However, Yangon has more to offer than impressive scenery. This city is a melting pot—a diversity of cultures and communities in terms of people, settlement and religions. Because it serves as the country's main entrance and seaport, it is also the country’s centre of business.
Yangon was founded in 1755 by King Alaungpaya; he established Yangon on the location of a small town named Dagon when he dominated the lower part of Myanmar. He was the one who gave the name Yangon, meaning ‘End of Strife’. In 1885, the name was anglicised as Rangoon when the British annexed the country.
Yangon is a city that balances tradition, culture and modernity, making it a must-see for anyone who wants to see a different side of Asia.
There are many different attractions to see and experience in Yangon. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised to find many places of interest which will keep them busy for many days.
These include places of a spiritual nature, green parks and gardens, and museums that provide an insight into the rich history and culture of Myanmar. We have listed some of the more popular attractions in the city, along with some attractions that may be lesser known and less visited, but may also be of interest.
Yangon is the former capital city of Myanmar and this is also the largest city in the country. The city is famous for having a mix of gorgeous colonial architecture which is located alongside traditional pagodas covered in gold leaf and studded with jewels. As you wander around the city, you can also enjoy delicious street food bites or you can also visit some of the more modern parts of the city to have a rooftop cocktail as you take in the glittering monuments and limpid lakes for which Yangon is so famous.
If you don’t have much time to visit Myanmar then this is also a good chose as Yangon is close to other spots that make an easy day trip such as Hpa-an and the Golden Rock.
Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda
The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most famous pagodas in the world and is simply stunning.
This is the main attraction that you have to see when you are in Yangon and the pagoda is also one of the most sacred sites to the Buddhist community in Myanmar.
The pagoda is made up of a central structure which is covered in gold leaf and studded with precious stones like diamonds and rubies.
You will also find other amazing objects here such as diamond crowns and if possible try to come here at sunset when you can take in the gorgeous skies across Yangon.
It is said that the pagoda has been in situ since the 6th century AD when lotus blossoms bloomed here and a sacred hair of the Buddha was housed in the building.
Walk through Chinatown
Yangon has a sizeable Chinese population and as you would imagine it also has its own Chinatown.
This is one of the best places to visit in the city if you are looking for local markets as well as a whole plethora or barbecue and street food options.
Chinatown is located around 19th street in Yangon and this is also one of the best places to not only shop and eat but also take in the pretty architecture in this part of town which is quite different from other locations.
Visit the Sule Pagoda
Sule Pagoda was built some 2,500 years ago and is one of the most famous temples in the city.
What makes this pagoda so unique is that it is located in the middle of a rather modern part of town which serves to highlight its historical importance.
The Sule Pagoda, also known as Sule Paya is made up of a 46 meter stupa that is shaped like an octagon.
You can now walk around the pagoda and check out all the architectural motifs inside the main building and the walkways are an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city.
Tour the Martyrs’ Mausoleum
The Martyrs’ Mausoleum is located near to Shwedagon Pagoda and is a memorial which was built to honor the Major General and ‘founding father of modern Myanmar’ Aung San and six of his cabinet members who were assassinated.
It also contains the tomb of Queen Suphayalat who was the wife of the last king of Myanmar as well as others such as former Un Secretary General U Thant and writer Thakin Kodaw.
From the mausoleum you can also check out panoramic vistas over the rest of Yangon although bear in mind that it is only open on the 19th of July every year as this is a public holiday to remember the assassination of Aung San.
Walk through Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple is known for having a statue of a reclining Buddha which is 217 foot long and is one of the largest in Myanmar.
This is one of the most beautiful Buddha statues in this part of the world and the attention to detail that was put into this monument is amazing.
The face was worked on several times as it was said to look too severe when it was first made, and you can now enjoy all the intricate details and design touches up close.
You can even take in the long eyelashes of the Buddha as well as inscribed feet which make this well worth the trip as the temple lies outside of downtown Yangon.
Feed the catfish at Yangon Lake
If you want to try a favorite local activity in Yangon then you can go down to Yangon Lake (also called Kandawgyi Lake) and feed the resident catfish.
This may sound strange but when you get down to the water you will find vendors who sell hunks of bread which you can then throw to the amazing catfish.
Be warned that the fish are rather large and if you throw bread to them this will result in a spirited feeding frenzy, but it is also one of the quirkiest activities you can enjoy in the city.
Explore Botataung Pagoda
Botataung Pagoda is also known as ‘1,000 soldiers’ and it was built to honor 1,000 military leaders in Myanmar who made of guard of honor and paid their respects to the relics of eight strands of hair that were said to have belonged to the Buddha and which were brought over from India some 2,000 years ago.
