Top 9 famous places & best things to do in Yangon
Yangon, once known as Rangoon, is a gleaming jewel in the heart of Myanmar. It is the country’s capital and largest city, and it is home to several historical and cultural landmarks. Let’s have a look at the top 9 renowned sites in Yangon (Yangon points of interest), top and finest things to do in Yangon and must-do in Yangon travel experiences below.
1. Visit Shwedagon Pagoda
The first and most important religious site of Yangon in Myanmar is Shwedagon Pagoda.The visitors can even see the sparkling stupa of the temple from many locations in the city.
Top tips: The Shwedagon Pagoda is open daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. There are several Buddhist pagodas to worship in, as well as people to visit in the afternoon. This is regarded as a spectacular sunset. When visiting the pagoda, you must remove your shoes, therefore carry a bag of footwear and store it in your rucksack. You should be aware that when visiting the pagoda around noon, the heat will make the hot brick background exceedingly scorching, so be cautious when going barefoot.
Shwedagon Pagoda
Address: Bahan Rd, Yangon, Myanmar
Phone: +95 1 375 767
Opening Hours: 4 am- 10 pm
2. Going around Yangon by circle line train
If you don’t have much time to see Yangon, take a train trip around the city from Yangon Central Train Station (Kunchan Road). You will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the city as well as the daily lives of the inhabitants from here. The train was built in the 1950s and has remained mostly unchanged since then.
Top tips: One thing to keep in mind is that there is no bathroom on the boat, so you will most likely have to get off the train to use the restrooms in the cottages in the little villages you pass through, or you may go to the restaurants. Even if you are not a customer, some restaurants allow you to use the restroom. Then you’ll have to wait anything from 30 minutes to an hour for the next train to arrive. The train ride around Yangon takes around 3 hours, and it takes even longer if you stop in certain areas. It is recommended that you begin early in order to have more time to explore. Returning to the city center, on the other hand, generally takes less than a half-day.
3. Visit Kandawgyi
The beautiful Kandawgyi National Park located in the heart of Yangon is the perfect place to look for peace and tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Top tips: Beautiful lake views at any time of the day. Even so, the scenery most loved by tourists is still the setting of the sunset when the sky changes to many impressive stripes.
4. Bogyoke Aung San Market
Situated on BoGyoke Road, this market was formerly known as Scott Market, a relic of British imperialism in Yangon. Coming here, besides admiring the architecture of the market, the visitors can also buy many beautiful handmade souvenirs such as jewelry, carpets, paintings and wood carvings
If you just want to experience pure local markets, it is a good idea to visit other markets, such as Thiri Mingalar where there are countless products and fascinating food. As for Bogyoke Aung San, it is also an architectural and historical visit.
Top tips: Traditional markets tend to have more plentiful food in the morning than noon and evening. But Bogyoke Aung San is completely different. Here at any time of the day, you can enjoy great food. However, you must keep in mind that the market closes early, around 5 pm.
5. Visit Sule Pagoda
Sule Pagoda is unquestionably the second temple you must see in Yangon after Shwedagon Pagoda. This temple is loved and frequented by many locals. You may not have planned to visit Sule Pagoda earlier, but due to its placement on the major route in the city center, you will most likely pass by on your way to or from Yangon. So there’s no reason you shouldn’t come here.
Top tips: Visitors can visit the Sule Pagoda at any time of the day, however, the advice is still the best time of the day.
Sule Pagoda
Address: Junction of Sule Pagoda Road, Yangon 11141, Myanmar
Phone: +95 1 371 561
Opening Hours: 6am-8pm
6. Taking a walking tour
Taking a tour conducted by indigenous people is one of the best ways to experience a new city. Although the streets of Yangon are not very difficult, you will be amazed by what you learn from indigenous people. You might contact the Yangon Heritage Trust, which specializes in delivering low-cost excursions, including walking tours led by indigenous peoples in Myanmar.
Top tips: The tours take place in the morning and afternoon, so you can flexibly arrange your schedule. You can view the tour dates and bookings on the Yangon Heritage Trust website.
7. Enjoying Mohinga
This is a typical morning meal in Myanmar, although travelers may locate stores in Yangon that offer it all day. Chickpeas or grilled rice, garlic, onion, lemongrass, banana, ginger, fish sauce, fish sauce, and catfish cooked in saturated water and kept warm in Cauldrons are the primary ingredients of Mohinga.
Top tips: You can find this dish in many street vendors.
8. Strand Hotel
This colonial-style hotel may have cost a lot of money for the vacation, but the experience was well worth it. The hotel has been in business for more than a century, and the architecture is spectacular. Aside from the food and drink offerings, the local beer is definitely worth a try.
Top tips: Take the time to feel here at every moment of the day: morning, afternoon and evening.
Strand Hotel
Address: 92 Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar
Phone: +95 1 243 377
Opening Hours: 24/24
Website: http://www.hotelthestrand.com/
9. Chinatown
Every Chinatown in every country has something unique to offer. You should also spend some time in Yangon’s Chinatown. In addition to seeing the lives of the people here, there are intriguing parallels with the newly arriving Chinatown, and you may taste a plethora of appealing cuisines.
Top tips: The best time to explore this place is in the evening, feel the lively living space of the quarter and enjoy the delicious food.
