Known as Burma, Myanmar is now considered as one of the hidden pearls of Indochina. Myanmar completely steals travelers’ heart at the moment they set foot on this mysterious land. Coming to Myanmar, to one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, you will have a great opportunity to experience a variety of cultures and nature, which have retained many of its historical and unique features. Especially, one of the most beautiful mysteries of this magnificent country is Yangon – the largest city in Myanmar. Now, we would like to show you a helpful guideline which will help you get an unforgettable Yangon tour.
Notes before departure
– Myanmar only exempts entry visas for Vietnamese within 14 days instead of 30 days as other Southeast Asian countries.
– Many of the large temples here have extra shooting fees next to the entrance fee. So make sure you have bought the right kind of ticket before you step inside.
– Buddhism is almost the national religion throughout the country. This is very important, you should pay attention, respect the monks, pagodas, as well as the Buddha statue. Remember to wear trousers and long-sleeved dress. Take off your shoes when coming into pagodas or Myanmarese people’s house.
– Exchange money before going if you want to go shopping in Myanmar. In addition, you also should carry a lot of cash with you to reserve (if you want to exchange currency, US dollar and the Euro are the easiest to trade)
– Make sure you have Kyat, the currency of Myanmar to spend most conveniently.
Day 1: Explore ancient temples and the city in your Yangon tour
Café Sule
Located in Sule Shangri-La, this is a great place to have a full Burmese style breakfast. The food is perfectly traditional Myanmar and you have a spacious variety of options and rich buffet. Try the “Mohinga”, this stewed catfish is a national dish and is a feature of this region’s breakfast. If you are looking for a more affordable place then you can try the “Mohinga” at a street food stall.
Sule Pagoda
After your full breakfast, you can hang out and visit the Sule Pagoda. It is extremely easy to find because this temple is located in the middle of the big crossroads of the city. This temple is quite similar to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon because it is located in the middle of the market. Here you will feel the contrast between the space inside and outside the temple. In addition, the architecture and sculpture of the temple is also a famous feature. This place is also very nice at night, so it is worth coming back again to see this place.
Besides, the temple is also famous for its splendor and even a beautifully decorated Buddha statue. To visit this place you are absolutely free of charge, the only note is that you have to take off your shoes before entering the temple. Also, you should pay attention to the signs when taking pictures.
Bogyoke Aung San Market
Located on Bo Gyoke Road, Bogyoke Aung San Market is the largest market in Yangon, the best place to go shopping. Here, people trade many interesting items such as jewelry (you can find jade and gems all over Burma here), textiles, and even food. You should come here on your first day in your Yangon tour to order a colorful “longyi”. This is a traditional dress worn by both men and women in Myanmar, extremely comfortable and convenient.
You can play indigenous people by trying this outfit or buying it for your relatives as a great and special souvenir.
Shwedagon Pagoda
This is probably the most visited destination in your Yangon tour, as well as the most amazing and magnificent place in Myanmar. The temple impresses with the large campus and the temple is covered with gold and diamonds on the top. Come here at sunset and linger for a moment to see the splendor of it both day and night.
This place is one of the most sacred pagodas to burmese people so there are also a few things to note. The first is that when you come to Shwedagon Pagoda, you must ensure that you wear suitable clothings covering the shoulders and legs. It is best to wear a long dress and a jacket to make sure you are comfortable. Besides, you also have to “buy tickets” to be photographed, keep the ticket carefully and you will be able to take more and more magnificent photo to save memories here. Finally, do not forget to bring a small bottle of water to fight off the heat.
Day 2 – Discover daily life of locals in your Yangon tour
Yangon Circular Train
This is often considered the best way to experience the daily life of the locals in Yangon. Get on the train and enjoy the peaceful scenery as well as the ordinary sound of Yangon citizen. You should book in advance if you want to have a cabin with air conditioner (in case you do not like the heat or are easy to sweat). The trip is around 3 hours, but whenever you like, you can also climb down.
Kandawgyi Park
Run away from the busy life of the city, from the noise and the work pressure to enjoy the beauty of the natural scenery in this peaceful park nearby a magnificent lake. The main destination that you can not miss here is the Royal Barge in the middle of the lake. It is really splendid like a floating palace.
Lucky 7
Located on Street & Mahabandoola, Lucky 7 is a traditional teahouse and a must-visit destination in your Yangon tour. Try to eat in groups here if possible, so that you can share and try more Myanmar’s specialties. You also have to taste a cup of milk tea, samosas or tea leave salad here. These traditional dishes are specially formulated with unique ingredients and formulas, which can captivate both domestic and international tourists.
Sarkies Bar at The Strand Hotel
Situated on 92 Strand Road Road, The Strand is the most classic hotel in Yangon and is home to historical stories, legends about the past of Yangon. It was built in 1901 and has since retained most of its original features. If you do not intend to stay here, at least visit, take a look and have some drink at the Sarkies Bar. Enjoy the drink while chatting with friends in the vibrant atmosphere of the bar, you will feel like you are immersing in the daily life of Yangon people and becoming part of this beautiful city.
Day 3 – Explore the strange beauty of Yangon
Taukkyan War Cemetery
Outside the city about an hour’s drive, this cemetery is a must-visit place for those who want to learn about the history of Myanmar. A tranquil and peaceful place to pay tribute to those who died in the war. You can go here early in the morning, or stop here while on your way to Bago or Mandalay
Shan noodles 999
You do not have to go far to find the best delicacies in Burma outside of this Shan 999 noodle shop. The shop name belongs to Shan noodles, and other dishes here also belong to Shan District, with impeccable taste. The food that you definitely should not be overlooked is Shan noodles served with golden tofu.
Russian Temple Htat Gyi
Situated on Shwe Gon Taing Road, this tranquil sanctuary features many typical examples of Burmese architecture and art in Yangon. The most enormous sitting Buddha image also belongs to this temple, as high as 19.8 meters. The afternoon is the most pleasant time you can visit this place. Enjoy magnificent sunset scenery, when the golden rays glisten on the temple roof, with the scent of incense will be an unforgettable experience in your Yangon tour.
Bogyoke Aung San Museum
The museum, which is also the home of General Aung San, contains decorative items as well as historic furniture dating back to the 1920s. You will have a relative view of modern myanmar history while visiting here. The only regret is that this place is not allowed to take pictures so you must pay attention to this rule.
Aung Thukha
This is a small but wonderful place to sample and enjoy a full traditional Myanmar meal. A perfect end to the perfect last day in your Yangon tour. And the dishes that you definitely not miss are Burmese curries. Here you can choose curry made from beef, fish, shrimp, pork or lamb. You can enjoy your delicious curries with a variety of side dishes such as rice, salad, fried vegetables, soups,… This is really a unique experience that can satisfy any fastidious visitors
Travel to Myanmar, visit amazing Yangon, tourists will be completely dazed before the beautiful scenery of ancient temples, pristine nature and unique customs here. Let’s enjoy the extraordinary view of this mysterious land and do not forget to save the pictures of a beautiful Yangon! Wish you have a great Yangon tour!
