Yangon, Myanmar’s former capital, is the main gateway to this beautiful region of Southeast Asia. Wandering around the city, you can try delicious street food bites or enjoy a cocktail on a roof deck as you admire the city’s glittering monuments and limpid lakes.
How to reach Yangon?
You can reach Yangon:
By air: At a distance of 30 kilometres from Yangon, the Yangon International Airport (Mingaladon) provides direct flights to and from many international airports. Take a taxi or the public bus no. 51 from the airport to reach the city centre.
By train: Trains to the Yangon Central Railway Station connect Yangon with major destinations, including Mandalay, Bagan, Pyinmana, Inle Lake, Pathein, Mawlamyine and Pyay.
By bus: There are bus connections from Yangon to Bagan, Kalaw, Mandalay, Taunggyi for Inle Lake, Mawlamyine, Pyay, Bago, Hpa-An, Lashio. Besides Sittwe, bus service operates to and from Pathein, Thandwe (Ngapali Beach), and Kyaiktiyo.
Best time to visit Yangon
The optimal time to travel to Yangon is from November to February, during Myanmar’s dry season. This period offers pleasant weather conditions in the city, making it ideal for sightseeing.
20 famous places in Yangon to visit for a memorable experience
You can’t miss Yangon on a Myanmar tourist itinerary with its golden pagodas, British colonial architecture, and high-rise buildings. If you’re considering a visit to Yangon or Rangoon, here’s a list of the must-see sights, tips, and quirky Yangon experiences you shouldn’t miss.
Shwedagon Pagoda
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Located in Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most prominent, vast Buddhist temples in the city. With a history and architecture dating back over 2500 years, it is considered amongst Myanmar’s most sacred sites. The giant golden stupa at the pagoda, which is also called Paya, dominates the city skyline. Tourists visiting Yangon should not miss out on Shwedagon, one of the top attractions in the city.
Sule Pagoda
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The Sule Pagoda is yet another prominent Buddhist temple in Yangon, Myanmar. It was built in the 15th century and is dedicated to Sule Nat, an ancestral spirit worshipped by the Burmese. It was originally a small pagoda that was built by emperors over time into one of Yangon’s most important temples. Sule Pagoda offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Nats and see murals and relics of Buddha’s three incarnations.
Kandawgyi Lake
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Located in Yangon’s city centre, Kandawgyi is an artificial lake. The lake is popular among locals and tourists alike, who stroll along the walkways and enjoy watching the sunset across the Shwedagon Pagoda, which lies next to it.
Kandawgyi was constructed to serve the neighbourhood with drinking water during British rule. An attractive park surrounds the lake, along with two walkways and an official replica of a royal barge called Karaweik Palace. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit the lake early in the morning.
Inya Lake
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The Inya Lake, an artificial lake situated in Yangon, is the city’s largest lake and a popular picnic spot for locals during the holidays and weekends. Also known as the Victoria Lake, it is a popular destination for tourists visiting Yangon to take a walk, get on a boat trip, and watch the sunset from the lakeshore. Inya Lake is quite popular in the late evening and at night, when couples walk by the lake and teenagers play the guitar.
Chinatown
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Chinatown, or Tayoke Tan, is located just off 19th street right next to the Sule Pagoda in downtown Yangon.
Known for its delicious Burmese street food, this town spreads across eight to ten blocks and is a popular tourist and local destination. Chinatown is highly recommended for tourists visiting Yangon who want to taste cheap, authentic local food. You can also shop at import shops and dine in sidewalk cafes here.
Botataung Pagoda
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Yangon’s Botataung Pagoda, which overlooks the Bago River, is regarded as one of its most revered Buddhist temples. Standing 40 metres high, it is known for its relics that were obtained about 2500 years ago. Its excellent location and its golden stupa make the Botataung Pagoda a must-see Yangon or Rangoon place.
National Museum
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The National Museum is the best place to learn more about Yangon’s history. In addition to Burmese artefacts, you will also find galleries full of regalia dating back to the Konbaung Dynasty. Any person interested in Burmese craftsmanship and heritage items should come to the museum, which houses one of the finest collections of antiques in Southeast Asia.
Kandawgyi Garden
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The Kandawgyi Garden is located close to the city centre of Yangon in Myanmar, just beside Kandawgyi Lake. There are beautiful flowering plants and well-laid paths here, and it is one of the most popular getaways for both locals and tourists, who visit during sunsets to witness spectacular views of the Shwedagon Pagoda across the lake.
