Social Enterprises In Yangon

The most common entry point for visitors to the country, visiting these spots in Yangon can be a good place to start your trip (and see what's available) and stop by before you depart to fill up your checked bag with goodies before you fly home, or find a nice place to grab a bite to eat.  This is also where the largest concentration of them exists.

Hla Day 
The concept of this workshop is Myanmar made. All the items exposing in the shops are designed in Myanmar, made by local artisans. The goal of Hla Day is to enable the chances for people having difficulties in life. 
You will certainly find beautiful, qualify handicrafts and a good selection of jewelry with affordable price. 

Addres: 81 Pansodan Street, 1st Floor (middle lower block) Yangon, Myanmar  Google Maps
Daily: 10am - 9pm
Contact :[email protected] / +95 9452 241 465 / Website

Pomelo - Shop
Pomelo is a social enterprise who work with people from diverse background. Artisans can be vunerable women, families who have long traditional for some artistic work, people in remote villages, etc.. By partnering with these artisans, Pomelo aims to improve their life, developing their business as well administration skills. 
Just have a quick look at their shop, you will find a wide array of well designed items either exposing the rich traditional workshop or unique skills. 

Address: Flagship Store: 89 Thein Phyu Street, Yangon (Flagship Store)
Daily: 9:30am - 9:30pm Bogyoke Market: South East Corner
Contact [email protected] / +95 1 295 358 

Pann Nann Ein - Shop
One of my favorite producers in Myanmar, Pann Nann Ein supports individuals with disabilities, while simultaneously raising awareness of neglected disability issues, including physical disabilities, mental health problems, learning disabilities, and language and speech impediments.

Products include really cool dropcut cards made with traditional longyi fabric, unique postcards, and other fabric-based products like bags, journals, bookmarks, and picture frames.  Until recently, Pann Nann Ein just sold their products through stores like Hla Day, Pomelo and the like, but as of June 2017, has just opened up their own showroom in downtown Yangon.

LocationYMCA Building 2nd Floor - Thein Phyu Rd just south of Mahabandula, Yangon Google Maps
Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm
Contact [email protected] / 

 
Helping Hands - Shop
Helping Hands pairs up skilled artisans to work along side former street kids to teach them the art of restoring old teak furniture that Myanmar is famous for.

While likely not the best option for a traveler heading home looking to fill a small hole in their luggage, if you're an expat in Yangon, they could have just the thing to jazz up your little home.

Location 92b Ngar Htat Gyi Pagoda St, Yangon Google Maps
Monday - Saturday
Contact [email protected] / +95 9 779 080398 / Website 
(might be worth calling ahead and asking for Aung to make sure someone is around who speaks English)

 FXB Myanmar - Shop
FXB has a showroom featuring products made by artisans who have graduated from the FXB training diploma program.  Products include scarves, pillows, clothing, toys, and even small furniture.
FXB's programs help educate hundreds of young students every year coming from at-risk backgrounds, with a focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and support.  Their training programs aim to give better job opportunities in the tourism industry as the country continues to open up.  They even run community theatre programs targeting topics such as women's and children's rights.

LocationNo.294/3, Shwe Gon Daing Road, Middle Shwe Gon Daing Ward. (In Front of Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda) Bahan Township. Yangon Google Maps
Daily: 9am - 7pm

Contact +95 9 73016552 / Website 

Linkage Training Restaurant & Art Gallery - Eat
Hidden on the first floor of a side street in downtown Yangon, LinkAge offers cooking and service vocational training for Yangon street children.  For you,  it also offers a tasty Myanmar / Chinese fusion menu.

The goal of the operation is to train street kids, and help get them back to school.

It can be a little tricky to spot (especially at night) , but look for the sign on the west side of the street.  You'll head up a set of stairs to get to the little restaurant and gallery.

Quick tip, call ahead and make a reservation for the tiny table for two on the balcony overlooking the street below.  Generally speaking, it's probably a good idea to call ahead in the evenings since the place only has a few tables.

Location No. 141, 1st floor, Seikkantha Street, Between Mahabandoola & Merchant Road, Yangon Google Maps
Tues-Sun: 11am-2pm, 6pm-10pm
Contact [email protected] / +95 9 792 028152

Yangon Bakehouse - Eat
Focusing on empowering women, Yangon Bakehouse delivers delicious salads, sandwiches, and baked goods at their two cafes in Yangon.  It's particularly good if you're looking for baked good with a more euro-style (ie: less sugar).

Their training is a 10 month program, which includes 3 months of classroom theory and 7 months of on-the-job training.  It's not all about baking however, with classes on health & hygiene, reproductive health, family planning, savings strategies and more.  Their graduation rate is over 80% and show a 500% increase in earning power when they finish.

