park you can look out across the lake and see sights such as a massive golden dragon boat which sits on the water and also look across to the brilliant Shwedagon Pagoda.

11. Visit Bahadur Shah Zafar Grave

Bahadur Shah Zafar Grave is located on Zi Wa Ka Street and is known for being the final resting place of the last Mughal emperor of India.

Bahadur Shah Zafar was also the last ruler of the Timurid Dynasty and after the Indian Rebellion in 1857 he was exiled to Yangon.

Nowadays you can visit the tomb and there are guides here who will take you around the modest complex and tell you all about the history of the emperor who is now also considered to be a Sufi saint.

12. Have a cocktail at the Strand Hotel

The Strand Hotel is a Yangon institution and is known for being the grandest hotel in the city.

The Strand Hotel was built in 1901 by the Sarkies brothers and it was renovated in the 1990s to its former glory.

This is one of the most famous colonial buildings in Myanmar and you can come here for a cocktail or have a traditional English afternoon tea.

13. Stroll around Kaba Aye Pagoda

Kaba Aye Pagoda is one of the prettiest pagodas in Yangon and you will find a peaceful courtyard here that seems a world away from the busy streets of the city.

The main reason to come to the Kaba Aye Pagoda is to take in the Buddha centerpiece which is made of silver.

Make sure to note that you can’t wear your shoes in the pagoda so you will need to bring a bag with you or leave these outside, which is true of all sacred spots in Myanmar.

Also make sure you try to visit in the morning or late afternoon as the sun can make for rather a hot visit.

14. Visit the National Museum

If you want to walk through some of the history in Yangon then you need to head to the National Museum.

Here you will find a whole range of Burmese artifacts as well as galleries filled with antiques and other regalia that date back to the Konbaung Dynasty.

The museum has one of the best collections of antiques in Southeast Asia and this is the ideal place to come for anyone interested in Burmese craftsmanship and heritage items.

15. Visit the Maha Wizaya Pagoda

The Maha Wizaya Pagoda is one of the more modern temples in Yangon and is located on top of a small scenic hill.

The pagoda is notable as it is topped with a picturesque blue domed ceiling that is covered in motifs and you can also see turtles crawling around the monument and swimming in the lakes on the lush grounds.

Another reason to come here is to take in the amazing views over Yangon from the top of the hill.

16. Take a ride on the Yangon Circular Train

Myanmar is known for epic railway journeys and many of the train lines here were built during the British colonial period.

If you don’t have time to get outside the city however, then you can go for a short jaunt on the Yangon Circular Train which offers you the chance to take a three hour trip into the outskirts of the city.

As you ride on the railway you can take in the emerald green rice paddies and other sights like rustic villages that dot the railway line.

17. Enjoy the views at the Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro

The Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro is the best place to come in Yangon if you want to get a drink with a view.

The bistro is located on the 20th floor and looks out over the city with panoramic vistas over the downtown area which stretches to the Shwedagon Pagoda.

The best time to come here is in the late afternoon when you can watch the sunset with a bottle of ice cold local beer.

18. Check out Kandawgyi Lake

Kandawgyi Lake used to be known as Victoria Lakes and although it is not the largest body of water in the city it is definitely the most famous.

The lake is located on Bogyoke Aung San Park and is known for its boardwalk which wraps around the water and is the best place to go for a stroll in the evening.

Depending on when you visit you can also find musical performances held in the park.

19. Shop at Bogyoke Aung San Market

Bogyoke Aung San Market is also sometimes referred to by its former name which is Scott Market.

This market was built in 1926 during the British colonial period and surrounding the building you will find a number of cobbled streets that look like they wouldn’t be out of place in an English city.

There is also a large indoor section of the market where you can get a good range of Burmese souvenirs such as textiles, handicrafts and paintings, so if you are shopping for gifts and mementos of your trip then this is the ideal place to come.

20. Ride on the Dallah Ferry

If you want to briefly get out of the city then consider a trip on the Dallah Ferry.

Dallah is a small village which lies across the river from Yangon but the main reason to come here is for the chance to ride on the ferry.

This is a local ferry so you will get the chance to take to the water with the locals and the ferry is usually used to transport local produce across the river such as fruits, vegetables and tea.

It is also free if you choose to sit on the upper deck.

21. Check out the Swe Taw Myat Pagoda

The Swe Taw Myat Pagoda is one of the nicest in Myanmar and is made of gold leaf and white stucco which glows in the afternoon sun.

The pagoda is also covered in eye catching motifs in different colors and there are a number of entrances which mean that you can spend time exploring the different alleyways through the pagoda.

This is also a famous religious spot in Buddhism as it is said to house a tooth of the Buddha.

22. Walk around Inya Lake

Inya Lake is the largest lake in Yangon and has recently been renovated so that you can now easily walk along its pretty shores.

The lake also backs on to lush gardens and the area is known for its scenic villas which are owned by many of Yangon’s elite.

This makes a top choice to go for a walk in the evening and you can also stop off for a drink at the Inya Lake Hotel and watch the views across the water that way if you prefer.

23. Admire the colonial architecture

Myanmar used to be a former British colony and it is still covered in traditional architecture.

In recent years the government has made efforts to preserve the former colonial buildings and you can now go for a walk through the city and see some of the most beautiful spots.

Some of the best to look out for include the Strand Hotel as well as the old Yangon Railway Station.

24. Visit Aung San’s House

Aung San was a famous Major General and some consider him to have been the ‘founding father’ of Myanmar before he was assassinated.

As such, he was an extremely important political figure in the country and you can now go and visit his home and learn more about his role in the founding of modern Myanmar.

On a visit to his home you will be able to take in a range of memorabilia including his old car, his suits and his library.

25. Try the street food

Myanmar has a delicious street food scene and what makes it so amazing is that it is made up of a range of influences including Indian, Chinese and Thai flavors.

As you wander the streets of Yangon therefore, make sure not to miss out on local bites such as grilled meats on skewers or delicious fried samosas.

If you want to stop off in a simple cafe then you can also try one of the most unusual dishes in the country which is a kind of salad which is made of tea leaves which have been pickled.

Yangon’s thriving food scene offers something for every type of palate and budget. Traditional flavors from all over Myanmar mixed with international fusion and fare waft through the streets. Here are some of the tastiest restaurants you need to try when visiting Myanmar’s foodie capital.

Rangoon Tea House

Rangoon Tea House  takes Burmese food to new heights. It’s delicious, reasonably priced, and the design is classy chic. This newly renovated and expanded restaurant has a trendy, bright downstairs and a speakeasy-style upstairs with cushy seating and cocktail bar. Rangoon Tea House is a huge favorite for its authentic Burmese food with a modern twist. Sink into a beautiful bowl of mohinga, Myanmar’s national dish, or the chicken biryani, and get ready to be impressed with the number of traditional tea concoctions available on the menu as well.

Address: Ground Floor, 77-79 Pansodan Rd, Kyauktada Yangon, Myanmar, +95 9979 078 681

Sharky's

The Sharky’s concept is farm to table. Nearly all of the food served at Sharky’s two restaurants in Yangon and newest one in Bagan comes from their own farms with little to no waste in the process. This popular establishment is founded upon more than two decades of passion about locally sourced produce.

Sharky’s on Pansodan Street in Yangon focuses on perfect steaks, as well as grilled and rotisserie meats. The original branch located on Dhammazedi Road has a large deli on the ground floor featuring hundreds of made-in-Myanmar goods, including many hard to come by artisan products such as cheese, hummus and sausages. Definitely go for one of Sharky’s stunningly fresh salads, a steak or the charcuterie platter.

Address: 81 Upper Pansodan Rd Township, Yangon, Myanmar, +95 9264 589 515

999 Shan Noodle Shop

Arguably the best Shan noodles outside of Shan State, 999 Shan Noodle Shop is a favored Yangon joint for quick, tasty and cheap noodles. There are now three 999 Shan Noodle Shops in the city giving residents and tourists even more access to highly sought-after Shan cuisine. The main shop is on 34th Street.

999 Shan Noodle Shop is also known for more its fried tofu, tofu salad, dumplings, rice dishes, as well as all sorts of other noodle soups. Whether on the run or tucking into a few small dishes with friends, this place is a staple for simple traditional Burmese food.

Address: 130b 34th Street, Kyauktada Yangon, Myanmar, +95 138 9363

Green Gallery

Amid the expensive hotels, chaotic traffic, and rowdy tea shops, finding a quiet and well-established restaurant in Yangon can be very difficult at times. Thankfully, there’s Green Gallery – a relatively small space often filled to the brim with Thai food enthusiasts.

Serving up inexpensive, tantalizing curries and salads, Green Gallery hits the spot every time. One of Green Gallery’s specialties is hosting events. If a private all-you-can-eat-and-drink party is desired, contact this cozy corner of Yangon for a celebration to remember.

Address: 58 52nd Street (Lower Block), Yangon, 11160, Myanmar, +95 931 315 131

Looking to pair an evening at an art gallery and space for poetry slams, lecture series and documentary screenings with genuine bites of Myanmar? Pansuriya has found its spot on Yangon’s plate as a curator of artistic events that draw crowds who keep coming back to savor unique gatherings alongside mouthwatering Burmese curries, traditional salads like tea leaf and tomato, and various juices and desserts.

Address: 100 Bogalay Zay Street, Botahtaung Yangon, Myanmar, +95 977 894 9170

50th Street Bar and Grill

A well-known location with a sports-pub vibe, 50th Street Bar and Grill brings people together. Not many places in Yangon cater to the foreigner crowd quite like this bar, with large screens, frequent comedy nights and team trivia.

Choose from 50th Street’s updated menu featuring flavorful freshness such as grilled mushroom and kale quesadillas, hand-cut Australian sirloin steak tartare, saliva-inducing burgers and other classic international favorites. It’s always a good time at 50th Street.

Address: 9-13 50th Street, Yangon, Myanmar, +95 139 7060

Feel Myanmar Food

Feel is a large chain around Myanmar providing familiar Burmese street food in a more comfortable restaurant setting. The menu at each Feel location includes a large assortment of Myanmar’s fave national dishes, as well as flavors from other countries such as Thailand, Korea and China.

Visit Feel in Dagon Township, Yangon (Restaurant 8), to enjoy a large smattering of Myanmar food with all the fixings in one place. Lunchtime tends to be very crowded.

Address: 124 Pyi Htaung Su Yeikthar Street,, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar, +95 973 208 132

Root has definitely planted some appetizing ethnic roots in Yangon. Opened just over a year ago by two sisters from Myanmar’s Wa State special region in Northern Shan State, this cafe and bar is the only spot dedicated to fresh Wa food and drinks in Yangon. Root also hosts house music on select nights. Stop by to see, hear and taste what the hype is all about.

Address: Bo Myat Htun Street, Bo Myat Htun Tower, Botahtaung Yangon, 11162, Myanmar, +95 945 669 6695

Found in the heart of the up-and-coming Sanchaung neighborhood, Win Star restaurant and beer station provides the same bustling local atmosphere as 19th Street near Chinatown in downtown Yangon does – only Win Star has a roof.

The grilled potatoes, quail eggs, corn, fish and many other types of meat and vegetables are a must. Basically, just barbecue and eat everything. And wash it all down with a glass of crisp Myanmar beer, of course.

Address: Sanchaung Street, San Chaung Yangon, Myanmar, +95 151 0734

Like most large cities, Yangon can be divided into several areas, each with their own personality and feel. From Yangon’s increasingly bustling downtown to the fascinating temples found further north, Yangon’s neighbourhoods each offer a very different experience.

For the most part, you’ll want to stay in Downtown Yangon or Northern Yangon for your first visit to the city. Inya Lake , which is located further north, is also a popular tourism area, with a variety of hotels to choose from.

Below, we’ve listed the three best areas to stay in while visiting Yangon, with a brief description and hotel recommendations for each area. 

Downtown Yangon

Luxury hotels in downtown yangon.

1. The Strand Hotel, Yangon

One of Myanmar’s most famous hotels, the Strand Hotel is an iconic luxury hotel open since the early years of the 20th century with an excellent location on Downtown Yangon’s Strand Road.

2. PARKROYAL Yangon

A more modern luxury accommodation option, the PARKROYAL Yangon is located in the heart of Downtown Yangon, with stylish rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and more.

Mid Range Hotels in Downtown Yangon

1. Best Western Chinatown Hotel

Modern and comfortable, the Best Western Chinatown Hotel has a great location on Anawrahta Road, close to the centre of Downtown Yangon, with a variety of well decorated guestrooms.

2. Taw Win Garden Hotel

Located just north of Downtown Yangon, Taw Win Garden Hotel offers spacious rooms and a great location between Downtown Yangon and attractions like the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Budget Hotels in Downtown Yangon

1. Sule Sapphire Inn

Cheap and simple, Sule Sapphire Inn is a clean and comfortable two star hotel located minutes from the Sule Pagoda in the centre of Downtown Yangon.

2. 15th Street @ Downtown Yangon

Another good budget accommodation option, 15th Street @ Downtown Yangon offers clean and cosy rooms with modern furniture at very affordable prices.

Northern Yangon

Luxury hotels in northern yangon.

1. Savoy Hotel

The Savoy Hotel Yangon is a boutique luxury hotel with a 19th century colonial feel. The rooms here are beautifully decorated and extremely comfortable, while the outdoor pool and courtyard is ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring Yangon.

2. Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon

Located close to Kandawgyi Lake, Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon is a modern luxury hotel with a great variety of rooms and suites, plus a spa, swimming pool and fitness centre.

Mid Range Hotels in Northern Yangon

1. Summit Parkview Yangon

Located less than five minutes from the Shwedagon Pagoda by taxi, Summit Parkview Yangon is a popular albeit slightly dated four star hotel with clean, comfortable rooms.

2. Merchant Art Boutique Hotel

Another conveniently located hotel close to the Shwedagon Pagoda, Merchant Art Boutique Hotel is a modern four star boutique hotel with artistic, stylishly decorated rooms.

Budget Hotels in Northern Yangon

1. Pickled Tea Hostel

Just 1.3km from the Shwedagon Pagoda, Pickled Tea Hostel is a modern hostel with clean and comfortable private rooms and dormitory beds at good prices for Yangon.

2. Hundred Moon

Another budget option close to the Shwedagon Pagoda, Hundred Moon is a simple, comfortable two star hotel with spacious, clean and well decorated rooms.

Luxury Hotels Near Inya Lake

1. Melia Yangon

Melia Yangon is a large, modern luxury hotel located right on the banks of Inya Lake. The rooms here are spacious and luxurious, with great views of the lake and access to the hotel’s excellent swimming pool, spa and fitness centre.

2. Lotte Hotels & Resorts Yangon

Another large five star hotel on the lakefront, Lotte Hotels & Resort Yangon has a huge selection of spacious rooms and suites, an indoor pool, spa, fitness centre and several restaurants.

Mid Range Hotels Near Inya Lake

1. Bike World Myanmar Bed, Breakfast and Bike

Bike World Myanmar is an affordable bed and breakfast located close to Inya Lake with a variety of rooms, a charming on-site restaurant and bike rentals for guests that want to explore the area around the lake.

2. The Link Yangon Boutique Hotel

Located just a few blocks away from Inya Lake, The Link Yangon is a small boutique hotel with a selection of clean, modern and affordable rooms managed by friendly, helpful staff.

Budget Hotels Near Inya Lake

1. Majesty Residence

Located on the northern side of Inya Lake, Majesty Residence offers cheap and simple rooms just six kilometres from the Shwedagon Pagoda and eight kilometres from Downtown Yangon.

2. Yangon Hub

Yangon Hub is a cheap, clean and comfortable backpacker’s hostel in a quiet neighbourhood to the west of Inya Lake. Twin and double rooms are available here, as well as inexpensive beds in mixed dorms.  

Yangon International Airport (Mingladon) (IATA: RGN) is located approximately 30 minutes north of the city centre. Having undergone from a major upgrade and renovation of existing facilities circa 2015, it contains both international and domestic terminals. 

There are international direct flights to RGN from Dubai, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Dhaka, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Singapore, Gaya, Kolkata, Kunming, Guangzhou, Nanning, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Doha, Taipei, and Tokyo . International Airlines servicing RGN include Nok Air (To Bangkok), Thai Airways, Bangkok Air, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Cathay Dragon, Korean Airlines, Silk Air, Vietnam Airlines, Air India, and All Nippon Airways.

Coffee, tea and very basic snacks (packaged biscuits and single serving cakes) are available inside the security area.

A new international terminal (T1) opened in March 2016 and the old international terminal has been designated as T2. Some airlines are in the process of relocating, so check with your airline for which terminal your flights will operate from.

A hundred and fifty years ago, boats were the way to get to places from Yangon and IWT (Inland Water Transport) passenger ferries still ply the major rivers.

Yangon to Mandalay takes 5 days with a change at Pyay (3 days) and the return trip (downriver) takes three days.

A luxury ferry (the Delta Queen) recalls the colonial era on the Yangon-Pathein route (about 20 hours, US$170/person).

The IWT ferry to Pathein takes 15 hours for the over-night trip (US$35/10). On October 2015 the IWT ferry to Pathein was suspended.

Most buses (for destinations as Bagan, Kalaw, Mandalay, Taunggyi for Inle Lake, Bago, Hpa-An, Mwlamyiane, Pyay, Lashio) depart from the Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal (also known as Highway Bus Station, MYK5000 taxi from airport, MYK2000 for a motortaxi to airport), a bit out of the city and beyond the airport, on the Pyay Road.

There is heavy competition on the Mandalay route with air conditioned fares ranging from 10,500 (Mandalar Minn, E lite) to MYK18,000 for a 3 seat across VIP bus (E lite). E lite has an all new fleet with several departures early morning and evening.

The new highway has dramatically reduced travel times north with the Mandalay trip taking just over 8 hours with a good bus. Buses to Bagan are at 15,000 kyat for the 9 hour journey no bargaining seems to be possible, buses depart around 9am and from 6pm to 9pm.

There are ticket offices representing all companies outside stadium opposite the main train station. Many offer ferry services to the Highway Bus Station in a pickup for 1000 kyat a taxi will cost around 6000 kyat.

Buses for the Irrawaddy delta region (Pathein, Chaungtha Beach, Ngwe Saung Beach),depart from the Hlaing Thar Yar Bus Terminal across the Bayintnaung Bridge. Buses to Sittwe and Thandwe (Ngapali Beach) are also available but the road is bad and the journey long.

Thanks to the new bridge and upgraded road, buses to Pathein take less than 4 hours and the journey is comfortable. Add 45 minutes by taxi to get to the Hlaing Thar Yar Bus Terminal though. 6000 kyats.

Big bus companies serving the main tourist destinations (Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal) have sales offices across Yangon train station (can also buy "shuttle ticket" to Bus Terminal for 1000 Kyat here).

What to see & do

What & where to eat, where to stay, how to get there.

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Taking a cruise on the fascinating Mekong River offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each destination along the river offers its own distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, we will go over what you can expect when cruising the Mekong River. 

How many days do you need in Myanmar

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian countries has taken the cautious approach to inbound travel and has had some of the strictest border restrictions and closures. At the moment, the nations of the region are in the beginning stages of reopening their borders for tourism, with every country introducing its own regulations.

The “unlocking” statuses vary widely. Travelers entering Asian countries may be required to do everything from going into quarantine, submitting negative COVID-19 test results, presenting proof of health insurance, and proof of vaccination (known a vaccine passports).

There is an understandable uncertainty with how you should travel to the Asian region if you are planning to. This is why we present you the list of 19 Asian countries, along with details on the current travel situation. As each country applies precisely defined regulations, you should always check the official websites listed in the article below for the latest government announcements.

Myanmar will resume international passenger flights from April 17, the military said on Saturday, lifting a two-year ban on foreign tourists.

Thanaka or  thanakha is a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark. It is a distinctive feature of the culture of Myanmar, seen commonly applied to the face and sometimes the arms of women and girls, and is used to a lesser extent also by men and boys. The use of thanaka has also spread to neighboring countries including Thailand.

Within this article, we will learn everything about Thanaka and the benefits of its powder in making a secret beauty ingredient of Burmese women.

Burmese Longyi, along with the country’s longtime history, art, and heritage sites has contributed to the richness of the local culture that will grasp your attention whenever you find yourself in strolling around the streets of Myanmar. With just a piece of fabric grasping on the lower part of the body through time, the longyi has made it become an incredible pattern of Myanmar traditional costume for both men and women. In this article, we are going to find out the secret of Myanmar quintessence through Longyi, about why it has been worn for centuries by the Burmese people.

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Yangon Travel Guide – Top Things to do in Yangon

Last Updated on: Mar 20, 2024  

In this article, we have written about the best things to do in Yangon along with the major attractions in Yangon, how to move around and some other tips. Hope this Yangon Travel Guide helps you in planning your trip to Yangon and Myanmar .

The first thing that we noticed when we arrived at Yangon is that it is considerably busier than other cities of Myanmar like Bagan or Mandalay . And Yangon is very similar to Kolkata . The buildings, the riversides everything looked and felt so similar, we could not but fall in love with this city.

If you are visiting Myanmar, then Yangon will definitely be one of the stops in your itinerary. Many tourists keep Yangon as a transit city while heading out to other cities of Myanmar. But Yangon definitely deserves more than a stop. There are quite of lot of things to do in Yangon and a number of interesting sights. It is the most populated city of Myanmar. So you will see the Burmese culture and people quite closely.

For more Myanmar tips and advice read more about our 2 weeks in Myanmar here and check out our Bagan tips and guide here!

History of Yangon

During the early eleventh century, Yangon was a small fishing village around the Shwedagon Pagoda under the Mon kingdom and was called Dagon . King Alaungpaya conquered Dagon in 1775 and renamed it as Yangon . During the first Anglo-Burmese War of 1824-26, the British had captured Yangon. But Yangon was returned back to the Burmese after the war.

After the second Anglo-Burmese War in 1852, the British seized Yangon and also Lower Burma. They established Yangon as the commercial and political centre of British Burma. No wonder that Yangon resembles so much to Calcutta , the city where the British had established their capital in India.

After World War I, Yangon became the centre of the Burmese independent movement. Yangon was captured by the Japanese force during World War II and the city suffered heavy damage during that period. There was, in fact, an old and dilapidated building still standing that had marks of shelling on its walls. Yangon was retaken by the Allies in 1945 after the end of the war. The name Rangoon that is so common to us, was perhaps a mispronunciation on the part of the British.

Burma gained independence from the British rule on January 4, 1948 and Yangon became the capital of Union of Burma. Finally in 2005, the political capital of Myanmar was shifted from Yangon to Naypyidaw .

Yangon Travel Guide – Things you need to know

Where is yangon.

This Burmese cosmopolitan city is located at lower Burma at the confluence of River Yangon and River Bago. The city is a concoction of beautiful pagodas, British colonial architecture, street food and lovely Burmese people.

How to get to Yangon?

The most conventional way to reach Yangon is to fly in to Yangon International Airport for most travellers from abroad. Yangon can be reached from other cities of Myanmar by bus and train services as well. The bus service at Myanmar is really top notch and we recommend getting a night bus to Yangon if you are visiting from any other city.

If you are travelling from India, then you can travel to Myanmar by road as well. You can cross the border from Moreh in Manipur and travel all the way to Mandalay. Read about our experience about the road journey from Moreh to Mandalay .

How do you get around Yangon?

The easiest way to get around Yangon is by taking a cab. Taxis and cabs are available easily and most of the cab drivers speak some English. You can also take an auto rickshaw and tuktuk for moving around. But make sure you bargain about the price.

You can also take buses, but they are a bit of a challenge as all the displays are in Burmese.

Top Things to do in Yangon

There are a number of fascinating things to do in Yangon that can fill up your stay. We stayed for 3 days in Yangon and explored the city to our best. We had wanted to visit the Rangoon War Cemetery, but could not do so because of time and some error in planning on our part. Here is a list of places to see when you visit Yangon.

Take a visit to the crown of Myanmar, Shwedagon Pagoda

Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the largest pagodas and the most famous attractions in the city. Said to be almost 2500 years old, this bell-shaped glittery golden pagoda was constructed on the highest hill of Yangon, Singuttara Hill. The pagoda is perhaps the most flamboyant sight in the city with gold plated dome and the stupa contains as many as 7000 diamonds, rubies, topaz and other gems! Little wonder that the Shwedagon Pagoda is known as the crown of Myanmar. You would at least need 3 to 4 hours to explore this wonderful place, also considered to be the most sacred Buddhist site in Myanmar.

Sunset is the best time to be at the Shwedagon pagoda when the rays of the setting sun on the golden stupa gives it an ethereal glow. You can stay until darkness when the pagoda lights up and looks like a golden structure shining in the dark.

If you are visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda in the day, we would recommend to carry an umbrella or cap. The blazing sun on the golden stupa often dazzles the eyes.

Opening time of the Shwedagon Pagoda : 4 AM to 8 PM

Entry fees for Shwedagon Pagoda: 10000 MMK or USD 8. The ticket gives you access for the entire day. So you can visit the pagoda as many times you want during the day.

Kandawagyi Lake

Also known as the Royal Lake , the Kandawagyi Lake is like a serene paradise located near the Shwedagon Pagoda. It was built by the British to act as reservoir. Presently, it is one of the major attractions in Yangon and is like an oasis away from the busy downtown. There is a boardwalk surrounded by shady trees. The best time to visit the Lake is during the evening when the reflection of the Shwedagon Pagoda falls on the Lake.

On the eastern side of the lake is the Karaweik Palace that looks like a royal boat or barge. This is the place in Yangon where you can watch a cultural show or traditional dance. Inside the Karaweil Palace, you can enjoy an extensive buffet of Burmese and Chinese food.

Entrance fee to the Karaweik Hall is 300 Kyat. Price of the buffet is around US$ 20 per person.

Marvel at the reclining Buddha Statute at Chauk That Gyi Pagoda

The Chauk That Gyi Pagoda is known for its 65 metres reclining statue of Buddha. We were pretty excited to visit the pagoda. But once we reached there, we were in for a shock. The pagoda was under repairs and the whole statue was covered with bamboo installations for repair work. We were so disappointed! Nevertheless, we enjoyed our visit there and even with all the repair work, the place is one of my favourites in Yangon.

Entry Fees: Free

Nga Gyi Pagoda

So after a sight of the huge reclining Buddha statue, it was our turn to see the imposing Buddha statue at Nga Gyi Pagoda. This pagoda is located just a few metres across the street from Chauk That Gyi Pagoda. A flight of stairs lead to the temple gate and once we entered we were simply awestruck looking at the Buddha statue.

The Buddha is seated on a pedestal against an ornately carved wooden backdrop. The whole statue along with the pedestal is 14 metres (45 feet) high, white in colour with golden robe on it. we actually did not expect such grand things to see in Yangon. May be because, people do not talk much about this pagoda and also Chauk That Gyi Pagoda. We had not known much about these places from before and were pleasantly surprised seeing them.

There are no entrance fees to this pagoda as well.

Bogyoke Aung San Market

Situated just in the heart of Yangon, Bogyoke Aung San Market is the most popular market in Yangon. The market was inaugurated in 1926 and was known as Scott Market then. There are almost 2000 shops here selling anything and everything. Clothes, jewellery, handicrafts and souvenirs, lacquerware, bags and puppets – we were dazzled to see the variety of things. Even if you do not want to buy anything, you can easily spend half a day just roaming around the market.

Timings : 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed on gazette holidays.

Visit the 44 metres high golden Sule Pagoda

The Sule Pagoda is located in the centre of Yangon. I am not quite sure whether it is in the centre of the city or not, but the pagoda definitely stands with all its glory right at the middle of Yangon Downtown. The Sule pagoda is named after Sularata, the Sule Nat (spirit) who lived at the spot where the pagoda now stands. Even if you do not enter the pagoda, it is a beautiful place to look at from a distance.

Opening time of Sule Pagoda: 4 AM to 10 PM

Entry fees of Sule Pagoda: 3000 MMK or USD 2

Explore Yangon Downtown

If you are in Yangon, you will have to explore Yangon Downtown. It is the most happening area of Yangon with a mix of British colonial architecture, interesting buildings, markets and the Sule Pagoda just at the heart of all the affairs. And the best way to explore downtown is by foot. We had actually stayed at a hostel in downtown, so we spent a lot of time exploring the place on foot.

