Top things to do in Yangon: Culture Attractions

If you want to understand Yangon, these sites should be on your travel bucket list:

Visit Shwedagon Pagoda

Undoubtedly, Shwedagon is the most famous pagoda in Myanmar. This impressive structure sits atop a hill offering grand views of the city. It can be seen from most of the streets in Yangon during the daytime and highlights the skyline at night.
Shwedagon is believed to have been built about 2,600 years ago and shrine to Buddha relics while its notable spire comprises 7,000 diamonds, rubies, sapphires, topaz, and emeralds. 
This magical site is always listed in our Yangon City Tour as well as our tour packages for the whole of Myanmar
The entrance fee is $15 and it’s open from 4 am-10 pm.

Chaukhtatgyi Paya’s reclining Buddha

Located in a serene part of Yangon, Chautkhtatgyi Paya is a remarkable Buddhist site that houses the biggest reclining Buddha statue in the country. 
The Paya is a nice stop for Yangon Sightseeing, spotting local people who practice Buddhism, and trying the touch by touching the gold inscriptions on the Buddha’s feet. The temple also offers a tranquil area for meditation.
Opening time: 6 am-8 pm.


Photo: Elisabeth - flickr.com

Travel back to the past at National Museum

Lying in the heart of Yangon, National Museum provides an overlook at Myanmar`s history. The whole museum exhibits more than 5,000 artifacts, treasures, and other valuable artworks. 

Hunt a painting in a Yangon art Gallery

2 things develop well in Yangon: art and fashion. If you are after art, then Yangon is the best place to invest in a piece of painting. The number of art galleries here can go up to 50 and many have been established since the early 1970s. 


Photo: flickr.com

China Town

In Burmese, Chinatown is called Tayote Tan. It is to mention the Chinese community that settles between Shwe Daung Dan Street and Shwedagon Road or known as 19th Street. Within Chinatown, you`ll find temples, shops, and restaurants that reflect partly Chinese life. 
Unlike many Chinatowns in the world, Tayote has no friendship arches or signs to show its identity.  While strolling here, you should drop in Cantonese Guan `Yin temple, Keng Hock Keong temple. In the evening, Chinatown is very smoky with its BBQ restaurants. 

Heritage Walking Tour

At the very first sight, Yangon has a beguiling blend of architecture where pagodas and traditional teakwood houses share the city with faded British colonial-style buildings.  
Yangon Heritage walking tour is a unique chance to appreciate the nostalgic charm of the city and travel back to the past through the rich history of Yangon in the old day.
It is a good time to embark on this excursion before many buildings vanish.
Maha Bandula Road, Yangon, Myanmar (starting point at the car park opposite City Hall).

People’s Park and Kandawgyi Lake

For a stroll where you can shoot the panorama of Shwedagon pagoda, the Kandawgyi lake is one of the top choices. Stretching over 135.7-acre complex, the area which used to be a part of the palace grounds of Queen Shin Sawbu provides shady walking paths as well woodways winding along the lakeside. 
In the evening time, local musical events are often held in an open space near Kandawgyi Badges feature perfect spots to live in the culture. 
Entrance into the People’s Square and Park is priced at US$3, and the area is open from 7am-7pm.
Related article: Yangon Day Tours


 

Top Things to Do in Yangon: Top Eats

Unlike other places in Myanmar, the Yangon food scene is diverse. It has influences from Indian, Chinese, and many regional cuisines. The food selection is wide, from mouth-washing salads to tasty curry dishes. 

Try Shan Noodles

Like its name, this noodle comes from Shan State - a beautiful region in northern Myanmar. The most famous shop for tourists is 999 Shan Noodle where you`ll find the authentic taste of this dish. 
Shan noodle often consists of a blow that offers: noodles, herbs, and local fish sauce. 
However, there are many other noodle shops that you can visit for such a good try. 
 

Have a bowl of Shrimp Curry

Curry is the signature of Indian cuisine influence. When it comes to Myanmar, the locals have changed the way to cook it so we can have now what we call Burmese curry dishes.
You`ll find many versions of meat-curry foods like beef, and pork curry but Shrimp curry could be rated one of the best dishes in Yangon.
The reason is Yangon has very big fresh seafood markets where the shrimp is so delicious. 

Visit a Tea House

Tea means a lot to daily Burmese life. People not only drink tea but also make tea salad in this country. Tea houses are plentiful in every city, ranging from cheap drinks to luxury shops.
On almost every corner, you will find a small, adorable tea shop serving typically sweet tea, coffee, snacks, and even food. 
A cup of tea costs from 0,5$ and you can spend hours observing how life is going on, chatting with friends as well making new friends.

Take a Street Food Tour

It may indeed take more than a day to sample all the delicious foods of Yangon which is why a street food tour is a perfect option. It allows you to sample the most signature dishes. 
If you have time, you can even join a cooking class in Yangon. 
Street foods in Yangon can be at lunch, dinner or even supper meals. 

Dine with a view at Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro

Seeking a romantic diner in Yangon? make your way to Thiripyitsaya Sky Bistro, a perfect restaurant with a grand view of Shwedagon and Yangon city. 
The best time to have a drink here is sunset. 


Photo: Willy Tan

Shopping in Yangon

Bogyoke Aung San Market

Known as Scott market, Boyoke Aung San market is named after the hero of Myanmar who gained independence for the country in the 20th century.  The market is home to some 2000 shops ranging from colorful silks to meticulous handicrafts from different regions to valuable artworks. 
The market is open from Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm.

