Yangon is Myanmar’s biggest, busiest city and it’s a thrilling place to visit. This beautiful, vibrant place is often used as a stepping-stone to the rest of the country, but travellers should remember that there are a huge number of incredible things to see in Yangon itself.
Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda
The Shwedagon Pagoda sits like a giant jewel atop Singuttara Hill in the heart of Yangon. It is an ancient building, constructed between the 6th and 10th centuries AD and it is the most important Buddhist stupa in the whole of Myanmar.
Shwedagon Pagoda is a sacred symbol for people all over the world as it is believed to be the last resting place of some of the physical relics of the Buddha, Gautama, and the three most recent Buddhas.
From afar, Shwedagon Pagoda looks like a vision from a fairy tale, a glimmering golden mirage. Ascending the steep steps, visitors realise that it is even more magnificent up close. Hindu-Buddhist symbols decorate the ornate pavilions, shrines, and monasteries.
Devotees of Buddha walk clockwise around the stupa murmuring sacred words as they ‘turn the wheel of law’ and help to maintain the Buddhist laws of the universe.
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Chauk Htat Kyi Pagoda
The Chauk That Gyi Pagoda is famous for being home to a huge sixty-five metre statue of a reclining Buddha in a golden robe and a vibrantly decorated face.
He is truly fascinating to behold, a vibrant face with red lips, white skin and blue eyeshadow, and chubby feet adorned with red and gold images of the one hundred and eight characteristics of the Buddha.
Local Buddhists worship the Buddha by burning incense and bringing blooms as gifts. The Buddha is surrounded by a shrine for each day of the week and prayers should be made at the one for the day you were born.
Walk around Kandawgyi Lake
Kandawgyi Lake is one of two impressive lakes in the city of Yangon. The name means ‘Great Royal Lake’ and reflects the fact it was designed during colonial rule.
It’s a soothing oasis from the chaos of downtown Yangon and it’s the perfect green space to kick back and enjoy some delicious street food.
Shwedagon Pagoda is on the edge of the lake. Its golden glimmer looks gorgeous framed by lush trees and reflected in the water. Arrive at sunset to soak up the stunning view and take photos.
Explore the east of the lake and you will discover Karaweik Hall, a beautiful if pricey restaurant and theatre. The hall is carried on the back of two huge golden birds in homage to the barges used by ancient Burmese kings to travel around their lands.
We decided instead to enjoy a coffee and snack at one of the cheaper cafes and enjoyed the peace and spectacular colours that the coming of night brings the Kandawgyi Lake.
Explore the colonial Downtown
Yangon is a wonderful place to gaze upon colonial architecture, it has the most of this unique style of building per square mile in the world.
Myanmar was a British colony from 1824 to 1948 and structures such as the Governor’s Residence and the High Court have survived many years of turmoil including the Japanese invasion and the recent struggle for peace.
Book a walking tour of downtown Yangon, home to most of the colonial buildings, and take a step back in time. The contrasts between the Victorian style ‘Strand Hotel’ and traditional Burmese palaces are extraordinary.
The Strand is iconic as one of the most famous hotels in the British Empire. After becoming sadly delipidated it has recently been renovated and restored to its former glory. It’s a historic and sophisticated location to enjoy a cocktail or three!
Take a ride on the Yangon Circular Train
I loved this absorbing trip three hour on the Yangon Circular Train. My ticket cost one dollar and allowed me to see the heart and soul of this incredible city.
The route rumbles through the outskirts of the city into the villages and paddy fields beyond. You’ll escape the fast-paced commercial centre of Yangon and experience a completely different kind of chaos.
People scramble onto the train with moments to spare at each station. Their belongings, animals, and children squeeze in with them. This is a unique window into the average, hum-drum day of a Yangonite so we recommend riding the train for the entire journey.
Indulge at 999 Shan Noodle
Indulging in local food and drink is one of the greatest joys of travel and street food in Yangon is delicious!
999 Shan Noodle House is a treasure trove of tasty noodle dishes that will make your mouth water. I still dream of the Sticky Shan noodles I devoured several times during my visit to the city.
If you fancy a chilled-out evening picnic after a busy day sightseeing, head to Maha Bandula Par. A serene green park with pretty scenery plenty of nearby street food vendors.
Haggle at Bogyoke Aung San Market
A market is always a great place to experience local life and the Aung San Market is the best in Yangon.
Meander up and down the cobbles (don’t wear flip flops!) and enjoy the sights and sounds of this exhilarating place. It’s a Victorian building with plenty of tourists but it is still authentically Burmese.
Banter and haggle with the stallholders and pick up some rustic souvenirs and gifts. It’s hard work and frantic at times but my visit to Aung San is one of my favourite memories from my trip.
PLANNING YOUR PERFECT YANGON TRIP
Book ahead for your Yangon trip
- Find the best hotel deals in Yangon on Booking.com
- Get your airport transfer booked from Yangon Airport
- Download WeSolo Travel App to plan trips with like-minded travellers
Book a tour of Yangon
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Vanessa Ball
Vanessa is a digital marketing geek with a big passion for adventures off-the-beaten-track. She is a trekker, content creator, photographer, and an all-round travel junkie. Join her in discovering our beautiful world across 7 continents.
