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Yangon

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Yangon

Located in the southern part of the country on the east bank of the Hlaing River, Yangon was formerly known as Rangoon. Though no longer the capital of Myanmar, Yangon still holds the seat as the largest and most vibrant city in the country. If you arrive in this city by air, you will see amazing golden domes dotting the city’s vast greenery. One of the glistening domes is indeed Yangon’s main attraction: Shwedagon Paya, a 99-meter tall pagoda gilded with gold. But this place has a lot to offer aside from Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas. Yangon's downtown pavement is ever-bustling with its street market, but if you’re looking to escape the crowd and the heat, Kandawgyi Lake is worth your while.

Get to Know Yangon Region

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Yangon Region

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Yangon

A guide to Yangon's local transportation

YBS (Yangon Bus Service)

Yangon Circular Train

Bus Truck

Rickshaw

Bicycle Rental

Taxis

YBS or Yangon Bus Service is a recommended public transportation for getting around Yangon. YBS is a bus that serves mobility through the city with 65 bus fleets equipped with air conditioning. This bus only stops at designated bus stops, and almost all its routes pass through exciting tourist attractions in Yangon. The fare is only 300 Kyat for long or short distances, and payment can only be made using Any Pay cards or Myanmar prepaid cards. Make sure to check the bus route that you will take and wait at the available bus stop.

Practical Tips for Yangon

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What is the best thing about Yangon?

Yangon is a lively city with plenty of attractions to explore, making it an ideal destination for your Southeast Asia vacation. Despite no longer being the capital city, it remains Myanmar's most popular tourist spot. Yangon offers a unique blend of traditional and modern life. During the day, visitors can appreciate the city's British colonial architecture by taking a stroll. The city comes alive at night, a perfect time to blend with the locals and party like one.

At first glance, Yangon might not capture your heart, but its vibrant and bustling streets will keep you exploring for a few days; its nuance is hard not to make you fall in love. Yangon is also a great place for travelers on a budget since it provides affordable vacation choices.

What is the best time to visit Yangon?

When planning a trip to Yangon or anywhere in Myanmar, visiting during the dry season (January-Febraury) when the rainfall is low and the weather is pleasant. The average temperature during the day is around 30°C, which drops to around 15°C at night. Visiting Yangon during winter (December) can also be a delightful experience. With temperatures dropping as low as 16ºC and little to no rain, it's the perfect weather for strolls.

It is best to avoid visiting Yangon during the hot season, which falls between March and May. Temperatures can soar up to 40ºC during the day, making it uncomfortable to walk around the city. However, if you are interested in experiencing the Thingyan Festival, April would be the ideal month to start your journey in Yangon.

What are the most famous places in Yangon?

Shwedagon Pagoda is the top destination in Yangon and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Myanmar. This ancient pagoda has been around for 2,500 years and is famous for its enshrined strands of Buddha's hair and other holy relics. A trip to Yangon is incomplete without a visit to this iconic landmark. The Shwedagon Pagoda boasts hundreds of golden plates, and its stupa's pinnacle shimmers with 4531 diamonds, including a 72-carat diamond that is the largest of them all. There is no doubt that this religious monument is among the most remarkable wonders in the world.

For shopping go-ers, Bgyoke Aung San Market is the one. Bogyoke Market, also known as Scott's Market, is a popular tourist destination in Yangon for buying souvenirs. It is located across from Junction City, a new shopping mall that is connected by a bridge. When shopping at Bogyoke Market, it is customary to bargain. The shopkeepers will often start by quoting a high price, so be prepared to negotiate. You can usually get the price down by half or more. By flexing your bargaining muscles, you can stretch your shopping budget and get the best possible deals on souvenirs to bring back home.

Where is the best area to stay in Yangon?

Downtown Yangon is the ideal place to stay in Yangon because it conveniently places you within walking distance of major attractions like the Shwedagon Pagoda, hotels, shopping, and the riverside area, all clustered around this central location. It boasts various sacred places, including temples, mosques, churches, and synagogues, showcasing the city's rich cultural diversity. Exploring the riverfront is a must in Yangon, and while you're here, consider enjoying a sunset river cruise or crossing over to the vibrant Dala markets by boat, adding extra charm to your stay.

Where to eat in Yangon?

If you haven't had the chance to try Mohinga while visiting in Myanmar, you might be missing out on a real taste of the country's culture. This traditional breakfast dish is a rich blend of fish broth, rice noodles, and an array of flavorful toppings like lemongrass, ginger, and chili. It's a comforting bowl of goodness, often enjoyed with an egg, lentil cracker, and herring roe, and it's close to the hearts of all Burmese.

Moving on to Laphet. This unique dish features fermented tea leaves paired with ingredients like peanuts, fried garlic, and dried shrimp, making it a standout as one of Southeast Asian's cuisines. It's a savory treat perfect for tea time or as a delightful side dish during lunch

Next is Shan Noodles, originating from Shan State. These noodles come with your choice of chicken, pork, or veggies, seasoned with soy sauce and topped with ground peanuts. They're usually served alongside Shan-styled pickles.