 

 

Unique Yangon Travel Experiences

Thinking about doing something different in Yangon? Our Yangon's unique travel promotes experiences that not all tourists have from biking along the riverside, to joining a traditional workshop or simply catching a Myanmar train. 

Yangon Circular Train 

A circular train is one of the best ways to live in the culture of Yangon. This cheap transportation carries thousands of commuters on its network of 45,9km with 39 stops. Passengers will be taken through urban areas, paddies, and open markets.
It is a very nice opportunity to meet train vendors, enjoy some intimate chatting with local people, and see real life.
Ticket prices start from US$0.10. The first train departs at 6.10 am and the last train at 10 pm. The full-circle last train departs at 5.10 pm.
Recommended reading: Myanmar 10 days itinerary

Take a Meditation Course

Meditation is not all about Buddhism, it is about how to control yourself and put your body in a relaxing mood. Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha Meditation Centre offers some short meditation courses for 7 days applied for foreign students. 
The Mahasi Sayadaw technique strives for intensive, moment-to-moment awareness of every physical movement. 

Attend Htwe Oo Myanmar Puppet Show

Rated number 1 for concert and show in Yangon, Htwe Oo Myanmar presents the quintessence of traditional Myanmar puppetry. 
For those who are very curious about this art, the center has classes to learn how to manipulate the puppet while shows are organized for small groups of 2 people, showcasing the 28 typical figures of the puppetry.

Things to do in Yangon: Biking in Twante Village

Twante is a very scenic village which lies by the bank of the Yangon River. There is so much to enjoy in this area: visit the local market without tourists, and enjoy the local hospitality. 
Another thing to do in Twante is to learn about its pottery work. 

Yangon for romance

Whether you are looking for a romantic treat or a beautiful way to celebrate your anniversary, Yangon offers some interesting choices 

Dine in Le Planteur Restaurant

One of the best restaurants in Yangon, Le Planteur gives the ultimate dining experience with a romantic garden and luxury in-house decoration. In terms of food, a fusion of modern French cuisine and Burmese will not disappoint. 

Watch Sunset by Yangon River

Expect a romantic scene when the sun downs at Yangon River, taking hands and watching the boats sailing out of its docks. Yangon River is a very beautiful spot then if you can add a cocktail time in Strand Hotel. 
 

Yangon travel Tips 2024

Here is some practical information for your travel to Yangon

Is Yangon safe for travel in 2024?

Yangon is very safe for traveling in 2024. There may be some restrictions for night activities but in general, you can tour all the key tourist attractions of Yangon without any problem. 

Do people speak English in Yangon?

English is widely spoken in Yangon. It is the second language that people practice, especially young people. 
There are signals and things written in English in shopping malls and many service spots. 

Do I need a visit to Visit Myanmar?

Yes, you do. There are some Myanmar Visa exemption cases for Asian people with a certain duration, other foreigners who come to Myanmar either for tourism or business need to have a visa. 
You can apply for a Myanmar Visa online or through a Myanmar Embassy Overseas.

Is Wifi available in Yangon?

You can easily access free internet/ wifi in many spots in Yangon like shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants. The connection is not always stable but in general, internet access is fine in Yangon. 
You can also buy a SIM card to have internet during your travel in Myanmar. 

What is the best transport in Yangon?

Taxi is probably the best way to travel in Yangon. It is not expensive to take a taxi inside Yangon.
Trishaw is a unique option to navigate in Yangon downtown. 
The bus and shuttle bus are recommended for the airport transfer if you want to save some cost. 

How many days should I spend in Yangon?

For the first-timer, we recommend you spend at least 2 days in Yangon. During these 2 days, you`ll have a chance to visit all the remarkable Yangon tourist attractions as well seeing a little Yangon more than its surface.
If you have more time, try our Yangon 3-day itinerary which takes you to famous Yangon sites and allows you 1 day Yangon day tour to capture rural life. 

How is Yangon nightlife?

You should not expect busy, exciting bars or restaurants to work overnight. Instead, there are restaurants open till midnight only. The choice of pubs and bars seems to be limited too.

Is there any beach near Yangon?

Ngwe Saung is a sandy beach that can be accessed by road from Yangon. It takes about 5 hours to drive.
This is one of the best Myanmar beaches, ideal for seafood, surfing, and traditional workshops.  

What to do in Yangon with kids?

Yangon is not lack of kid-friendly attractions. From parks to playgrounds, from theatre to recreation park, you can follow our guide for Yangon with kids to know more. 

Other Myanmar Travel sites you should not miss in 2024 - 2025?

Bagan - a perfect place for a balloon flight

Known for its thousands of ancient temples and pagodas, Bagan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination. Hot air balloon rides during sunrise offer a breathtaking view of the vast temple complex.
See also: top things to do in Bagan.

Picturesque lake of Inle 

The serene Inle lake which lies in the Shan State is famous for its floating gardens, stilted villages, and the unique leg-rowing technique of the Intha people. Explore the lake by boat, visit local markets, and witness the traditional way of life.

Mandalay - a crossroad of culture

A city with a royal history, Mandalay is known for the Mandalay Palace, the U Bein Bridge (the world's longest teak bridge), and the Mahamuni Buddha Temple. Take a stroll in the Mandalay Hill for panoramic views.
Know more: best things to do in Mandalay. 

Soak sea, sun, and sand in Ngapali Beach

If you're looking for a relaxing coastal retreat, Ngapali Beach is an excellent choice. With its white sandy beaches and clear waters, it's a perfect spot for sunbathing, water activities, and fresh seafood.