Yangon Zoological Garden
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The Yangon Zoological Garden is situated in the city centre of Yangon. More than 1000 animals are housed here, representing more than 100 species. It is the second-largest enclosure in the country. There is also an aquarium, an amusement park, and a museum of natural history in the enormous garden. Over 2 million people visit the city each year, including international tourists.
Taukkyan War Cemetery
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The Taukkyan War Cemetery lies near Yangon city in the village of Taukkyan. During the Second World War, over 6000 soldiers (belonging to Burma, African countries, India, and Britain) of the Allied group of the British Commonwealth were buried in this cemetery. You can walk through the events of the war on the site. A visit to the cemetery is recommended for those interested in learning about how wars have affected people.
Bogyoke Market
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Also known as Scott’s market, Bogyoke market is Yangon’s most popular tourist attraction for buying souvenirs. A new shopping mall called Junction City is located across Bogyoke market, connected by a bridge. If you are shopping in the Bogyoke market, try negotiating for half the price quoted. You can stretch your shopping budget by flexing your bargaining muscles.
Nga Htat Gyi
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Myanmar’s Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda is a small Buddhist structure located near Yangon. An image of the Buddha seated on a five-story pedestal is its most famous feature. Despite not being very popular among tourists, this pagoda in Yangon is worth checking out if you want to see the largest seated Buddha in the city.
Holy Trinity Cathedral
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Yangon is home to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, an Anglican church found in Latha town. One of the few cathedrals remaining in the country, it served as the original church during British rule. When exploring the neighbourhood, it is worth checking out Bogyoke Aung San Market.
People Square and Park
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Located near the Shwedagon Pagoda, the People’s Square and Park is a popular place of recreation for locals as well as tourists who like to spend some time relaxing between exploring other attractions around. This area was a part of the palace estate of the Burmese Queen Shin Sawbu during colonial rule. It is extremely beautiful during the spring when over a thousand trees, including bamboo, fruit trees, shrubs, and medicinal plants, are in bloom. The walkways are also adorned with 18000 flowering plants.
Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue
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The Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue is a Jewish place of worship in Yangon. This is the only synagogue in the country. Today, this 19th-century structure is one of Yangon’s heritage sites and a popular attraction for tourists visiting the city who want to learn about the country’s Jewish history. Despite its small size, this synagogue’s history and architecture will certainly capture your attention.
Maha Wizaya Pagoda
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One of Yangon’s more modern temples, Maha Wizaya Pagoda is situated on a small, scenic hill. The pagoda is topped with a domed blue ceiling covered with motifs and there are turtles swimming in the lakes and crawling around the monument. There is also a great view of Yangon from the top of the hill, so you should definitely come here.
Maha Bandula Park
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Located in Yangon city, Myanmar, the Maha Bandula Garden or the Maha Bandula Park is a public park. With its proximity to popular attractions such as the Sule Pagoda and Yangon City Hall, this park makes a great stop for tourists looking for a relaxing evening out in Yangon.
Saint Mary’s Cathedral
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St. Mary’s Cathedral is Yangon’s largest Catholic church and is very impressive from an architectural standpoint. The grandeur and beauty of this church will captivate you when you visit here.
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple
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Located near Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon, the Chaukhtatgyi pagoda is one of Myanmar’s most famous Buddhist pagodas. A prominent attraction in the town is the 65-metre-long reclining Buddha. One of the largest Buddha statues in Myanmar, it is revered by the locals who pray to him every day. In addition to visiting this temple, you can also visit the nearby Shwedagon Pagoda and the lake.
U Thant House
U Thant House, situated in Yangon, Myanmar, was the former residence of U Thant, the ex-United Nations Secretary-General. It now serves as a public museum showcasing his life and achievements. The colonial-style house features numerous rooms and halls, and it is also a popular venue for seminars and public events. Visiting this museum provides valuable insights into U Thant’s significant role in shaping Burma’s history.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Yangon?
Temperatures in Yangon do not change much throughout the year as it is a hot city. Considering Yangon's low rainfall, most of the year is a good time to visit Yangon. It is recommended to visit Yangon during the months of September to November because temperatures range between 30.9°C (87.6°F) and 34.5°C (94.1°F).
How many days does it take to explore Yangon?
The city of Yangon is home to many temples, pagodas, markets, and museums. A minimum of three days is needed to cover the main sites of the city.
What is Yangon famous for?
Yangon is known for its mixture of gorgeous colonial architecture and traditional pagodas that are covered in gold leaf and adorned with jewels.