The Sule Pagoda is located at the crossroads of Sule Pagoda Road and Mahabandoola Road . The Mahabandoola Garden is located just across the Sule Pagoda and both these locations act as good reference points at downtown. The City Hall just across the Mahabandoola Park is a beautiful building having both colonial and oriental design elements. What caught our eyes here is the presence of a mosque and a church just opposite the Sule Pagoda. There is also a synagogue and a beautiful cathedral here that we visited. We also found a Durga Bari here and actually present there during the Ashtami of Durga Puja.

The downtown area also has the maximum colonial architectures like the High Court, Secretariat, Telegraph Office and also the Yangon Railway Station. If you are fond of art, then you should take a visit to the Pansodan Gallery that somehow remains hidden amidst all the huge buildings. It has some amazing art collections.        

Visit the Botataung Pagoda

Another beautiful and very golden pagoda located near the waterfront is the Botataung Pagoda. This is another pagoda in Yangon where the hair relic of Lord Buddha is kept (the other one being the Shwedagon pagoda). This pagoda was completely destroyed during World War II and was later rebuilt.

You can visit Botataung Pagoda and then head over to Botataung harbor and Jetty to view the amazing sunset.

Watch the sunset from the Botataung Harbour (Riverfront) or enjoy an evening Cruise at Yangon River

The Botataung Harbour near Yangon downtown is a busy place always filled with people. The best tine to visit the harbour is just before sunset. You can actually see the local people in their work. The sunset view from the Botataung Harbour is simply awesome. We actually sat there for hours tired and exhausted after exploring the town. The sunset simply made us forget all our exhaustion.

If you want, you can take a sunset cruise on the Yangon river from the Bohtataung Jetty. The cruise is usually for 2 hours and includes welcome drink and snacks. It costs around USD 55.

Take a stroll along the Inya Lake

Inya Lake, too was built by the British as a water reservoir. Now the area is the home of Yangon’s elite. It is a beautiful and serene place with a number of restaurants and eateries. Aung San Su Kyi spent 15 years under house arrest in her lakeside home in this area.

Inya lake is about 10 km from Yangon downtown.

Take a ride in the Yangon Circular Train

Taking the Yangon circular train can be a unique experience. The slow train takes around 3 hours to take you around the city and will take you around the surrounding villages, countryside and markets. Here you can actually view the real Burmese life. If you have not had any train journey in your trip, we would recommend you to take a ride in the Yangon Circular Train. Circular railway tickets cost USD 1 and you will need your passport. Trains leave roughly every hour between 6am and 2pm.

See what the Burmese buys at the Wet Market at 17th Street

If you really want to see the Burmese food market, then you should take a walk along the 17 th Street Wet Market. The area is bustling with activity during the morning time with people buying and selling vegetables and other eatables. Fishes, chickens, crabs, lobsters, shrimps, crayfish, frogs, octopuses, snakes, snails, meat and what not – everything were displayed and sold at this market. Yes, these are the staple diet of the Burmese!

Do wear comfortable clothes and shoes while visiting the Wet Market. The place tends is quite hot during the daytime and tends to get muddy.

Visit the beautiful St Mary’s Cathedral

St Mary’s Cathedral is the largest Catholic cathedral in Yangon. It is an impressive structure made of red bricks and two spires towering the sky. The interior is even more impressive with beautiful stained glass . During the World War II, when bombs were dropped at Rangoon, the church was saved, but the nearby explosions broke its glass windows. The Cyclone Nargin in 2008 also did the same damage to the cathedral.

Opening Hours: 8 AM – 12 PM and 2 PM – 5 PM

Discovering the Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue

The Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue is the only Jewish place of worship in Yangon. Just like Kolkata , Yangon too once had a thriving Jewish community and the synagogue was once the focal point of the influential Jewish community with around 3000 Jewish people inhabiting Yangon. After World War II, the Jewish population started dwindling when most of them left for Baghdad. Now there are nearly 20 Jewish people left in Yangon. We met Ms. Samuels at the synagogue who is the 4th generation Jewish in charge of the synagogue. She was really a darling and answered all my questions and queries about the synagogue patiently.

Initially there was only a wooden structure from 1854 as a hall of worship. Later between 1893-96, the Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue was built. It is said that this is the only synagogue in the world that used to have 126 Torah Scroll. But as the families left the country, they took their own Torah with them and now only 2 remains. These Torahs are more than 100 years old .

The interior is extremely beautiful containing a bimah (platform for the reading table of Torah) in the centre of the hall and a balcony upstairs. The synagogue reminded me of the Magen David Synagogue back in Kolkata. How I keep iterating how Yangon is so similar to Kolkata!

The Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue is located in 26 th street in the downtown area.

The Tomb of Bahadur Shah Zafar

Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal Emperor of India. When the British took over India, he was deported to Rangoon. Bahadur Shah spent his last days there and believed to have been buried there after he breathed his last. Being Indian, we had wanted to visit the mausoleum of Bahadur Shah Zafar and took some time to visit there.

Yangon Itinerary – what we did

We actually had three days in Yangon and we enjoyed Yangon to the fullest. 3 days are enough to see around Yangon. If you have more time, you can travel to places near the city like the Golden Rock Pagoda and Bago.

We had arrived at Yangon from Bagan by train and reached there by 11:30 AM. After we checked in to our hostel, we went for a Free Yangon Heritage Walking Tour in the afternoon.  We explored the downtown area and saw the colonial buildings and other important buildings around the area.  At night we explored downtown by foot.

The next day we visited the Shwedagon pagoda, Kandawagyi Lake, Chauk That Gyi Pagoda, Nga Gyi Pagoda, Inya Lake, Bogyoke Market and Botataung Pagoda. In the evening, we watched the sunset from the Riverfront (Botataung Jetty). In the evening, we went to attend the 125-year-old Durga Puja at Yangon.

We walked around and explored the Downtown area. We visited the synagogue, markets, cathedrals, Chinatown around the area. In the evening we had our bus to Inle Lake. If you are staying for the day, you can take a circular train ride or visit the Rangoon War Cemetery.

Where to stay at Yangon?

We stayed at Lil Yangon Hostel at Downtown Yangon. For hotels and hostels you can check here.

Where do I eat at Yangon?

The Burmese cuisine is diverse and influenced by India, China and Thailand. The favours and cuisine are just as adventurous. Mohinga, a type of rice noodles served in a fish based broth is their national food and is available everywhere. The Burmese love their tea. You will find tea joints at every corners of road. The tea leaf salad is another dish that they serve with their food.

There are a plenty of restaurants at Yangon where you can have your choice of food. We usually had our lunch from street restaurants. We mostly asked for rice and chicken/pork platter and used to get a number of dishes together. Food is also quite cheap. A lunch platter usually cost us 2000 MMK or INR 100 per head.

Yangon is a lovely city with a blend of the past and present. While the Burmese are quite helpful that with the new regime, things will be better in future, they are also hopeful of tourism at Myanmar. So if you are planning a trip to Myanmar, support the local people while you enjoy the diversity of the place and their culture. In the meanwhile, you can pin the post for a later read!

Agni Amrita

Related posts.

12 Awesome Things to do in Inle Lake – A Complete Travel Guide

India to Thailand by Road via Myanmar in Own Car or Motorbike

Things to do in Mandalay – a Complete Mandalay Travel Guide

India to Myanmar by Road – A Guide on How to cross the Border

Temples of Bagan that should not be missed

The Best things to do in Bagan, Myanmar

59 comments.

There looks to be so many things to do in Yangon. I wonder why many people only use the city as a transit city and pass through. I rarely buy anything, but I do love visiting markets wherever I go so I would definitely spend some time in the Bogyoke Aung San Market. The Yangon Circular Train sounds really interesting too and a good way to see local life. It’s so cheap too!!

Thank you Elizabeth! Yangon is so full of life and yes the circular train is the best way to see the people and culture of Myanmar.

Thank you Elizabeth. Bogyoke Market is a world in itself!

I love to hear about less-traveled places (compared to Myanmar) like Yangon. Taking walking tours, exploring the downtown, and tasting regional foods are exactly the kinds of things I would want to do, too. Plus I know I would love Burmese cuisine… dishes influenced by India, China, and Thailand? I’m drooling. Thanks for posting such a beautiful and comprehensive guide that inspires me to visit this area!

Thank you Jacqueline. Burmese cuisine is influenced by its neighbours, yet quite distinct! Please do visit Myanmar. It is an impressive place.

I have been following your travel stories of Yangon… This is a complete guide… Book marking it… Thanks

Thank you Tanayesh!

So jealous of you guys. Yangoon is like on top of my list. Have saved this for future. Thanks a lot.

Thanks Niharika! You will visit Yangon soon!

Wow it really does look so similar to Kolkata. I would love to visit at some point in life

It is quite similar. Thank you for the comment!

There is so much to see and experience in Yangon. The Reclining Buddha reminded me of the similar one in Bangkok. Must have been really disappointing to see it covered with railings. The other interesting place is, of course, the tomb of the Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Emperor of India.

Thank you. We were really disappointed to see it all covered.

I had no idea Myanmar is such a beautiful country and it has so much offer to tourists. Hats off to you, the way you have covered all the must visit places. Don’t come across such detailed posts usually.

Thank you Nisha. Glad that you liked it. 🙂

Very beautifully written with all the necessary information listed.You guys are doing a great job by sharing your experience.

Thank you Pallavi!

Your posts are those kind of posts which I can read anytime. Whenever I feel to read some good inspirational posts , yours site is one of my fav. This one again is beyond of expectation and such detailed that I can flow virtually there. Loved it again 😉

Aww, Pamela, you are the sweetest. Thank you so much! 🙂

The photos in this post are real and authentic. I am considering a trip to Myanmar soon. How many days do you think will be sufficient to see the sights in Yangon?

Thank you Sundeep. Yangon can be done in 2 days.

Loved reading your post for another similar place like Kolkata. Such a long post. Love the pics and bookmark it for next trip

Thank you Sapna! Yes it is a bit long!

I would love to visit Yangon! Great post!

Thank you so much!

Myanmar is not very popular among tourists and I don’t see any flights from India to Myanmar. What is the best way to reach there? And how is the tourism infrastructure? What do you recommend – taking a package or self-exploration?

Myanmar is gradually coming to the tourism forefront. Yes, flights to Myanmar from India is quite less and are costly. You will get cheaper flights to Myanmar from other Southeast Asian countries though. Self exploration is the best way to see Myanmar. Tourism is developing there. The places are not yet that touristy. You can raed our previous post to get more details – https://www.taleof2backpackers.com/myanmar-backpacking-on-budget/

Waao..bringing everything worth doing at one page u have made it so easy to plan the entire trip..amazing itenary which covers everything..thank u dear

Thank you Ritu. We are glad that you liked it.

Really did not know Yangon is such a beautiful place. Would really love to visit. Bookmarked your post for all the details.

Thank you Anahita!

I totally agree with you about the similarities of the synagogues. I have been to Magen David and the Rabbi pedestal is so similar. I love your blog especially because of the pictures. They literally give one a virtual visit; the words add the magic to it. In fact the red building is also similar to the colonial architectures of Kolkata.

Aren’t they? We felt that Yangon and Kolkata is so similar!

What a beautifully written post and it is so detailed. Yangon has always fascinated me and I so badly want to visit it. Thanks for sharing not only the beautiful sights and itineraries but also the historic relevance of the place.

Thank you, Archana. Myanmar is truly a wonderful place.

This is a fantastic extremely detailed itinerary! I love the architecture and the churches. So much history!

Thank you, Kelly. Glad that you liked the post.

Never been to Myanmar but I have always been intrigued about its history and beauty. Your post is so thorough that I will reference it again when we make our trip. Your pictures are magnificent

Thank you Annie. Myanmar is such a beautiful place. We feel like going back there again.

This is perfect. I am off to Yangon in 2 months and would love to learn more about the place before flying in. Thank you so much for sharing this travel guide.

Oh, thats great Clarice. I am sure you will love Yangon and Myanmar. Have a great trip.

I had some good friends who were from Yangon. They were often talking about their city, so I always wanted to go visit it. After reading your guide, I even more sure I’ll have to go. I’d love to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda the huge reclining Buddha statue. Spectacular!

Thank you Anda. Yangon is a lovely place.

Myanmar has caught my fancy ever since I crossed the border via Manipur in India. I am surely tempted to explore for of the beautiful country. Yangon is definitely on my wishlist. The Sule Pagoda looks beautiful! I had no idea that Bahadur Shah Zafar has a tomb here. That is quite interesting as we grew up reading on him. I am going to use this fab guide when I plan my travel to Myanmar.

Thanks, Abhinav! Myanmar is truly beautiful. Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled to Myanmar just as the last king of Myanmar King Thibaw was exiled to India. King Thibaw’s Palace was near Ratnagiri.

What a wonderfully detailed post covering every aspect of Myanmar, from its history to food and getting around the country. I’m quite excited about the food since you said that the neighboring countries influence it. Street food is always a great way to immerse into the culture, and I’m the same when it comes to the afternoon meal, eat while on the move and from street stalls. Both Myanmar and Vietnam are quite high on my travel plans, so this is very helpful. Thanks.

Thank you, Raghav! Myanmar was truly wonderful.

Your article brought back many memories of our visit to Yangon back in 2013. We loved wandering around the Bogyoke Aung San Market. The Circular Train was the highlight – 3 hours for USD1 and such a photographers delight. Visiting the Pagodas was another highlight and of course, I must mention the food especially down in 19th Street.

Bogyoke Market was also our favourite. And so was the circular train. Yangon is really a beauty!

Yangon looks like such a beautiful place to visit! I didn’t know much about it, but your post makes me want to visit soon! St. Mary’s Cathedral really caught my attention. We love visiting cathedrals, and this one looks so unique on the inside.

Thank you, Leah! We were really bowled out seeing St. Mary’s Cathedral. We went there twice, I am sure you will love the place.

Wow! This is definitely a place I want to visit someday. I love all that history and culture that I actually have a very little knowledge about. I would love to wonder around and learn more. Also the foods look very tasty.

Thank you, Paula. The food looks tasty no doubt, but I would definitely recommend being a bit careful before having the street food. Myanmar Street food requires strong stomach! 🙂

Such a beautiful city. Sadly I still havent been to Yangon but dying to revisit Asia again later this year or early next year. Will definitely coming back to your itinerary. Pinned it for now.

Thank you, Bianca.

I loved your post and the photographs. Wonderful shots, all of them! I visited Yangon a year ago and loved it too. And I felt exactly the same thing that you felt on landing there – the similarity with Kolkata. Obviously the British connection. Felt so much at home. This is a very well-done itinerary and you have covered all major points of interest. My favorite in Yangon was the ride on the circular train. That, for me, was a brilliant opportunity to feel the pulse of the nation.

Thank you, Soumya! Yes, the circular train was such a great thing to do.We absolutely loved every part of Yangon.

That is a lovely post and a detailed itinerary. I love the pictures as well. I just want to know the veg options there, is the veg food easily available is Yangon?

Thank you Stuti. Finding veg options in Myanmar is a bit difficult. You will find veg food at proper restaurants. But I would not recommend you to try street food at Yangon if you are not fond of non-veg! 🙂

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How to Spend 2 Days in Yangon: The Perfect Yangon Itinerary

Richly populated with gleaming golden pagodas, historic colonial architecture, and delicious Burmese food, this Yangon itinerary will provide you with a wealth of cultural activities and heart-stopping sights.

As the largest city and former capital of Myanmar (formerly Burma), there is a lot to see and do in Yangon (formerly Rangoon), although you can explore most of the major attractions in a matter of days.

And this is where my 2 day Yangon itinerary will help you navigate your way around and know how to organize your time.

From lakeside wanders to artistic side streets and the best hotels in town, here is my full travel guide, itinerary, and recommendations of the best things to do in Yangon in 2 days.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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Table of Contents

Useful Info for Spending 2 Days in Yangon

How to get to yangon.

As one of the only two international airports in the country, Yangon is the perfect place to launch your Myanmar itinerary .

Yangon International Airport (RGN) is actually the country’s largest of the two airports and provides direct flights to Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. If you are traveling to Myanmar from Europe, the US, or further afield, you will likely need to transfer via one of these countries.

Yangon’s airport is located in Mingaladon, 15 km (9.3 miles) north of the city. You can take the bus from the airport which costs 500 MMK (0.30 USD) each way and takes around 50-60 minutes to complete the journey downtown.

Alternatively, you can pay a little more and save time on your Yangon itinerary by taking a taxi. There are lines of taxis outside the terminal but if you would rather avoid negotiating the fare then you can download the Grab rideshare app.

A Grab downtown costs around 10,000 MMK (6 USD) while the official taxis are around double the cost.

Best time to visit Yangon

You can technically plan this Yangon 2 day itinerary for any time of year.

However, you should bear in mind that if you are visiting as part of a wider Myanmar trip then some activities such as hot air balloon rides over Bagan and trekking in the more remote regions are only possible at certain times of the year.

Myanmar’s dry season is November to February and this is the best overall time to visit the country. This is when you will find the best conditions for trekking, temple hopping, and scoring a seat on one of those iconic hot air balloons. Days are hot, pushing 30°C (86°F), but evenings are significantly cooler.

From March to May, temperatures in Myanmar rise as high as 40°C (104°F) which can be uncomfortable for some.

The heat melts away to a more bearable 30°C (86°F) at the onset of the wet season which runs from June to October. It’s still possible to enjoy your Yangon itinerary during this season (providing you pack a good raincoat) but the rain may hinder your wider travel plans

How to get around Yangon

In contrast to the vast majority of Southeast Asian cities, motorbikes are not permitted in Yangon. This means there is no option to hire your own scooter or hop on the back of one in this city!

The best way to get around the place during your stay is by walking, summoning Grab taxis, and taking the occasional bus ride.

My 2 day Yangon itinerary is curated to allow you to walk as much as possible but where this isn’t feasible you are best hailing Grabs. This rideshare app saves you from having to negotiate and rides never cost more than a few dollars.

For this reason, it is useful to buy a Burmese SIM card when you arrive, either at the airport or once you are downtown.

Yangon does have a good public bus system if you would rather save some money. However, as this is time-consuming, it will stretch your itinerary. Nevertheless, I’ve included bus routes in my itinerary wherever possible.

Finally, Yangon does have its own innercity rail system which I’ll tell you all about on the second day of your Yangon itinerary.

Where to stay in Yangon

These are my top three picks for where to stay in central Yangon.

LUXURY – Lotte Hotel Yangon

This deluxe hotel is located on the western edge of Inya Lake and provides a sanctuary of calm away from busy downtown Yangon. The Lotte Hotel features beautiful rooms, a spa, and a restaurant, but it’s the infinity pool that steals the show. We stayed here personally and loved it! You can read my full review here .

Compare prices on: Booking.com | Agoda

MID-RANGE – Hotel G Yangon

Contemporary private rooms painted in azure blue are equipped with quirky artworks and coffee makers that will make you feel right at home! Located downtown, this hotel is in the perfect location for exploring the major landmarks of Yangon.

BUDGET – Prestige Residences at Golden Valley

Situated 2.2 km from Shwedagon Pagoda, Prestige Residences at Golden Valley by Grand United Hospitality features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness center, and a garden. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace.

Overview of Your Yangon 2 Day Itinerary

Breakdown of your 2 days in yangon.

Now you have a basic understanding of the city, let’s delve straight in with my guide on the best things to do in Yangon in 2 days. Below you can find a breakdown of your 2 days in Yangon.

• Day 1: Shwedagon Pagoda, Maha Wizaya Pagoda, National Museum, People’s Park, Chauk Htat Kyi Pagoda, Kandawgyi Lake 
• Day 2:   Option A: Yangon Circular Train, Option B: Swe Taw Myat Pagoda & Thiri Mingala Kabar Aye Pagoda, Inya Lake, Pansodan Street, YGN Walls, Bogyoke Aung San Market, Sule Pagoda, The Strand Night Market

Map for your 2 day Yangon itinerary

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Yangon itinerary.

I marked your 2 days in Yangon with different colors – I used blue for the first day and green for the second day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

If you open up this post on your phone and you click on the bracket in the upper right corner of the map, it will open up in your Google Maps app so you can always have it with you. Super convenient, right?

Day 1 of Your 2 Days in Yangon Itinerary

Shwedagon pagoda.

As Yangon’s most iconic landmark and the most sacred monument in the whole country, one of the top things to do in Yangon in 2 days is to pay a visit to the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda.

Located on Singuttara Hill, the golden stupa stands at 99 meters (325 feet) and is set among a sprawling complex studded with even more stupas, shrines, and statues of Buddha.

Constructed in the 14th century, the pagoda contains such objects as the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, and eight strands of hair from Gautama.

As the pagoda opens at 4 am, I recommend that you visit as early as possible to catch the morning light and see the complex spring into life. It’s very busy at sunrise with Yangonites who come to practice their daily worship although tourists typically arrive later in the day.

You can visit independently but once at the complex, you will be approached by guides who offer to take you around. This is a good way to support local tourism, but make sure that you are dealing with an official guide and confirm the price before you start.

Shwedagon Pagoda is open daily, 4 am – 10 pm and the entrance fee of 10,000 MMK (6 USD) must be paid in cash. Ask your Grab driver to drop you at the south entrance for the most straightforward experience or the north entrance if you want to be bowled over by the architecture.

You will need to dress conservatively with your knees and shoulders covered. Shoes are forbidden in the complex, so either pop them in your bag or leave them at the designated shoe rack.

Maha Wizaya Pagoda

After spending a few hours whetting your appetite for Myanmar’s splendid temples at Shwedagon Pagoda, you’ll be happy to know the next site on your Yangon itinerary is right around the corner.

Constructed in 1980, Maha Wizaya Pagoda fuses together traditional architecture with a modern twist. Most of the contents within the pagoda were contributed by the King of Nepal and the murals inside the main stupa depict nature and wildlife scenes.

This is one of the rare places in the country where tourists are permitted to enter the stupa. 

Maha Wizaya Pagoda is located on Dhammarakhita Hill, which is only a 5-minute walk from Shwedagon Pagoda. The complex is open daily, 6 am-10 pm, and there is no entrance fee. Again you are expected to remove your shoes while on the premises.

National Museum

Myanmar has a rich history and it’s fascinating to take some time familiarizing yourself with its legacy at the National Museum.

This expansive museum contains traditional Burmese arts, crafts, costumes, weapons, and household items. Perhaps the most interesting relic in the collection is the Royal Lion Throne (Thihathana Throne) which is one of the eight historic thrones used by the Burmese monarchy. 

The National Museum is a 20-minute walk from Maha Wizaya Pagoda or you can save time by hailing a Grab. It’s open daily, 10 am-4 pm, and the admission charge is 5,000 MMK (3 USD). 

People’s Park

After a cultural morning, take some time to digest what you’ve seen with a post-lunch wander around one of Yangon’s loveliest parks.

The People’s Park contains leafy gardens, fountains, lakes, an abandoned plane, some amusement rides, and a small art gallery.

The entrance fee to the park is 300 MMK (0.20 USD) and the park is open daily, 7 am-9 pm. It’s a 10-minute walk from the National Museum. 

In between the museum and the park, you will spot numerous restaurants where you can grab a Burmese meal for lunch. Check out LEAF Cafe & Plants or the Brunch Society if you want to eat well nearby or you could even dine at one of the cafes within the park itself. 

Chauk Htat Kyi Pagoda

Chauk Htat Kyi Pagoda is home to the 66 meters (217 feet) long reclining Buddha.

As one of the largest representations of Buddha in the country, the monument is sacred and highly revered by the Burmese who visit daily to pay their respects.

As with the previous pagodas from the first day of your 2 day Yangon itinerary, you will see local Yangonites praying and burning incense here.

Chauk Htat Kyi Pagoda is open daily, 6 am-8 pm, and it is free to visit the site. It takes around one hour to walk to the pagoda from the People’s Park so you may want to hail a Grab.

Alternatively, you can board the number 62 bus from Myaynigone-Bargayar Road (San Chaung) and alight right outside the pagoda.

Kandawgyi Lake

For the final stop on today’s Yangon itinerary, head to the tranquil Kandawgyi Lake to catch the sunset.

The lake is situated within a large parkland that comprises a series of parks, including General Aung Sang Park and Kandawgyi Natural Garden. The area also contains a zoo and some small islands.

On the eastern side of the lake, you will spot the majestic floating restaurant, Karaweik Palace, where you can indulge in a traditional Shan buffet and catch a cultural dance performance if you wish. Grab a spot nearby to watch the sunset and capture some beautiful photos.

Walking time from the pagoda to the lake is around 50 minutes so I recommend that you hail a Grab or board the number 87 bus at Har Mit Tic and alight at Bahan Thone Lan.

Day 2 of Your 2 Days in Yangon Itinerary

Yangon circular train.

For the second morning of your 2 day Yangon itinerary, I am offering you two suggestions so you can choose based on your personal preferences.

Option number one is to board one of the city’s most unusual attractions, the Yangon Circular Train. Actually, this is an essential service used by suburban Yangonites to commute into the city, although it has become very popular for tourists.

The route takes you out to green pastures and small community villages that dot the edge of the city and you will travel alongside families, monks, farmers, and local vendors going about their day.

It’s one of the most unique things to do in Yangon in 2 days even if you only hop on for a couple of stops.

You can board the train at your closest train station, just ask your hotel to point you in the right direction. Or, board at Yangon Central Railway.

Your ticket permits one journey so if you get off you will need to pay again to board the next train. The ticket costs 200 MMK (0.10 USD) so it’s not the end of the world if you end up buying a few!

The train runs clockwise and anti-clockwise and the full circuit takes three hours to complete but you might want to disembark sooner and just take a Grab to your next sight.

Swe Taw Myat Pagoda

If you’re not so fussed about riding the train, then you can head straight to one of Yangon’s holiest shrines.

The neat and remarkably symmetrical Swe Taw Myay Pagoda contains a tooth relic of Buddha which was brought to Myanmar from China in 1994. The pagoda was designed to replicate the Ananda Pagoda in Bagan, which you will have the opportunity to see later in your Myanmar itinerary . 

The Swe Taw Myay Pagoda is open daily, 5 am-8 pm, and the admission fee is 3,000 MMK (1.80 USD). You know the drill by now: dress modestly and expect to remove your footwear while at the complex.

If you want to combine option A and option B, then you can ride the Yangon Circular Train to the nearby Tadalay Station then walk to the pagoda. Alternatively, you will need to hail a Grab as this temple is fairly far out of downtown.

Thiri Mingala Kabar Aye Pagoda

The Thiri Mingala Gaba Aye Pagoda measures 34 meters (111 feet) in both heights as well as around the base.

It was commissioned by U Nu, the former and inaugural Prime Minister of Myanmar in preparation for the Sixth Buddhist Council (Synod). As a devout Buddhist, U Nu took steps to establish Myanmar as a great Buddhist country.

The complex also houses the Maha Pasana Cave which is a replica of the Satta Panni cave from India, which marked the site of the first Buddhist Synod.

The pagoda complex is open daily, 6 am-8 pm, and the admission charge is 8,000 MMK (5 USD).  From Swe Taw Myay Pagoda you can walk to the Thiri Mingala Kabar Aye Pagoda in around 30 minutes or hail a Grab.

Inya Lake 

Wrap up the second morning of your Yangon 2 day itinerary with a stroll around the largest lake in town.

The picturesque Inya Lake is a great spot to clear your head and there are a number of restaurants and cafes dotted around the rim of the lake where you can pick up lunch with a view. I recommend the White Swan Bakery for an upscale waterside treat or Locale Cafe for a healthy, plant-based fare.

It takes 30-40 minutes to walk from the Thiri Mingala Kabar Aye Pagoda to the northern tip of Inya Lake. Alternatively, you can board the number 43 bus from Kabar Aye Paya and alight at Tayar-Chauk (Mayangone), or just call a Grab.

Pansodan Street

Yangon has the highest concentration of colonial buildings than any other city in the whole of Southeast Asia and the best place to see some of the most preserved (and least preserved, for that matter) is Pansodan Street.

Stretching north from The Strand, this street is lined with cafes, boutiques, and galleries but is worth a visit purely to check out the architecture.

