The 11 essential things to do in Yangon (Rangoon)

South Myanmar (Burma), a country where democracy is awakening, where pagodas scintillate with a thousand lights, where tradition survival, take the time to visit Yangon (Rangoon).

For several years Myanmar has become an increasingly popular destination in South-East Asia. Nevertheless, this country still remains relatively preserved from mass tourism. For those looking for authenticity, Myanmar is therefore an ideal destination.

The former Rangoon, now named Yangon, is the largest and largest city in the country. Effervescence, folklore, contrast, agitation, modernism, refurbishment, trade, culture, economic and political liberation, as many words to describe Yangon's tripoding city. During your trip to Myanmar, you can’t miss spending a moment there.

To help you plan your stay, we have selected for you the eleven essential things to do in Yangon.

1. The pagoda Schwedagon

This is the most unmissable if you are looking for what to do in Yangon!

pagoda Shwedagon is the most sacred Buddhist site in Myanmar. The sanctuary covers six hectares. A stupa of 100 meters, fully covered with gold leaves, sits in its centre. Take one of the four covered stairs to arrive on the main terrace. marble pavilion, lined with prayer rooms, full of gold and sprinkled with Buddha’s effigies, this first arrival will give you a lot of eyes. Pass between the planetary pillars, through the museum overflowing with religious ornaments and the photo gallery.

2. Yangon markets

In South-East Asia, street markets are unique and intoxicating sensory experiences. To visit Yangon, explore these hot and absolutely unmissable places.

Each faubourg has its own market and its incredible set of stands. Markets are the best places to discover Yangon by having fun, learning and meeting its inhabitants. Textiles, traditional clothing, antiques, household items, traditional herbs, cosmetics, foods, you can spend hours strolling through these living aisles. Among the unmistakable markets to be made in Yangon: Bogyoke and 26th Street.

3. People’s Park

What to do in Yangon when looking for a green parenthesis away from the tumult? See you at People’s Park . Overflowing with flowers, embellished with watersheds and fountains, this park offers a splendid view of the Shwedagon pagoda. You will enjoy this break in the middle of your lively and picturesque stay in Yangon.

4. The puppet theatre Htwe Oo

Why see a puppet show at the Htwe Oo Yangon? Because the Burmese puppet theatre is a dominant art in Myanmar's culture and religion. In its origins, the puppet theatre staged and campaigned for the aspirations of the people, denounced the abuse of power, transmitted noble values and educated the youngest through tales. This is a unique experience to do in Yangon to dive into the deep history of Myanmar.

5. Yangon Lakes

The Lake Kandawgyi is to visit in Yangon if you are looking for a place for a dusk walk. When the sun goes down, the reflection of the Swedagon pagoda becomes magical on its peaceful waters. Then spend the evening aboard a replica of a royal boat, sip a glass or attend a local event.

The tower Lake Inya is to be done in Yangon if you have the opportunity to get away from the urban hyper-centre. This park, less touristic, is a real invitation to strolling in an easy neighborhood of the city. Known as the park of lovers, you will cross many pairs of Burmese rocking under the trees.

6. The immense statues of Buddha

Among the unmissable things to do in Myanmar, see two of the largest statues of Buddha in the country in fact party. For this, you must visit Yangon and the Paya Chaukhtatgyi and Ngahtatgyi .

Paya Chaukhtatgyi is a Buddhist holy place known for its elongated Buddha, sixty-five meters long. The unmeasured work dazzled by the gold leaves and the precious stones of which it is waged over its entire length. As for Paya Ngahtatgyi, it is his sitting Buddha, fourteen meters high, who will leave you without a voice. Emailed with opulence and shine, this statue is also highlighted by the wooded structure of the temple.

During these flamboyant visits, you can see many places honoring Buddha and covering the place of incense and fresh flowers.

7. Colonial Quarter

If you decide to visit Yangon through a journey in time, you will be marvelled by the greatness and sumptuousness of colonial buildings. Although some facades are dilapidated, the colonial district is full of history and charm.

The buildings are simply discovered by walking through the city centre. These pepits, recaptured from the British colonial era, however, give Yangon airs of Havana. During your turn, do not miss the roundabout hosting the curious pagoda Sule .

8. The National Museum

National Museum must be among your places to visit in Yangon if you are looking to know the history of the country. This museum houses invaluable collections and is full of cultural riches. Between works of art, ancient pieces and sacred relics, this place takes you into the daily life, beliefs, missing civilizations and Myanmar craftsmanship.

9. Circular train

You wonder what to do in Yangon to live a fully authentic experience? There you go!

Yangon's circular train carries out a three-hour loop in every suburb of the city. Inside, you will discover a whole world. Walking merchants, tourists, locals, all scroll continuously and try to find balance. From peanuts to fruit to skewers, you will find any type of snacks on the cars.

Nevertheless, one of the most beautiful things to do on the circular train: mix with Burmese and exchange with them. You will quickly discover their fabulous friendliness.

10. Dala

Go across the river to visit Yangon from a different angle. After a ferry crossing of about 20 minutes, discover the rural area and preserved of Dala . The contrast is striking when you discover this little village that is still very traditional. There, no car, no tourist at any end of the field. You can taste the life of remote campaigns.

11. The street of bookstores

What are you looking for in Yangon and you like books? Then walk along the border 37th Street a real bookshop with open sky. The meeting with the premises is great in this atypical street. Spend stands in stands, where there is an impressive number of books of all kinds and perhaps unlock the perfect memory.

How to go to Yangon?

By plane

If you want to visit Yangon, domestic and international flights are provided daily. From France, companies like Air France Lufthansa or Singapore Airlines offer flights with stopovers in Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur (account on average 14 hours of scheduled flight). As far as prices, like most flights from the market, prices vary depending on the periods: a ticket to Yangon can go from 400 to more than 1000€ depending on the departure dates and the selected company. To get you into your research and save on your trip, we recommend you take a look at the site Ulysses which selects flights at the best price according to your preferred dates/criteria.

Once at Yangon Airport, and to reach the city centre, you just have to choose between shuttle (about one hour of travel per hour, $0.30 per person) or taxi (about forty minutes, between $6 to $9 one-way per person).

By train

There are many railway lines between Yangon and the major cities of Myanmar. As often in South-East Asia, the train is not the fastest option. It can nevertheless be very pleasant, friendly and a feast for the eyes. Again, you can opt for a night trip. Finally, the train is a very affordable means of transport, even if you choose a first class seat.

By bus

The bus is undoubtedly the best means of transport in South-East Asia. If you want to visit Yangon, know that the city is very well served at that level. However, prices and bus quality can vary from single to double depending on the options chosen.

Most buses are equipped with air conditioning, but not all operate. If you want to ensure comfort, opt for them VIP bus (especially for long journeys and/or night trips). These are present on all the great lines and quite comfortable. However, you will have to book in advance (via the internet, your hotel or your guest house, or directly at the bus station).

Experimenting a local bus also remains an unusual experience, to test at least once during your stay in Myanmar!

Good to know. The two Yangon bus stations (Hlaing Thar and Aung Mingalar) are located far from the city centre. Count forty-five minutes to one hour by taxi, for $4 to $6 per person.

Where to stay in Yangon?

Where to stay to visit Yangon? Most of the time two options are available to you: the guest house or the hotel. If in any case, staying in Yangon is cheap, do not hesitate to consult a Compare hotels regardless of your selection criteria, list the best offers from the market according to your dates of stay. Due to traffic, we recommend accommodation near the activities you want to do in Yangon, or as close as possible to the city centre. To switch to your preferred area, go to our article " In which quarter house in Yangon? "!