What to do in Yangon: top 10 things to do

Yangon has plenty to offer but, as most of Burmese destinations, it is pretty temple-heavy. That being said, there are many other attractions in the biggest city of Myanmar, such as markets, parks, etc.  Also, there are plenty of short trips you can take using Yangon as a base camp (find out more here). To know more about how Yangon became what it is now, check this post. Now, let’s focus on what to do in Yangon:

1. Visit the Shwedagon pagoda

It is no surprise that I start this post with the most emblematic sight of the city, as well as one of the most known attractions of the country: the Shwedagon pagoda. Originally built in the 6th century by the Mon, the legend says that it is over 2500 years old. The original structure has been modified and enlarged plenty of times, leading to the current 99 meter (326 feet) tall, gold-plated, diamond-topped kick-ass pagoda. No wonder it has become the most sacred temple in the country.

The central stupa of the Shwedagon pagoda

No matter how much you prepare for it, you will be shocked by how massive it is. Not only as one of the tallest pagodas in the world, but also when you realise that it is not a single pagoda, but a giant complex of temples where people spend the day to enjoy themselves and pay respects. The center of the complex, the gilded stupa (in the picture) is the most impressive part of the structure. Also, it is crowned by 5448 diamonds and 2317 rubies, and on the very top of it lies a 76 carat diamond (not really suited for an engagement ring).

Entrance to Shwedagon pagoda

It is mostly open the whole day (from 4am to 10pm) and the entrance fee (for tourists) is 8,000 kyat (8 $). As in all SEA countries, temples are a sacred place, so you are required to cover yourself (legs and shoulders) and remove your shoes (and socks!). If you don’t want to carry them with you they will lend you something to cover yourself and someone will take care of your shoes (for a small fee).

2. Find contrasts at Sule pagoda

Sule pagoda is a temple dating 2,600 years back situated in the center of Yangon, giving a delicious contrast with the modern buildings surrounding it. It has been one of the political centers of Yangon, since it has been the location of some of the most significant protests in Yangon’s history, such as the uprising in 1988 and the Saffron Revolution.

Travel tip: Sule pagoda is difficult to appreciate at the street level. Go to a higher point such as the bridge over Sule Pagoda Rd (intersection with Anawrahta Rd) or go fancy at the Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro.

Sule pagoda: history in the heart of the city

3. Buy a longyi at Bogyoke Aung San Market

Bogyoke Aung San Market is a giant bazaar in the center of Yangon where you can find jewellery, art and clothing stores mainly. The colonial building has a charm in itself and it is built in a fun way with open air spaces.

The facade of Bogyoke Aung San market

Travel tip: A longyi is the traditional Burmese skirt worn by almost everyone. You can buy it absolutely everywhere, but it will most likely be a rip-off tourist trap at a temple. You will find decent prices at Bogyoke market and you will get yourself a souvenir and a useful way to cover yourself at temples!

4. Escape from hustle and bustle at Kandawgyi park

Yangon is a busy city. The noises of cars honking, the street vendors haggling, the people, the birds, the pollution…will end up taking a toll on you, and what better way to escape that than having a relaxing walk at Kandawgyi park. The park is built around a lake that was designed by the British colonial administration, which is funny because there is no way I can describe how green the water is.

The green water of Kandawgyi Park

While you are there, you can also visit the famous Karaweik, a replica of a Burmese boat (a barge to be precise), which today hosts a buffet restaurant. And if you are bored with all the calmness, you can cross one of the many bridges in the park, which are built poorly and you will get an adrenaline boost when you feel the wood moving under your feet.

The Karaweik boat

5. Feel small at Chaukhtatgyi Paya

The Chaukhtatgyi temple is house of an impressive 66 meter-long statue of Buddha. Funny story, the original statue that was built in the beginning of the 20th century was later demolished because they thought it had an angry expression. On the positive side, we got what in my opinion is one of the most beautiful representations of Buddha.