You are best hailing a Grab to bring you back downtown as it will save you bags of time. It’s free to explore Pansodan Street but you will want to budget for tea, cake, and any galleries you nip into. 

Roam a few blocks east of Pansodan Street and you will arrive at YGN Walls, one of the most revolutionary community initiatives in the city.

Local and international artists are invited to create their own street art down an alleyway which only two years ago was strewn with trash and waste. Led by Delphine de Lorme, the street has since been subject to a major clean-up while the murals are inspiring the community to take better care of the urban environment.

Visiting this colorful street is one of the best things to do in Yangon in 2 days and is a testament to the power of change.

Bogyoke Aung San Market

Your 2 days in Yangon are drawing to a close so take a brisk 20-minute stroll northwest of YGN Walls to the Bogyoke Aung San Market where you can hunt for souvenirs, keepsakes, and gorgeous clothing.

Yangon’s primary bazaar is open Tuesday – Sunday (closed on Mondays), from 9 am to 5.30 pm.

Sule Pagoda

Double back on yourself so you can pay a visit to your final pagoda in Yangon. The Sule Pagoda was erected around 2,300 years ago and its 48 meters (157 feet) tall stupa enshrines the hair of Buddha.

It looks phenomenal beneath the night sky so while you could always visit it en route to the market, I recommend saving it for dusk.

The admission fee to the Sule Pagoda is 5,000 MMK (3 USD) and it is open daily, 4 am-10 pm.

The Strand Night Market

If you haven’t already spent the past 2 days in Yangon falling in love with Burmese cuisine then the final item on your schedule is to revel in street food at this lively night market.

Stalls line up along The Strand, a major road that runs parallel to the Yangon River, and provide you with the opportunity to try everything from tea leaf salads to steaming bowls of noodles and spicy Shan curries.

Besides food, this is another spot where you can scoop up souvenirs for your loved ones (or yourself!).

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Step-by-Step Guide to Visiting Yangon: A 2-day Yangon Itinerary

Immerse yourself in a city adorned with shimmering golden pagodas, rich colonial architecture, and delectable Burmese cuisine with this meticulously crafted 2-day Yangon itinerary. This guide will unveil a treasure trove of cultural experiences and breathtaking sights for your exploration.

As the former capital and largest city of Myanmar, Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, offers a plethora of attractions to discover within a short timeframe. Unveil the city’s wonders through a concise 2-day itinerary designed to optimize your visit and help you make the most of your time.

From tranquil lakeside strolls to vibrant artistic alleys and top-notch accommodations, this comprehensive Yangon travel guide offers a detailed itinerary and curated recommendations for the best activities to partake in during your 2-day adventure in Yangon.

Yangon, the bustling financial center and the largest metropolis in Myanmar (formerly Burma), offers travelers an opportunity to manage their expenses effectively with a daily budget ranging from 35 to 50 USD.

This allocation typically covers accommodation, transportation, and even dining expenses, making it a budget-friendly destination.

With a population exceeding six million, Yangon grapples with significant traffic congestion, as vehicles inundate roads originally designed for bicycles and livestock.

Despite ongoing investments, the city’s infrastructure struggles to keep up with its rapid growth.

Downtown areas are often cluttered with carts, motorcycles, and street vendors encroaching on pavements, forcing pedestrians onto roadways.

Upon your airport arrival, you’ll notice the distinctive attire worn by many local men, featuring the lungi, a traditional sarong paired with a Western shirt, offering a cool and comfortable option in Myanmar’s warm climate.

Women commonly apply thanaka, a yellow or white powder derived from wood bark, for cosmetic and sun protection reasons, adding to the unique cultural experience.

Useful Info for Spending 2 Days in Yangon

Most international visitors planning a trip to Yangon will land at Yangon International Airport (RGN) in Mingaladon, situated approximately 14 kilometers from the Downtown area.

Direct flights connect Yangon to major cities across Southeast Asia, making it easily accessible.

During my journey from Bali to Yangon, I capitalized on a layover to explore this captivating city.

Myanmar boasts an extensive rail network, allowing travelers to reach Yangon by train from destinations such as Mandalay or Bagan.

Long-distance buses also connect various towns, although these can be crowded and lack air conditioning.

For a hassle-free journey to the downtown area, utilizing the Grab app to book a taxi for around 8000 MMK is recommended.

Access free airport Wi-Fi to facilitate this service. Conventional taxis tend to be pricier, with fares around 12000 MMK to reach the Sule Pagoda region.

Negotiating a better rate based on demand and timing is common practice.

For budget-conscious travelers, the most economical transportation option to and from Yangon Airport is the Air-Con bus, priced at a mere 500 MMK, equivalent to less than 1 USD.

With services available round-the-clock, this bus route presents an affordable and efficient mode of transport.

The journey to Sule Square typically takes around 40 minutes without heavy traffic, with buses departing every 20-30 minutes.

How To Get Around Yangon

Unlike many Southeast Asian cities, Yangon prohibits motorbikes, ruling out the possibility of renting a scooter or hitching a ride.

To traverse the city efficiently during your visit, rely on walking, utilizing Grab taxis, and occasionally taking bus rides.

My carefully crafted 2-day Yangon itinerary emphasizes walking wherever feasible, complemented by Grab taxi services when needed.

This rideshare platform eliminates the hassle of haggling, ensuring affordable fares that seldom exceed a few dollars per trip.

To simplify transportation and enhance your mobility, consider purchasing a Burmese SIM card upon your arrival, either at the airport or in the downtown area.

While Yangon boasts a commendable public bus network ideal for budget-conscious travelers, bear in mind that bus travel can be time-consuming, potentially impacting your itinerary.

Nonetheless, I have incorporated bus routes into the itinerary whenever applicable to offer a money-saving transportation alternative.

Additionally, Yangon features its own inner-city rail system, which I will delve into further on the second day of your Yangon exploration.

This rail network adds another dimension to your travel experience in this dynamic city.

Prior to boarding, it is essential to negotiate the fare with the driver for your intended destination.

Understandably, as a foreigner, you may end up paying more than locals do.

Nevertheless, expenses in the country are generally affordable, and taxi drivers rely on these fares for their livelihood.

Regardless of your destination within the city, taxi fares typically range between 5000 MMK to 6000 MMK. Fortunately, many taxi drivers in Yangon possess basic English-speaking skills, facilitating easier communication with.

Language and Currency in Yangon

The primary language spoken in Yangon is Burmese, which utilizes its own script, posing a challenge for Westerners to interpret.

Although English serves as a secondary language in certain educational institutions, it is not widely prevalent in everyday interactions on the streets, except in hotels and prominent establishments.

English signage can be spotted on road names and railway signs, reflecting remnants of the British colonial era.

British rule in Burma spanned from 1824 until 1948, a historical period that can be explored through works like George Orwell’s “Burmese Days.”

Read Next: Essential Vietnam Travel Tips. Everything You Need To Know

The official currency in Myanmar is the kyat, available in ten denominations ranging from 5 to 10,000.

As of the latest update, 1,000 kyat equates to approximately US $0.50.

Obtaining Myanmar currency abroad can be challenging, so it is advisable to carry US dollars for exchange purposes.

When making purchases, locals may decline very old or damaged notes, underscoring the importance of having newer bills for trade.

Best Time to Visit Yangon

While you can technically follow this 2-day Yangon itinerary at any time of the year, it’s crucial to consider the broader Myanmar trip if you plan to engage in activities like hot air balloon rides over Bagan or trekking in remote areas.

These activities are season-dependent and may have specific timeframes.

Myanmar’s dry season spans from November to February, offering optimal conditions for exploration.

This period is ideal for activities like trekking, temple visits, and experiencing the iconic hot air balloon rides.

Days are warm, around 30°C (86°F), with cooler evenings.

In contrast, temperatures soar to around 40°C (104°F) from March to May, posing discomfort for some travelers.

As the wet season transitions in June and lasts until October, temperatures drop to a more tolerable 30°C (86°F).

While you can still enjoy your Yangon itinerary during this time with appropriate rain gear, the rain may impact your broader travel plans.

Hence, it’s essential to pack accordingly and plan your activities considering the weather conditions prevalent during your visit.

2 Days in Yangon. Top Things to Do in Yangon

Considering a 2-day visit to Yangon? Excellent choice! Two days in Yangon provide an ideal timeframe to explore key tourist attractions and immerse yourself in the city’s essence.

While longer stays offer deeper insights, a 48-hour stint in Yangon allows you to delve into its offerings.

I will provide a comprehensive guide, highlighting recommended activities, dining options, insights into Burmese culture and history, and suggestions for accommodations in Yangon.

This curated information aims to optimize your experience during your brief yet enriching visit to this vibrant city.

Overview of Your 2-Day Yangon Itinerary

Now equipped with a fundamental grasp of the city, let’s dive straight into my curated guide outlining the top activities for your 2-day exploration of Yangon.

Below, you’ll discover a breakdown of your itinerary:

Begin your day by visiting iconic sites like the Shwedagon Pagoda and Maha Wizaya Pagoda. Immerse yourself in history at the National Museum, ride the Yangon Circular Train, and explore spiritual landmarks such as Chauk Htat Kyi Pagoda and the serene Kandawgyi Lake.

Choose between two options:

Option A : Pay Bogyoke Aung San Market a visit, offering glimpses of local life.

Option B : Explore Swe Taw Myat Pagoda and Thiri Mingala Kabar Aye Pagoda. Enjoy the tranquility of Kandawgyi Lake, stroll through Pansodan Street, marvel at YGN Walls, shop at Bogyoke Aung San Market, visit Sule Pagoda, and conclude your day at The Strand Night Market.

This comprehensive itinerary is designed to ensure you make the most of your 2-day adventure in Yangon, providing a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and local experiences to enrich your visit to this dynamic city.

Day 1 of Your 2 Days in Yangon Itinerary

Downtown yangon.

Upon arriving in Yangon, check in at your accommodation, settle in, and set out to explore the city.

Commence your first day with a visit to the exquisite Sule Pagoda, a key landmark in downtown Yangon.

Towering at 44 meters, this captivating pagoda holds a central spot in Yangon’s core, making it a central point for navigating the city.

As you delve into downtown Yangon, consider opting for one of the free walking tours available for a guided exploration.

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Alternatively, if self-guided exploration is your preference, be sure to admire the historic Railway Station, marvel at the British Colonial architecture lining Strand Road, and make time to visit the esteemed Pansodan Gallery.

These experiences offer a glimpse into the rich history and architectural beauty that defines this bustling metropolis.

Explore Chinatown

Renowned for its delectable street food scene, Yangon beckons food enthusiasts to its vibrant Chinatown, a hub of culinary delights at affordable prices.

Situated west of the Sule Pagoda, Chinatown bustles with activity at dawn. It attracts crowds of locals and tourists to its narrow alleys where food vendors showcase their freshly prepared dishes.

Embrace the flavors of Chinatown to embark on a gastronomic adventure!

As the historic district of the city, Chinatown pulsates with Yangon’s lively nightlife.

Many travelers opt to lodge in this dynamic area, making it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway in Yangon.

Discover a plethora of clubs, bars, and eateries scattered across this expansive locale.

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For a drink, head to the popular backpacker haunt, Kosan bar.

Chinese locals gravitate towards Emperor KTV in City Central Plaza, while expats favor 50th Street Café and Union for a laid-back experience amidst the city’s nightlife buzz.

Explore the diverse offerings in Chinatown to savor the essence of Yangon’s culinary and entertainment scene.

Shwedagon Pagoda

A must-visit on your 2-day Yangon itinerary, the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda stands as the city’s most iconic and holiest monument, embodying Myanmar’s spiritual essence.

Perched atop Singuttara Hill, this gilded stupa soars to 99 meters (325 feet) and resides in an expansive complex adorned with various stupas, shrines, and Buddha statues.

Dating back to the 14th century, the pagoda houses revered relics like the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, and eight strands of Gautama’s hair.

For an enchanting experience, aim to arrive early at the pagoda, which opens at 4 am, to witness the ethereal morning light and witness the site come alive.

Although bustling at sunrise with local worshippers, tourists typically trickle in later in the day.

While you can explore independently, local guides at the complex often offer tours.

Opting for a guide supports local tourism, but ensure they are official and agree on the price beforehand.

For a seamless experience, instruct your Grab driver to drop you at the south entrance or the north entrance to marvel at the architectural splendor.

Dress respectfully with covered knees and shoulders. Remember that shoes are prohibited within the complex; stow them in your bag or use the designated shoe rack for convenience.

Yangon Circular Train

Conclude your first day in Yangon with a mesmerizing journey aboard the Yangon Circular Train.

For an affordable fare of approximately 200 MMK (0.10 USD), immerse yourself in the local culture, witness vendors selling fruits and vegetables onboard, and absorb the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling local markets.

Operating from the Central Railway Station, this leisurely train ride traverses the city over a two-and-a-half-hour route, providing a unique perspective of local life and the city’s expansiveness.

While the journey fascinated me, I couldn’t help but notice the lack of proper waste management along the tracks, reflecting on broader environmental concerns.

The next day, ferrying across the Yangon River, I encountered further environmental dismay.

Each ticket grants a single journey, requiring a new ticket for reboarding.

The circular train operates in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, completing a full circuit in about three hours.

Feel free to disembark earlier and utilize a Grab ride to reach your next destination promptly.

Day 2 of Your 2 Days in Yangon Itinerary

Begin your second day in Yangon by enjoying breakfast at Rangoon Tea House, known for its array of local delicacies including hearty beef curry, curries, and tea-leaf salads.

Despite catering primarily to expats and tourists, this eatery provides a welcome retreat from the eclectic mix of scents permeating Yangon.

Bogyoke Aung San Market

Exploring local markets holds a special place in my heart, particularly when journeying through Southeast Asia.

Bogyoke Aung San Market, formerly known as Scott’s Market, presents a splendid opportunity to delve deeper into Myanmar’s rich culture.

Within its confines, you’ll encounter a diverse array of offerings—from traditional longyi to handbags, souvenirs, apparel, and culinary delights.

With its well-organized layout, navigating this market is a breeze.

During my visit in the early morning, as some vendors were setting up shop, I relished the tranquility of the environment.

Morning hours prove ideal for market exploration, allowing for a more serene experience.

Venture off the main thoroughfare and explore the upper levels for better deals and a unique perspective.

Engage in the art of bargaining; stallholders may mark up prices for tourists, so negotiating is key to securing reasonable prices.

Each visit to Bogyoke Aung San Market unfolds as an adventure, promising new discoveries every time.

Operating from Tuesday to Sunday, the market is accessible from 9 am to 5.30 pm, inviting you to immerse yourself in Yangon’s vibrant primary bazaar experience.

Visiting this colorful market is one of the best things to do in Yangon in 2 days.

Swe Taw Myat Pagoda

Should exploring markets not pique your interest, consider heading directly to one of Yangon’s revered sanctuaries—Swe Taw Myay Pagoda.

This immaculate and strikingly symmetrical pagoda houses a precious tooth relic of Buddha, transported to Myanmar from China in 1994.

Designed to mirror the Ananda Pagoda in Bagan, a future stop on your Myanmar journey, this site offers a glimpse into the country’s rich spiritual heritage.

Operating daily from 5 am to 8 pm, admission to Swe Taw Myay Pagoda costs 3,000 MMK (approximately $1.80).

As customary, maintain modest attire and anticipate shoe removal upon entering the complex.

For a blend of both options, you can opt to ride the Yangon Circular Train to Tadalay Station and proceed on foot to the pagoda.

Alternatively, given the temple’s distance from downtown, consider securing a Grab ride for a more convenient journey.

Sule Pagoda

Retrace your steps to embark on a visit to your last pagoda in Yangon—the historic Sule Pagoda.

Erected approximately 2,300 years ago, this site features a majestic 48-meter (157 feet) tall stupa that enshrines a strand of Buddha’s hair.

The Sule Pagoda exudes a mesmerizing allure against the backdrop of the night sky, making it an ideal spot for an evening visit.

While it’s tempting to include it on your way to the market, I suggest savoring its beauty at dusk for an enhanced experience.

Access to the Sule Pagoda requires an admission fee of 5,000 MMK (around $3), and it welcomes visitors daily from 4 am to 10 pm, ensuring ample opportunity to explore its historical and spiritual grandeur.

Kandawgyi Lake

On my final day in Yangon, just before departing for the airport by night bus, I embarked on a leisurely stroll through the serene Kandawgyi Park. It is situated next to Kaung Lay Inn, a short distance from Tamwe Ah Waing bus stop.

This tranquil park serves as a serene refuge from the city’s hustle and bustle, offering a picturesque view of the distant Shwedagon Pagoda. A romantic spot for couples in Yangon.

Kandawgyi Lake proves to be an idyllic setting for catching a stunning Yangon sunrise or sunset.

Witness locals engaging in Tai Chi practices as you admire the striking Karaweik Hall, an ornately designed boat hosting two magnificent golden birds atop its elaborate roof.

At the lake’s eastern edge lies the grandiose floating restaurant, Karaweik Palace, where you can relish a traditional Shan buffet and enjoy captivating cultural dance performances.

Secure a spot nearby to marvel at the sunset and capture enchanting photographs.

Where to Eat in Yangon

Downtown Yangon boasts numerous upscale restaurants catering to tourists and local expatriates, while hotels typically offer satisfactory dining options.

Affordable street food and locally grown fruits are abundantly available.

With a brewery located in the Mindalagon district, ‘Myanmar Beer’ is a ubiquitous and delightful choice.

It’s advisable to stick to bottled water for your beverages.

Myanmar’s cuisine reflects a rich blend of influences from neighboring countries, resulting in a diverse and adventurous local food scene.

Mohinga, a traditional dish comprising rice noodles in fish and bean broth, offers a mild curry-like flavor and can be found across the city—highly recommended for a taste of local cuisine.

Embrace the Burmese tea leaf salad, a staple and a personal favorite, known for its unique flavors. Given the variability in street stall hygiene, opt for crowded places with high food turnover to ensure freshness and quality.

As a vital city in a developing country, Yangon has only recently opened its doors to tourists.

Due to Myanmar’s transition from a military regime, locals may exhibit caution towards Westerners. An understandable sentiment considering the nation’s history.

Exercise cultural sensitivity and respect during your visit to fully appreciate the local hospitality and traditions.

Where to Stay in Yangon

Luxury Hotels

Belmond Governor’s Residence Savoy Hotel Yangon The Strand, Yangon Sule Shangri-La Yangon

Mid-Range Hotels

Mango Hill Inn Loft Hotel 15th street @ Downtown Yangon Merchant Art Boutique Hotel Esperado Lakeview Hotel City Star Hotel

Four Rivers Youth Hostel Pickled Tea (my favorite) Hostel9 Backpacker(Bed & Breakfast) The SAT Yangon

In Yangon, you will see things that you can see nowhere else, and this fact alone makes it an exciting destination. Love what you’ve just read or my travel blog? Come visit my Facebook and Twitter to say HI and discuss your experience in Yangon. I’d also love to hear your thoughts below

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Naijatechweb

Your blog is really nice! I like the layout and how easy it is to navigate 🙂

MindTheTravel

Thank you, Kristenne!

Myanmar has been long on my bucket list – thank’s for sharing this. Great tips. Can’t wait to plan the trip. I also like the images a lot.

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The Perfect 2 Days in Yangon Itinerary For Your First Visit

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During the hour-long taxi ride from Yangon Airport into the city, I stared out the window at the constantly changing scenery.

Quiet residential neighborhoods surrounded by green parks gradually gave way to shabby apartment blocks and traffic-choked streets. Golden temples shone in the distance. We weaved through the congested traffic, slowly edging closer to our destination.

And suddenly we were there, the beating heart of the city. Yangon.

Introduction to Yangon

We pulled up in front of a dilapidated building on a busy street. A dank, unlit stairwell piled with rubbish and make-shift shelters led up to our guesthouse.

Stepping inside the clean oasis of our guest house, we had entered a sparkling refuge from the chaotic city.

The guesthouse staff didn’t understand much English but were friendly and welcoming. Our small but comfortable bunk room reminded me of a ship cabin, it was just missing the port holes.

We left the guesthouse on our first foray into Yangon to go for lunch and were instantly swallowed by the frenetic city. There was so much going on. Car horns beeping. People yelling out to each other. A sea of faces surrounded us on all sides, busily going about their days.

The twenty-minute walk to the restaurant was like nothing I had ever experienced before.

We constantly had to have our wits about us to avoid walking into someone and to sidestep the numerous giant holes in the footpath that were threatening a broken leg to those unfortunate enough to be distracted.

Uncountable and undistinguishable smells scented the thick and humid air. Various foods, putrid rubbish, what else – I don’t know.

Colors of every hue, in the traditional longyis (long skirts) that the men and women wear, of the dirt-encrusted colonial buildings, abandoned by the British and left to rot. There was little to no tourist infrastructure. It was incredible.

Scooters are banned from the streets of Yangon which also gave it a different feel to other major Asian cities, where crossing the road you run the risk of being hit by one of the millions of scooters zipping around.

My Dad said he hadn’t experienced anything like it since traveling through Indian cities in the seventies. We didn’t see another tourist, at least not an obvious one. I didn’t know this was still possible in South East Asian cities.

Locals curiously stared as we passed and kids with giant smiles on their faces waved with fervor. Like Greased Lightning – it was electrifying.

Once we reached 999 Shan Noodle House , a restaurant serving its namesake soup, the spell was broken. We weren’t the only Westerners in sight anymore, there were two groups already sitting at the tidy tables enjoying the soup. Well, the restaurant was recommended by Lonely Planet.

Yangon was already blowing our minds and we had only been in the city for an hour. Over the next two days in Yangon, it got even better as we explored further, discovering more and more about this previously closed city, and there was so MUCH to discover.

Our Yangon 2 Days Itinerary

History of yangon.

Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar and the former capital until it was replaced by Naypyidaw in 2006. It may be one of the most undeveloped cities in Southeast Asia, but it has the highest number of colonial buildings. You can see them everywhere throughout the city, faded reminders of the British colonial past.

Yangon was seized by the British in 1852 and didn’t gain its independence again until 1948, almost 100 years later.

Since gaining independence from Britain, a military junta took over by force and ruled with an iron fist from 1962 to 2011, shutting off the country from the rest of the world. With democratic elections in 2015, the first non-military leader since 1962 was elected.

Then Myanmar finally opened its doors to the rest of the world after all these years. Unfortunately since my visit in late 2015, the country is now again dealing with civil unrest and it is advised that it is not currently safe to visit.

Day One Yangon Itinerary

We started the first full day of our time in Yangon by riding the Blue City train around the city and surrounds.

The Lonely Planet recommends this as a great way to witness the local way of life but to be honest, we didn’t see anything too interesting from the train windows.

I did enjoy the people watching, as I always do on a train, just watching life go on around us as people got on and off the train at each station.

Maybe it would have been better had we done the full loop but we somehow ended up on the wrong train and had to turn around and return the way we came. 

I’m still pleased we did it although I much preferred wandering the streets, experiencing the city on my own two feet rather than through a grimy window.

After departing the train, we did a self-guided walking tour of the city for the rest of the day.

Yangon is also known for its Indian food and we ventured to another place recommended by the Lonely Planet, this time an Indian restaurant called New Delhi , for a delicious Dosa lunch.

Dosa are southern Indian pancakes made with fermented ground lentils and filled with potato and vegetable curry. This time there were no other tourists in sight.

The waiter seemed excited to serve us and practice his English.

Away from the crush of narrow side streets and busy main roads is the centrally located Mahabandoola Gardens. This swath of green was a very welcome escape from the concrete and crowds.

Surrounded by colorful and crumbling colonial buildings, and with the golden stupa of the Sule Paya next to it, the park is one of the most beautiful spots in Yangon.

In the center of the park is a giant obelisk, the independence monument commemorating the country’s independence from Britain in 1948.

Some cheeky novice monks, begging for donations, and an aggressively persuasive postcard salesman tailed us through the park.

Bogyoke Aung San Market is Yangon’s answer to Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar, albeit on a much smaller scale. The covered market sold textiles, clothing, souvenirs, and jewelry among other things.

I bought myself a longyi, which came in very handy for temple visits throughout my time in Myanmar.

After resting back at our hotel for a couple of hours, we headed out again once it got dark for dinner.

At night the city pulsated with the same energy as during the day. Impromptu night markets popped up wherever there was space. Candles were stuck with wax directly to the asphalt, dimly lighting the wares for sale.

There were live fish, gasping on the concrete as they slowly died, all manner of fruits and vegetables, slabs of rich red meat haphazardly lying out in the open, covered in flies.

Some vendors had so little, just selling a small basket of vegetables or a couple of fish, sitting on the concrete and hoping that the people walking past them might want what they have.

19 th Street in Chinatown really comes alive at night. It is a popular spot with tourists but was still delightfully full of locals, seated al fresco at the many BBQ restaurants lining the street.

We picked a restaurant and then selected skewers from a cold buffet. They are then taken away and cooked on a BBQ. This is a food tradition that I came to love in Myanmar.

We tried a selection including prawns, mini potatoes, boiled quail eggs, mushroom-stuffed pork rolls, and marinated chicken. Washed down with Myanmar Beer (the best local beer in South East Asia in my opinion), it was one hell of a delicious meal.

Along with BBQ skewers, I came to love the ubiquitous Shan noodle soup which was similar to Pho Ga: basically a very delicious chicken noodle soup. 

Street food was also available everywhere and the range was staggering. There was unripe mango tossed in fish sauce and spices, deep fried wontons and potato cakes, boiled quail eggs, long ribbons of grey cooked tripe, chicken skewers, tropical fruit including one of my favorites – longans, and sugary local style pancakes, to name a few that I saw.

I loved the food in Yangon and only managed to try a fraction of what was on offer during my 2 days in Yangon.

Day Two Yangon Itinerary

Drinking tea is an important Burmese ritual and tea houses abounded in the city. After breakfast at our hotel, our first stop was a tea house.

Burmese tea is milky but with a strong tannin taste. After this first experience with Burmese tea, I ended up drinking quite a lot of it during my time in the country.

Myanmar is a deeply Buddhist country so unsurprisingly there are a lot of payas, or temples, dotted throughout Yangon.

Along with discovering the cuisine and wandering around the city, it was important to me to visit at least a few of these buildings that are so sacred to the Burmese people, so that is what the focus was for the second day of our Yangon Itinerary.

Sule Paya was the first temple we visited as it was closest to our guesthouse. We had seen this golden temple when we walked around the city the day before. It’s kind of hard to miss a giant ancient temple located in the middle of a busy traffic circle.

Sule Paya is believed to have been built during the time of the Buddha, more than 2500 years ago.

As we entered the sacred site we were told to buy flowers, they didn’t cost much so we just went along with it. A guide latched onto us and took us on a tour around the temple complex, telling us about its history.

Around the central golden stupa, there were shrines dedicated to the eight signs of the Burmese Zodiac. Your zodiac sign is based on what day of the week you are born, with Wednesday being split into two.

Our guide had a book with dates and corresponding days of the week and I found out I was born on a Saturday which makes me a Dragon.

The flowers we bought on arrival were to offer at our respective shrines and we were also told to pour cups of water over the statue at our shrine and ring the bell. It was all very interesting and I would say that our guide actually deserved the large tip that he demanded after the tour.

Botataung Paya is famed for its gold-leaf interior and for housing what is believed to be the sacred hair of the Gautama Buddha.

I can’t get enough of the sparkling gold stupas against a bright blue sky but I found the gold leaf interior not so exciting, although the air-con was much appreciated.

A cloudy green pond was home to hundreds of terrapins including a monster that was quadruple the size of its brothers and sisters.

There were a lot of street food stands near the entrance to the temple, so for lunch, we tried a few different dishes and went for a stroll along the Yangon River.

We saved the most famous temple of them till last – the Shwedagon Pagoda. It is the most sacred temple in Yangon and houses relics from four Buddhas including eight hairs from Gautama Buddha (take that Botataung Paya). It is a very important player in the history of Yangon.

The magnificent golden central stupa is 99 meters tall and is surrounded by smaller shrines. After looking around the shrines we took a seat in front of the iconic gilded stupa, as sunset slowly encroached. A carefully coordinated line of women swept the marble ground around the stupa as we waited.

