angon is famous for its pagodas, temples and monasteries. Come to this land, visitors can not miss the chance to explore all famous temples. But seeing the temples is not the only activity you can do in this place. Here is my list of best things to do in Myanmar, especially Yangon I want to share with you.
1. Visit Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset
Shwedagon Pagoda lit up in the dark
Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sacred Buddhist spot in in all of Myanmar. This is also the most famous places in Yangon, that attract many visitors come here annual. This place is on the things to do in Myanmar list of many travel love before they come to this Buddhist country.
What make visitor the most impressive in this place is the ostentatious sights of pagoda and the golden spectacles tall about 325 foot. The pagoda also seems as the most sacred place because it seems as the oldest Buddhist pagoda in the world. The pagoda was built over 2,500 years ago and contains various relics from Buddha such as strands of his hair.
The best time to visit Shwedagon pagoda is at sunset when the golden stupa is glinted off by the fading sunlight make a stunning ethereal glow. Many visitor said that they cannot forget the time when they stay through dusk until darkness and see the pagoda shining against the blue sky of midnight. In addition, many visitors of Burma tours said that Shwedagon pagoda is the best places to see in Myanmar.
2. Swing by Sule Pagoda
Golden Sule Pagoda
Sule Pagoda is gilded in gold like Shwedagon, but is younger than Shwedagon a lot. It was built a hundred years ago. The scene when the pagoda lit up at night also very impressive and the entrance fee is only $2. Moreover, this pagoda is easy to come so why don’t you explore Sule pagoda on your Burma tour?
Put its name on your things to do in Myanmar list. Also it not the best places to see in Myanmar but it can make yout tour more interesting with the impressive view.
3. See more Buddha hairs at Botataung Pagoda
Golden Botataung Pagoda
Botataung pagoda is another small, golden pagoda as Sule. But it is old enough to housing strands of Buddha’s hair. It’s located by the river with $2 entrance fee.
As my experience, you have to bargain to be close to some Buddha relics. Because this a small pagoda, many visitors don’t write it down the things to do in Myanmar list. But trust me, this place worths you a try.
4. See the 45 foot tall Buddha at Nga Gyi Pagoda
45 foot tall Buddha at Nga Gyi Pagoda
The Buddha at Nga Gyi Pagoda is 40.5 feet tall and you can imagine so giant he is. If you are 5 foot, so you are just only one eighth of this Buddha. It is not on any city sightseeing tour itineraries. But you can explore this place by following map.
The good news is you just need a short walk from Buddha and the reclining Buddha so you can see both of them independently. In addtion, there was no entrance fee in Nga Gyi Pagoda. So that don’t foget to put this name to your things to do in Myanmar list to fulfill your trip.
5. Take a balloon ride over Yangon
Balloon ride in Yangon
Taking balloon ride is the activity on the things to do in Myanmar list of many tourists. Taking balloon ride in Yangon is a new activity here. Talk about balloon, you must think about Bagan because this is the most popular activity here. But you will find out how expensive this activity is and it doesn’t fit your Burma travel budget. Now, you can still take a balloon ride in Yangon but a commercial cost (under $40 for 2 people).
I’m sure the sights of Yangon is as stunning as Bagan from the balloon. Moreover, it is more commercial and more thrilling. You can book the time you want to take balloon ride. I love the sightseeing from the air in dawn, when the golden pagoda lit up in the dark. And you, what the sightseeing you want to experience? Don’t forget balloon ride in Yangon on your to do list Myanmar.
6. Inya Lake
Inya Lake
Inya Lake is the biggest lake in Yangon and the name on the things to do in Myanmar list of many visitors. It was created by the Brits to offer water to the city. Also the function has transformed over the years, the lake also an attractive place for outdoor activities such as sailing and rowing.
Inya Lake is located north of Shwedagon Pagoda, you need some wheels to get there. If you can deal with your taxi driver, why don’t you stay there for about half an hour or more to enjoy the sight seeing over the lake on your boat. So that don’t foget this name on your to do list Myanmar.
7. Go shopping at Bogyoke Aung San Market
Shopping is not on the top of “things to do in Myanmar” list, but the markets always make me confuse. Bogyoke Aung San Market is one of them. You can go there to get longyi (traditional long skirt of Burmese) or some souvenirs for your relatives. It don’t take you a long time to scoot through this place.
Moreover, you can soak up the local life, bargain with the shop owner, and get your best deals. You also can find some dishes around the market. If you love the huge smile of local people, this must be the best places to visit in Myanmar.
There are also many attractive sightseeing and interesting activities waiting for you in Yangon. Don’t forget to make a list of things to do in Myanmar to make sure you don’t miss any of the most stunning experiences when you come to this beautiful country.