The hair is still preserved in the pagoda although it is not on show to the public, but this is still one of the most important religious monuments in Yangon.
Walk through Kandawgyi Park
Kandawgyi Park is one of the best places to visit in Yangon if you want to get out of the center of the bustling city.
The lake here is a top spot to watch the sunrise or sunset across the city and you can watch local families visiting the park at all times of the day.
From the park you can look out across the lake and see sights such as a massive golden dragon boat which sits on the water and also look across to the brilliant Shwedagon Pagoda.
Visit Bahadur Shah Zafar Grave
Bahadur Shah Zafar Grave is located on Zi Wa Ka Street and is known for being the final resting place of the last Mughal emperor of India.
Bahadur Shah Zafar was also the last ruler of the Timurid Dynasty and after the Indian Rebellion in 1857 he was exiled to Yangon.
Nowadays you can visit the tomb and there are guides here who will take you around the modest complex and tell you all about the history of the emperor who is now also considered to be a Sufi saint.
Have a cocktail at the Strand Hotel
The Strand Hotel is a Yangon institution and is known for being the grandest hotel in the city.
The Strand Hotel was built in 1901 by the Sarkies brothers and it was renovated in the 1990s to its former glory.
This is one of the most famous colonial buildings in Myanmar and you can come here for a cocktail or have a traditional English afternoon tea.
Stroll around Kaba Aye Pagoda
Kaba Aye Pagoda is one of the prettiest pagodas in Yangon and you will find a peaceful courtyard here that seems a world away from the busy streets of the city.
The main reason to come to the Kaba Aye Pagoda is to take in the Buddha centerpiece which is made of silver.
Make sure to note that you can’t wear your shoes in the pagoda so you will need to bring a bag with you or leave these outside, which is true of all sacred spots in Myanmar.
Also make sure you try to visit in the morning or late afternoon as the sun can make for rather a hot visit.
Visit the National Museum
If you want to walk through some of the history in Yangon then you need to head to the National Museum.
Here you will find a whole range of Burmese artifacts as well as galleries filled with antiques and other regalia that date back to the Konbaung Dynasty.
The museum has one of the best collections of antiques in Southeast Asia and this is the ideal place to come for anyone interested in Burmese craftsmanship and heritage items.
Visit the Maha Wizaya Pagoda
The Maha Wizaya Pagoda is one of the more modern temples in Yangon and is located on top of a small scenic hill.
The pagoda is notable as it is topped with a picturesque blue domed ceiling that is covered in motifs and you can also see turtles crawling around the monument and swimming in the lakes on the lush grounds.
Another reason to come here is to take in the amazing views over Yangon from the top of the hill.
Take a ride on the Yangon Circular Train
Myanmar is known for epic railway journeys and many of the train lines here were built during the British colonial period.
If you don’t have time to get outside the city however, then you can go for a short jaunt on the Yangon Circular Train which offers you the chance to take a three hour trip into the outskirts of the city.
As you ride on the railway you can take in the emerald green rice paddies and other sights like rustic villages that dot the railway line.
Enjoy the views at the Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro
The Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro is the best place to come in Yangon if you want to get a drink with a view.
The bistro is located on the 20th floor and looks out over the city with panoramic vistas over the downtown area which stretches to the Shwedagon Pagoda.
The best time to come here is in the late afternoon when you can watch the sunset with a bottle of ice cold local beer.
Check out Kandawgyi Lake
Kandawgyi Lake used to be known as Victoria Lakes and although it is not the largest body of water in the city it is definitely the most famous.
The lake is located on Bogyoke Aung San Park and is known for its boardwalk which wraps around the water and is the best place to go for a stroll in the evening.
Depending on when you visit you can also find musical performances held in the park.
Shop at Bogyoke Aung San Market
Bogyoke Aung San Market is also sometimes referred to by its former name which is Scott Market.
This market was built in 1926 during the British colonial period and surrounding the building you will find a number of cobbled streets that look like they wouldn’t be out of place in an English city.
There is also a large indoor section of the market where you can get a good range of Burmese souvenirs such as textiles, handicrafts and paintings, so if you are shopping for gifts and mementos of your trip then this is the ideal place to come.
Ride on the Dallah Ferry
If you want to briefly get out of the city then consider a trip on the Dallah Ferry.
Dallah is a small village which lies across the river from Yangon but the main reason to come here is for the chance to ride on the ferry.
This is a local ferry so you will get the chance to take to the water with the locals and the ferry is usually used to transport local produce across the river such as fruits, vegetables and tea.