The sky darkened, and the spotlights around the stupa turned on, illuminating it in a golden glow. It was mesmerizing.

Shwedagon Pagoda was my favorite in Yangon, and not just because I patted a cat hanging out in one of the shrines or because a local lady said I was pretty. It was the most impressive and getting to see it lit up at night was simply spectacular.

The city itself was spectacular and I loved our short but sweet two days in Yangon. It is a city of raw energy, slowly emerging from fifty years of oppressive rule that saw it largely shut off from the rest of the world.

Like with Cuba, I want to see the progress that would benefit the people and hopefully help to combat the crushing poverty we witnessed.

But I also love that I got to see it as it is now, a truly incredible city that is like nowhere else I have experienced.

Unpolished but beautiful. And so very alive.

Plan Your 2 Days in Yangon

How to get to and from yangon.

I started my Myanmar trip in Yangon , flying in from Bangkok which was a short and cheap flight with AirAsia . The airport is about one hour out of the city and the best way to get into the city is by taking a registered taxi or Grab.

You could also take a taxi for a short trip to the nearest train station which is Pa Ywet Seik Kone Station, then catch the train to Yangon Central Station.

I traveled from Yangon to Bagan by bus, and at the time it was a pain to book it as the bus station is about an hour outside of town and you couldn’t book online back in 2015 – luckily you can now through 12go .

There are a number of popular bus routes from Yangon that you can book online, here are the most common:

• Bus Yangon to Bagan which takes 9-10 hours
• Bus Yangon to Mandalay which takes 8-9 hours
• Bus Yangon to Inle Lake which takes 11-12 hours
• Bus Yangon to Mawlamyine which takes 6 hours

You could also take a train from Yangon to Mandalay which takes 14-15 hours.

Where to Stay in Yangon

I stayed in the Golden Star Guest House in Yangon but it doesn’t exist anymore. Since I visited in 2015, there are so many great new hotels that have opened in the Yangon, including the five-star Yangon Excelsior which is pure luxury with its high design and spa and pool on site.

For a more budget hotel option, try Hotel Balmi , a cute and colorful hotel with affordable rooms and a great city center location.

There are also several highly rated hostels that have popped up in Yangon since I visited, and staying in a hostel is great to cut costs and meet other travelers.

One of the most highly rated hostels in Yangon is HOOD Hostel which has dorms and private rooms and is centrally located. All the rooms have air-conditioning and it is in a refurbished colonial building.

The Best Travel Insurance For Your Yangon Trip

Make sure you get travel and health insurance before your Yangon trip, just to be on the safe side. Safety Wing is my go-to and they are cheap and easy to claim with – it also auto-renews every month unless you turn it off so you don’t have to think about it on longer trips.

Safety Wing also allows you to sign up when you are already traveling, unlike a lot of other travel insurance providers.

Also, don’t forget to pack this awesome water bottle with heavy-duty filter – it’ll allow you to drink from the tap, saving money as well as being more environmentally friendly.

If you liked this post, check out some of my other Myanmar content:

• Getting off the Beaten Path in Mawlamyine, Myanmar
• Why you Need to Visit the Bagan Pagodas, NOW!
• Trekking Kalaw to Inle Lake: The Best Trek I Have Ever Done
• The Perfect Inle Lake Itinerary For Relaxation

14 Comments on The Perfect 2 Days in Yangon Itinerary For Your First Visit

Great article. Myanmar looks beautiful.

Thanks, it really was 🙂

I love your article. May I know what is the best time to visit MYANMAR

Hi Peter, during the dry months of October to March is the best time to visit.

I just traveled to Yangon 4 months ago. I agreed with you. I also love Shwedagon Pagoda so much.Its architecture is amazing and the local is so pretty as well. Your blog reminded me a lots. I miss Yangon. Thank you for your sharing. https://iloveasiatour.com

Glad you loved it too Thao. I would love to go back to Yangon and spend longer there next time.

I really enjoyed the photos! Very interesting.

Thanks Sher, Yangon is an endlessly interesting place

Great post…is the longyi similar to the one worn in India- the lungi?

Thanks Shanthanu. I’m not sure, I am yet to go to India. The longyi in Myanmar is a wrap-a-round skirt that men and women both wear, it comes in different patterns

Great post. It totally matches my impressions of Yangon. It’s definitely a raw and chaotic city, and its streets feel much closer to those of Indian cities than any other major city in SE Asia I’ve been to. Generally speaking, I found the people really sweet and welcoming. I hope I can come back in the future.

I also found the people incredibly welcoming, I think the Burmese have got to be some of the friendliest in the world. My boyfriend wants to go so I am definitely planning to go back

I’ve never heard of Yangon before, this was so interesting! Is it a walking city?

It is a walkable city Cate, such an interesting place!

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The first-timer's guide to myanmar.

Here’s a first timer's Myanmar travel guide – all the logistical knowledge you need for enjoying your first trip to Yangon.

This post may contain affiliate links, from which I receive a small commission on any resulting purchases at no cost to the customer. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It keeps The Koh Samui Guide ad-free, never sponsored and 100% independent. See privacy policy for more details.

The First-timer's Guide to Myanmar

Slowly (but very happily) we’re working our way through Bangkok Airways’s route map. We recently made our first trip to Myanmar, spending four fantastic days in Yangon (the former capital).

With a sum total of 96 hours’ expertise (plus an obsessive-compulsive-level of reading and research prior), here’s a first timer's Yangon travel guide – all the logistical knowledge you need for enjoying your first trip to Yangon.

How to prepare for Myanmar?

Safe travel in Myanmar: Before planning travel to Myanmar, please check for updates and safe travel advice with your home country's foreign office/foreign affairs bureau. Here's World Nomads from an insurance point of view: Restrictions & No-Go Zones for Travelers in Myanmar .

Of Thailand’s neighbours, we had visited all but Myanmar (clockwise that’s Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, with honourable mentions to nearby Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia). What would Myanmar offer in the way of new sights, food and drink, and delightful people? As it turns out, plenty.

‍ Four days in Yangon offered an addictive starter. If you're planning your first visit to Myanmar – here's a big head-start!

1. Myanmar? Burma? Yangon? Rangoon?

First off – Myanmar? Burma? Yangon? Rangoon? What’s the right answer? Myanmar  (pronounced mee-an-mar ) is their own name for their country. Burma was enforced by the British but the language is called Burmese ... same with Yangon / Rangoon.

Lonely Planet Myanmar

Lonely Planet Myanmar (Burma)

Dk eyewitness myanmar.

DK Eyewitness Myanmar (Burma)

Quickly learn your 'Myanmar 101' with a current travel guide: Lonely Planet offers easy-to-build itinerary advice, while DK Eyewitness goes a little deeper into Burmese culture and history.

‍ Free downloadable guide: The Myanmar Insider's Guide , by World Nomads

2. Where to stay in Yangon?

For its great location and comfort in a known brand, we booked the Sule Shangri-La Yangon for our 4-day trip to Yangon. Initially, it was a choice between that and The Strand . The beautiful Belmond Governor's Residence wasn't available for our dates (it only has 48 rooms), so that saved any tough decisions.

Between our top two choices, the Shangri-La seemed closer to shops and general Yangon life, which turned out to be true. The location was perfect for general sight-seeing and exploring, and the room rates are very reasonable for such a fantastic level of service. Sule Shangri-La staff are... incredible . Book this hotel just for the staff. We fell in love. Highly recommend! ‍

Five-star Yangon hotels

• Belmond Governor's Residence
• Savoy Hotel Yangon
• The Strand, Yangon
• Sule Shangri-La Yangon (we loved it!)

Boutique hotels in Yangon

• Hotel G Yangon
• Esperado Lakeview Hotel
• The Loft Hotel
• Merchant Art Boutique Hotel

Best budget hotels in Yangon

• Mango Hill Inn
• Backpacker(Bed & Breakfast)
• 15th street @ Downtown Yangon
• The SAT Yangon

3. How to get to Yangon?

If you’re plotting a Southeast Asia itinerary or have a little flexibility in travel from Bangkok, know this: BKK to RGN is just an hour’s flight. We flew with Bangkok Airways but you have various options from Bangkok, including Myanmar Airways International and Thai. ‍

Book your flight to Myanmar: We flew with Bangkok Airways, from Bangkok (BKK / Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport) to Yangon (RGN / Yangon International Airport) – just an hour's flight. Get the flight schedule + route map + baggage allowance .

‍ Bangkok to Yangon?

• Flight length: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Time difference: 30 minutes behind Thailand (GMT +6.30 )

How to enter Myanmar by land? Making Border Crossings Between Thailand & Myanmar

4. Get your Myanmar visa

Apply for your Myanmar visa online (a very slick, totally electronic process). We were tremendously impressed with Myanmar's visa application process – all completed online, on an iPad, in minutes. Our subsequent arrival at immigration was equally slick, with the added benefit of having Miss Myanmar (or her prettier sister) as our immigration officer.

5. Don't forget travel insurance

For about a thousand-million reasons , make sure you take five minutes to buy travel insurance for Myanmar before you leave home. Then, take another five minutes to check that you're covered for any activities on your list: hot air balloon rides, riding scooters or motorbikes, zip-lining and so on.

• Travel insurance for Myanmar
• Activities you are/aren't covered for with World Nomads

Need a thousand-million-and-one reasons? Check any crowd-funding site for dozens of sad stories of fellow travellers stuck in Southeast Asian hospitals, unable to afford medical transport back home. Often, scooter accidents are to blame so ... (1) travel insurance, (2) hellooo, helmet.

6. Learn Myanmar's do's and don'ts

Everything you need to know about culture and etiquette is answered in Myanmar - Culture Smart! , and (as we proved with 4 words of Burmese), a little language effort goes a long way, so pack a Burmese Phrasebook.

Lonely Planet Burmese Phrasebook

Lonely Planet Burmese Phrasebook & Dictionary

CNN's 11 things to know before visiting Myanmar is worthwhile – much of the content is for travellers who are brand new to Asia, but there's some interesting stuff about how to eat and manners that are different from Thailand. Also see Top Tips for Yangon , by a Yangon expat.

7. Discover Myanmar's history

• Burmese Days , by George Orwell

Finding George Orwell in Burma

• The Narrow Road to the Deep North
• The Burma Road (World War II, China-Burma-India Theater)

The River of Lost Footsteps: A Personal History of Burma

Whether you're particularly interested in the colonial era, WWII, or other points entirely – you can dive into Myanmar's history with both fiction or non-fiction. Burmese Days is as excruciating as it is hilarious – required reading before setting foot in the Governor’s Residence. If you're politically minded, Amazon is awash with options – many highly reviewed.

What to pack for Myanmar?

Aware, after visits to Vietnam and Laos, that dress-codes aren’t standard across Southeast Asia (Thailand’s dress code is arguably the least conservative of the bunch), we paid more attention to our packing than we would on a trip to Koh Samui.

For a good starter packing list for Myanmar, see what to wear in Thailand and stick to the dress codes advised for visiting temples and/or the dressier and more conservative end of Bangkok.

What's the dress code in Myanmar?

Very conservative, and quite different to Thailand. Almost everyone (all ages) wear longyis (pronounced lon-gee ). The women's are very colourful; gorgeous fabrics often worn with a matching close fitted top. They’re tied at the side and are close fitting. Men's are dark colours in checks, stripes, plaids and are worn with dress shirts, casual shirts or T-shirts. Basically, they’re a wide tube of fabric, folded and knotted at the waist to form a distinctive knot about 3 inches across. Younger people have adopted skinny jeans, but they’re not (that we saw in our four days) as common.

‍ Shoes to pack for Myanmar: Flip-flops weren’t adequate for walking as the road surfaces are uneven. You need good walking shoes and nice heels/dressy sandals (women) or loafers (men) for posh spots. See the best shoes for Thailand – ignoring the flip-flops! – the rest of our recommendations are ideal for very hot weather.

‍ Women's packing for Myanmar: Fairly modest summer dresses. It was over 30 degrees every day and dresses were just more comfortable. At other times, a pair of light cotton trousers was great to keep the sun off my legs. To visit the temple I wore a very light cotton button-down shirt with a pair of light khaki pants.

‍ Men's packing for Myanmar: Khakis and collared shirts ( lightweight linen and cotton).

‍ Pack a good sun hat! We're so glad we packed wide-brimmed sun hats. We would have melted without them; they made all the difference.

What to expect in Yangon?

1. What to expect at Yangon International Airport

It’s new, modern and airy. On landing, you see a huge gold portico that resembles a temple. It’s very distinctive – you know you’ve arrived!

‍ Yangon airport transfer: We booked the hotel limo simply for convenience (US$50), however, we were told a taxi would cost about (US$10). After a really quick immigration process, we were greeted by two extremely helpful Shangri-La guys in red jackets. One was the driver and the other a guide to point out city highlights and provide a Myanmar introduction. The journey took 45 minutes on arrival, and 90 minutes when leaving (Yangon has traffic !).

2. Can you get by with English in Yangon?

In the hotel, everyone spoke English, but our very few words of Burmese in return were very well received. A few shop-keepers and one taxi driver spoke some English, though it wasn't widespread. Smiles and pointing did the rest.

3. What to know about money (cash and USD)

The main piece of advice dished out in Lonely Planet Myanmar is to arrive in Myanmar with mint U.S. dollars: no folds or creases of any sort. We did as told and were surprised that pristine dollars that had merely been folded in a wallet (not creased, just lightly bent in half) weren’t accepted.

4. Finding ATMs in Yangon

We found ATMs everywhere in Yangon. For the sake of research, we tried bank cards from three countries at Yangon ATMs (including UK cards) and all were happy to give us the local currency, kyat (pronounced chat). We followed the Lonely Planet advice not to change at airports or official money changers.

5. Internet in Yangon?

There was good internet at the hotel, although there were notes asking guests not to use VPNs and refrain from using too much bandwidth.

6. How to get around Yangon?

In total contrast to Vietnam, and Thailand to a lesser extent, we didn’t see a single scooter or motorbike in Yangon. It’s all cars and minivans. We heard an explanation that it's in response to a general being knocked down by a motorbike but couldn't say whether this is an urban legend for tourists. A particular curiosity is that although the roads are right-hand drive, most passenger vehicles (and buses) are left-hand drive.

7. Yangon traffic

As tourists, aspects of travel in Yangon can still be a bit of an unknown adventure. From leaving the hotel, we gave ourselves three hours to our flight – and still had to run for the plane. Traffic is considerable (similar to Bangkok) and, 40 minutes after leaving the hotel, we were still on the same street.

8. Taxis in Yangon?

Taxis in Yangon are inexpensive, clean and very plentiful. As on Koh Samui, they're not metered, so you agree on the price before the journey. No matter where we wanted to go the price was 2- or 3,000 kyat (US $2 or $3). Our most expensive taxi was US$4, probably double the going rate, but the driver spoke English and was major entertainment.

9. Walking around Yangon

At this time of year (mid-February), we found it cool enough to walk around until about 11 am, and again in late afternoon. It would depend on how acclimated you are to heat and the time of year you visit. City streets are quite uneven and curbs are high – perhaps tricky for anyone less than limber, or trying to get around with a stroller. Pollution is noticeable so it was sometimes preferable to jump in a cab.

10. Final Myanmar travel tip

One last tip for your departure from Myanmar. Mirroring the occasionally chaotic Bangkok Airways check-in at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – our check-in experience with Bangkok Airways at Yangon International Airport (RGN) was anything but slick. It’s first-come, first-served, no matter how problematic your fellow passengers. We had the good fortune to arrive just behind:

• (A) a visiting orchestra (checking in an army’s worth of cellos), and;
• (B) two tour groups of elderly Europeans, all of whom repacked their overweight suitcases at the check-in desk itself.

Perhaps the problem lay in the Burmese staff being too polite to say what a brisk Heathrow desk agent would offer. Give yourself more than two hours for your departing flight at the airport and keep your Kindle handy! You might have a nice, long wait.

Yangon hotel review

Sule shangri-la yangon.

In 2014 the building was converted to a Shangri-La from a Traders Hotel. The building is nearly 20 years old but has been extensively renovated. It's definitely not as impressive on first look as a Singapore or Bangkok Shangri-La (much newer, custom buildings) – but the staff make this hotel what it is. ‍

Horizon Lounge at Sule Shangri-La: During check-in, we were given the option of buying a Horizon Lounge pass, and doing so was a great decision. The lounge is on the hotel’s 21st floor, so the views are phenomenal and the staff are even more fantastic (with far fewer guests to look after, they have the time to be). If we hadn’t signed up for the Horizon Lounge we might not have been as impressed with the hotel – the space and the staff really made our stay.

If you find a good rate for your dates, you can also book a Horizon Club Room directly. The dress code is “business lounge” (which specifies no shorts, sandals or sleeveless shirts). With Horizon Lounge access you can have breakfast in serene and quiet surroundings (and we found that the staff knew our coffee order by Day 2). Soft drinks and snacks are available all day, and a daily happy hour offers drinks and a Burmese snack buffet. At any point on a hot day, it’s a really nice, cool oasis and is again a welcome spot for a night-cap.

‍ Room: Very comfortable, the bed especially. Linens were changed daily and the entire space was very clean. Fantastic water pressure! While not massive or exotic it’s certainly five-star standard.

‍ Sule Shangri-La facilities: A staff member mentioned to us that the hotel was 110% booked – who knew that was possible? As such, the facilities seemed a little undersized. The swimming pool, though delightful, wasn’t really big enough. True to form, we just wanted to visit the pool bar (where the bar staff were absolutely amazing) but sun-bathers were struggling to find available pool beds. Though we didn’t use it, there’s a reasonable looking gym – again, not massive but full of good equipment.

‍ Spa: To totally unwind, we booked a visit to the spa. The massage was brilliant, as was a 90-minute facial. The massage and beauty spaces are in separate areas on the same floor. The latter isn’t glitzy or particularly lavish – but the service is. What does décor matter when you’ve got your eyes closed?

‍ Security: Very good. An airport-style scanner in the entrance checks both visitors and bags/parcels, so guests have total peace of mind on that front. As you’d expect, the staff at Sule Shangri-La Yangon were superbly helpful but, city-wide, we met only smiling faces.

Recommended Reading

The rough guide to myanmar.

The Rough Guide to Myanmar (Burma)

The river of lost footsteps.

The Burma Road

The Burma Road: The Epic Story of the China-Burma-India Theater in World War II

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Yangon travel guide

Yangon tourism | yangon guide, you're going to love yangon.

The one-time capital of Myanmar, Yangon is still its cultural and commercial hub. The city's many cultural sites appeal to visitors from all over the world, yet Yangon is also so big that there's still a chance to get a glimpse of authentic Burmese urban culture today.

Best known for the 300-foot-tall gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon is also home to fantastically huge Buddha statues, beautiful lakeside parks, and bustling markets. In Chinatown, for example, markets and fairs bring the streets to a boil as shoppers and clubbers make their way through the crowded alleys.

Whether you're looking to shop for unique handicrafts, visit history museums, or try new food, you won't leave Yangon disappointed.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Yangon

1. a blast from the past.

While Yangon is modernizing, it is still very much a historical place, much different to any other Southeast Asian metropolis. From traditional clothing, to architecture, to the attitude of its inhabitants, it truly feels like another world.

2. Experience Burmese Culture

Locals wear longyis, which are cloth tubes that tie around the waste and descend nearly to the ankles. Many have beautiful patterns, and foreigners are welcome to wear them too. Additionally, Yangon has multiple museums and cultural centers, like the National Museum of Myanmar, that showcase Burmese history and culture to guests.

3. Vibrant Buddhist Traditions

Yangon is home to an incredibly devout population, and its many pagodas offer places for contemplation as well as aesthetic appreciation.

4. Unique Cuisine

Burmese food has heavy Indian and Thai influences, with plenty of local flavors thrown in. If you're feeling adventurous, be sure to try innards, a popular local delicacy.

5. The Circular Train

A sight in itself, the city's circular train takes many locals to and from work during its three-hour route. It's a great way to interact with locals.

What to do in Yangon

1. shwedagon pagoda: standing sky-high.

To the west of Kandawgyi Lake on Singuttara Hill stands the pointed gilded stupa known as the Shwedagon Pagoda. Myanmar's most sacred Buddhist pagoda dominates the Yangon skyline, measuring an impressive 325ft (99m). Climb up the Singuttara Hill through the pair of leogryphs that guard the entrance leading to the Pagoda. At nightfall, the stars aren't the only things shining. Marvel at the beauty of the artistically-lit pagoda that is visible to the entire the surrounding area.

2. Kandawgyi Park: Nature at its Best

This nature park is situated on Kandawgyi Kanpat Road and Natmauk Road. The best part about the Kandawgyi Park is the Kandawgyi Lake, where you can enjoy a serene boat ride on the still, clear waters that reflect the picturesque sky in all its glory. Take in the magnificent view of the Shwedagon Pagoda's golden spire over the tree-tops that line its banks. Myanmar's ancient architecture and the lake's sublime beauty the perfect place to spend a relaxing day. While you're there, check out the nearby Yangon Zoological Gardens, the oldest zoo in Myanmar.

3. National Museum: Myanmar's Hub of Cultural Collections

Situated in Dagon, Yangon, the National Museum is among the most well-known Myanmar museums, bringing together Burmese culture, history, and art. Established in 1952, the National Museum stands on 3.804 acres of land at Pyay Road, Yangonin. Wander through the 14 galleries and halls and experience ancient calligraphy, decorative arts, royal regalia, and other fascinating collections showcasing Myanmar's rich culture.

4. Reclining Buddha: A Sight for Sore Eyes

Located on Shwe Gon Taing Road, the Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple houses one of the country's largest and most respected Buddha images. The temple was founded by Sir Po Tha and its construction was completed in 1907. Feast your eyes on the 65-metre-long life-like construction and marvel at the Buddha's scerene expression, ivory skin, and bejeweled crown. While there, stop by the Ngar Htat Gyi Pagoda that is just across the Shwe Gon Taing Road where you will find an equally impressive "five-storey Buddha".

5. Inya Lake: Where Fun and Nature Collide

Positioned 10km (6 miles) to the north of downtown Yangon, Inya Lake is the perfect recreational spot for friends and families and a well-known meeting site for couples. The largest lake in Yangon, Burma, the Inya Lake was created as a water reservoir by the British from 1882 to 1883. Perhaps due to its beauty, Inya Lake's shoreline is lined with some of the country's wealthiest private property, but the public can still access the lake by way of Kaba Aye Pagoda Road,Inya Road, and Pyay Road. Engage your loved ones in fun-filled activities such as rowing and sailing as you enjoy the cool breeze that comes with the peaceful ambiance.

Where to Eat in Yangon

No trip to Yangon is complete without a few meals purchased from street vendors. However, restaurants also have plenty of authentic flavors. Biryani (a mixed rice dish) is a popular dish. Seven One One Restaurant offers a unique blend of Indian and Burmese food, while the 999 Shan Noodle Shop has great noodles. Expect a meal to run from K3,000 - K5,000.

When to visit Yangon

As with much of Southeast Asia, winter months are the best time to visit, as they are neither scorching hot like summer, nor insufferably wet like monsoon season. Average temperatures in January hover just under 80 degrees.

How to Get to Yangon

Yangon International Airport (RGN) sits about 30 minutes north of the city and serves flights from both domestic and international locations. Food at the airport is easily 10 times as expensive as it is in the city, so you'll do well to eat before you get to the airport. Taxis to the airport cost approximately K8000.

Trains are a popular mode of travel in Myanmar, and Yangon is no different. Several trains connect daily with Mandalay, while a scenic route to Pyay is quite the experience. Sleeper fares to Mandalay run approximately K48,000 and take nearly 24 hours.

Driving to Yangon is for many travelers not possible as foreigners are not permitted to drive cars in Myanmar.

Buses provide a much faster alternative to trains. They leave throughout the day and night to a wide range of domestic locations including Bagan and Inle Lake. Buses are affordable, with a nine-hour ride costing about K15,000. The main bus station, Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Station, is located on the northern outskirts of town.

Airports near Yangon

Airlines serving yangon, where to stay in yangon.

Yangon is a massive city, with five million inhabitants and few skyscrapers to maximize urban density. Hotels are not as cheap as one would expect, and there is often a trade-off between noise and location in the city center. All hotels include breakfast. Good budget options include the Pickled Tea Hostel and the Okinawa Guest House. Mid-range prices can be found at the Eastern Hotel, while luxury can be found at the Savoy Hotel.

Popular Neighborhoods in Yangon

Dagon - one of the city's most historic areas, Dagon is home to the Shwedagon Pagoda, as well as the National Museum of Myanmar and the National Theatre of Yangon.

Bahan - just to the north of Dagon, Bahan hosts the beautiful Bogyoke Aung San Park, Kandawgyi Lake, and the Yangon Zoo. A massive Reclining Buddha statue, one of the largest in the world, can also be found in this neighborhood.

Chinatown - Yangon's Chinese community is thriving, and Chinatown is now one of the city's most vibrant areas. Here, Burmese and Chinese residents mix with the odd tourist in the streets.

Where to stay in popular areas of Yangon

Most booked hotels in yangon, how to get around yangon, public transportation.

Yangon's bus system is extensive and very complicated. For tourists, this is made worse by the fact that few locals speak or understand English, and the local text is difficult to read. Drivers will try to help you if you announce your destination, and prices are cheap at K200. One of the central bus stations in town, the Parami Bus Station, is a good place to hop on.

Taxis are everywhere in Yangon, and they are often the easiest way to get around the city. While not metered, bargaining is not difficult. Taxis charge a K1500 pick-up fee, and additional miles usually raise the price by about K500.

Foreigners are not allowed to drive cars in Myanmar. However, cars can be hired with a driver for K45,000 a day (for 10 hours).

The Cost of Living in Yangon

Shopping streets.

Yangon is renowned for its handicrafts, gems, and clothing, and you can find all three at the Bogyoke Aung San Market. A wide variety of lacquer ware and wood carvings can be purchased here. Prices vary greatly from vendor to vendor and haggling is typically a must. For the sake of comparison, tailored shirts run about K50,000 in Yangon.

Groceries and Other

Street vendors sell a wide variety of fruit and nuts in Yangon, while convenience stores abound. A pound of apples will run you about K2700, while a loaf of bread costs K752.

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Plan a trip to Yangon - two days to enjoy the charms

Yangon (Rangoon), the largest city in Myanmar and the country's former capital until 2005, had the reputation of being the 'Garden City of the East' during British colonial days. It is a typical tropical city with annual temperatures above 30°C. As it is the largest port city of the country, many international cruise liners dock in Yangon.

The Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred Buddhist building, is the landmark of the city center and can be seen from every corner of the city.

Modern architectures, traditional white spires, and wooden houses painted black are alternately located in the city; the streets are narrow but flowers and evergreen trees are everywhere.

The locals like to wear brightly-colored sarongs and slippers; ravens swagger down the street with endless tokens, and even drivers make way for them.

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Two days are good enough for a first-time trip to Yangon according to our personal travel experience there.

Day 1 Yangon City Tour for highlights

9am–9:30am: Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple

Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple is the most renowned Buddhist temple in Bahan Township, Yangon. This is because it houses one of the most revered and largest (66 meters / 217 feet long) reclining Buddha images, which attracts travelers from around the world.

In 1899, a rich Burmese Buddhist named Sir Po Tha sponsored the building of the Buddha image. Unfortunately, another construction company completed it but the face became slightly aggressive looking.

In the 1950s, the Buddha was reworked and the image was replaced by tailor-making large glass eyes with dimensions of 1.77 meters by 0.58 meter (5 feet 10 inches x 1 foot 11 inches). After the construction work was finished in 1973, it became one of the most popular landmarks of Yangon.

Tip: For travelers, the Buddha is a must-see attraction, but it normally takes 30 minutes to finish the visit.

10am–12:30pm: Yangon Circular Train (Main Station — Insein)

Taking a train is a good way to enjoy a cross section of life in Yangon. Although Myanmar's British-built railways are less developed than its neighboring countries, travelers feel that trains are still a great way to get around and experience the country at ground level.

Trains are mostly utilized by lower-income commuters as they are (along with buses) the cheapest type of transportation in Yangon. The journeys are as much of an adventure as the country itself. For instance, travelers can see vendors yelling and walking in the compartments.