Location

Pearl Condo Training Cafe - Block C, Ground Floor, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Tsp Google Maps
7am - 7pm (7 Days a week)

Junction City Mall Cafe - 5th Floor @ Corner of Bogyoke Aung San Road & Shwedagaon Pagoda Road, Pabedan Tsp Google Maps
9am -9pm Sun-Thurs
9am-10pm Fri-Sat

 

Contact

Website

 

Social Enterprises In Bagan 

One of the hotspots for travelers to Myanmar, Bagan also has some great ways for you to make sure your tourism dollars leave a lasting impact beyond the hotels and restaurants you'll frequent during your stay.  See my Bagan Travel Guide for more planning info.

 

Mboutik - Shop
This showroom and shop carries a variety of interesting and unique gifts from the region, including textiles, rattan, and jewelry.  To top it off, 100% of the profit is allocated to the group that produced the item as the overhead for the business operations of the organization and store are covered by foreign aid organizations.

Supported by Action Aid (a prominent anti-poverty organization), their network in Myanmar is based around supporting women in the "Dry Zone" where food scarcity is a real issue.  Their Craft Producer Network focuses on education and training, even providing day care and a monthly stipend when they are in school.  After they are finished, they are encouraged to create and join Women Producers Support Groups where they are taught basic business skills such as bookkeeping.  It's a really great program that reaches deep into villages to assist women.

Payment in Myanmar Kyat, USD and credit card accepted.

Location

U Paing (560), Thiripyitsayar Toechae no.(4) ward, Anawratha Road, Nyaung Oo (Across from the Post Office) Google Maps
Daily: 9am - 5pm

Contact

[email protected] / +95(0)6160358 / Website 

Pomelo - Shop
The same Pomelo from Yangon has a new satellite location in Nyaung U (Bagan).  Smaller than the main store, they still have plenty of interesting postcards, cutting boards, bags, baskets and more from many other good social enterprises in the country.

Payment in Myanmar Kyat, USD and credit card accepted.

Location

Thi Ri Pyitsaya 4 St (Restaurant Row) - Across from Weatherspoons, Nyaung U Google Maps
Daily: 10:00am - 9:30pm (with a break in the afternoons)

Contact

[email protected] / Website

 The golden light of the sunrise and the iconic balloons over Bagan © Dustin Main 2017 


 
Sanon Training Restaurant - Eat
This training restaurant helps give opportunity to disadvantaged youth from the region with on-the-job training, English classes, and other support for a year, as well as help to find a job in the industry afterward.  In the short time that it has been around, there have already been several success stories of graduates being picked up for excellent jobs in hospitality.

As a restaurant, Sanon offers a fairly ambitious menu that mostly delivers in spades.  If you're sick of Myanmar beef curry, you could always go for the Tilapia Filet on Sautéed Leek & Apples with Preserved Lime, Caper and Anchovy Butter.  Seriously.  But it's busy, so book ahead, and be sure to get a little tour of the kitchen before you leave.

Location

Pyu Saw Hti Street, Nyaung U (Next to Thante Hotel) Google Maps
Oct-March: Daily 11am-10pm
April-Sept: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm

Contact

[email protected] / +959451951950 / Website 

 

Three Treasures Bagan - Experience
Improving local livelihoods through inclusive tourism is the mantra behind the UKAID award-winning Three Treasures Bagan.  Ian, Thandar and their team look to change the local/foreigner dynamic by creating an environment where guests engage with and learn from local people and communities, including local organic farmers.

An off-shot of a Swiss-based NGO Myanmar SEEDS, Three Treasures offers hands-on bamboo crafting classes, photo tours, meditation courses and even day-long romantic tour options.  Recommended.

Location

No. O-25, Thazin Road, New Bagan Google Maps

Contact

+95 977 950 16 97 / [email protected] / Website 

 

Social Enterprises In Kalaw
The quiet hill station of Kalaw is one of my favorite places in the entire country, with its mix of cooler temps perfect for hikes, tree-lined streets and yummy food.  (See my Kalaw Travel Guide for more info)

 

Clover Social Enterprise Gift Shop - Shop
Started by a local trekking guide and a graduate from Sprouting Seeds, Clover Social Enterprise Gift Shop sells handicrafts from several producers and social enterprise producers (like Pann Nann Ein) in a small shop just south of the main highway.  Of particular note are interesting hand-painted bowls, cotton scarves with natural dyes, and rubber wallets that you might not come across in other shops.

Location

Aung Chan Tha Street, south of the highway and across from Parami Hotel Google Maps
Daily: 9am - 5pm

Contact

[email protected] / +95 9 250 023 898 / Website 

 

RDA Fair Trade Shop - Shop
This little shop on the outside of the Kalaw Market offers a few goods made in the local villages, including a small selection of clothes, hand-made paper products, and beadwork.  You can probably see everything in the shop in a couple of minutes, but it's worth a visit regardless.