It is also free if you choose to sit on the upper deck.
Check out the Swe Taw Myat Pagoda
The Swe Taw Myat Pagoda is one of the nicest in Myanmar and is made of gold leaf and white stucco which glows in the afternoon sun.
The pagoda is also covered in eye catching motifs in different colors and there are a number of entrances which mean that you can spend time exploring the different alleyways through the pagoda.
This is also a famous religious spot in Buddhism as it is said to house a tooth of the Buddha.
Walk around Inya Lake
Inya Lake is the largest lake in Yangon and has recently been renovated so that you can now easily walk along its pretty shores.
The lake also backs on to lush gardens and the area is known for its scenic villas which are owned by many of Yangon’s elite.
This makes a top choice to go for a walk in the evening and you can also stop off for a drink at the Inya Lake Hotel and watch the views across the water that way if you prefer.
Admire the colonial architecture
Myanmar used to be a former British colony and it is still covered in traditional architecture.
In recent years the government has made efforts to preserve the former colonial buildings and you can now go for a walk through the city and see some of the most beautiful spots.
Some of the best to look out for include the Strand Hotel as well as the old Yangon Railway Station.
Visit Aung San’s House
Aung San was a famous Major General and some consider him to have been the ‘founding father’ of Myanmar before he was assassinated.
As such, he was an extremely important political figure in the country and you can now go and visit his home and learn more about his role in the founding of modern Myanmar.
On a visit to his home you will be able to take in a range of memorabilia including his old car, his suits and his library.
Burmese cuisine is lesser known as compared to Indian, Thai and Chinese food despite her being bordered by these countries. Taking her geographical location as a reference point, the nation’s culinary traditions reflect the influence of her neighbours.
Many Burmese dishes carry familiar hints of Thai or Indian flavours that could be easily discerned through its strong tastes and flavours. As the tourism industry in Myanmar is still in her infancy stage, most of the local foods can be found by the roadside with no fixed address.
Most stall owners are unable to speak proper English, but you’ll have to agree that food is a universal language that unites us all. Tip to ordering: point to what the locals are eating and use your index finger to imply “One please!”.
Chicken Feet Salad
Often underrated and under-appreciated, chicken feet is actually quite delicious. Other than preparing it our usual yum cha way, Burmese douse it in a homemade sauce.
It is the sauce that makes this chicken feet salad (S$2) a delicacy in its own right with its intense flavour, thanks to a mix of soy sauce, lemon, vinegar and brown sugar giving it a sweet edge and crunchy bits of roasted sesame. Sweet and savoury, juicy and tender, this is how this salad dish tastes like. Very appetizing!
You can find this along 19th Street, Chinatown Yangon.
Burmese Rice
Like in most Southeast Asia countries, rice is a staple in Myanmar. Very similar to our economical rice (Chap Chai Peng), one will choose curried dishes, stewed meats, sautéed green vegetables and seafood dressed with garlic and chilli paste.
The vegetable dishes cost about S$2 and the meat dishes cost about S$3. A complimentary plate of fresh vegetables is commonly eaten with various condiments such as chilli powder and ground chilli peppers.
A plate of fresh vegetables, along with various condiments such as chilli powder and ground chilli peppers, are commonly eaten together with the dishes. At the end of the meal, green tea and palm sugar (jaggery) would be served.
What I liked most about the Burmese rice experience is the low table where we have to be seated down on the floor to a veritable smorgasbord of dishes, which gives a really homely feel while dining together.
Burmese Paratha
Burmese paratha with sweet pea pyote (sweet bean paste) is a unique blend of Burmease and lndian influences. I can’t say for sure if every Burmese paratha is this crispy but the one at Lucky 7 Tea House is and they really nailed it. It is easy to appreciate anything crispy, isn’t it?
At this tea house, teashop boys clad in numbered jerseys (the smaller the number, the higher the seniority) dash from table to table to take orders and serve you. The community vibe is also very welcoming.
Address: Lucky 7 Tea House 49th Street, Mahabandoola, Yangon
Nutrient
Bread and eggs combination all seemed quite similar and familiar, but Nutrient (S$1.50), which is essentially eaten during a breakfast in Myanmar came with buttered bread soaked in milk, and layered with soft boiled eggs. Topped over with Milo powder, pudding and raisins.
The savoury taste from the egg yolk and sweetness from the undissolved milo powder was a tad weird on the palate. Nonetheless,aptly named, the dish is packed full with nutrients, and everything that you need for a hearty kick start to the day.
This kind of diversity is best found at local teahouses such as Lucky 7 Tea House.