You can get off at any stations you want, but you'd better book a car to pick you up in advance. Since 2017, brand new and modernized trains have been put into use, giving more comfort and convenience to travelers.

1. The entire circular trip takes approximately 3 hours.

2. The timetable for departures at Yangon Central Railway Station is shown to the right. Note that there are several posts on the Internet with inaccurate departure times.

3. Notation "R" indicates 'eastbound' at Yangon Central Railway Station for a counterclockwise direction, and "L" indicates the opposite direction.

12:30pm–2pm: Lunchtime

2pm–3pm: Inya Lake and Aung San Suu Kyi's House or the National Museum

Usually at this time of day, the temperature is high and you'd better stay inside or somewhere cool. Inya Lake and Aung San Suu Kyi's house or the National Museum will be two good options for you.

Inya Lake is the largest lake in Yangon and a well-known natural sightseeing destination. Yangonites usually visit in their leisure time; it is also a good place for lovers to enjoy the romantic ambiance. There is a canoe club nearby and professional canoeists can lead you to enjoy a ride on the lake.

Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese politician, diplomat, and the leader of the National League for Democracy. She was put under house arrest on three separate occasions in 1989, 2000, and 2003. Aung San Suu Kyi's house is located near Inya Lake and it is rumored that visitors are not allowed to enter it.

The National Museum is located in the northwest of Yangon. It was founded in 1952 and covers a full aspect of Myanmar's history, including the natural history, folk art, performing arts, Buddhist imagery, and ancient ornaments.

Ancient items from the Stone Age can be seen closely, such as fossils, jewelry, examples of clothing, clay pots, furniture, tools, and ethnic scripts along with works of art. It is a good destination for visitors to learn about the history, culture, and civilization of Myanmar.

3:30pm–4:30pm: Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market)

Bogyoke Aung San Market, previously called Scott Market, is located in Pabedan Township in central Yangon, Myanmar. It is well-known for its colonial architecture and inner cobblestone streets, as the country was originally under British colonial rule. .

All kinds of traditional items can be viewed in the market, such as antiques, Burmese handicrafts, jewelry, works of art, and ethnic clothing. Local vendors sell medicine, food, garments, and foreign goods. The market is also renowned as a black market for currency exchange.

1.The market is closed on Mondays but opens the rest of the week, including Sundays.

2. Duration time: We recommend spending one hour there.

3. Opening times: 10am–5pm

4:30pm–6pm: Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred Buddhist building, requires visitors to walk barefoot when entering it. It is better to visit in the late afternoon rather than at noon, as the temperature is extremely high at noon.

Other Suggestions for Day 1

Sule Pagoda

The Sule Pagoda is one of the well-known pagodas in Myanmar and is listed on the Yangon City Heritage List. The pagoda is located in the center of downtown Yangon, covering the center of the city, and is significant in the areas of present Burmese politics, ideology, and geography.

It is said that the pagoda was constructed before the Shwedagon Pagoda during the time of the Buddha, making it over 2,500 years old.

Kandawgyi Lake

Kandawgyi Lake is located to the east of Shwedagon Pagoda. It is an artificial lake, built by the British as a reservoir. When you visit during a sunset, the glittering Shwedagon Pagoda is reflected in its water, creating a harmonious and romantic atmosphere.

You can find good restaurants nearby; indeed, it is a good place to have dinner while enjoying a good view.

Karaweik Palace

Karaweik Palace is located on the eastern shore of Kandawgyi Lake. It was built in the mid-1970s. You will watch a Burmese cultural show in the palace, and a variety of Burmese and other Asian foods will be served in the meantime.

Day 2 A day trip to Dala by ferry and Twante for pottery activities

When you have finished sightseeing in downtown Yangon, spending a full day in the suburbs of Yangon is a great option. Dala and Twante are two good destinations.

Visitors can take the daily ferry connecting Yangon with Dala Township. It takes around 10 minutes to get to Dala, where you can enjoy many wonderful things and energetic activities. The boat is large and able to accommodate hundreds of people. Vendors sell snacks, fruit, bread, and eggs on the boat.

All in all, the ferry is a fun photo tour; you can enjoy the view and experience the customs, and can take many interesting pictures.

Twante Township is famous for its pottery activities, which have been handled by some families over several decades. Not only can you watch the pottery-making but you may also have a chance to make something yourself.

It is believed that the township contains strands of hair from the head of Gautama Buddha. The township is home to the Shwesandaw Pagoda, and some other small pagodas can be seen as well. After finishing the tour, it is easy to return back to the downtown area.

Other suggestions for Day 2

Sakura Tower

Sakura Tower is in the center of the commercial area of Yangon and was built by a Japanese company in 1999. The 100-meter high tower, with a total leasable space of 12,245 square meters, enables you to view the large pagodas.

Inside the building, there is a restaurant, art gallery, and bar. You can enjoy the tasty meals and heartwarming service in the restaurant. Yangon Yangon, the highest bar in Yangon, offers a panoramic city and river view with an endless ceiling of sky and stars.

Colonial Era Buildings

Dating back to 1852, the British built large numbers of grand, impressive, and majestic constructions in Victorian, Queen Anne, art deco, British Burmese, and neoclassical styles. Presently, Yangon has the highest number of colonial era buildings among all the Southeast Asian countries.

The High Court Building is one of the most impressive colonial era buildings. The red brick building was built in an early colonial style, having reflected its splendid charm from its past to present. Unfortunately, improper maintenance has caused some parts to decay, but it is still worth visiting to witness its glory.

The Ministers' Office is an impressive building too. In the past, it was the core of British administration in Myanmar. It is a grand and elegant building that impresses the Burmese people. To experience the colonial building style, we suggest you walk to see it.

The colonial buildings occupy a vast area and it takes a day or more to see all the buildings in Yangon from the downtown area. So before you go, you'd better decide on a sightseeing tour according to your personal preferences.

Visit Myanmar with Asia Highlights

We provide tailor-made tours to Myanmar. Tours typically start or end in Yangon or Mandalay and last approximately 9 days; visiting Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake.

You might like to read

• Best Time to Visit Myanmar
• Plan a First-time Trip to Myanmar
• Top 9 Attractions in Bagan

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• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.3 By boat
• 3.1 By taxi
• 3.2 By train
• 3.3 By trishaw
• 3.5 By boat
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• 12.1 Healthcare
• 13.1 Embassies

Yangon (Burmese: ရန်ကုန်), formerly known in English as Rangoon , was the capital of Myanmar until it was replaced by Naypyidaw in 2005. Western governments and Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD still use the old English name as a sign of non-recognition of the military government that changed the name. Today, with a population of over 5 million people, it remains the largest city and the economic hub of Myanmar.

Understand [ edit ]

As the country's former capital, Yangon is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Myanmar, where you can find nightlife, quality international restaurants, and many of the country's museums. The city is an amalgamation of British, Burmese, Chinese, and Indian influences, known for its colonial architecture, which although decaying, remains an almost unique example of a 19th-century British colonial capital in Asia. New high-rise buildings were constructed from the 1990s as the government began to allow private investment, and with the introduction of reforms in 2013, many new buildings were constructed and refurbished in the city centre. Meanwhile, former government buildings such as the massive Secretariat Building have been left to rot since the capital was shifted to Naypyidaw.

Yangon's former English name was not the only victim of change in this country. For one, the country's name was changed. To add to the on-going identity crisis, the city has been stripped of its status as capital. The nation's capital has been relocated to a remote new site called Naypyidaw, built from scratch. The flag too has been changed, redesigned in 2010, replacing the old one which replaced another one slightly more than a decade earlier.

The government requires all foreigners to register their passports at hotels. It is illegal to stay in a private residence without registering with the local Township authorities.

Read [ edit ]

Our Home in Myanmar: Four years in Yangon by Jessica Mudditt - An Australian freelance journalist recounts living in Yangon during the country's liberalisation between 2012–2015, working for an English-language newspaper. The author describes with fascination what her life was like, the stories she worked on, and the difficulties created by the Myanmar government for her husband, a Bangladeshi, in light of the beginnings of the Myanmar military's genocide of the Rohingya people.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Getting there/away :

International :

By train [ edit ]

There are several train lines that connect Yangon to the rest of Burma. Several trains daily connect Yangon to Mandalay via Bago with connections to Bagan and the Inle Lake area at Thazi . Most trains leave early in the morning (02:00 or 03:00) and arrive late at night. Yangon-Mandalay fares for a sleeper are US$35-50, for a seat are US$30-40 in first class and US$10-15 in second class. There is also a direct train line between Yangon and Bagan (US$35) but trains take almost 24 hr for a bumpy journey and the change at Thazi is a better bet.

The oldest line in Burma is the Yangon- Pyay line and it shows its age. But, the 9-hr journey (US$15) along the Irrawaddy basin is well worth it. Three trains leave from Pyay. 1) Start 02:00 and arrives 13:40 at Kyemyindine station (11½ hr). 2) Start 06:15 and arrives 17:30 at Kyemyindine station (11 hr). 3) Start 23:30, arrival 07:50 at Yangon central (8½ hr). Upper class 3,900 and ordinary seat 1,950 kyat.

The Mawlamyine line is equally bumpy and the 9 hr express (06:15, US$17-11) and 11 hr slow train (07:00, US$14-5) is slightly longer than by road. On this trip in first class you get your own seat and it's slightly less crowded, but there isn't much else different between the classes.

Trains also run to Pathein in the Irrawaddy delta but are very slow and the bus is a better alternative.

By boat [ edit ]

150 years ago, boats were the way to get to places from Yangon and IWT (Inland Water Transport) passenger ferries still ply the major rivers. Yangon to Mandalay takes 5 days with a change at Pyay (3 days) and the return trip (downriver) takes three days. The ferry leaves Pyay every Friday at 06:30 and arrives in Yangon on Sunday at 21:40.

A luxury ferry (the Delta Queen) recalls the colonial era on the Yangon- Pathein route (about 20 hr, US$170/person). The IWT ferry to Pathein takes 15 hr for the overnight trip (US$35/10).

By bus [ edit ]

• 16.93061 96.15826 3 Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal , Pyay Rd, North Okkalapa ( a 5,000 kyat taxi from the airport; a bit out of the city and beyond the airport; Mingalardon Railway Station circa 1 km west ). To destinations such as Bagan, Kalaw, Mandalay, Taunggyi for Inle Lake, Bago, Hpa-An, Mwlamyiane, Pyay, Lashio. Buses depart around 09:00 and 21:00. There are ticket offices representing all companies outside the stadium opposite the main train station. Many offer ferry services to the Highway Bus Station in a pickup for 1,000 kyat. A taxi will cost around 6,000 kyat.  

From specific destinations:

• Mandalay – There is heavy competition on this route with air conditioned fares ranging from 10,500 kyat (Mandalar Minn, E lite) to 18,000 kyat for a 3-seat across VIP bus (E lite). E lite has an all new fleet with several departures early morning and evening. The new highway has dramatically reduced travel times north with the Mandalay trip taking just over 8 hr with a good bus.
• Bagan – Buses are poorer value at 15,000 kyat. At the stadium in Yangon, you can get bus tickets for 13,000 kyat to Bagan (haggle!).
• Pyay – Several buses a day: 8 hr, from 10,000 kyat. A few of which have started in Sittwe 18 hr before that.
• Ngapali ( Thandwe ) – There are many buses travelling this route, for there are many tourist longing for the beautiful beach. From Thandwe (but also Ngapali) most Yangon buses start in the morning. The first 6-8 hr of the trip can be very exhausting, because they are through hills and on serpentines mostly only the bus will fit on. Make sure to take care of your stomach.
• Tamu – An Ordinary Express departs at 07:00, and a VIP Express at 11:00. Alternatively, transferring or stopping over in Kalay, the Ordinary Express departs Kalay at 12:00, and the VIP Express at 15:00.
• 16.879751 96.023763 4 Hlaing Thar Yar Bus Terminal ( Dagon Ayar Highway Bus Station ) ( across the Bayintnaung Bridge; 45 min by taxi (6,000 kyat) ). Buses from and to the Irrawaddy delta region (Pathein, Chaungtha Beach, Ngwe Saung Beach). Buses to Kyaiktiyo (Kinpun) leave in the morning (4.5 hr, 6,000 kyat). Buses for Mawlamyine (6 hr via the new bridge) leave in the mornings and late at night (8,000 kyat). Buses to Sittwe and Thandwe ( Ngapali Beach ) are also available, but the road is bad and the journey long. Thanks to the new bridge and upgraded road, buses to Pathein take less than 4h and the journey is comfortable. Add 45 min by taxi to get to the Hlaing Thar Yar Bus Terminal though. 6,000 kyat.  

Getting there/away: Going to the city from the Highway Bus Station is possible on Bus 43 for 300 kyat. The bus passes in front of the entrance to the station. Just ask the helpful locals. On the way to the terminal, ask your hotel to write it down in Burmese script and catch the bus from the city hall across from Sule Paya to the city centre for 200 kyat. Better than the horrible transfer time (see shuttle ticket below) that sometimes make you wait at Aung Minglar for 3 hours. Bus 43 takes about 1 hr to get there, but give yourself some time to check in and allow for potential delays, leaving 2 hr from Sule Paya before your bus leaves.

Big bus companies serving the main tourist destinations (Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal) have sales offices across from Yangon train station (can also buy "shuttle ticket" to Bus Terminal for 1,000 kyat here).

Get around [ edit ]

• 16.88045 96.08709 1 Aung Zha Bridge ( Take Hlaing River Rd across the river ). Over Hlaing River connect Insein township with Hlaing Thar Yar township  
• 16.85638 96.09808 2 Bayint Naung Bridge , Dagon Township . Over Hlaing River  
• 16.80499 96.18729 4 Nga Moe Yeik Bridge , Upper Pazundaung Rd connect with Ayer Wun Main Rd . A bridge over Ngamoeyeik Creek  
• 16.85994 96.03577 5 Pun Hlaing River Bridge ( Hlaing Thar Yar township ).  
• 16.78508 96.17905 6 Thaketa Bridge , Dagon . A bridge over Ngamoeyeik Creek  
• 16.81031 96.19226 7 Thuwunna Bridge , Wai Za Yan Tar Rd . A bridge over Ngamoeyeik Creek  

By taxi [ edit ]

The easiest way to get around the city is by taxi and Yangon is the city where Toyotas come to live out the rest of their days. Plenty of old white Toyota Corolla taxis ply the streets and will pull over if you stick your hand out. Genuine taxis have red licence plates, carry a laminated green slip, and a large-print taxi driver identification card on the dashboard of the car, but all taxis are reliable. Be warned though that around lunchtime and late at night, it may be hard to hail one. Taxis are always available outside the bigger hotels, on Sule Pagoda Rd, outside Cafe Aroma, and, during the day, outside the south entrance to the Shwedagon Pagoda. Away from the city centre, for example, near the budget hotels in Pazundaung Township, you may have to wait a bit before a taxi shows up and it may be easier to ask your hotel to call one for you. If you're travelling in the early hours (for example, to catch a 04:00 train or flight), arrange one with your hotel the previous evening. You will always, at all hours, find a taxi outside the Central Hotel on Bogoyoke Aung San Rd.

It is customary to negotiate prices prior to the trip but, other than tacking on an informal tourist surcharge, you'll very rarely be cheated. If you're not sure how much you should pay, it is safe to assume the driver is charging you an extra 500 kyat because you're a foreigner. Ask for 500 kyat less than the stated price if in doubt. Approximate fares are: city centre to airport, 6,000-8,000 kyat; city centre to Shwedagon Pagoda, 2,500-3,000 kyat; city centre to Pazundaung Township, 2,500 kyat; city centre to Aung San Suu Kyi's house, 3,000 kyat; city centre to Kandawgyi Lake area, 3,000 kyat; city centre to Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal, 5,000-6,000 kyat; city centre to Hlaing Thar Yar Bus Terminal, 4,000 kyat. Expect to pay more, sometimes twice as much, when it rains and late at nights.

Most taxi drivers will be happy to negotiate an hourly (3,000 kyat) or daily (US$20-30) or longer rate. Taxis will take you anywhere and you can, in theory, hail a taxi and negotiate a trip to Pathein or Bago or other destinations at a much lower price than through a travel agency.

Taxi drivers charge a minimum fare of 1,500 kyat even for short trips. It seems like meters are never used, even when present.

Grab (taxi app popular in South-East Asia) can also help you catch taxis at a fair price.

By trishaw [ edit ]

Trishaws are scarce in the city centre (and not permitted before 10:00), but more readily available in downtown and the surrounding townships. Negotiate fares in advance, but 500–1,000 kyat for a short ten minute ride, while a little more than a local would pay, is appropriate.

Using buses is safe and very cheap, the only drawback is that the network is hard to understand. Most of the locals can't speak English and the signs and bus numbers are written in Burmese. Yangon Bus Service (YBS), operated by Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA), started the operations in January 2017. The new bus network has reduced the number of lines from previous some 300 to about 70.

There are some apps that might come handy, although they are in Burmese, showing the bus stops and individual bus lines on the map (e.g. Yangon Bus Service Official App for Android).

A ferry crosses the river to Dallah from the Pansodan St Jetty.

• 16.76822 96.1617 8 Nan Thida Ferry Terminal and Pansodan Ferry Terminal , Pansodan Street and Strand Road corner .  
• 16.76707 96.17198 9 Botahtaung Jetty , Botahtaung Pagoda Road .  

On foot [ edit ]

Distances in the tourist areas are not great and, provided you take it easy, you can walk almost anywhere. The pavements can be very crowded though, particularly on Anawratha Rd, so expect to be constantly bumped into and to have to negotiate your way across vendors selling everything from hot samosas and curry to screwdrivers, TV remote controls to jeans. Many of the footpaths and pavements have large holes, mismatched pavers, or missing/unstable covers over drains. Walking on the footpath after dark can be treacherous, so either carry a torch or, like most locals, walk on the edge of the roadway which is normally in a (marginally) better state of repair.

See [ edit ]

Relatively untouched by development compared of other major Southeast Asian cities, the city centre of Yangon is full of historical sights. Yangon is perhaps the best preserved example of a European colonial capital in Southeast Asia.

Shwedagon Paya [ edit ]

The Shwedagon Pagoda or Paya is the most important religious site in Myanmar. The pagoda stands on the top of Singuttara Hill, and, according to legend, that spot has been sacred since the beginning of time, just before our present world was created. At that time, five lotus buds popped up on the hill, each bud signifying the five Buddhas who would appear in the world and guide it to Nirvana. Gautama, the Buddha as we know him, is the fourth of these five (Maitreya, the fifth, will announce the end of the world with his appearance) and, according to the legend, two brothers brought eight hairs of the Buddha to be enshrined in this sacred location, inaugurating the Shwedagon Pagoda. Whatever the truth of the legend, verifiable history records a pagoda at the site since the 6th century CE. Built and rebuilt, gilded and regilded, almost nothing in the pagoda is likely to be old, except whatever is hidden deep inside the stupa. An earthquake (18th century) destroyed the upper half of the pagoda spire and many buildings. Burmese Buddhists are practical people who constantly build and rebuild pagodas for merit. The pagoda is an interesting place: multicoloured neon highlighting a galaxy of colours, textures and shapes. It is also a jungle of spires with superior Myanmar woodcarving embellishment playfully mixed and matched with modern building materials such as corrugated roofing. Unlike other religious sites, it has a spiritual as well as a secular feel about it. Children run up and down singing songs, monks sit on the steps chatting, young men cast amorous glances at women, women stand around gossiping, all while others are deep in prayer in front of whatever shrine has significance for them. The Shwedagon captures the essence of both the informal nature as well as the strong ties that signify the relationship that the Burmese have with Buddhism.

• Guides . Guides, official and unofficial are available for US$5 (extra US$1/1,000 kyat tip). The quality is variable, but most guides are friendly and helpful. The pagoda is vast and complex and, if you can afford the extra cost, the company and practical information on what's going on around you are worth the expense.  
• Food . The closest restaurant is at the intersection of the Shwedagon Pagoda Rd and U Hlaung Bo St (at the bottom of the south walkway). There are some tea shops on a small roadway that describes a semicircle just below the top of the pagoda where you can get tea and biscuits. North of the pagoda, on Inya Rd and outside the Savoy, are many places to eat, fincluding a good fast food restaurant for pizza, coffee and sandwiches. Bring water; the heat of the sun can get to you if you visit during the daytime. No food or bottled water is available on the platform itself, but water is available from one of the many water dispenser. It's clean, cool and free.  
• Disabled visitors . A road on the south side leads halfway up the Singuttara Hill and an elevator can take you the rest of the way. Alternatively, if not in a wheelchair, head for the Western entrance from where escalators are available all the way to the top. The escalators are free for foreigners (or rather, included in the price of the ticket).  
• Dress code . Dress reasonably and keep your legs covered (long skirts, halfway between knee and ankle, are fine; shorts, on men or women, are not). Longyi are available at the ticket booth if you arrive overly uncovered.  
• Shoes . As with all Buddhist monuments in Myanmar, footwear is not permitted; socks also must be taken off here. Almost all visitors including all locals remove their footwear at the gates before setting foot inside the complex. There are places to leave your shoes at the bottom of every walkway for a nominal fee (5 kyat) but that can be a problem if, say, you enter using the east walkway and wish to leave by the north. Carry a plastic shopping bag, pop your shoes into that bag, and carry it around with you while on the walkways and platforms. A minor scam are people handing out plastic bags just outside the complex, if you accept you will then be asked to pay at least US$1: just ignore them and leave your shoes & socks at the official places. If you can, visit during the early morning or in the late afternoon and evening so the white marble tiles do not burn your feet.  

Things to see at the Shwedagon

• Plan . The pagoda is shaped similar to a Greek cross. There are four entrances at each of the four cardinal directions flanked by gargantuan sculptures of mythical Burmese lions. These entrances open up to the four walkways as the appendages of the cross ascending to the top via flights of steps. At the top is the octagonal intersection of the cross which consists of the stupa at the very centre itself surrounded by shrines that can qualify as temples by themselves and separated from the Stupa by a vast open walkway paved with spic and span shiny marble tiles. The stupa is further surrounded by a string of micro shrines: small celled structures housing the icon of the Buddha himself and interspersed by lion sculptures, and then further inwards, another string of micro stupas surround the stupa superstructure.  
• Walkways to The Pagoda . Four covered walkways lead up to the pagoda from the plains surrounding the hills. The east walkway is the most interesting, crowded as it is with vendors selling items for pilgrims (candles, flowers, gold leaf, stones and other paraphernalia of Burmese Buddhist worship) and souvenirs for tourists (Buddhas, lacquer ware and thanaka ). The other walkways are less interesting but the west walkway has escalators and the southern has an elevator. Walking up the Eastern walkway to the top and allowing the beauty of the pagoda it to emerge remains the best way to get up the hill. The entrances are striking: there is a pair of mythical and stylized stone lions guarding the doorway framing the grand staircase as if this scene is coming out from a biblical film set. To view clearly these mythical lions, one simply has to examine the Myanmar currency notes where it is featured practically in all denominations. The Great Stupa is visible at dark, multicoloured neon lightings highlight its profile Another attraction of this temple in general and the walkways in particular are the 3D murals of the Jataka tales in Myanmarese interpretation showing distinctive Myanmar landscape, temple and toddy palm dotted countryside, country life, architecture, palace and court scenery and pageantry, temple scenes, period costumes, mythological nagas and nats, elephants, lions and dragons. These 3D murals flank the upper part of the walls of all the four entrances.  
• The Pagoda Platform . Although similar in concept to Mecca's kaaba, surrounded by a vast space, the pagoda platform where people may make rounds of the stupa, is a religious space without pomp and circumstance and is one of the best places in the world to sit and people watch. Find a comfortable step, or sit on the floor, and look around. Children run up and down, perhaps singing and shouting with abandon. Women cluster in groups gossiping. Couples, young and old stroll up and down. Burgundy robed monks are everywhere. Here and there, at the many shrines that dot the platform and sit around the stupa, people pray, seriously and silently. Bells ring. There is no awe here, only life, religious and secular life. Sit there long enough and someone will stop to chat with you, to ask questions, to exchange information.  
• Day Shrines . There are eight shrines, one for each day of the week (in the Burmese calendar, Wednesday is divided into two parts), dotted around the eight corners of the stupa (the stupa is octagonal), and most Burmese pray at their day shrine when visiting a pagoda. If you can figure out the day of the week when you were born, light a candle, place some flowers, or pour water over the shrine corresponding to that day. Starting from the south entrance, and going clockwise, the eight planetary posts are: Mercury (Wednesday morning, before noon), Saturn (Saturday), Jupiter (Thursday), Rahu (no planet, Wednesday afternoon), Venus (Friday), Sun (Sunday), Moon (Monday), Mars (Tuesday). Each shrine also has a beast associated with it, the most interesting one being the Gahlon , a mythical half-bird half-beast said to guard Mount Meru (the shrine for Sunday).  
• Statue of Wa Thon Da Ray . The statue of Wa Thon Da Ray , the guardian angel of the earth, is to the left of the south walkway. Wa Thon Da Ray is said to have saved the Buddha from burning by wrapping her wet hair around the earth. The long tresses are clearly visible in the stone statue that stands in her honour.  
• The Arakanese Prayer Pavilion . A little before the west walkway, was a gift of the Rakhaing people of Arakan. The prayer hall itself is ordinary, but the wood carvings on the roof are exquisite, probably the finest in the pagoda complex.  
• Maha Ganda Bell . Known locally as the Singu Min Bell (after King Singu, who donated it to Shwedagon), the Maha Ganda bell was cast between 1775 and 1779 and weighs 23 tonnes. Impressed by the size of the bell, the British attempted to take it as war booty after the First Burmese War (1825), but dropped it into the Yangon River instead. The story goes that the British tried everything to get the bell out of the water, but all their technology was of no avail. Giving up, they told the Burmese that they could have it back if they could get it out of the water. The Burmese, with some bamboo rafts, managed to retrieve the bell and it was returned to the pagoda. Pick up a mallet and bang on the bell for luck. Behind the bell, a small pavilion provides excellent views of the stupa (spectacular at night) and a panoramic view of the city.  
• Naungdawgyi Pagoda and Sandawdwin Tazaung . Left of the north walkway, the Naungdawgyi or Elder pagoda is supposed to mark the spot where the sacred strands of the Buddha's hair were placed and washed before being enshrined in the stupa. Women are not allowed onto the Elder pagoda platform. Close by is the Sandawdwin Tazaung (Hair Relics Well) which provided the water for the washing. The well is odd because it is fed by the Irrawaddy rather than by ground water and the level of water in this well rises and falls with the tides.  
• Dhammazedi Inscription . A 1485 tablet that relates the story of the Shwedagon in Pali, Mon, and Burmese. One of the few verifiably antique objects in the pagoda complex.  

Other religious sites [ edit ]

• 16.78399 96.16298 2 Saint Anthony R.C. Church , Bo Min Yaung St .  
• 16.76842 96.17198 3 Botataung Paya , Strand Rd ( a few blocks east of the Strand Hotel along the Yangon River ). The original pagoda was destroyed by allied bombing during the Second World War but the site has a legendary history as long as that of the Shwedagon or the Sule Paya, and it is supposed to house more strands of the Buddha's hair brought to the site by a thousand soldiers (hence the name which means "1,000 officers"). The rebuilt stupa is hollow inside, and many relics (though not the hair) are on display. While not spectacular like the Shwedagon, the river-front setting and the hollow stupa make it worth visiting. Entrance fee: 6,000 kyat  
• 16.80114 96.17252 5 St Francis of Assisi Church , Kyaik Ka San Rd ( Thida Street Bus Stop ).  
• 16.8308 96.1341 6 Judson Church , Pyay Rd ( bus to stop Marlar, On western part of the Yangon University ).  
• 16.79486 96.15099 9 Fish and Turtle Lake ( West of Maha Wizaya Pagoda ).  
• Meilamu Paya . A large expanse of land on which larger-than-life, colourful statues depicting Buddha's lives are located. Mailamu Paya also showcases a pavilion on a man-made lake, and several chedis.  
• 16.80992 96.17066 10 Muhammad Jann Mosque ( Marmed Jahn Sunni Jamah Mosque ), Banyardala Rd/Tamwe Rd ( take a bus to stop Tamwe Ah Waing ).  
• 16.802 96.17363 11 E.A. Mumsar Mosque , Kyaik Ka San Rd ( north one block of St Francis of Assisi Church ).  
• 16.77436 96.15406 12 Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue , 85 26th St ( Vandoola Park Bus Terminus half km away ). The only synagogue in Yangon. It is a colonial relic, built in 1893. Its interior is beautifully maintained.  

