he old capital of Yangon Myanmar is one of the most attractive destinations when traveling in Asia. Coming here, visitors will be completely conquered by the lush green park, shady trees, and tropical green plants. This is why Yangon is called “Garden of the East”. Before starting your Yangon tour, let’s learn some basic information about it and what to do when you come here in the below article
General Information about Yangon Myanmar
Yangon was the capital of Myanmar until 2006. This is the largest city and most important commercial center of Myanmar.
Yangon Myanmar is at the convergence of the Bago and Yangon Rivers, about 30 km from Martaban Bay and coordinates 16 ° 48 ‘N, 96 ° 09’ E (16.8, 96.15). Its standard time zone is UTC / GMT +6: 30 hours.
Yangon has a tropical monsoon climate in the Köppen climate classification system. The city has a rainy season lasting from May to October, which receives heavy rainfall; and the dry season from November to April. Yangon has a region that is said to have a good climate, not as harsh or changeable as some other countries in Southeast Asia. That’s why you can travel to Yangon all year round.
A Corner of Yangon Myanmar
What to do in Yangon?
1. Visit Shwedagon Pagoda
The first and most important religious site of Yangon Myanmar is Shwedagon Pagoda.
People said that “not come to Shwedagon, not come to Myanmar”. You will be able to truly understand the sentence from the moment you step into the 2500-years-old temple. This is truly a masterpiece that architects and builders created for this country. Visitors can even see the sparkling tower of the temple from many locations in the city.
Shwedagon Pagoda is open from 4 am – 10 pm every day. Many Buddhist pilgrims to visit as well as visitors to visit in the afternoon. This is the place to watch the sunset extremely wonderful. When you go to the temple, you have to take off your shoes, so bring a bag of nylon shoes, then put them in your backpack. Note when visiting the pagoda at noon, this time the heat will make the brick background extremely hot, you need to be careful when walking barefoot.
Shwedagon – The Golden Pagoda in Yangon
2. KANDAWGYI Lake
This lake is one of two major lakes in Yangon Myanmar, located in the East of Shwedagon Pagoda, the lake is artificial and it has beautiful views.
Kandawgyi located in the population of the beautiful Kandawgyi National Park in the heart of Yangon. This is what a perfect place for people who love the peace and quiet, away from all the hustle and bustle.
Come here, you can see many beautiful views at any time of the day. Among that, most of the visitors like the setting of the sunset when the sea sky changes many striking colors.
3. BOGYOKE AUNG SAN Market
This market is situated on Bo Gyoke Road. Here, besides admiring the architecture of this market, visitors can also buy some lovely handmade souvenirs for their friends and relatives such as carpets, paintings, jewelry, wood carvings, etc.
Some traditional markets tend to have more abundant foods in the morning than noon and evening. But Bogyoke Aung San is not. Whenever you arrive, you can still enjoy great food. However, you have to keep in mind that the market closes pretty early, around 5 pm.
If you just want to experience pure local markets, it’s a good idea to visit other markets, such as Thiri Mingalar, where there are countless products and intriguing food. As for Bogyoke Aung San, it is also an architectural and historical visit.
4. Sule Pagoda
After visiting Shwedagon Temple, Sule Pagoda is the second temple you should visit in Yangon Myanmar. The temple is visited regularly and revered by local people.
Visitors can visit the Sule Pagoda at any time of the day. You may not be planning to visit the Sule Pagoda before, but during your Yangon trip, you will probably be passing through because of its location on the main road in the center of the city.
5. RECLINING BUDDHA AT CHAUKHTATGYI PAGODA
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple is the most well-known Buddhist temple in Bahan Township, Yangon Myanmar. When you enter this temple, you’ll see its most notable attraction. That’s a 65-meter long bejeweled reclining Buddha. It’s large and imposing with delicate features.
You can enter Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple for free, however, there will be some charity boxes for you to donate.
If you’re visiting off the City Circular train, get off at ‘Myittanyunt’ and take a short taxi ride to the temple from there.
Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda Yangon Myanmar
6. PEOPLE’S PARK AND PEOPLE’S SQUARE
This place is called ‘’the pocket of greenery’’ in the center of Yangon Myanmar. This is a favorite spot for couples.
It’s also ideally located for views of the Shwedagon Pagoda across the street. So don’t forget to take a short stroll through here on your way to the Shwedagon.
7. CHINA TOWN
China Town can appear in different countries and all of them are full of interesting things. Yangon Myanmar also has Chinatown. Don’t forget to spend the time to visit this town.
Moreover, to feel the life of the people here and have some comparisons with the Chinatown that you have arrived, you can also enjoy countless attractive dishes.
The best time to explore China Town in Yangon is in the evening. Come here and feel the lively atmosphere of the neighborhood and taste the delicious food.
8. Yangon’s Street food
Wander around Yangon’s city center, you will have the opportunity to enjoy Myanmar’s street delights such as Koh Pu, Koh Pieh, Nangyithoke, Kauknyintok, or Bein Mont, Mont Lone Yay Paw,… A day in the life of Yangon’s street food will leave you opening your eyes, licking your fingers to taste the typical cuisine of Myanmar
You’ll often see “Safe Food” slapped on a vendor’s cart. This is also an unforgettable experience for visitors.
9. NATIONAL MUSEUM
Situated on a beautiful and spacious campus at 66/74 Pyay Road, Dagon District (Yangon Region of Myanmar), the National Museum of Myanmar was built in 1996 as a magnificent five-story building, introducing Myanmar’s rich historical and cultural collections in the areas of archeology, ethnography, tradition, religion, and culture – art …
The entry fee for foreigners is 5,000 kyats (about US$3.60) and it should be noted that bags and cameras are not allowed inside. However, lockers are available for use. For those who want to beeline it to the Royal Lion Throne, it’s conveniently located on the ground floor, not far from the entrance. It has its own room, which is clearly marked; you can’t miss it.
In addition, if you have much time, you can take part in other activities such as visit Swal Taw Pagoda, Taw Gyi Temple, see Saint Mary’s Cathedral, sit at a local tea shop, enjoy sunset views at Botahtaung harbor,… Hope that your days at Yangon Myanmar will be wonderful!