Address: Lucky 7 Tea House 49th Street, Mahabandoola, Yangon
Shan Tohu Noodle (Tohu Nway)
Poured over a bed of noodles, the thick and yellow gravy in this rice noodle dish is made with grounded chickpeas and tofu from the Shan region of Myanmar.
Shan Tohu (S$2) is kept warm throughout the day to keep it in its semi-liquid state. While the sauce is salty and creamy on its own, it is mellowed down when tossed with the rice noodle and minced meat. Depending on the chef’s preference, nuts, sesame seeds or parsley would be used as garnish.
Address: West of the Sule Pagoda, which is in the centre of downtown Yangon
Fried Tohu (Thoke)
Fried Tohu (S$1.50/portion) is a true Asian fusion dish. The use of tofu and chickpea is a nod to both China and India influences. The tohu is sliced quite thickly to ensure a juicy and soft centre when pan-fried.
I had mine as a dish with rice though it is more traditionally known as Tohu Thoke, which translates to Tofu Salad, which didn’t look any thing close to the familiar greens we would expect.
However, in Myanmar, anything can be made into salad. Tohu Thoke is served with ingredients arranged beautifully in an assortment of colours from the toasted peanuts, savoury dried shrimps, nutty sesame seeds, and so much more.
Myae Oh Myee Shae (Claypot Noodle)
Myae Oh Myee Shae (S$2.50) Essentially a claypot noodle in Myanmar, it is a popular Chinese-inspired dish that can be found along the streets of Chinatown. The noodle is served in a bubbling savoury broth topped with slices of soft-braised pork belly or shreds of beef, and three different types of vegetables for good measure.
The stall that I went to feels like it’s bursting in all its seams with plastic stools and long metal tables crammed side by side. But sometimes, the tinier the place, the richer the experience.
Fried Burmese Tempura
I found this snack in Bagan, an ancient city in the Mandalay region of Myanmar, but am told that you can find it along the side of the road in Yangon throughout the evening.
These deep-fried snacks consist of leafy vegetables, onions, sweet potatoes, tofu and mock meat, served with a sweet and tangy sauce.
It was a wonderful contrast of earthy, crisp and chewy. In fact, the vegetables are savoury and flavourful on their own without needing the accompanying sauce. The tofu, equivalent to our tau pok is my favourite, which is crispy and balances the tastes of the other ingredients.
You could tell that Burmese love their deep fried food.
Burmese Sweet Snack
Burmese sweet snacks somehow always include grated coconut. It is essentially grated coconut with coconut milk wrapped in rice paper.
The presence of coconut milk is similarly used in Thai cuisine. You could also add strands of noodles in it for a textural contrast or simply to make it a more filling snack. Think grated coconut in chee cheong fun. For a dessert, this isn’t overly sweet.
Kyay-Oh (Noodle Dish)
There are no shortage of noodle dishes in Myanmar, but this one at YKKO, a local favourite store in Myanmar, is especially noteworthy. YKKO gives you many options: pork, seafood or mixed, in soup or dry, and with rice noodles or wantons.
To really indulge in Kyay-Oh, go for the bite-sized wantons; they make for an amazing noodle substitute. The wanton skin is thin and springy with a subtle savoury flavour from the meat wrapped within. It smartly elevates this noodle dish and will not leave you feeling weighed down. Pictured above is the mixed and dry with wantons. A bowl that warms the soul and leaves one sighing contentedly.
Address: No. 35, Insein Road (near Hledan Junction), Kamayut Township, Yangon | Tel: +951 512 543
Some call it Burma; some call it Myanmar. Nomenclature aside, this country is making significant progress in opening up to the rest of the world. The world is watching Myanmar and they’ll be watching it with increasing attention on her food. December (Visa exemption starts then) is the time to make travel plans to this country.
Also, I did not add Mohinga (Fish soup rice noodle) into this list as it is one of the already known dishes of Myanmar.
Enjoying nightlife in Myanmar can be a bit of a challenge. Compared to western standards, and even compared to other Southeast Asian countries, nightlife in Yangon is rather subdued. Nonetheless, Yangon does have pubs, clubs, discos and other nightlife destinations. While there are some independent night-time establishments, most clubs and pubs in Yangon are located in five-star hotels. At some nightspots you can expect more than local beer and good music.
There are entertainment plazas that include karaoke, fashion shows, and some venues have traditional dance performances. Some nightlife venues in Yangon tend to close comparatively early (between 01:00 or 03:00), but in recent years, closing times are getting later. Entrance fees to clubs can range from USD $3 to $6, but for clubs in hotels, entrance is free for hotel guests.