• 16.7733 96.1705 15 Siyin Baptist Church , Maha Bandoola Road and 50th St cnr .  
• 16.78483 96.16177 17 Ta Chan Pae Mosque , Upper Pansodan Rd .  
• 16.80833 96.16258 18 Ngar Htat Gyi Pagoda ( ငါးထပ်ကြီးဘုရား ). Features 46 ft (14 m) tall seated Buddha. ( updated Aug 2020 )

Parks [ edit ]

• 16.83354 96.19741 19 Butterfly Lakes , U Ba Han St ( NE of A.K.K. Shopping Centre ).  
• 16.79497 96.1705 22 Kandawgyi Nature Park , Kan Yeik Tha Rd . This is a peninsula that provides good views around the lake and is the access to the Karaweik. There are restaurants (some cheap, some expensive) dotted around the lakefront and an amphitheatre that often has free concerts. Very popular with locals on Friday and Saturday nights. 300 kyat .  
• 16.78252 96.16636 23 Kandawlay Sunni Muslim Cemetery , Bo Min Yaung St .  
• 16.78442 96.16594 24 Kandawlay Shi'a Muslim Cemetery , Bo Min Yaung St ( North of Kandawlay Sunni Muslim Cemetery ).  
• 16.79431 96.1493 25 Kan Taw Mingalar Garden ( south of Shwedagon Complex ).  
• 16.8105 96.17017 29 Tamwe Muslim Cemetery , Tamwe Rd .  
• 16.80051 96.14683 30 Theingottara Park , U Wisara Rd ( east of People's Park ).  
• 16.81127 96.13323 31 War Memorial Cemetery , Kyun Taw Rd .  

Miscellaneous [ edit ]

• 16.82484 96.14664 33 Aung San Suu Kyi's House , 54 University Ave . The house is guarded by a high wall, and visitors are not allowed to enter. The most you can hope to do is to take a picture of the gate. Approximate taxi fares from the city is 3,000 kyat.  
• 16.79001 96.1503 35 Bahadur Shah Zafar Grave , Zi Wa Ka St . The grave of the last of the Mughal emperors in India, as well as the last ruler of the Timurid Dynasty. After the Indian rebellion of 1857, he was exiled to Rangoon together with his wife, Zeenat Mahal, and some of the remaining members of the family. Bahadur Shah died in Nov 1862. Today you can see his tomb, and if you are lucky, a guide may be there to give you a lot of information about this Sufi saint. There is no entrance fee, but you can give donations to local Sufis. Free .  
• 16.77251 96.15828 38 Centrepoint Towers , Sule Pagoda Road ( west from Maha Bandoola Garden ).  
• 16.80258 96.14772 42 Martyrs Mausoleum ( near the south gate of Shwedagon ). Contains the tombs of Queen Suphayalat, wife of Burma’s last king; nationalist and writer Thakin Kodaw Hmaing; former UN Secretary-General U Thant; and Aung San Suu Kyi’s mother, Khin Kyi. In 1983, the structure was bombed by North Korean agents attempting to assassinate the visiting South Korean president, Chun Doo-hwan. He escaped, but 21 others were killed. The structure was completely rebuilt, and is now much less grand than the original.  

• 16.8173 96.1382 44 U Thant Museum , Inya Road ( Tha Thone Street corner ).  
• 16.78877 96.14248 45 National Museum , 26 Pyay Rd ( in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ). W-Su 10:00-15:00, closed M Tu holidays . Displays many Burmese historical artifacts, including regalia of the last Konbaung Dynasty. This museum has one of the better quality collections in South East Asia, containing the best of Burma's artistic heritage and superior craftsmanship. The architecture of the museum is a pathetic and crude interpretation of modern architecture. The exhibitions have been improved during 2016 and most exhibits have signs in both Burmese and English. Some rooms are dimly lit. Photography is prohibited. Do not buy books in the museum shop. Buy them at Innwa Bookstore with its varied selections, and other stores along Pansodan Rd. A book that costs US$38 in the museum costs only US$22 at Innwa.  
• 16.79482 96.13758 47 Yangon Region Parliament ( Congress Building ), Pyay Rd ( west of People's park ).  
• 16.8098 96.2026 48 Thaketa Crocodile Farm , Myamarlar St ( east one km from Thuwunna Bridge ).  
• 16.7844 96.1508 49 Tatmadaw Exhibition Hall , U Wisara Road ( opposite the Military History Museum, Phaya Lan Train Station a half km away ).  
• There is an abandoned amusement attached to the zoo that has many overgrown rides, while entry is not permitted, many people do go in, and locals are used to tourists going in. While it is within shouting distance of the road and zoo, women should be aware of their personal safety. Millions of mosquitoes thrive here in the wet season and a number of aggressive wild dogs live here too. Enter through the bus parks back fence 30 m east of the zoo entrance, next to the mobile phone tower.

Do [ edit ]

• Dallah Ferry ( Pansodan Rd Jetty across from the Strand Hotel ). To Dallah, a small village across the river from Yangon, an interesting ferry ride. The ride is brief, but filled with all the craziness of a Burmese ferry: you can buy freshly sliced watermelon, cheroots, cigarettes, tea, all kinds of interesting-looking food, various knick-knacks from the many vendors who pack the ferry. The ferry ride seems more like a floating market than a means of transportation. Combine the ride with a trip to Twante for a half- or full-day trip. There is a pagoda at Dallah worth a visit, but otherwise the village is not really a destination. 4,000 kyat roundtrip fare for foreigners. . ( updated Feb 2016 )
• 16.83232 96.15394 2 Ferris Wheel , Kabar Aye Pagoda Rd ( Inya Lakeshore eastside ).  
• 16.81839 96.16076 3 Kokkine Swimming Club , Kokkaing Swimming Club Lane ( take bus to stop 'Har Mit Tic' ).  
• 16.82022 96.16968 4 Kyaikkasan Grounds , South Race Course Rd ( near the National Library ). A sportfield.  
• Market Tour and Cooking Demonstration ( Governor’s Residence Hotel ). The cooking demonstration takes place upstairs in the hotel's Mindon Lounge where you will learn to prepare a traditional Burmese salad. US$60 for a half-day tour including lunch (US$40 excluding lunch), excluding drinks .  
• 16.78368 96.15168 5 National Swimming Pool , U Wisara Road .  
• 16.78378 96.14931 6 National Theatre , Myoma Kyaung St .  
• 16.78228 96.15879 7 Thamada Cinema , Alan Pya Pagoda St ( take bus to Stop York Lan ).  
• 16.79183 96.16822 8 Thein Byu Sport Ground , Kan Yeik Tha Rd ( take a bus to Stop Masar Set ).  
• Cinemas – There are a number of cinemas that play new release English movies. Local cinemas cost only a few dollars and are usually in a good condition but the best cinema might be in Myanmar plaza. remember to stand in silence for the national anthem.
• 17.04226 96.11605 10 Hlawga National Park ( လှော်ကားအမျိုးသားဥယျာဉ် ). 09:00-17:00 daily . Big wildlife area along with mini zoo and elephant and safari rides. ( updated Aug 2020 )

Buy [ edit ]

Valuable and expensive woodcraft, gemstones, food ingredient, and souvenirs. Shopping is fun in Yangon for variety of things being available, unlike other crowded countries, foreigners can visit on certain times view things without distraction. Bargaining is expected, although tourists will be charged higher prices. Street vendors in the centre are not allowed to open their shops until 18:00, by government mandate.

• 16.82931 96.19168 1 A.K.K. Shopping Centre , Lay Daungkan Rd ( Thin Gan Gyun Station E0.7km ).  
• Bespoke Clothing . Although not as well known as Bangkok or Hong Kong, Yangon is an excellent place to have a shirt tailored. One can have a shirt with a traditional Burmese collar (mandarin collar) made for around US$6. 4-5 days should be sufficient for a shirt to be made.  
• 16.80281 96.19579 3 Capital Hypermarket , Min Nandar Road ( east of Nga Moe Yeik Bridge ). Capital Hypermarket is a huge supermarket to shop freely with confidence for fresh vegetables, meat and rare ingredients. The top and only floor of the building has rare electronics, clothes for both adults and child with affordable prices, leather made clothes, shoes and bags. You can also find cheap Blu-ray Discs at the top floor near the televisions. The ground floor is full of restaurants, and on some days with discounts on furniture. Has an artist gallery on the second floor.  
• Chinatown . 15:00-21:00 . A wide selection of street vendors. Colonial coins, Chinese calendars, Chinese temples, tea shops, several markets and small running businesses.  
• 16.81747 96.13095 4 Junction Square Shopping Centre , Kyun Taw Road ( Bus to stop Seik Pyo Yay ). The main attraction is the cinema, crafty stationery with high-prices and various food restaurants which is on the top floor.  
• 16.8096 96.12393 5 Kyee Myint Dine Night Market , Zay Gyi Road/Mani May Kha Lar Street ( Bus to stop Night Market/Nya Zay ).  
• 16.80355 96.17502 6 Kyauk Myaung Market , Kyatk Ka San Road ( Kyauk Myaung Zay Bus Stop ).  
• 16.8081 96.15 7 Market Place by Citymart , Dhama Zedi Road ( near to the Singapore Embassy ). Good for food shopping.  
• 16.79282 96.17322 8 Mingalar Zay , Banyardala Road ( Take a bus to stop Mingalar Zay ). Market Hall?  

• Shwedagon Paya . The entrance hallway offers many shops that sells, fresh and cheap coconuts, handmade bags, wooden and metal chests, paper owl charms, carved wood statues, beautiful fans, charming accessories with affordable price made from jade, and Buddha statues ranging from different sizes.  
• 16.82112 96.17361 9 Super One Supermarket , Lay Daungkan Rd ( Lay Daungkan Rd, near I.L.B.C school ). 09:00-21:00 . Super One is a department with many different items and foods by different brands from which you may not be able to find even in the biggest supermarket of Yangon.  
• Junction City , One of the famous shopping center in downtown area.

Money [ edit ]

Rates at the airport are almost as competitive as in the city, so change your money there or withdraw cash from an ATM. Do not change at the first bank you see inside the security area. Banks beyond security offer better rates.

If you need to change money outside business hours, especially on holidays and Sundays, only banks in the airport are open. Exchange rates are poorer at guesthouses and money changers.

Every full moon day is a public holiday. Banks, money changers, some Chinese shops and all government offices will be closed.

There are more than 500 ATMs in Yangon, however not all may work. It may take awhile to find one working. The withdrawal limit is typically 300,000 kyat plus a processing fee of 5,000 kyat.

When bringing in US dollars, the best exchange rates are for US$100 and US$50 notes. Smaller notes (US$1, US$5 and US$10) are indispensable to pay for admissions and transportation, which are sometimes charged in US dollars only. Bring notes in crisp condition as cashiers are wary of even the slightest blemishes. Check any US$ notes you are given in change, for the same reason. If you are given any damaged notes, nobody will accept it.

Eat [ edit ]

Yangon has seen an explosion of restaurants in the last ten years and a wide selection of international cuisines is available: Italian, Japanese, Thai and Korean. Local cuisine reflects the multi-ethnic nature of the city and the country. Along with Bamar food, there are a large number of Indian and Chinese restaurants as well as a few places specializing in ethnic Shan food. Fast food restaurants (usually with table service) serving burgers and pizza, and a few cafes complete the scene.

The cost of food ranges considerably. Restaurants and cafes in hotels and the airport charge prices that are normal in Western countries, yet at a streetside stall a whole meal costs 500–2,000 kyat.

Biryani, a rice and meat dish with roots in the Mughal Empire, is a speciality and there are many biryani restaurants ( dan-PAO-sain in Burmese) in the city centre, especially along Anawratha Rd. The three main competing restaurant chains (all halal, but vegetarian biryani is usually available) are Yuzana, KSS (Kyet Shar Soon), and Nilar.

Budget [ edit ]

Street Food : Anawratha Rd and Mahabandoola Rd are dotted with food stalls, but Yangon street ambiance is not conducive to al fresco eating. Betel-nut spitting pedestrians do not add to the ambience either. Myanmar street food is mostly deep fried, and often served in a puddle of oil. Dishes are washed at the roadside "dunk" style, without soap and without running water. The green tea is free but before drinking from the cups pour some tea, swill it, empty it on the street and then pour yourself the cup of tea. Alternatively, use the provided tissue at the table as the locals do. There are many buffet-style street stalls where you point at the food to order.

Street vendors sell samosas, onion balls, and other Indian snacks around Anawratha St between Sule Paya Rd and Shwe Bontha St in central Yangon for under 200 kyat. Many restaurants and food stalls close as early as 20:00 or 21:00. It is best go around 19:00.

• 999 Shan Noodle Shop , 130 34th St . Tiny snack joint with very good noodle dishes. The staff will play harmless entertaining tricks on your table such as flipping the pepper bottle if you look friendly. Around 2,000 kyat . ( updated Jul 2019 )
• Aung Mingalar Shan Noodle Shop , Corner of Nawaday Street and Bo Yar Nyunt Road , ☏ +95 1 385 185 . 09:00-22:00 . A lively restaurant specializing in Shan cuisine. The price is hard to beat and the waitresses are friendly. 2,000-6,000 kyat . ( updated Aug 2019 )
• Family Thai & Chinese Restaurant ( in the shopping mall next to Parkroyal Hotel; get on the escalator to the top floor food court, restaurant on your right ). Around 1,000-1,500 kyat per meal. .  
• Feel , 124 Pyihtaungsu Ave . A wide variety of Burmese curry dishes displayed in the back. Salads and fries. ~2,000 kyat .  
• Golden City Chetti ( locations throughout Yangon ). Offers Indian food at very reasonable prices and free top-ups on the veg thali.  
• Kyet Shar Soon Biriani ( in Mingalar Taung Nyunt, Pabedan, and Kyauktada Townships ). Established in 1947, offers a dish of halal Burmese-accented biryani. 700 kyat .  
• Hla Myanmar ( Shwe Ba Restaurant ), 27 5th St ( quite a walk from the northern entrance of the Shwedagon Pagoda ). 10:00-19:00 daily . This is just a simple restaurant, but a good one for those on a budget. They specialise in Bamar (Burmese) curries, so this is a good opportunity to eat like the locals. You can just point at the curry you want and take a seat on one of the chairs. It is difficult to find, so ask the locals for directions. It is well-known among locals, because the famous actor Shwe Ba used to have his house in the area, and the restaurant is sometimes named after him. 2,500 kyat .  
• New Delhi ( between Shwe Bontha and 28th on Anawratha Rd ). Better and cheaper than Golden City. Small Indian place, well known to the locals and tourists. Great taste and value.  
• Nilar Biryani , 216 Anawratha Rd , ☏ +95 1253131 . Daily 08:00-20:00 . A venerable, old Biryani restaurant serving chicken, mutton and vegetable biryani. Fast, delicious and cheap.  
• Shwe Pu Zun , 246-248 Anawratha Rd , ☏ +95 1 222305 , +95 1 211709 . Ice cream and dessert shop known for its faluda a dessert of rose syrup, sweet basil, string of jelly, pure milk, ice-cream and warm custard.  
• Soe Pyi Swar , 136 Latha St , ☏ +95 1385872 . Vegetarian restaurant. Run by a delightful old couple and serving both vegetable and mock meat dishes. A few doors north on the same block is another veggie restaurant marked only by Chinese characters.  
• YKKO , 286, Seikkanthar St ( at the upper block ). A well-established restaurant that is known for its kyae-oh , a Chinese type of noodle soup. With white noodles, minced pork, pig body parts such as pork brains, fresh water cress, it is then mixed with spicy red sauce in the bowl and eaten with a porcelain spoon.  
• Barbecue food stalls , 19th street, China Town . This road becomes busy between 18:00-19:00 when plenty of food stalls open. Choose your fish, meat or veggies to be barbecued on the spot.  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 50th Street , 50th St . The only stand-alone Western-style cafe, restaurant and bar in Yangon. Amazing architecture and ambiance. Free Wi-Fi, multiple sport TVs, pool table, and dart board.  
• Kaisu kitchen, (on Mahabandula Road, between 11th Street and Hledan Street, diagonally across from Lotteria) serving western style fried chicken, burgers and Singapore style food- 2500Kyat. better than Lotteria, cheaper than KFC, has Wifi.
• Karaweik Buffet Restaurant , Kan Pat St ( on Kandawgyi Lake ), ☏ +95 1 290546 . A buffet restaurant inside the Karaweik, offers a wide selection of Asian dishes, and a 1-hr cultural show from 19:30 to 20:30. Costs 15,000 kyat/person.  
• 16.82501 96.14326 1 Fuji Coffee House , University Avenue Rd ( Next to U.S. Embassy ).  
• Sabai Sabai , Dhammazedi Road . The best Thai restaurant in town. Expect to pay about 7,000 kyat/person for drinks, soup, starter, and main. Most main dishes are around 4,000 kyat. This clean and atmospheric place is a favourite among expats and business people. Closed between lunch and dinner time (15:00-17:00). Closes at 21:00. Most taxi drivers know of the place. It's in an area with plenty of other mid-range restaurants.  

Splurge [ edit ]

• 16.770575 96.166921 2 Monsoon , 85-87 Thien Byu Rd . Burmese, Lao, and Thai cuisine. Restaurant and bar. Great ambiance and comfortable air conditioned surroundings with free Wi-Fi.  
• 16.845458 96.151807 3 L'Opera , C62, D, U Tun Nyein St , ☏ +95 1 665516 . A fine Italian restaurant in Yangon.  
• 16.809669 96.15689 4 Le Planteur Restaurant and Bar , 22 Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd ( next to Golden Hill Tower ), ☏ +95 1 541997 . One of the best restaurants of Myanmar. It specialises in fine French cuisine with an Asian touch. The location of the restaurant (a former Australian Embassy) is spectacular and the service is impeccable.  
• 16.796329 96.156957 5 Signature Garden Restaurant ( corner of Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd and Kan Yeik Thar Rd, Kandawgyi Relaxation Zone ). A fine dining restaurant.  
• Strand Hotel , 92 Strand Rd . Yangon's luxury colonial hotel, founded by the legendary Sarkies brothers in 1901, who also founded Penang's Eastern and Oriental Hotel and Singapore's Raffles Hotel. An interesting experience is to have an elegant high tea. Served in the restaurant of one of the classic examples of the colonial hotel in SE Asia. One can choose from either Burmese or English afternoon tea. The English variety includes delicate sandwiches, scones, tiny cakes, and tarts, while the Burmese afternoon tea has small spring rolls and samosas, and traditional Burmese sweets. US$18 .  

Drink [ edit ]

Nightlife in Yangon is split between local bars or "beer stations" as they are called which close early (around 21:00-00:00), but offer drinks at bargain prices (about 800 kyat for a pint glass of Myanmar Beer, local whiskies cost 2,000 kyat a glass). Expect to get a lot of attention when going to the local bars, since theses places are not frequented by foreigners. Drinking is not culturally acceptable for women in Burma, so don't expect to pick up any girls except in nightclubs and Western-style venues, local bars are places where men meet to talk and chew betel nut (very popular in Myanmar).

In stark contrast to local bars are the trendy cocktail bars and nightclubs that are springing up in the more modern areas of town, this is where you will find the expatiates and wealthy Westernized locals. Drinks are expensive and the DJs are unreliable- but expect a more or less Western experience, girls drink, most venues are LGBT friendly and all "the people" are there.

Bars [ edit ]

• Asia (A5IA), nicely decorated, across from ko san
• ko san double happiness bar , cheap, friendly and on 19th street. you will be safe from prostitutes, beggars and the usual hassles of 19th street.
• Port autonomy , very trendy and in a new location- but expensive by Yangon standards
• 7 Joint Bar . One of the first bars in the city and still popular, but many prostitutes will bother foreign men. ( updated Oct 2019 )

Nightclubs [ edit ]

Nightclubs in Yangon are not world famous, the music is often bad and most up-market discos and some nightclubs are frequented by Burmese prostitutes who are eager to talk with foreigners.

• The Music Club (at the Park Royal Hotel (admission, US$6, hotel guests, free); Paddy O'Malley's (Sedona Hotel, admission, US$5, including one drink).
• Fuse nightclub
• Pioneer nightclub , mostly rich local kids but has reliable DJs, always popular. Go with four people and buy a 80k package that includes a liter of vodka. Security is tight.
• Level 2 nightclub , probably has the best DJs in the city, frequent events. Attached to the trendy Alchemy Bar.
• Pyrite , has a gay night (under repair as of 7 July 2019 but will re-open soon)
• Crush Bar in the north of the city

Sleep [ edit ]

Accommodation in Yangon is comparatively much more expensive than the likes of Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City or Bali.

Rooms are abundant except at the height of the tourist season (Dec-Jan), and then only in the popular backpacker hotels. Reservations are almost never necessary. Tourists can still pay in US$ (bring only newer US$ banknotes in good condition), but the kyat is more commonly used now. Credit cards are increasingly accepted at hotels.

Budget hotels are mostly away from city centre. The upside is that the hotels are quieter, the city centre can be quite noisy, and you get a little more room for your money. You'll need a taxi to get to the main sight, the Shwedagon Pagoda anyway. The downside is that most restaurants are in the city centre, a long walk or taxi ride away and choices outside the centre are limited, usually with the only choice being a restaurant attached to the hotel with indifferent cuisine and which may be closed if business is slow. Pazundaung and Botataung Townships seem to have the highest concentration of budget hotels. Some rooms, the cheaper ones, in many budget hotels have no windows. There are a few budget central hotels but, except for a couple, are quite shabby.

Mid-priced hotels are scattered about the city, with one set concentrated in the few blocks around Sule Pagoda and a second set just north of the Shwedagon Pagoda. Luxury hotels are concentrated around Kandawgyi Lake or city centre.

Rates for hotels are usually quoted as single/double. The room is usually the same but you pay a little extra, about US$5-10, if two people share the room. Breakfast is almost always included and the quality and variety increases with the cost of the hotel. In a budget hotel, expect a banana, an egg, some bread and coffee made from "coffee mix" (a pre-packaged mix of coffee powder, milk powder and lots of sugar).

An important factor in choosing a hotel is electricity. Electricity supply is subject to frequent breaks anywhere in the city. Mid-priced hotels usually have their own generators while budget hotels either do not or have a limited supply: lights will work till 23:00, fans may or may not work, air conditioning never does even if fitted in the room unless state-supplied electricity is available. Ask when you book what the electricity situation is and, if there is no generator, what you can expect on the days that you are there.

You can get a dorm bed with free breakfast in Yangon from US$4 a night (April 2019).