The RDS (Rural Development Society) was founded in 1992 by U Tommy Aung, and is best known for its water and development projects in the region.  In addition, they help with micro-financing.  Sales from the shop go directly to fund these projects.

Location

Min Street, south of the highway near the market Google Maps 
Daily: 9am - 5pm

Contact

[email protected] / Website

 A farmer works his land in rural Shan State near Kalaw.  RDS has helped with many water projects in the region © Dustin Main 2017 


 

Sprouting Seeds Cafe & Bakery - Eat
This lovely cafe about 8min walk from the town center is a great way to avoid the noise of the main street in a comfy little spot up the hill.  With locally-sourced produce for the meals, real french pastries made on site, and their own home-made ice cream... there is something for everyone.  The interior is nice and comfy, encouraging people to set together at their comfy tables.  Outside are a few picnic tables with umbrellas for shade for enjoying those lovely, fresh Kalaw days.

The parent organization, Whispering Seed, has been involved in projects in Myanmar for many years.  In the pipeline, Sprouting Seeds plans to offer cooking classes, an on-site yoga studio, and more.  

They focus their support on orphans and other disadvantaged youth, offering a safe home, job skills training, and help starting their own businesses.

Location

85 Thida Lan, Kalaw Google Maps
Tuesday - Sunday: 9am - 7pm

Contact

+95 9 767 472669 / Website 

 

Social Enterprises In Pindaya

The town most famous for its caves also has a new social enterprise in town.

Plan Bee - Experience
This non-profit has been teaching local villagers in Southern Shan State the value of bees and beekeeping as bee colonies collapse in the west.  This includes education, training, and support.  So far, they have helped create 19 small cooperatives of new beekeepers.

For travelers coming through, you can purchase Plan Bee honey from their small shop, as well as other beeswax products (and halva!).  You can even arrange a one-of-a-kind beekeeping learning tours and community based workshops where you will learn to make beeswax candles or balms.  Best to contact them in advance to arrange.

If you can't make it to Pindaya, you should be able to find some Plan Bee honey in some supermarkets in Myanmar as well.

Location

Sue Bo Gone Ward, Pindaya Google Maps
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm

Contact

[email protected] / Website 

 

Social Enterprises In Nyaungshwe
The gateway to Inle Lake has a social enterprise scene that is about to launch.  This is great news for travelers who flock to the lake for a few days and want to take a special something home with them.

Sunflowers Organic Dye Weaving Studio
This little studio / shop is at the edge of town, on the road heading toward Maing Thauk.  You should be able to see the bight red and yellow sign from the road.  Inside, you may find the young women weaving, and a small little shop of scarves and other weaved goods.  Prices for mostly cotton works are inexpensive and colors more muted (natural dyes) than what you would find a lotus weaver on the lake.  

Location

No. 246, Nandawun 6th Quarter, Maing Thauk Road
Nyaung Shwe Google Maps
Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm

Contact

09 45001 1956 / Website

 

Social Enterprises In Hpa-An
Lovely Hpa-An in Kayin State is a great place to explore for a couple of days with a large number of limestone caves and karst formations in the area.  And now with some social enterprises popping up too.

 Kan Thar Yar Lake in Hpa-An near the Veranda Youth Community Cafe © Dustin Main 2013 


 

Veranda Youth Community Café - Eat
This brand new place in Hpa-An is the first social business project of the Tounge La' Yat Education Gathering Group (EGG) which is a Karen State based organization.  The cafe was created by alumni of their education programs.

On the menu at the little cafe by the lake is Genius Coffee from Shan State, a host of teas, juices and a long list of Myanmar salads.  It's a bit of a wander from the town center (~25min), but there are worst places to wander than little Hpa-An.

Location

Zwegabin Street (between Ingone Street and Kan Thar Yar lake), Hpa-an Google Maps
Mon-Sat: 11am - 7pm

Contact

[email protected] / +95 9 793 629265 / Website

 

Social Enterprises In Lashio
Lashio is off the beaten path for most travelers to Myanmar, but this capital in Northern Shan State has plenty of room for growth with beautiful countryside and renowned markets with a heavy Chinese flavor.

Myanmar Adventure Outfitters - Experience
If you're looking for motorcycle journeys on back roads, waterfall jumping at local swimming holes, and hiking and homestays in places that don't see much foreign traffic, Byron and his team at Myanmar Adventure Outfitters in Lashio may be right for you.

Byron and his family have years of experience in the region, as well as plenty of NGO experience.  They created MAO to help introduce more tourism in the region around Lashio and towards China, as well as teach the locals about all they have to offer.  By training local guides, and making the local ethnic tribes a part of the process, he hopes that will lead to more development in the region. 

Location

Lashio, Shan State Google Maps

Contact

 [email protected] / +95 9795366426 / Website