Pagodas, Markets and Tea Houses. A mixed-bag list of activities and sights for you to begin exploring the exciting city of Yangon.
Took a short break after a mentally draining transition from being a student to "adulting". I knew that I needed time away alone to soothe the raging storm of thoughts that were keeping me awake at night.
Myanmar's most populous city was my refuge as I let myself get lost in a sea of Burmese phrases and taking in the energy of the locals as they brushed past me on the streets. I arrived on Burmese New Year and a few days after Thingyan, to a city with deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and the densest concentration of colonial-era buildings in Asia.
Yangon took me by surprise - being more proficient in English than I expected and more developed than that of my preconceived beliefs. The busy city grew on me and I'm excited to share what she has to offer!
Here is a brief round up of things you could do within 72 hours in Yangon.
Activities to Do:
Pagoda hopping – Pagodas are aplenty in the former capital city of Myanmar. Marvel at the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, walk to the centrally located Sule Pagoda, pay a visit to the 65 metre long reclining Buddha at Chauk Htat Kyi Pagoda, or gain enlightenment at the 13 metre tall Buddha at Nga Htatgyi Pagoda. There are also the Swal Taw Pagoda (Buddha’s tooth relic), Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda (Buddha carved in white marble), Botataung Pagoda (where strands of Buddha’s hair is kept) and so many more. Just take your pick!
Tip 1: There are water points in the temple so I used my carbon-filter water bottle to get some water and did not have any issues drinking it.
Tip 2: My new taxi friend, Lin Than, also told me the magical number to ring the pagoda gongs is 9 times, so fyi.
Opening Hours: 4 am to 10 pm daily
Entrance Fee: 10,000 kyat
Opening Hours: 6 am to 10 pm daily
Entrance Fee: 3,000 kyat
Opening Hours: 6 am to 6 pm daily
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 6 am to 8 pm daily
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 6 am to 10 pm daily
Entrance Fee: 3,000 kyat
Opening Hours: 6 am to 8 pm daily
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 6 am to 8 pm daily
Entrance Fee: Free
Cool yourself off at Art Galleries - There are an abundant of art galleries in Yangon which also serve as a great pitstop to cool yourself in the heat of the city. Art galleries such as River Gallery, The Yangon Gallery and Pansodan Gallery are air conditioned... SO.
Visit a museum – If you know me, you would know how much I enjoy learning. And what is a better way than visiting a city’s museum when travelling? Learn the culture and history of Myanmar at The National Museum of Myanmar or check out the propaganda and glorification of the military at the Drug Elimination Museum.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 4 pm daily
Entrance Fee: 5,000 kyat
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm
Entrance Fee: 3,000 kyat (admission ticket only), 5,000 kyat (inclusive of camera fees)
Circular Train – Have a couple of hours to spend? Grab a seat on the Yangon Circular Train at Yangon Central Railway Station for only 20 cents. Remember to visit the loo before boarding the train as it will take about 3 hours with 39 stops and there are no toilets on board. Make sure that you board the right train, that actually goes into a loop and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Burmese life. Watch as vendors stroll up and down the cabins with goods balanced on their heads.
Join a walking tour – Join the Free Yangon Walks that happens twice a week and embark on an educational and cultural journey on how tourism and capitalism affects the former capital of Myanmar. Stroll through lively neighbours and take in the city’s architectures – from dark, crammed apartments to colonial structures. If a heritage walking tour is not your thing, food tours will be. Sit in low stools with locals and taste a range of cuisines – from Chinese, Indian and of course, uniquely Burmese dishes.
Visit a market – Bogyoke Market (Scott’s market) is a good place to buy souvenirs and is also home to several art galleries. Perhaps by a longyi, a sarong-like cloth that locals wear in the heat. Alternatively, visit the 17th Street wet market and grab some roti. Bahan market, just at the east entrance/exit of the Shwedagon Pagoda, has a myriad of food options; BBQ, Shan Noodles, fresh fruit savoury salads and Burmese pancakes.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to ~6 pm
Expand your culinary skills – In love with Burmese food? Bring the knowledge to make authentic Burmese food home after learning from the locals. Classes usually range about 35-75 dollars and last for about 3 hours. Some of the classes even include the market visits where you learn to haggle for the ingredients.
Tea house hopping – Instead of café hopping, tea houses are the way of life here in Yangon. Locals gather and chat over cups of hot tea with condensed and evaporated milk, and fried samosas. Did not have time to visit any except Rangoon Tea House (a modern take on tea houses), research wise, I would recommend Golden Tea and Lucky 7 Tea House.
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7 am to 10 pm; Friday & Saturday, 7 am to 12 am
Cost: $$
Opening Hours: 8 am to 9pm daily
Cost: $
Opening Hours: 6 am to 5pm daily
Cost: $
Sip a cocktail at a bar – Sarkies Bar at The Strand hotel has been largely recommended by many bloggers. Located in one of the most iconic hotels in town, the upscale bar can almost be a tourist attraction with many stopping by for their signature cocktails with Myanmar rum. Alternatively, take in the panoramic view of the city at Yangon Yangon Rooftop on Sakura Tower, the highest bar in Yangon.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 12 am daily
Cost: $$
Opening Hours: 5 pm to 10 pm daily
Cost: $$
Sights to See:
Little India - Packed with food vendors and known for the prominent Shri Kali Hindi Temple, grab a burfi (a dense milk based sweet) or a falooda (a sweet yogurt drink) from the tiniest shop houses. Discover Nepalese cuisine and restaurants dedicated to vegetarian India cuisines.
Chinatown – The high octane area is located near Little India and is teeming with markets. My hostel was situated in the area and every day, I strolled down rows of fresh produce, Burmese rice stalls and Betelnut sellers. There are specific streets for certain food items apparently – 19th Street for BBQ, 20th Street for Chinese food, Shwe Taung Tan St for Chinese noodles. I was semi-confused when Lin Than brought me to my hostel because I saw sushi and ramen places thus told my mum over the phone “I think I’m in Japan town more than Chinatown”.
People’s Square and Park – The park has a magnificent view of the Shwedagon Pagoda and has several activities in the area. Climb inside a fighter jet at the decommissioned Myanmar Airways Fokker, find your inner child at the amusement park, or visit the Planetarium nearby. Another great place to watch the sunset.
Kandawgyi Park – Walk across the lake boardwalk to enjoy the views of the lake, Karawiek Palace and if it is a clear day, the Shwedagon Pagoda. The park is also one of the best place in Yangon to catch a sunset.
Solo Scorecard: 2 (1 - Solo-friendly, 5 - Would not recommend for solo travelling)
With the increasing inflow of expats and international companies setting up offices in Yangon, English is becoming a part of the locals lives. I was pleasantly surprised with their language proficiency even in the outskirts of Yangon. However, public transport is a tad tricky especially with my Circular Train Saga. Grab again is a safer and more convenient transport option, the affordability is an added bonus. Locals are welcoming and some a bit curious, I felt really safe when travelling. Yet, my taxi driver friend did mention to avoid going out alone at night. Few hassles, walkable, easy and palatable small street side meals - the largest city of Burma welcomes solo travelers!
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