• Aung Si Guesthouse , 100 Bogyoke Aung San Rd ( though the address is on Bogyoke Rd, the entrance to the guesthouse is actually on the left side of a small but lively market street (49th St) just north of Bogyoke Aung San ), ☏ +95 1 299874 , [email protected] . Clean rooms with air-con, free Wi-Fi, hot water and electricity available 24 hr. Helpful staff can arrange onward transport and hotel bookings. Free airport pickup is available with bookings of 2 nights or more (arrange by phone or e-mail in advance.) US$25 (double) .  
• Beautyland Hotel II , 188-192 33rd St ( 3 blocks from Sule Pagoda, in the middle of 33rd St ), ☏ +95 1 240054 , +95 1 240227 . Check-out: 12:00 . Friendly and helpful staff in a central location. They have a range of rooms: non-air-con, air-con with TV, air-con with TV & window. Breakfast included. US$30-32 (double), Single US$22-24 .  
• Cherry Guest House , 278 Ma Har Bando La Garden St . US$20 double .  
• Garden Guest House , 441-445 Mahabandoola St ( west side of Sule Pagoda ), ☏ +95 1 253779 . Small rooms in dingy surroundings, but with a great location and a great price. Worth it if your budget is tight and you're not fussy about decor. Breakfast is included but is very basic: four slices of bread, no toast, butter and jam, tea or coffee. US$5-16 .  
• Hninn Si Budget Inn , 213/215 Bota Taung Pagoda Rd . US$23 single .  
• Hostel9 , 34 9th Street ( Lamadow Township ), ☏ +95 1 226 828 . 10 bed dorm. with free breakfast. US$8 per person . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Hotel Everest , Bogyoke Aung San St, 51st & 52nd St ( a few streets away from Sule Pagoda ). The place is not beautiful, but the staff are very friendly. Acceptable for a cheap stay providing you are not a diva and can handle some shabby walls.  
• May Fair Inn , No 57 38th St , ☏ +95 1 253454 . Good central location. Dated rooms but clean bathrooms. The owner is a bit wacky but her daughter is full of useful information. No breakfast. US$10-15 .  
• 16.77614 96.17703 1 Motherland Inn 2 , 433 Lower Pazundaung Rd, Pazundaung Township , ☏ +95 1 291343 . Prices have gone up significantly. Expensive for a guesthouse but still a popular backpacker's place with private and shared baths, and on-site restaurant. They offer free pickup and drop-off from the airport with an early morning breakfast. A long walk or short taxi journey from the city centre. Otherwise the rooms start from US$27 single (fan, shared bath). Seems past its prime, and the low ceiling rooms are sometimes without windows. Internet is 1,000 kyat/hr. A cheaper option is the Internet cafe opposite. US$30-42 .  
• Ocean Pearl Inn , 215 Byotataung Pagoda Rd, Pazundaung Township , ☏ +95 1 297007 , [email protected] . All rooms have baths, air conditioning, and hot water. 15 minute walk to the city centre. US$18-28 . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• Sunflower Hotel , 259/263 Anawratha Rd ( Opposite New Delhi Restaurant ), ☏ +95 1 240014 , [email protected] . Set on the busy intersection of Anawratha Rd and Shwe Bontha St, a few minutes walk from Sule Pagoda and the railway station, the hotel has a great location, but can be noisy. Cheaper rooms have no windows and a damp mustiness about them, and others are large and roomy with air conditioning and satellite TV. Tasty breakfast included, but some of the reception staff can be surly. US$15-28 single, US$22-37 double, US$29-44 triple .  
• The Lodge Yangon hostel , 114 Shwe Taunton Tan Street ( across from "lobsters fall in love with fish" ). Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Commercial style hostel, free breakfast, free WiFi, good air conditioning and small rooftop bar. US$5 dormitory . ( updated Oct 2018 )
• Three Seasons Hotel , 83-85 52nd St, Botataung Township , ☏ +95 1 293304 , fax : +95 1 297946 . Rooms with shared and private bath. Friendly Indian owners and a good place to stay if you plan on spending a few days in Yangon and need a place to call home. Closer to the centre than Motherland Inn 2, but still a bit of a long walk. US$7-20 .  
• 20th Street Hostel , 23 20th Street . Check-out: 12:00 . Free breakfast. Free Wi-Fi. US$8 per dorm bed . ( updated Sep 2016 )
• White House Hotel , 69/71 Konzaydan St, Pabedan Township ( A few streets away from Sule Pagoda ), ☏ +95 1 240780 , +95 1 240781 , [email protected] . Check-out: 12:00 . An 8-storey walk-up backpacker's hotel. The place has a lot of character. Run by a very friendly and helpful family. Penthouse dining area offers amazing views of the city. Reception area finished in a mosaic of different marbles all over, floor, walls, and ceilings. You feel like you're somewhere in Spain in some sort of Gaudi-inspired cave-like room. 24 hour electricity. Some rooms have windows, some not, some have private bath, some shared bath. Provides a great city map with local bus numbers and routes. Most of all, has a good breakfast buffet included in all room rates (the fresh fruit juice of the day is a good start for breakfast) Contains marmalade selection, fruit dessert selection, veggie meal selection, plus a good home made banana or apple pie, watermelon juice with lots of pulp, maybe fried rice now, noodles tomorrow, and some local fare like coconut soup and potato fritters. It compensates for the lack of windows, TV, Internet, air-con and private bath. Free Wi-Fi. US$10 dorm, US$15-25 single, US$20-30 double .  
• Alfa Hotel , 41 Nawaday St ( Between the Shwedagon Pagoda and downtown ). Building is dated, but the staff are helpful and the breakfast is adequate. Wi-Fi reasonably fast. A pleasant bubble tea shop and other small shops are just east on Nawaday St. US$75-100 .  
• Central Hotel , 335-357 Bogyoke Aung San Rd ( next to Trader's Hotel ), ☏ +95 1 241 001 , fax : +95 1 248 003 , [email protected] . This well-located hotel provides near-luxury facilities at mid-range prices. Rooms are clean and big (don't expect a view) with satellite TV and air conditioning. The rooms are spacious, but a little old. The hotel has room service and a popular coffee shop and Chinese restaurant. 24 hour electricity. This hotel is owned by the government (Yangon City) and an army colonel. US$30-35 .  
• City Hotel Yangon , 170-175 Bo Aung Kyaw St, Botataung Township ( Two blocks west and one block south from Sule Pagoda ), ☏ +95 1 256 940 , fax : +95 1 256576 , [email protected] . Check-in: 24 hr , check-out: 12:00 (flexible) . Five min walk from Sule Pagoda and around the corner from the Strand, this well-located hotel caters to business travellers. A small, but good restaurant is on the premises, the hotel is centrally air conditioned, and all rooms have satellite TV. (good, but inexperienced service is second to none). US$30-35 .  
• City Star Hotel , 169/171 Mahabandoola Garden St ( Behind City Hall, near Sule Pagoda ), ☏ +95 370920 , fax : +95 1 381128 , [email protected] . Clean, well kept, and comfortable rooms with TV, minibar, free coffee. 24-hour electricity. US$27 single, US$32 double with breakfast .  
• Classique Inn , 53(B) Shwe Taung Kyar St (Golden Valley Rd), Bahan Township , ☏ +95 1 525557 , fax : +95 1 503968 , [email protected] . A small boutique hotel with well-furnished rooms in the quiet area north of the Shwedagon Pagoda. In the embassy district (about 2 km from Shwe Dagon Pagoda) just a few doors down from Bahrain embassy. It is a cute, small, quiet hotel made with teak and decorated with traditional Burmese lacquer ware. Only a couple of minutes away lies Bogalay Mohenga shop which sells great mohinga (perfect for breakfast). US$25-80 .  
• 16.80271 96.15923 2 Clover Hotel , 7A, Wingabar Rd, Bahan Township ( opposite the Japanese Embassy ), ☏ +95 9 73177781 , +95 9 73177782 , +95 9 73177783 , +95 9 73177784 . With over 40 rooms, the hotel is equipped with basic amenities like hot water, 24 hr electricity and air conditioning. Wifi is reasonably fast. It is free in reception or US$8 for a 1 GB card which works in the rooms. The cafe on the rooftop has a great view of the Shwedagon Pagoda. US$30-75 .  
• East Hotel , 234-240 (1) Quarter Sule Pagoda Rd, Kyauktada Township ( opposite Trader's Hotel, 2-3 blocks behind Sakura Tower ), ☏ +95 9 73135311 , +95 9 73135299 , fax : +95 1 371358 , [email protected] . Rooms are clean, air conditioned, with hot and cold shower. Bath has no door, only a shower curtain and a wall to block off the toilet area. Free Wi-Fi and 24 hr electricity. The staff are friendly and speak English. US$65 with breakfast .  
• May Shan Hotel ( formerly Guesthouse ), 115-117 Sule Pagoda Rd , ☏ +95 1 252986 , fax : +95 1 252 968 , [email protected] . Clean, well-kept, but small rooms right outside the Sule Pagoda. Has its own generator, and the staff are friendly. All rooms have air-con, satellite TV, bath attached with hot and cold shower. A bit run-down. US$15-25 .  
• 16.78215 96.13909 3 Panda Hotel , 205 Min Ye Kyaw Swa Rd, Lanmadaw Township ( Corner of Wadan St ), ☏ +95 1 212850 , +95 1 229360 , fax : +95 1 212854 , [email protected] . Comfortable, if faceless, modern business hotel located at the edge of the city centre. You will need a taxi to get around (easily available in front of the hotel). Wi-Fi available in the lobby. Offers great views of the city, especially from the upper floors. All rooms have satellite TV, air conditioning and attached baths. Is very popular. US$25-38 .  
• 16.78268 96.1587 4 Hotel G Yangon , 5 Alan Pya Phaya (Signal Pagoda) Rd ( across from the Park Royal and the railway station ), ☏ +95 1 243639 . Clean and central, but basic. The first international hotel in Yangon, and good value for money. US$25-35 .  
• Winner Inn , 42 Than Lwin Rd, Bahan Township ( Corner of Inya Rd ), ☏ +95 1 535205 , fax : +95 1 524196 , [email protected] . Close to the Shwedagon Pagoda, a quiet hotel favoured by German tourists. All rooms with attached bath, air-conditioning and satellite TV. Restaurant on the premises but, if it is not open, it is a bit of a walk to the nearest restaurants near the Savoy. Free Wi-Fi. US$30-55 .  
• 16.8003 96.16866 5 Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon , 40 Natmauk Road, Tamwe Township ( on north east side of Kandawgyi lake ), ☏ +95 1 544 500 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . 300-room hotel with outdoor swimming pool, business center, fitness center, meeting rooms and 3 restaurants (Kohaku Japanese Restaurant, open 11:00-22:30; Emporia Restaurant, which the hotel describes as serving Asian, Thai & continental dishes together with an international buffet dinners, open 06:00-22:30; and Tiger Hill Restaurant, which serves an a la carte dim sum menu and Chinese dinner buffet, open 11:00-22:30). Starting from US$123 . ( updated Mar 2021 )
• 16.78817 96.13911 6 The Governor's Residence , 35 Taw Win Rd, Dagon Township , ☏ +95 1 229860 , fax : +95 1 228260 , [email protected] . A renovated teak mansion, formerly a guesthouse for Kachin State officials, is in one of Yangon's most exclusive neighbourhoods. The hotel has 48 rooms and pleasant gardens. Swimming pool and several excellent restaurants on the premises. Close to Shwedagon Pagoda, and one can easily walk to city centre. US$250-300 .  
• 16.84527 96.15016 7 Inya Lake Hotel , 37, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd . On the shore of Inya Lake, a 30-minute drive from the city centre, depending on traffic. Given as a gift to Myanmar by Nikita Khruschev in 1958 this hotel has plenty of Soviet-inspired style. Known locally for their Sunday brunches and nice pool. Very quiet, next to SOS Clinic.  
• 16.77911 96.15368 8 Pan Pacific Yangon , Corner of Bogyoke Aung San Road and, Shwedagon Pagoda Rd ( across from Holy Trinity Anglican Church ), ☏ +95 1 925 3810 . Sharp-looking glass skyscraper with restaurant/bar, a/c, wifi, pool, hot tub, gym, and spa. Downtown location close to Bogyoke Aung San Market. 92,571 kyat . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 16.7833 96.15852 9 Parkroyal Yangon , 33 Alan Pha Phaya Road, Dagon Township , ☏ +95 1 250 388 , fax : +95 1 252 478 , [email protected] . A good quality hotel with 272 rooms. La Brasserie Restaurant, Phoenix Court Chinese Restaurant, Shiki-Tei Japanese Restaurant, and the Lobby Bar. The well-known disco Music Club is in the basement.  
• 16.7721 96.15827 10 Pullman Yangon Centrepoint , 65 Corner of Sule Pagoda Rd and Merchant Rd , ☏ +95 1 838 2687 . Pullman chain highrise hotel with many rooms that have a view of the Yangon River or Mahabandula Park or possibly even the Sule Pagoda. Has a pool, spa, gym, a/c, wifi, restaurant, and bar. Located one block south of Sule Pagoda. 119,403 kyat . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 16.77851 96.1585 13 Sule Shangri-La ( Traders Hotel ), #223 Sule Pagoda Rd , ☏ +95 1 824 2828 . Pool, spa, gym, restaurant/bar, a/c, wifi. Breakfast buffet. Classy old world charm in building with Asian architectural style. Close to Sule Pagoda and Bogyoke Aung San Market. 126,111 kyat . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 16.79343 96.14342 14 Summit Parkview Hotel , 350 Ahlone Rd , ☏ +95 1 211888 , +95 1 211966 , fax : +95 1 227995 . Just west of Shwedagon Pagoda and with excellent views of that pagoda. Good restaurant and bar.  
• 16.784805 96.157855 15 Yuzana Garden Hotel , 44, Signal Pagoda Rd, Mingalartaungnyunt Township , ☏ +95 1 248944 , fax : +95 1 240074 , [email protected] . 37 rooms in a renovated colonial building. US$100-180 .  

Connect [ edit ]

• 16.80989 96.13638 10 Institut Français de Birmanie , 340 Pyay Road ( Maha Myaing Bus Stop ). Has events again!  
• 16.81948 96.17342 11 National Library , Lay Daungkan Rd ( East of the Kyaikkasan Grounds, Tamwe Railway Station E 0.6 km ).  

Internet cafes [ edit ]

Internet cafes have proliferated and Yangon has quite a few that provide access at a reasonable speed for a reasonable price. The government no longer blocks any web sites, but connections are not 100% reliable. Many hotels provide Internet services, but these tend to be more expensive than the public cafes. The cheapest rate is around 400 kyat/hr. There are plenty of places so shop around and save some cash.

• Cyber Cafe II ( Sule Pagoda Rd across from Traders Hotel ). One of the best Internet providers in Burma. Reasonably fast access. 400 kyat/h .  
• Tokyo Donuts , Anawratha Rd ( between Sule Pagoda Rd and Phayre St, on the south side of the road ). 09:00-21:00 . A donut shop with a dozen terminals inside. Accessible USB ports and seems popular with locals. Free Wi-Fi. 400 kyat/hr .  

Post Office [ edit ]

• 16.76994 96.164 12 GPO , Strand Rd ( Next to U.K. embassy ).  

Photography & Video [ edit ]

• Thein Win / Modern Camera shop , 179, 33rd St, middle block ( from the corner with Anawratha Rd, 6th shop on the left hand side walking south ), ☏ +95 9-250 650 364 . Great place to repair all sorts of cameras. New and second-hand accessories and cameras for both analog and digital. The owner is an experienced and passionate photographer, who speaks good English. Can also recommend places for other photography-related needs.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Despite widespread poverty, Yangon is one of the safest big cities in the world. Most people, including single females, will not have any problems roaming the streets alone at night, and carrying large amounts of cash rarely poses a problem. Crimes against tourists are taken very seriously by the military government and punishment is often disproportionately severe. This, in addition to the strong Buddhist culture in the population, means that Yangon's crime rate is lower than the likes of Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok . Violent crime is especially rare. However, little crime does not mean no crime, and there have been isolated incidents involving tourists, so it is best to take normal big city precautions like avoiding lonely areas at night and always being aware of your valuables. As with everywhere else in the world, there is no substitute for common sense.

Prostitution and drug trafficking are illegal, though there are plenty of prostitutes in Yangon, often in bars owned by senior army officers. Drug trafficking is punishable by death.

Scams [ edit ]

A increasingly common scam involved an overly friendly local approaching a tourist (often near Sule Pagoda or the park next to it, or outside Shwe Dagon pagoda) and offering to take them around the city. The tourist is then taken to an isolated area (often across the river to Dala township) where a group of men appear and demand huge amounts of money and take the tourist to an ATM where they are forced to make a withdrawal.

It can be difficult to separate these men from the more common tour guide who will introduce himself and try to overcharge you for short tours.

Taxi drivers at the airport and au minglar bus station are known to badly overcharge people who have just arrived and may lie about the exchange rate of the Myanmar kyat. Using Grab taxi is safer and often cheaper for tourists.

The most common crime in Yangon is being short-changed by a money changer, so count your kyat carefully when you exchange money. Opt to exchange at the Bogyoke Market, where the rates may be slightly worse, but the jewellery shop owners won't rip you off. Do not fall for the "bad serial number" excuse, it's another attempt to con you (however, US dollars with "CB" serial numbers may be fakes). Be especially careful with the money changer around Sule Paya. They count the money in front of you, but will trick you while doing that (they have fast hands.) People are strongly advised not to change money there.

There are a multitude of fake monks along the street near Sule-Shangri La Hotel (formally Traders) and Bogyoke Market. Authentic monks do not hang around tourist attractions soliciting donations.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

• Yangon can be extremely hot with intense sun. Wear long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing, drink plenty of water, and staying inside during the noon hours.
• Yangon's tap water is not potable. Always buy bottled water or refill bottles at purified water jars. Temples supply free purified water (large steel tanks), and most shop keepers are happy to let you top up at their water jugs.
• Mosquitoes carry dengue and malaria. Insist on using a mosquito net at night if it is available. Make sure there are no holes or gaps left in the net. Your second line of defense is mosquito coils and mosquito repellent.
• Street food is almost universally unsafe and can be a source of everything from diarrhoea to typhoid and parasites. Stick to indoor restaurants and tea shops with non-dirt floors.
• Street dogs are occasionally rabid: Pass them with caution, and be aware that can form aggressive packs.
• There are open sewers all over Yangon, usually under the footpaths. Be extremely wary during rainy season when many flood. You could accidentally find yourself standing chest deep in a sewer. Some sections of sewer are covered for walking ease, others are not. During rainy season, be cautious of any cuts you may have on your feet as the flooded water in the streets is contaminated and can lead to infections.
• Drivers are reckless. If your taxi driver is behaving recklessly tell them to slow down. Be insistent; traffic deaths are extremely common.
• Many drugs in pharmacies are fake. Golden Bell Pharmacy listed below is reputable.

Healthcare [ edit ]

Tuberculosis and AIDS (known as "A-I-D Five" among locals) afflict a disproportionately high percentage of the people. However, HIV infection is not at the epidemic level (infection rates are much less than 1%). There is a risk of dengue fever. Malaria is a risk in rural areas.

Medical care is limited, but is most expedient at private medical clinics. Most guest houses and hotels will be able to provide you with the address of a private doctor with experience in treating foreigners. Be sure to take the proper vaccinations before you leave for your trip. Carry a small first-aid kit with you containing at least painkillers, band-aid, ORS and a loperamide-like medicine. Anti-malarial pills and DEET are recommended. For more serious medical issues, you will probably need to travel to Bangkok or Singapore for treatment.

• SOS Clinic , Inya Lake Hotel complex ( tell the taxi driver to take you to the Inya Lake Hotel ). Western trained doctors can provide you urgent care. Faster than going to Bangkok. Charges in US$, accepts cards. Price to see a doctor and get medicine for food poisoning: $70 .  
• Pun Hlaing Clinic , 4th Floor, 380, Bogyoke Aung San Rd, FMI Centre, Pabedan, Yangon ( tell the taxi driver "FMI Center Bo-joe Len" FMI Centre, next to Bogyoke market ). Good quality local doctors available in a range of specialities. Many of them studied or practiced in the West. Charges in Kyat .  
• Golden Bell Pharmacy , NO.006 Yuzana Tower, Shwe Gone Dine ( tell the taxi driver Yuzana Tower ). The only Pharmacy SOS Clinic trusts to sell genuine medicine.  
• 16.77887 96.14897 13 Yangon General Hospital , Bogyoke Aung San Rd , ☏ +95 1256112 . Government hospitals are said to be unreliable and sometimes require bribes. Do not seek medical care here unless it is an emergency. ( updated Apr 2018 )

Cope [ edit ]

Embassies [ edit ].

In the event of an emergency, always take the precaution of registering at your embassy. Many details can also be found here: https://www.embassypages.com/myanmar

Go next [ edit ]

• Yangon International Airport - Taxi to airport is around 8,000 kyat including baggage. Your hotel manager may well drive you to the airport. There is a beautiful 3-storey mural, a nice composition of Burmese countryside and lifestyle in the style of idyllic romanticism worth taking souvenir photo of as you go to immigration on the second floor departure area.
• Bago (Pegu) - an important city with pagodas and monasteries 60 km north of Yangon. An easy day trip.
• Mandalay - overnight buses, and expensive government trains, leave for Mandalay daily. Bus tickets can be booked at the number of travel agents just north of Yangon railway station.
• Mawlamyine - A pleasant seaside city with a few daytrip possibilities. 9 hr express train runs there each morning about 06:15 (and an 11 hr slow train at 07:00). Ordinary tickets (with no seat reservations) cost foreigners US$5, while upper class tickets are US$14. You get your own seat and it's slightly less crowded, but there isn't much difference between classes.
• Pathein (Bassein) - famous for its paper umbrellas and stunning religious architecture, and an overnight boat away (or 4 hours by rented car, more by bus) to the west. From Pathein it's only a few hours by bus or pick-up truck on to the beaches of Chaungtha and Ngwe Saung .
• Taukkyan - about an hour's drive (35 km) of central Yangon, and site of the Taukkyan War Cemetery.
• Thanlyin - once an important city on the Irrawaddy Delta, and gateway to Kyauktan (Syriam), a small island in the Yangon River, which is the site of the 4th century Ye Le Paya.
• Twante - the most accessible delta town to Yangon, makes for a nice half- or full-day trip.

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3 Days In Yangon – A Total Guide With Itineraries & Tips

Spending 3 days in Yangon? That’s just perfect. Because Yangon, the former capital, is probably one of the most underrated destinations. It is a shame because there are so many awesome things to do in Yangon . And trust me, you’ll need at least 3 days in Yangon. Because countless temples, colonial architecture, amazing local markets, and beautiful lakes will keep you easily occupied for days, giving you the best time, if you try to ignore the city’s traffic.

I spent over six days in the city and had a chance to experience much of Yangon’s culture, people, food and architecture. If you are wondering what to do in Yangon, or how many days, this mammoth post should give you the insight to plan your Yangon itinerary. Check out all the things to do in Yangon and why it is a surprise.

3 Days in Yangon

Day 1 in yangon – shwedagon pagoda, kandawgyi lake & chinatown.

On your first day, get a glimpse of Yangon city. Too many attractions might overwhelm you, so take it slow. Yangon feels chaotic, is hot and the traffic is overbearing. So plan this day to include a walk-in Kandawgyi Lake , which is away from the madness of the city. It is best to visit the lake either after sunrise or around the sunset. Take a stroll on the wooden boardwalks that run along the lake.

Anything in between makes it extremely difficult to enjoy as it becomes quite hot. There is a garden as well as the former royal barge, Karaweik Palace, which has many restaurants and cafes too.

You can include one of the pagodas, and the best one for your Day 1 would be the Shwedagon Pagoda . It is massive, and there are four entrances. There are plenty of temples inside, and it feels like a temple park, thanks to so many locals who worship and relax in the prayer halls.

The Shwedagon Pagoda or the Golden Temple is the most sacred site in Myanmar and making it one of the top things to do in Yangon. There are a few English speaking guides available, which is recommended if you like to know the rich history of this centuries-old temple.

Foreigners need to pay 10,000 Kyat. You need to remove your shoes. The dress code is to keep your shoulders, knees covered, which means no shorts, tank-tops or tight-jeans. You can rent a longyi, which is a wrap-around worn by both men and women, at the counter.

Chinatown should be your last stop(unless you want to squeeze more places). It starts from the 19th street and covers a big neighbourhood spanning across several lanes.

There are no signs to mark its boundary, but that’s the beauty. Because you can’t miss the plenty of stalls on the street with plastic chairs close to them. The smell of the BBQs and the thronging crowds will make it easy for you to recognize. It is quite popular among the locals as well, who come to enjoy drinks and delicious street food after a long day at work.

Editor’s note: How to get from Yangon to Bagan – The best possible options

Try seafood if that’s your interest, including the prawns, crabs, and fish. You can try various organs of pigs, frogs, crickets and more if you are adventurous. There are plenty of options available for vegetarians as well, which is a relief. Try smoothies, local delicacies like tea salad, Thai food, Chinese and Japanese dishes(yes, who said it only has to be the Burmese food?) and Indian cuisines.

With cheap beers and delicious food, you can end up spending a few hours in Chinatown.

Day 2 in Yangon – Sule Pagoda, Local Markets, Inya Lake, Circular Train

By your second day in Yangon, you would have gotten used to the city, maybe it would have begun to grow on you as well. You would also have realized that 3 Days in Yangon is the minimum!

Again, what better way than starting the day with some fresh air and walking? Take a grab to Inya Lake , and stroll along with it as the locals begin their day. Next, it is time for breakfast, and maybe some tea again. 

Next, visit Yangon Central Railway Station . It is the largest station in Myanmar, connecting various cities, and its colonial architecture is beautiful. But don’t stop at that. Buy your tickets for the Yangon Circular train . It goes on for over 3 hours, but you can get down wherever you want. 

Yangon Circular Train is a local train that brings alive the raw side of Yangon – locals commuting, as usual, carriages in the train, hawkers selling all kinds of unique things including the signature betel-nut. The action happens both inside the train as well as outside, where the chaotic city passes by, and it is a sensory overload for travelers who get to experience . 

Read the detailed Circular Train experience, timetable, ticket cost and what to expect in this post .

Have your lunch at one of the local shops. And then, it’s time to explore Yangon street markets. 

Start with Myaynigone’s Market first, which is where all the colorful streets lie. The scents of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers will welcome you as you watch the vendors and buyers busy in action. Walkthrough Aung Taw Mu Street that takes you back in time with the rustic buildings and to nearby Shan Kone Street for some drinks, smoothies or even beer.

It is now time to visit the largest traditional market, Theingyi , which feels like a never-ending series of streets lined with countless shops. Take in the scenes of how businesses go on and don’t forget to smile and capture the local life. The best part about these markets is they are not at all catered to tourists. These are the lifelines of the people of Yangon, it is business as usual for them, but a treat for the travelers to witness the unfiltered Burmese local ways of life.

After a long day, pass through the Sule Pagoda at night which sits at the crossroads, glowing in golden colour. Grab a drink and some Burmese dinner and call it a night.

Editor’s note: 17 Best Bagan Pagodas That You Should Visit in Myanmar (among 800+)

Day 3 – Colonial Tour, Sakura Tower, Bogyoke Aung San, Fish Market & Night Bazaar

It is now your last day of 3 days in Yangon, so you can either make it action-packed like the itinerary that you will read next or take it very slowly.

If you want some local action, get up when the locals do(around dawn) and head to San Pya Fish Market close to Kyee Myindaing Road. Here you will witness a market unveiling, which goes from being a deserted line of shops to a full-fledged fish market in minutes.

Every morning, local fishermen arrive with their fresh catch from overnight to lay in open for buyers. You can find men and women quickly sorting the seafood, arranging and dealing with hagglers who come to score morning deals. The only downside is the smell, which might put off some travelers.

Editor’s note: Looking for awesome day trips from Yangon – Check this post!

Have breakfast and get ready for some walking today to go back in time by at least 200 years. Start from Yangon City Hall and navigate through the streets, and you will know what I am talking about. Historic British buildings that stand out with their European architecture will transport you back in time.

You can take up a tour at the Minister’s building, where you can learn about the history of the assassination of General Aung San. There are exclusive colonial walking tours if you want an organized trip.

Next, it is time for shopping for some souvenirs before you leave Yangon. So head to Bogyoke Aung San Market, the largest indoor market and a fabulous place for shopping on a budget. You get everything here, from souvenirs to handicrafts to clothes, and even delicious street food too. You can easily spend around 2 to 3 hours or just skim the surface.

When it is around 5 PM, go to Sakura town in downtown Yangon. Go to the 20th floor to head to Sky Bistro Restaurant, from where you can see gorgeous, panoramic views of Yangon from the top, especially the Shwedagon Pagoda, which gets lit up once the sun goes down. This restaurant serves amazing cocktails, and they have happy hours exclusively to treat guests arriving for sunsets.

So grab your favourite drink at a nice spot, and watch the splendid sunset.

Editor’s note: 7 Awesome Places From Where You can Witness Bagan Sunrise & Sunsets(without climbing to the top of temples)

If you are hungry, just hold on because your next stop is the Night Market. Running along the Strand road, a series of streets starts buzzing with people heading for street food. Like Chinatown, you can see plenty of shops serving all kinds of cuisines.

The market is close by, and although it is pure business from 3 PM every day, it turns all about food around 8 PM, becoming a street food heaven. The shops are open until 11 PM, which is a perfect way to make the most of your time and sign off from Yangon.

This is how to have a fantastic 3 days in Yangon. If you are still wondering what to do in Yangon or want alternatives, continue to read to find out some more cool things to do in Yangon. Also, check out below for the detailed Yangon itinerary for 1, 2 and 4 days.

Editor’s note: How to reach from Yangon to Mandalay?

More Things for 3 Days In Yangon

Here are some more awesome things to do in Yangon.

Get to know Myanmar at National Museum Yangon

One of the things that you can also include in your 3 days in Yangon is the National Museum, which offers you the country’s rich history, culture, communities, and religion. From the Burmese kingdoms to WWII to the days of the Burmese independence and after, the museum has over 50,000 collections spread across five floors. 

The entry fee is 3 USD, and the Museum is open between 9:30 AM to 5 PM.It is closed on Mondays.

Pay a tribute to World War Martyrs at Taukkyan War Cemetery

Burma was one of the countries that were affected by both WWI and WWII along with British colonization. Soldiers belonging to many colonized nations gave up their lives in these wars. Consisting of over 6000 gravestones, Taukkyan War Cemetery is a tribute to the warriors of many nations. Memorial pillars and rows of tombs lie amidst a green park, which has plenty of trees. It is not a positive place, but worth checking out to pay respects during your 3 days in Yangon.

You can take a cab to reach the cemetery which is about 25km from the city center. There is no entry fee and is open between 8 AM to 5 PM.

Attend a cooking class to learn the Burmese Cuisine

If you enjoy cooking, there are many cooking tours and schools offering short cooking classes open for tourists. You can learn to make some famous Burmese dishes like tea leaf salad, Mohinga, and different types of noodles.

Here are some of the cooking tours that I would suggest.

Get a glimpse of Myanmar’s Arts in Yangon’s Galleries

Yangon is a city for budding artists, and hundreds of artists silently have been creating epic pieces of art that express Myanmar brilliantly, whether it is the country’s social life, the past, culture, food or people.

If art is your thing, head to these best art galleries in Yangon – Inya art gallery, known for modern art and workshops, The River Gallery, home to contemporary works of the local artists, and New Zero Art Space, Myanmar’s first non-profit art space.

Learn Yoga in Yangon

Yoga is quite popular among travelers visiting Myanmar, and what better than getting a hang of it in the city of the largest number of Yoga houses? You can walk in and take morning or evening classes right away. You don’t need any prior experience of knowledge. Yangon Yoga House is the most famous one, and there are a few new ones now, including Ashtanga Yoga and Acroyoga.

Editor’s note: What is the best way to get to Inle Lake from Yangon?

If You have less than 3 Days in Yangon

1 day in yangon.

If you have just a day in Yangon, start with taking a walk to  Kandawgyi Lake  in the early morning, where you will get to see the skyline of Yangon and a glimpse of the locals. Check out the majestic Karaweik Palace and the gardens on the premises of the lake.

Have a quick breakfast and then head to  Bogyoke Aung San Market.  You can also have your breakfast there if you want to try some local food. Shop for souvenirs or anything you find interesting.

Then take the Yangon circular train to witness the city on wheels. Get down after an hour or so, have your lunch.

After a filling meal, head to the Secretariat or the Minister’s building for a tour of colonial architecture, & the history of General Aung San.

The sundown time would be near, which means it’s a pleasant time to be outdoors. Around sunset, head to the Shwedagon Pagoda next. Watch the magical sky colors in the backdrop while exploring this huge temple. Wait until the temple lits up to witness the dramatic change in how the temple looks.

Next, walk along the downtown passing through the  Sule Pagoda (not worth going in), which towers above the buildings, and head to  Chinatown . It is time to savor local street food and drinks. Sit back and take in the sights of Yangon before calling it a day. 

2 Days in Yangon

Day 1:  Follow the same itinerary for your 1st day as above. A few alternatives would be visiting  Botahtaung Harbour  for the sunset .

Day 2:  Start your 2nd day in Yangon by taking fresh air in Inya Lake . Have your tea and breakfast. And then, if you are interested in visiting another pagoda, head to Chauk Htet Kyi Pagoda , which is worth seeing for the large white statue of reclining Buddha in a golden robe. 

