Melo Villareal
15 Fun Things to Do in Yangon, Myanmar
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar is a Southeast Asian country. This tropical country is one of the lesser-known tourist spots in the world. It was not until 2012 that the number of tourists exceeded 1 million, and the government is still establishing its presence in the tourism sector.
During a local festival in Yangon
Because of its late entry into the international tourism industry, Myanmar is one of the few countries whose culture and traditions remain largely untouched by modernity, even in its most populous city and former capital, Yangon. It has a unique blend of Chinese and Indian cultures, and below are just some of the activities you can do in this country.
1. Marvel at the 25-century-old Shwedagon Pagoda
The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most iconic structures in Myanmar. It features Burmese architecture and culture and was first constructed 2,500 years ago. This pagoda enshrines strands of the Buddha’s hair and is considered the most sacred pagoda by locals. In addition to serving as a place of worship, Shwedagon Pagoda houses an exhibit honoring those who built it.
2. Count the sides of the unique Sule Pagoda
While the Shwedagon Pagoda showcases ancient heritage, the Sule Pagoda houses contemporary Burmese architecture, ideology, and art. The most distinguishing feature of Sule Pagoda is its octagonal shape, from its broad base to its needle-point tip. The best thing about this place of worship, however, is its bright golden color, which is more visible at night when it is spotlighted and glows with its stunning golden hue, right in the heart of Yangon.
3. Decipher the symbols on the Chaukhtatgyi Paya
The Burmese are highly devout in the country’s dominant religion, Theravada Buddhism. This is why there are several pagodas or stupas, pilgrimage sites, and… giant reclining Buddha images! The Chaukhtatgyi Paya is a huge Buddha statue, 30 meters tall and more than 60 meters long. It is primarily made of metal and features a generous diamond setting. The image’s feet are intricately engraved with Buddhist symbols.
4. Talk with monks-in-training in the Kalaywa Monastery
You’ve probably watched several martial arts movies and seen how the main characters train with monks. In Myanmar, those places of training are called monasteries, and you will be amazed to see how much dedication is poured into the study of the Buddhist Scriptures. The Kalaywa Monastery is one of the most well-known monastic schools in Myanmar, and is a great place to start your immersion in Burmese traditions.
5. Binge shop in Bogyoke Aung San Market
Aside from oil and tourism, gemstones are also a major contributor to Myanmar’s GDP. Bogyoke Aung San Market, or simply Bogyoke Market, is an enormous bazaar known for its selection of gemstones, jewelry, clothing, and handicrafts. Bring out your inner haggling expertise and bring home a bag of authentic souvenirs.
6. Bejeweled in the Myanmar Gems Museum and Mart
Since gemstones constitute a significant product in Myanmar, the gem market is not the only one. The Myanmar Gems Museum and market is another great gem market to visit. The museum and mart are located on the third floor of the building at 66 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Yangon. The other floors house a variety of stalls ranging from food to clothing. Nearby is the Kaba Aye Pagoda (World Peace Pagoda), which you might also want to visit.
7. Appreciate Burmese culture, National Museum of Myanmar
The National Museum of Myanmar is located at 66/74 Pyay Road, Yangon 11191. It has 14 art galleries, each housed in a separate hall. The art galleries exhibit the entire spectrum of Burmese folk art, calligraphy, religion, and history through timelines.
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8. Go on a food trip in Chinatown
Going to a city without going on a food trip is a violation of my principles as a foodie. There is no way you should go to Yangon without checking out the local Chinatown. Food carts, stalls, grills, lights, drinks, and locals abound here. It gets busier at night, so be prepared.
9. Take a ride in the Yangon Circular Railway
The railway is one of the most preferred modes of transportation for locals because its loop system connects many small towns to the city of Yangon at affordable prices. The loop is more than 45 kilometers in length and connects 39 stations from Yangon Central to Pazundaung Township in the south. It takes just 3 hours to complete a loop. If you want to see Yangon life silently by the window, riding the railway might prove to be a unique and effective tour experience for you.
10. Offer a prayer in the Botataung Pagoda
The Botataung Pagoda is both old and new: it was built around the same time as the Shwedagon Pagoda, making it one of the oldest, but it was completely destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt, making it one of the youngest pagodas as well. The Botataung Pagoda is hollow inside, and its interior walls are mostly lined with gold.
11. Pamper yourself in Taw Win Centre
Taw Win Centre is a shopping mall located at 45 Pyay Road, Yangon, near the National Museum. In addition to restaurants and cafes, the shopping mall features clothing stores, beauty shops, and spas. This mall is air-conditioned, and you can spend a great deal of time here by window shopping or grabbing a bite.
12. Shop until you drop at the Myanmar Plaza Shopping Center
Myanmar Plaza Shopping Centre is one of the largest malls in Yangon and the city’s first international shopping centre. It was opened only in late 2015, but a variety of brands have been introduced to Myanmar for the first time. Some of these brands that might sound familiar to you are the Australian Gloria Jean’s Coffee, Swiss jewelry brand Chopard, and the Italian clothes brand Zegna.
13. Hang out in the People’s Square and Park
If you have a full day ahead but are unsure how to spend it, consider spending it in People’s Square and Park, located near the Shwedagon Pagoda. In the park are beautiful gardens, trees for shade, and a lake with swan boats like the ones in Baguio City’s Burnham Lake. There are also restaurants around the park area. Please locate the fountain with elephants.
14. Maha Bandula Park
If the People’s Square and Park is located near the Shwedagon Pagoda, the Maha Bandula Park, which is right in the middle of downtown, is located near the Sule Pagoda. The park is sometimes called Maha Bandula Garden as well, and is a favorite hangout place for the locals. The Independence Monument, a 50-meter-tall obelisk, is visible here.
15. Have a walking tour in the heart of the city
As a veteran traveler, I can say for sure that nothing beats a quiet, afternoon walking tour in a city. It doesn’t matter how big or small the place is—walking around will give you the best view of the culture. Seeing locals, observing public transportation on the streets, and observing residential buildings away from your hotel. In Myanmar, one of the best places to start a walking tour is in front of the Yangon City Hall. Nearby landmarks include the Sule Pagoda, the Maha Bandula Park, and other establishments that will give you an authentic feeling of being a local.
Yangon Travel Tips:
- Myanmar requires most nationalities to obtain a visa before traveling. However, if you’re from the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, or Indonesia, you may enter Myanmar without a visa for up to 14 days. Meanwhile, Singaporean passport holders can visit Myanmar for 30 days.
- Pagodas in Myanmar have a dress code that needs to be observed at all times. Both men and women should wear pants that cover the knees and legs, and all upper clothing should cover the shoulders and be long enough to cover the elbows. You also need to remove your shoes and socks when entering a pagoda. If you are travelling with your partner, avoid public displays of affection to avoid offending locals.
- Banks are open Monday to Friday, 9AM to 4PM. Commercial establishments are open 7 days a week, but some are closed on Mondays.
- Myanmar is a tropical country, so if you plan to take a walking tour, avoid June to October, when the country experiences heavy rainfall. The months of March to May are the hottest, while November to February are the coolest.
- Wi-Fi is available in most cafes and hotels, but Internet speeds are slow. Some websites are restricted by the government, but most social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, are permitted.
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Read:
- Ultimate List of the Best Yangon Luxury Hotels
- Magnificent Myanmar: Discover the Cuisine, Culture and Everything Else
- 8 Reasons to Visit Myanmar
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- The Magnificent Adventures of Myanmar
- 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Myanmar Now
- Shwezigon Pagoda in Old Bagan Myanmar
