Yangon Travel Guide

Recently demoted from its former position as capital of Myanmar, Yangon is still the largest city in the country, lying in the southern central region close to the Gulf of Martaban. Although much less traveled than any other capital city in Southeast Asia, Yangon is a treasure trove of British-era colonial architecture and golden temples including one of the most revered of all Buddhist holy sites, Shwedagon Pagoda.

Given its backwardness and unique culture, Yangon makes a fascinating destination. The downtown area between the train station and Independence Monument, along with all the roads that run parallel off the main thoroughfares, are worth exploration. Every street is flanked by colorful colonial apartments and shops with locals frantically going about their daily business. The center of this area is Sule Pagoda, a golden stupa that can be seen from most points in the downtown area. Head to nearby Bogyoke Aung San Market for a good selection of Myanmar goods including wicker ware, longyis (Myanmar sarongs), traditional Myanmar bags and other knick-knacks.

The most impressive sight in Myanmar’s former capital is undoubtedly Shwedagon Pagoda, a little north of downtown, sat upon a small hill. Featuring many temples and shrines throughout its compound, the main, gleaming gold stupa sits 100 meters tall and turns many different shades of color at dusk and dawn.

Yangon Attractions

Shwedagon Pagoda: is the main temple in Myanmar and an awe-inspiring site whether you are Buddhist or not.

Bogyoke Aung San Market: huge covered market with stalls and shops selling everything from CDs to cigars.

Mahabandoola Garden: quiet expanse of green in the bustling downtown featuring the Independence Monument.

Kandawgyi Lake: small expanse of water just out of downtown boasting views of Shwedagon Pagoda along with a strange golden vessel perched at one end, Karaweik Palace.

Strand Hotel: the ubiquitous colonial hotel in Asia along with Raffles in Singapore. Now back to its former glory with an excellent restaurant and a lively happy hour every Friday.

Drug Elimination Museum: a bizarre title given Myanmar is the second-largest producer of illicit opium in the world; this is an interesting and quirky insight into Myanmar’s renowned yet unsophisticated doublethink.