If you are feeling templed out, start exploring the British colonial architecture of Yangon, which is colourful, rustic and paints pictures of the 19th-century Rangoon(former name of Yangon). Begin with Yangon City Hall , which is one of the popular tourist attractions in Yangon. Close to it is Maha Bandula Park , which has nice places in the shade to relax. Check out the Independence monument and head to have lunch. 

There are many restaurants in the area some specifically catering to tourists(read expensive), so pick one that looks local for authentic Burmese food. 

If you want to get a peek of colonial heritage and luxury, head to Belmond Governor’s Residence , a hotel which was formerly the home of one of the governors of British Burma.

It is over 100 years old, and made of teak, with sprawling gardens in the front. There are beautiful rooms if you are looking for accommodation here, otherwise, you can enjoy a delicious lunch and cocktails in this mansion.

After a sumptuous meal, walk towards the heritage Pansodan Street, which is at least 600 years old, and is home to the last few colonial buildings like the High Court, Telegraph office, Port building, Strand heritage Hotel, Custom house, and Trade centers . 

It would be time for sunset by now, so head to nearby  Botahtaung Harbour, which costs about a dollar by cab . You can visit  Botahtaung Pagoda close by or walk along the harbour to get a glimpse of people working at sea. Very few tourists visit here, and you can get the place for yourself to capture and witness Yangon unfolding.

4 Days in Yangon

If you have more than three days in Yangon, spend a day taking a day trip to one of the destinations. 

Or continue exploring Yangon further by getting to do things in Yangon mentioned above. You can watch the life of the monks by visiting Vicittarama Monastery , which houses monks and provide schooling to them. Dress respectfully while visiting the monks though. 

Day Trips From Yangon

If you have a spare day in your Myanmar itinerary, there are quite a few options to plan a day trip from Yangon.

Ideally, if you have like 4 to 5 days, you can plan by spending 3 days in Yangon and using the rest for one or two-day trips from Yangon.

Check this post here to find out about 11 awesome day trips from Yangon , where I have covered all the lovely destinations around the city, with details on how to plan them.

Getting around Yangon

The best way to get around Yangon is by walk, especially if you are based in downtown, where a lot of attractions are nearby. To get to the bus station, airport or to places in the outskirts, Grab comes at cheap prices both for motorbike as well as cabs. But recently, motorbikes got banned in Yangon. You can get tuk-tuk for slightly lower prices than the cab.

The public transport is average – there are buses to commute within the city, but finding the bus stops, getting into the right buses(there are no signs in English) are challenges, along with dealing with huge traffic jams.

Where to stay in Yangon?

Yangon is not short of hotels and guesthouses. There are plenty of Yangon hotels and hostels scattered throughout the city, in all budget ranges. The most popular neighborhood is near Yangon downtown , and areas around the Sule Pagoda and Chinatown. If you have 3 days in Yangon, then it is better if you base yourself in the centre. You can find plenty of hostels, hotels and even guesthouses.

What to Wear in Yangon?

There is a strict dress code for temples, and monasteries – Not just in Yangon, but throughout Myanmar, it is very essential to dress sensibly. More than 90% of the country follows Buddhism, and also unlike other SE Asian countries, the locals are relatively conservative in dressing.

So trade those skimpy shorts and tank tops for loose-fitting colourful cotton trousers and tops, which are perfect for the hot weather and also lovely. Men can also try those cotton trousers and t-shirts that are fancy. The good thing is you can buy these in the markets and are cheaper too. In short, just avoid anything you think looks indecent.

If you are visiting beaches, wear modest swimsuits and avoid bikinis.

3 Days in Yangon – Travel Tips

Here are some Yangon travel tips to enjoy your 3 days in Yangon comfortably.

• Carry a bag to put your footwear, including socks which are prohibited inside temple premises.
• Although ATMs are available in plenty, most places only accept cash. Even in hostels, I had to pay cash for all transactions. So keep some Kyats handy always. ATMs have the best conversion rates.
• The traffic in Yangon is hectic, and you will feel crazy at one point in time. If you don’t plan your journeys well-ahead of the scheduled departures, there are high chances of you missing your flight, trains, and buses. So it is essential to plan your day before you venture.
• Yangon is safe as the rest of the country. But do act with common sense, and keep an eye on your belongings. Store your valuables in a safe in your hostel or guesthouse
• Tourist scams are rampant, so beware while doing any transactions. The common scams are those involving booking of tours, buses, and trains, where travel operators or middlemen charge hefty prices. The same goes for cab drivers, who quote exorbitant prices. Do your homework first by checking prices with your hotel reception and also online.

A majority of the people are warm, kind and friendly to all tourists, but sometimes, you should be careful to not let those beautiful smiles and warmth scam you!

Travel Insurance for Yangon

If you are travelling to Myanmar, you will most likely need insurance that will take care of important things for you. I recommend World Nomads Insurance which has awesome benefits. Check out the quotes below.

3 Days in Yangon – Final Thoughts

I am not a fan of big cities and the chaos of urban life. Most people that I heard skipped Yangon assuming it to be one of those cities. Yes, it is true that it can probably make you feel a bit overwhelming, and the traffic intimidating, but Yangon has the charm to captivate its visitors.

It is not your love at first sight. With its ideal blend of modern, traditional and cultural aspects, Yangon makes it worth giving a shot. Whether you have 3 days in Yangon or 2 or even just a day, go out and experience the city.

OTHER MYANMAR POSTS THAT YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK

Yangon Circular Train – A Guide To Experience the Burmese life

11 Cool Yangon Day Trips You Should Plan

17 Best Places To Visit In Mandalay

7 Best Day Trips From Bagan

17 Best Bagan Pagodas That You Should Visit (Among the 800+temples)

How to get from Yangon to Mandalay –  Bus or Train?

Watching Sunrise & Sunset in Bagan – Here is how to do it in 2019

Ways To Reach Bagan From Yangon in Myanmar

Offbeat Myanmar – 21 Awesome Things to Do in Hpa An

How to get from Mandalay to Inle Lake?

Crossing Thailand-Myanmar By Land – Here is a complete guide to do it

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Best Things To Do In Yangon, Myanmar | 2023 Guide

Yangon isn’t like other large cities in Southeast Asia.  The capital city of the Yangon region doesn’t knock you off your feet like the organized chaos of Ho Chi Minh City’s scooter flocks. It doesn’t swarm you with tourists like neighbouring Bangkok. Still, when it comes to things to do in Myanmar, Yangon won’t disappoint you.

*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure

Its scents and sounds don’t smother you to the likes of Mumbai or Delhi. And while  the city is far from being clean and orderly , it’s got nothing on  filthy Jakarta .

We’ve never been huge fans of large cities, but Yangon’s  old colonial charm, dazzling Buddhist temples, and fascinating day-to-day street life  gave us a reason to linger longer than we typically do.

Perhaps it’s the lack of tourists or the lack of street sellers that pull you into their shops to buy some Aladdin pants, but 3 days in  Yangon felt like an adventure off the beaten path in itself.

Being the largest city in Myanmar there are plenty of things to do in Yangon. If you’re wondering how many days in Yangon you’ll need, you can easily fit most of the must-see activities into a 3 day Yangon itinerary. We know because we did!

Everywhere we went during our 3 days in Yangon,  we were greeted with nothing but genuine curiosity.

“What country?”  older men would ask, letting their betel nut rotten red teeth shine through their  heartwarming smiles .

“Ah yes, yes”,  they would nod, adjust their longyi (local sarong-like skirt worn by men and women), and continue waddling down the street, shading themselves from the mid-day sun with an umbrella in hand.

Needless to say,  we loved our 3 days in Yangon, exploring this  fascinating city ! If you are planning your Yangon travel and wondering what to do in Yangon for 3 days, then read on!

Using our own personal experience we’ve put together this list of the best things to do to help you make the most of your Yangon itinerary.

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The Best Things To Do In Yangon

Experience authentic street markets.

Exploring street markets is one of our favourite pastimes, and it was definitely one of our top things to do in Yangon. We felt like kids in a candy store! Every little street, every turn, and every stall is an attraction in its own right.

We weren’t hassled or bothered.  No one tugged at our shirts or offered us a slew of services/products like they typically do in nearby Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur.  Most vendors didn’t even bother to greet us.

These street markets aren’t here for the tourists.  They are the lifeline of the locals , those unphased by the recent economic developments who are carrying on with life as if they were back in the late 1900’s. You’ll see locals doing their daily grocery shopping and grabbing a quick meal at one of the street food stalls, a part of day-to-day life here in Yangon.

Walking through the flurry of activity, we almost felt invisible . But not for long.

Discover Yangon’s Colourful Streets

Make your way along Maha Bandula Street and Shwe Bon Thar Rd and marvel at  the brightly coloured decaying buildings,  a prime  example of what is left of the 19th century British Colonial  buildings .

The streets are humming with activity.  Pop-up market stalls inhabiting the sidewalks peddle everything from fruits to raw fish and Myanmar’s deadliest addiction – the betel nut wraps.  We could have quickly filled all 3 days in Yangon with people watching on the streets!

Visit Bogyoke Aung San Market

At the end of Shwe Bon Thar Rd is another type of market – a  major bazaar and tourist destination, formerly  Scott  Market, but now known as Bogyoke Aung San Market.  Today, the market is a major trading destination dominated by antiques, Burmese handicrafts and jewellery shops, art galleries, and clothing stores.

And though geared towards tourists, it’s a must on your list of things to do in Yangon. B uying from these local vendors helps the local economy  and ensures you’re bringing home  authentic souvenirs  from Myanmar!

But despite being one of the most tourist attractions in Yangon, Bogyoke is still  a great place to stock up on the local fashion  must-haves (i.e. the longiys) and  sample some great local street food.  Oh- and you should definitely try the papaya salad and freshly squeezed orange juice!

Start The Day With A Cup Of Tea

Mornings in Yangon were all about tea. If you ask us, it should be that way in every country, but in Myanmar,  tea is unlike anything we’ve tasted before.  It was dark, strong, and served with a spoonful of mind-numbingly sweet condensed milk.

Tea houses are an institution in Yangon.  For years, they have been much more than a place to enjoy a cuppa, and to this day, they remain  a gathering spot where locals discuss the latest news and happenings.  They are also typically a great place to try Mohinga, a rice noodle fish soup that has long been a breakfast favourite in Myanmar.

Explore Temples Around Yangon

Thanks to the fact that  the majority of the Burmese people practice Theravada Buddhism , the oldest style of Buddha teachings, finding a temple or a pagoda in Yangon is easy!

There are at least 12 well-known Buddhist Temples in the city,  ranging from the famed Shwedagon Pagoda and Chauk Htat Gyi Buddha to the lesser-known Nga Htat Gyi and Baungdawgyoke Pagoda.

Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Zedi Daw, otherwise known as the Shwedagon Pagoda, the Great Dagon Pagoda, or the Golden Pagoda, is the  most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar . It’s believed to play host to numerous sacred relics belonging to the four previous Buddhas, and it hosts the Shwedagon Pagoda Festival to celebrate Tabaung, the twelfth month of the Burmese calendar.

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as the Golden Rock, is a Buddhist pilgrimage site, and though it’s fairly small,  it’s built on top of a large boulder precariously balanced at the edge of a cliff . It sees a fair amount of foot traffic and is an important site amongst Buddhists, though at the present time, women aren’t allowed entrance beyond the outer balcony or the lower courtyard.

Sule Pagoda 

Sule Pagoda in the heart of downtown Yangon is a Burmese stupa,  rumoured to be older than the first Buddha, according to local legends . Outside of legends, Sule Pagoda has also been a focal point in Yangon and Burmese politics, serving as a rallying point for several revolts. While you’re there, it’s worth checking out the impressive architecture of the  Yangon City Hall  located just across the street from the pagoda.

Botataung Pagoda

Located near the Yangon River in downtown Yangon, the Botataung Pagoda is popular with locals and a peaceful spot to meditate. The pagoda is full of ornate gold-plated chambers that form a maze that leads to altars, precious artworks and contributions, and an internal museum.

Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple

Situated about a 10-minute drive north of downtown Yangon, the Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple is home to the famous Reclining Buddha, a 66-metre long statue that attracts locals, monks, and thousands of people who visit Myanmar. While the huge Buddha statue is the main attraction, there is plenty more to see, including several exhibits that detail the history of Buddhism in Myanmar.

Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most impressive temples on our Yangon itinerary

Visit A Local Monastery

If you’re wondering what to do in Yangon and you want to take your Yangon travel adventure to a deeper level, pay a visit to the  Vicittarama Buddhagaya Monastery.

Walk through the monk living quarters, watch the young and old monks go about their daily lives, marvel at the beautiful colonial architecture, and  listen to the students’ stories of living and working in the monastery .

Supporting local monasteries is extremely important in Myanmar  because of the delicate political situation –  they don’t get much funding from the government  and therefore are an essential part of the non-government social system in need of more attention.

Their community spirit touched our hearts  as we listened to their stories of helping out an orphanage just outside the city centre. They showed us photos of the children and invited us to  stay at the monastery and help out at the orphanage  on our next visit. (We’ll definitely be taking them up on that offer!)

Try Our Favourite Dish In Myanmar

Tea leaf salad ,  a local specialty, quickly became  our favourite dish in Myanmar  and it certainly deserved a spot on our list of top things to do in Yangon!

Take fermented tea leaves (yes, that’s a thing), add cabbage, and lots of crunchy and bits, season with lime and fish sauce. The result is  a simple yet incredibly delicious snack  that you’ll find on every menu in every restaurant across the country. (If it’s not on the menu, simply ask… trust us, they all have it).

Experience The Yangon Circular Train

Some said that the most authentic, culturally rich experience a visitor can have in Myanmar, is the Yangon Circular Train,  a local commuter train that serves the Yangon Metropolitan area. The ride promised to be slow, yet full of activity inside and outside the carriage.

We have to admit that we didn’t get to experience this for ourselves, but if you add it to your Yangon itinerary, let us know how it goes!

Visit Kandawgyi Park

Amidst the chaos of the city,  Kandawgyi Park  feels like a journey into another world.  Peaceful, green, and perfectly manicured , it’s the place where young Burmese couples canoodle under palm trees, where teenagers gather to toss a ball, and young mothers and their toddlers stroll along the lily pads carpeted  Kandawgyi Lake.

It’s the  perfect place to escape the chaotic streets of Yangon  without putting a strain on the local environment (the way a golf course or public pool might be). The wooden boardwalk took us all around the lake, past the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel (which was destroyed by fires in 2007) and the iconic Karaweik, a replica of a traditional Burmese royal boat.

Yangon: The Perfect Introduction To Myanmar

Yangon was the first stop on our 2-week adventure in Myanmar, but it couldn’t have offered a better introduction to  the country’s culture, its history, people, and their values.

We contemplated extending our stay , past 3 days in Yangon, worried that we hadn’t seen enough, experienced enough, or come to understand  the role Yangon played as the economic hub of Myanma r. And the truth is, we probably didn’t.

But we can almost guarantee that this won’t be our last Yangon travel experience. We feel like our 3 days in Yangon were just skimming the surface, and there are plenty more things to do in Yangon that will warrant a return trip soon! While we made a point of visiting   some of Myanmar’s top sights and attraction s ,  we haven’t seen it all yet.

Myanmar’s tourism is developing faster than ever with more and more areas of  the country opening up to intrepid travelers  from all over the world. We’re excited to see the ecotourism sector grow and flourish in this country.

It won’t be long before there is a reason to come back to picturesque Myanmar again, and  a return trip to Yangon will definitely be on our list!

Essential Yangon Travel Info

The best time to visit yangon.

Yangon is hot, and humid year-round . As temperatures range from average lows of 17-24 degrees Celsius to average highs of 30-37.

Winter in Yangon is from November to February. It is best to visit during the peak winter months of December and January when average temperatures hover at a comfortable 25 degrees. However, this is also the busiest time of the year for tourism.

The rainy season is from June to October , which means the humidity is often high but often cut with short showers throughout the day.

Visiting Yangon during the dry season is not for the faint of heart. Humidity is high, and temperatures sometimes soar to over 40 degrees Celsius. Drink lots of water if you are planning your trip to Yangon at this time of year.

How To Get To Yangon

By plane:  Yangon International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the country. Flights from all over the world arrive in Yangon daily. Most tourists can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival at the airport.

Overland:  Myanmar has a bus and train system which traverses the country. However, it is a challenge to travel overland from bordering countries such as Thailand and Laos.

Getting Around Yangon

Walking is the best option  for spending 3 days in Yangon. All the major things to do in Yangon are relatively  close  together, the public transport is not very developed, and you get the best feel for the city by wandering around!  Plus walking is so much greener than traveling via car or scooter.

Monastery in Yangon, Myanmar

What To Wear In Yangon

Most people dress rather conservatively in Myanmar and while  dress codes are typically not very strict  day-to-day, they can be strict at religious sites. It is important to note that both men and women should have their  shoulders and legs covered when entering pagodas or temples  in Yangon. A scarf or longyi wrapped around your shoulders or legs will do the trick. So, try to always have one handy in your daypack at all times.

Shop in Yangon

Where To Eat In Yangon

If you want something that will taste incredible but you’re in the mood for something casual, then  Nourish Cafe  could be exactly what you’re looking for. It has a plant-based menu with vegan-friendly and gluten-free options. You can come in and sit down or take advantage of their all-day takeaway option.

If you happen to be near Inya Lake,  Seeds Restaurant & Lounge  is a romantic venue specializing in elevated dishes prepared with local ingredients and a fusion of Asian and European techniques. The restaurant is in a bamboo and glass house with gorgeous views of the surrounding tropical garden and Inya Lake. 

For some excellent Burmese food,   Taing Yin Thar  has an authentic menu, including vegetarian- and vegan-friendly options and gluten-free options. Dishes are prepared with local ingredients sourced from various regions of Myanmar, and the menu offers specialties from different regions and ethnic groups in this diverse country. Some items on the menu can get a bit pricey, though.

If you’re in downtown Yangon and you’d like a show to go with your food, then   LinkAge Restaurant and Art Gallery  can scratch that itch. It’s in the name: the restaurant, which has amazing food already, also doubles as an art gallery for Myanmar fine art. It’s part of a social project linked to the Tha-Nge-Chin-Myar volunteer group, and you can find vegan-friendly, vegetarian-friendly, and gluten-free options on the menu.

Where To Stay In Yangon

If you are staying in Yangon, then you’ll need a good base to explore all the things to do in the surrounding area. Yangon’s bustling downtown area can be a great spot, or if you go a little further north, you’ll find yourself surrounded by Yangon’s fascinating temples. Since sustainability is a major factor in our lives, we tried to make our Yangon travel as eco-friendly wherever possible, and that includes our Yangon accommodation.

Eco-Friendly Hotels in Yangon

• Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake:  is an elegant, eco-friendly hotel located along Kandawgyi Lake. The hotel grounds and outdoor areas are very peaceful, and guests have access to complimentary shuttle services to popular attractions like Shwedagon Pagoda, the National Museum, and the Bogyoke Aung San Market. The Chatrium mission states that they aim for “Staying socially in sync and environmentally caring” throughout their hotel operations.
• Hotel G Yangon :  situated in downtown Yangon, this modern hotel is within a short walking distance of several landmarks and the famous Bogyoke Aung San Market. Hotel G Yangon is focused on environmentally friendly practices, and invests a portion of revenue towards community and sustainability projects. 
• Inya Lake Hotel :  is in a peaceful location right on the shores of Inya Lake. All spacious rooms and suites come with private balconies with views of the lake and tropical gardens that surround the hotel. Inya Lake Hotel is focused on minimizing waste and conserving resources, and promotes tours and activities offered by local businesses. There is lots to do and see in the surrounding area, with Kaba Aye Pagoda and Seinn Lann So Pyay Garden located just a few minutes away. 
• Pan Pacific Yangon :  is a luxury hotel with panoramic views of the Yangon skyline and state-of-the-art amenities. The beautifully appointed rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and all modern conveniences. There are four restaurants onsite and a Wellness Centre offering spa treatments plus an outdoor infinity pool with photo-worthy city views. Pan Pacific Yangon uses 100% renewable energy throughout the hotel, has eliminated single-use plastics, and most food is locally sourced. 

Have you ever visited Yangon? What is your favourite thing to do in the city?

About the author.

Oksana & Max St John

16 thoughts on “best things to do in yangon, myanmar | 2023 guide”.

Nice blog post! Sorry to say though the university students with the ‘orphanage’ is a scam! I had the same scam. Did they ask you to donate to them? Hopefully genuine but not sure 🙂

I’ve only been in Yangon for one day in 2013 and I’m still looking for a chance to revisit it longer. Your recommendations here seem interesting to try.

It’s a wonderful post on Yangon, and your photos are really great, it makes Yangon more stunning, what camera do you use?

Thanks, Eimon. You can read about all the gear we use to capture our travels in our post: https://drinkteatravel.com/photography-gear-guide/

I spent two days there on my way to Thailand last month. I have a 7 day stopover in Yangon on my way home to Canada, starting March 5th. What really surprised me was that I didn’t see another Caucasian, and like you said, I felt invisible. Places like Delhi and Kathmandu really wear me out. I’m too polite to not say “No Thankyou” to people holding onto my sleeve or chasing me, and it does get tiring. Wish I had a local to tour me around, I’d be happy to pay them. By the way, in the local supermarket, cans of beer were the equivalent of 10c each, and a Mickey of rum was 85c. I took pictures of the signs, in case my friends back home thought I might be exaggerating! I’m addicted to SE Asia, I work two months, and travel here for two months. Love travelling solo, so much less confusion and hassle.

Sounds like you had an amazing experience in SEA! It’s awesome that you got to check out Yangon on the way back! We really enjoyed the city. Hopefully, it sparked your interest to come back to Myanmar again soon? It’s such a beautiful country and is definitely lesser known and off the beaten path compared to Thailand!

thanks for inspiring me! I’m planning for 2 days visiting on yangon (3-4 march) and your post seems like I wanted to do! 🙂

Great to hear that you enjoyed the post ! 😉

Awesome post! How many days do you think will be sufficient to see the sights in Yangon when planning a budget trip? Is 3 days alright? Thanks for sharing.

Definitely! 3 days is a good chunk of time and since Myanmar, in general, is fairly affordable, you’ll have no problem seeing Yangon on a budget.

Awesome post you guys! I am visiting Myanmar in December and was looking to do a few things in Yangon and this helps a great deal. Apart from Yangon, what other places do you recommend visiting in Myanmar?

Thanks, Divya

Hi Divya, we shared our highlights and favourite destinations in this post: https://drinkteatravel.com/things-to-do-in-myanmar/

Good timing since I am visiting Myanmar in July. Great post and photos, I got some good ideas from it. I also checked out your other Myanmar post. 🙂 Did you ever feel unsafe in Yangoon?

Keep up the good work! Andy https://www.andytraveler.com

Not at all. We really enjoyed the city and didn’t feel unsafe at all, but do keep in mind that we travel as a couple so our experience may differ from those traveling solo. Hope you enjoy your stay in Yangon!

good useful information, but a bit too tree hugging and no mention of the superb meat crusine available which we all need for proper protein

That’s Awesome !

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Burma (Myanmar) Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 22, 2024, burma (myanmar) - level 4: do not travel.

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Do not travel to Burma due to  civil unrest, armed conflict, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws . Reconsider travel to Burma due to  limited and/or inadequate healthcare and emergency medical resources, and areas with land mines and unexploded ordnances . Exercise increased caution due to  wrongful detentions .

COUNTRY SUMMARY : The Burma military regime detained and deposed elected government officials in a February 2021 coup d'état. Protests and demonstrations against military rule continue, often on significant dates. The military has responded to these protests by arbitrarily arresting individuals and with the indiscriminate use of deadly force against protesters and bystanders.

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Civil unrest and armed violence due to fighting between the military regime and various ethnic groups and militia occur in parts of Chin, Kachin, Kayin, Rakhine, and Shan States, as well as in Sagaing, and Magway regions.

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Myanmar (Burma)

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Aung San Suu Kyi Moved to Unknown Location From Prison by Myanmar Junta

The unexpected relocation was attributed to a heat wave, and came as the military government is facing increasingly emboldened rebel forces.

By Sui-Lee Wee

Myanmar’s ousted civilian leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, has been moved by the military junta to an unknown location from a prison in the capital, Naypyidaw, raising questions about her safety.

Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi and U Win Myint, the country’s former president, were relocated “to a safe place because of the high temperatures in the prison,” Zaw Min Tun, the military spokesman, said Wednesday, without disclosing their location. Temperatures in Naypyidaw hit 114.8 degrees Fahrenheit, or 46 degrees Celsius, in the past week.

Few people in Myanmar believe that the military is genuinely concerned about Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi’s welfare.

The unexpected movement of Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, 78, comes as the military is under intense pressure from a rebel alliance. In recent months, it has suffered its worst losses since seizing power in a coup in 2021.

Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, who was deposed in the coup and is still widely revered in the country, is serving a 27-year sentence on corruption and other charges. Rights groups and supporters say the charges were trumped up and meant to keep the Nobel Peace laureate from elected office. Kim Aris, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi’s younger son, said he believes the junta could use his mother as a potential “bargaining chip.”

“As the fighting is getting closer and closer” to the capital, he said, “they are getting more desperate and trying to put things in place that might protect them a little bit.”

Mr. Aris, speaking by telephone from his home in London, said he received a brief letter from his mother at the beginning of the year, the first time he had heard from her since the coup. Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi told him that it was cold in prison at that time and she had problems with her teeth.

In a separate telephone interview, a lawyer for Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of a gag order prohibiting him from talking publicly about the case, said he was puzzled about the latest move, adding that he believed the military was exploiting his client for its own purposes.

Some of her supporters fear that the military government could use her as a pawn to mollify opposition forces, or even as a human shield.

She was “escorted away in heavily secured vehicles” late on Tuesday, according to U Kyaw Htwe, a spokesman for Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi’s political party, the National League of Democracy. She left all her belongings behind, and her whereabouts was unknown.

“It’s challenging to speculate on her situation, as it remains uncertain whether her relocation is temporary or permanent,” Mr. Kyaw Htwe said.

The military, which has in some way or form ruled Myanmar for more than half a century, has long been threatened by Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi’s enduring popularity. For 15 years, it held her under house arrest, briefly freeing her at some points and then detaining her again. It released her in 2010 , as it was moving toward a power-sharing arrangement, and she returned to politics, her party winning landslide elections.

In 2020, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi repeated that feat, winning by an even bigger margin. On Feb. 1, 2021, just hours before she and her fellow lawmakers were to take their seats in Parliament, the military arrested Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, Mr. Win Myint and senior members of her party, accusing them of committing voter fraud.

In the years since, the country’s pro-democracy movement has moved on beyond Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi . But she remains a household name, and analysts have speculated that she could be used as a prop to show that the military is ready to open talks with her.

Since the coup, Myanmar has devolved into a state of civil war. For more than two years, the military battled thousands of armed resistance fighters, with the rebels holding ground in the countryside and the government in the big cities.

But, in recent months, opposition forces have scored significant victories against the military, raising hopes that the end could be near for the junta. Starting last October, an alliance of rebel forces took several key towns from the military in northern Shan State. In western Myanmar, the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed organization, said it had captured several battalions and army bases.

Earlier this month, rebel forces said they launched a drone strike on military targets in Naypyidaw. Last week, rebels belonging to the Karen ethnic group captured Myawaddy , a key trade town on the Thai border.

“My hunch is that Min Aung Hlaing is backing down a bit,” said U Khin Zaw Win, the director of the Tampadipa Institute, a policy advocacy organization based in Yangon, referring to the commander in chief of the armed forces who orchestrated the coup.

“Militarily, he can’t turn it around,” Mr. Khin Zaw Win said. “He has this ace card, whose name is Aung San Suu Kyi, and he wants to make sure that this card remains in his pocket.”

Because of an editing error, an earlier version of this article misstated how long Myanmar’s military has controlled the country. It is more than half a century, not nearly half a century.

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Sui-Lee Wee is the Southeast Asia bureau chief for The Times, overseeing coverage of 11 countries in the region. More about Sui-Lee Wee