Local drinking establishments are called ‘beer stations’. They offer cheaper drinks, but they are not usually frequented by tourists so you may get some attention when going to a local beer station, but people are friendly. Drinking is not culturally accepted for women in Burma, and beer stations are places for local men to drink, talk, and chew betel nut. They close early, around 21:00 or 23:00.
ABC Country Pub
It is possible to enjoy live country-western music in Yangon. Tourists who have a taste for such genre can simply go to ABC Country Bar to listen to live performances of favourite country and western songs by the bar's resident band. This establishment also serves food and features TV screens in the bar.
Location: 404 Mahabandoola Road, Yangon.
Asia Plaza Disco
Asia Plaza Disco is another well-known night-life destination. While it is a discotheque, this favoured night spot has more to offer than just dancing. Aside from organizing traditional dance shows, the people behind Asia Plaza also treat patrons to fashion shows, wherein beautiful models showcase one-of-a-kind collections. People can expect to see haute couture from 22:00 – 01:00
Opening Hours: 19:00 – 01:00
Location: 277 Bogyoke Aung San Road, Kyauktada Township, Yangon.
BME 2
This particular night-life destination draws crowds in with more than just music. While BME 2 is a venue for a superb house music and amazing live performances by rock bands, its kitschy ambiance is enough to gain this nightspot a loyal following. In fact, BME 2 is a frequent hangout of the expatriate community in Yangon.
Opening Hours: till 00:30
Location: Beside Summit Parkview Hotel at 350 Ahlone Road.
Club Pioneer
This government-owned establishment, which has been renovated into a disco, is considered as one of the main entertainment destinations in the city centre. Because the place is popular with both locals and tourists, one can often find it packed with people.
Location: 44 Alan Pya Pagoda Street, Yangon.
Mr. Guitar
One of the hippest night-life destinations in Yangon is Mr. Guitar. Both locals and tourists frequent this iconic bar, which offers patrons impressive renditions of different genres of music, such as country, classical and rock & roll. Established by a well-known local musician, this Yangon nightspot features a great in-house band and also holds karaoke sessions.
Highlights: 22 Sayasan Street, Bahan Township.
Opening Hours: 19:00 – 24:00
Paddy O'Malley's Irish Pub and Sports Bar
The five-star Sedona Hotel Yangon enables both locals and tourists to experience a taste of Ireland in the city of Yangon. The Sedona Hotel is home to Paddy O'Malley's Irish Pub and Sports Bar, a great nightspot for drinking or just hanging OUT with friends. Paddy O'Malley's is one of the city's best night-life destinations.
Location: Sedona Hotel, 1 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yankin Township, Yangon.
Silver Oak Cafe and Restaurant
Probably one of the most interesting places to go to at night when in Yangon is the Silver Oak Cafe and Restaurant. This particular establishment features a beauty parlour, ice cream shop, pub and rock club.
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 21;00 (Salon); 08:00 – 22:00 (Restaurant)
Location: NO. (83/91), Bo Aung Kyaw St.,(Lower Block) Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon.
Sport Bar (Mya Yeik Nyo)
This is a new and modern nightlife gathering place in town.
Opening Hours: 16:00 - 03:00
Location: No. 20. Pa Le Road, Bahan Township
Tel: 0011 95 1 704 428
The Music Club
Another destination frequently visited at night in Yangon is The Music Club. In this place, one can dance or just enjoy drinks while listening to great music. The Music Club includes a disco and bar, and has DJs to keep the music flowing until the early hours. It can be found in the ParkRoyal Yangon Hotel.
Opening Hours: 19:00 - late
Location: 33 Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Township, Yangon.
Underground
Those looking for a great time at night should definitely visit Underground in Sofitel Plaza Yangon. Underground is one of the premier dancing destinations in the city where you can enjoy both fun music and great drinks in this popular nightspot.
Location: 33 Alan Pya Phaya Road, Dagon Township, Yangon.
Zero Zone Roof Top Beer Garden
For those who want to experience how the Burmese unwind after the sun goes down, this is the place to go. The entrance is on Shwe Dagon Pagoda Road, and an attendant takes you up in an old elevator to the roof. They have live dance performances, model shows, and a live band. The music is mostly Burmese pop and disco. Food includes a barbecue buffet, seafood, Chinese food, and more. Fairly good view of the city from here.
Opening Hours: 20:00 to 23:00
Location: Top Floor, 2 Thain Gyi Zay, C Block, Shwe Dagon Pagoda Road, Pabedan Township
Tel: 240600 ext. 4252, 371800 ext. 351