10 Best Things To Do in Yangon

1. Visit Shwedagon Pagoda

Being one of the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world, Shwedagon pagoda shines its magnificence light by 99 meters plated with 8688 sheets of gold, studded thousands of diamonds and precious gems like rubies, sapphires, and topaz. Its structure stimulates to bell-shape with golden crown on top. Grandeur and splendor of Shwedagon stupa make it become the place that all Myanmar's are proud of.

The best time to visit the golden pagoda is at sunrise and sunset. In daylight, we suggest you should use stairs instead of the elevator if you want to buy flowers, candles, and other religious items. Early in the morning, discover the interesting Buddhist practice by seeing devotees offer foods to the sacred Buddha. In the evening, you can enjoy the breathtaking sunset in this sacred place.

Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most beautiful Pagoda in Yangon

If you want to explore Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda is a tourist attraction which you can not miss in things to do in Yangon list.

2. Take the Yangon Circular Train

Yangon Circular Train was built in 1954 during colonial time by the British. It’s also called national train in Yangon because it rides through the surrounding areas with 39 station stops. Price is cheap and you can stop at any position.

It’s really an interesting experience when you will see the landscapes change through the train’s window from modern city to rustic village. There is no better way to interact with local people than sitting next to and having a chat with them. 

3. Take a Cruise in Yangon River 

If you are a travel lover who always wants to try new things in life, a river cruise is absolutely the best choice to float among dreamlike river. Taking a Yangon river cruise, you will have a great opportunity to have a wonderful sightseeing. You can see famous temples and pagodas, grandeur mountain and the different view of the golden capital. In addition, the perfect services on the cruise will certainly give you the best memory. If you want to discover more beautiful places in Myanmar, Myanmar River Cruises with the route of Yangon Mandalay cruises will give you a unique experience on a luxury cruise.

4. Discover Sule Pagoda

Located at a heart of Yangon, Sule pagoda is a religious and historical landmark in Yangon. Since the 1880s, British has been used it as the nucleus of their grid pattern for the city. With 48 meter high golden and octagonal shape, the pagoda becomes a specific and unique in Burmese’s heart.

From Sule pagoda, you can visit many other tourist attractions like the Independence Pillar in the Maha Bandoola Park or City Hall of Myanmar architectural design and High Court Buildings of colonial style.

5. Shopping in Bogyoke Aung San Market

Built in 1926, Bogyoke Aung San Market is the most popular market and great tourist destination in Golden city - Yangon. Here, you can buy a lot of luxury items like jewelry, clothing, foodstuffs, handcraft, etc. The market has square shape divided into 4 wings including East, West, North and South. Here you can buy numerous fascinating items that make your journey more interesting and special. 

6. Enjoy Tea in the Sidewalk Tea Shop

It would be regrettable if you don’t try some sidewalk tea shop in Yangon. Laphet yay is a most popular milk tea which is made by sweet Burmese tea mixed with black tea. Sidewalk tea shops are not only where people go to get good, cheap tea but also where people can connect with each other. That is the reason why sidewalk tea shops becomes an integral part of Myanmar's cultural history. 

7. Stroll around Kandawgyi Park

Visiting Kandawgyi Park is one of the best things to do in Yangon because it’s such a peaceful place to escape from chaotic and hectic of the city life.  On the east side of the park, there are a number of restaurants where you can eat and have a drink. Moreover, strolling on the lake boardwalk is also a great way to spend your day in Kandawgyi Park. You can take some exercise in a beautiful lake view or having a nice time to see Shwedagon Pagoda in a fantastic sunset.

8. Visit National Museum of Myanmar

The National Museum in Yangon is an interesting place where Myanmar's ancient heritages are displayed. The exhibition is showcased in 14 halls on four stores. Here, you can improve your knowledge about Myanmar’s history, culture, evolution by seeing royal ceremonies of ancient king, music instrument, ancient ornaments, jewelry, Buddha Images, script, and alphabet. If you’re interested in history of Myanmar, I would say visiting the National Museum is one of the worthwhile things to do in Yangon.

9. Contemplate the Huge Reclining Buddha Image in Chaukhtatgyi pagoda

The Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda in Yangon is known for its giant 65 meters long Reclining Buddha image. The crown of the statue is decorated with diamonds, precious gems and statue’s feet is etched with 108 sacred Buddhist symbols. There are a lot of floor spaces surrounding the Reclining Buddha, you can have lunch with your friends and family. And if you’re interested you can also visit another famous temple called Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda, directly across the street from Chaukhtatgyi Paya.

10. Enjoy Tasty Food in Chinatown

Chinatown offers dozens of fantastic Chinese shops. 19th Street is mostly famous for Myanmar Chinese barbecue. All things are skewered and put in glass cabinets. You just grab a table at one of the shops, choose the skewers you want, and drink some beer while your skewers are cooked. Another option for you when in this bustling street is that you can taste other delicious food in the 20th street which is known for its Chinese food like rice congee and grilled pork skewers.