The giant reclining Buddha of Chaukhtatgyi Paya

6. Worship a Buddha hair relic at Botataung pagoda

Botataung pagoda is a temple complex located next to the Yangon river. Although not as big as Shwedagon pagoda, the central stupa reaches 40 meters and contains a hair relic from Buddha, brought from India over 2,000 years ago. Botataung means one thousand military officers, and it’s a reference to the officers that formed a guard of honour to pay their respects to the Buddha relics. The entrance fee is 4,000 kyat (4 $)

Enter the calmness of Botataung pagoda. Photo credit: jasoneppink on Visualhunt / CC BY

7. Watch monks waiting for breakfast at Kalaywa monastery

Kalaywa monastery is a monastery school for young orphaned children that teaches them in the buddhist scriptures, as well as other academic areas. At breakfast time, the young monks line up for breakfast, making a very unorthodox scene. Make sure you visit in the morning.

Young monks lining up for breakfast at Kalaywa monastery

8. Finish your day by visiting Shwedagon pagoda at night

It is beautiful to see it during the day when the light reflects in the golden stupas but it is wonderful to see it at night, illuminated and with fewer people. Plus you skip the burning sensation of walking barefooted over the floor heated by the sun. If you have time, do both!

The calmness of Shwedagon pagoda at night

According to the legend: two merchant brothers met Buddha in India and he gave them a few hairs of his and told them to bury it on a spot on a hill in Okkalapa where relics from previous Buddhas were buried. They went back to Burma and presented the relics to the King. The King started searching for that spot unsuccessfully, until a Nat (a spirit) called Suralata helped him. When the King found the spot on Singuttara hill, he decided to build a pagoda to keep the relics.

9. Watch Yangon from above

A wonderful way of experiencing Yangon is watching it from the top of a building. There are many ways you can do that. First, check if your accommodation has a rooftop terrace. We stayed at the Backpacker Bed &  Breakfast and it had a very laid back rooftop terrace with stunning views.

Yangon from the rooftop of Backpacker B&B

A very good option to oversee Yangon from above is to head to Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro, a restaurant on top of the Sakura tower with a panoramic view of Yangon. Check out Sule pagoda from above and the Shwedagon pagoda at sunset while enjoying a fresh Myanmar beer.

View of the Sule pagoda from the Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro

10. Check out the variable architecture of Yangon

With the long history of Yangon and the many changes it has endured, its architecture has become varied and exciting. Check out colonial architecture at the High Court Building,  or the famous Strand hotel; or the traditional Burmese architecture at the Yangon City Hall or the Yangon Train Station.

The colonial building of Yangon High Court Building

The beautifully decadent train station of Yangon

Where to eat in Yangon

Unfortunately we didn’t stay in Yangon long enough to completely unravel its foodie tendencies, but we got to have a glimpse:

• Rangoon Tea House: this was one of our best meals during the trip. Clearly more expensive than a rgular meal in Burma, but worth it!

• 999 Shan Noodle House: delicious noodles in traditional Shan style. Get them dry or as a soup. They’re all delicious!

Where to stay in Yangon

While there are some great and inexpensive options, bear in mind that accommodation prices in Myanmar and particularly in Yangon do not match the standards of neighboring countries, are they are more expensive and often lower quality. For this reason I recommend staying in the Budget-Flashpacker range since you won’t get much for your dollar anyway.

• Budget: we stayed in Backpackers B&B. The hostel was correct, despite not being pretty and the entrance being a bit creepy. The highlight was the rooftop, with incredible views of Yangon and basically empty at all times. We paid 22 € for 2 people, breakfast included. Close to Sule Pagoda.
• Flashpacker: for a Flashpacker option, check out Beautyland Hotel II. There’s a little climb upstairs, but it has good service and prices and it offers a choice of fan or air-con rooms. Fan rooms with shared bathroom at 25 €, while air-con private-bathroom rise 5 € more. Close to Sule Pagoda and great views of Shwedagon Pagoda.
• Midrange: this is the most tricky price range, but I would suggest Aung Tha Pyay Hotel, located downtown and in a quiet area.
• High-end: if you have money to spare, hit The Strand Hotel, and iconic place of colonial Yangon.

Travel tip: regardless of if you are staying in The Strand or not, go to sip on some delicious cocktails in a Victorian-style building.

Closing statement

These are just a few of the things you can do in Yangon, and there is many more that I didn’t add to make this post readable like Maha Wizaya pagoda, Swe Taw Myat pagoda and many more. There are also some day trips you can take from Yangon.

Do you agree with our list of what to do in Yangon?

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