A much-mythologised city on the verge of discovery

With a population of over five million, Yangon is Myanmar’s largest city and commercial hub. It’s also the spiritual heart of Myanmar, being home to the Shwedagon Pagoda, regarded as the most sacred Buddhist pagoda among Burmese.

Yangon has plenty to offer whether you’re planning to hit the expat pubs, sample a traditional Burmese meal or wander the streets admiring the colonial architecture. Shop for precious gems, antiques, art and traditional handicrafts at the Bogyoke Market, a major tourist destination in the heart of the city. The Sule Pagoda, right smack on a busy intersection in the city, is home to shrines containing eight Buddha images. For some old-world charm, enjoy high tea at the iconic Strand Hotel, opened in 1901.

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Cheap flights to Yangon

Things to do: Yangon

  • Built to last

    Guests who stay at the century-old Strand Hotel opens in new window are treading in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway and other luminaries. The hotel was designed by the Sarkies Brothers, which makes it a sibling to Singapore’s Raffles Hotel and Penang’s E&O Hotel. Once a key player in the late-night stakes, the bar is still popular, but thanks to the increasingly competitive nightlife scene it’s no longer stiflingly crowded.

  • Go for the gold

    Vista bar is a rooftop drinking spot that offers stunning views of Shwedagon Pagoda. The bar opens at 6pm, so go at sunset to marvel at the spectacle of the pagoda, first appearing to change colour and then beginning to glow gold in the shine of countless lights.

  • Golden landmark

    Shwedagon Pagoda is the geographical and spiritual heart of Yangon, as well as the scene of some of its saddest and most uplifting moments. The pagoda (or paya) is 105m of gold-leaf opulence crowned with 1100 diamonds, and another 1300 precious stones studded around the peak. Sunset is the most popular time to visit as this amazingly extravagant nod to the humble Buddha reflects the changing light.

  • Just say no

    The bizarre, three-storey Drug Elimination Museum documents how the Tatmadaw, Burma’s ruling military junta for five decades, have effectively wiped out the narcotics trade here. Set on a huge plot of land north of the city centre, the museum features epic dioramas of drug battles, colourful murals of happy, drug-free people and displays of pickled human organs ruined by addiction.

  • The sticking point

    19th Street in Chinatown is a fantastic spot for a bite and a beer. There’s a long row of bars and barbecue joints that sell pretty much anything on a stick – from fish and chicken to an eye-opening array of offal. The bars are actually 'beer stations' – which are as utilitarian as they sound – furnished with plastic stools.

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Airport information

Yangon International Airport opens in new window (RGN) 

Distance to city centre 15km

Taxi There’s a fixed-price taxi counter in the airport’s arrivals hall. The trip to central Yangon costs around USD $10 and could take 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.

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When to go

Yangon has a tropical monsoon climate with rainy season from May to October. November to February, when the weather is cool and dry, are the best months to visit.

While Myanmar is somewhat light on festivals compared to other Asian countries, the Thingyan festival in April marks the beginning of the Burmese New Year – expect to get wet (it’s similar to Thailand’s songkran festival). October sees the spectacle of Thandingyut, the festival of lights. In November, Buddhists flock to the Shwedagon Pagoda to offer robes to the monks.

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Getting around

The best way to see downtown Yangon is on foot – the area is easy to navigate. The bus system is a challenge for visitors so take advantage of one of Asia’s best transport bargains and grab a taxi to go just about anywhere for USD $1-2. Drivers generally don’t use a meter, so negotiate your fare up front. 

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