Yangon 3 days Itinerary
Spending 3 days in Yangon is just a good duration. This charming city has many things to lure its visitors from timeless pagoda to the vibrant old town stuffed with historic buildings. 3 days in Yangon allows you to soak up all its highlights as well sampling Myanmar delicious foods.
3 days Yangon itinerary
This itinerary marks with the morning arrival at Yangon airport.Day 1 in Yangon: Shwedagon pagoda – Kandawgyi lake
For the very first day in Yangon, head to Shwedagon pagoda. This sparkling site houses some of the most prestigious Buddha relics and the local people believe it is the most sacred site in the city. We recommend you to start in early afternoon.If you really take time and happy to hire a local tour guide, it may take you 2-3 hours to understand the history of Shwedagon. The entrance ticket of Shwedagon is 10,00kyat.
Please note that footwear should be removed and we should dress modestly to respect local culture. No shocks or open dress is allowed.
From Shwedagon, descend to Kandawgyi lake. It is a leisure stroll where you can see various plants and even stop for a good drink. Kandawgi is one of the best places to shoot the sunset in Yangon.
The view to Shwedagon pagoda when the lights are on is really photogenic ! For the evening, head to China town where food scene is really diverse.
Day 2 in Yangon: Sule Pagoda – Yangon Heritage Walk –Circular Train Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda
We recommend you to try a typical Burmese breakfast if you are keen on local foods. Sule pagoda is a right spot to do so. This is really the center of the city. Sule pagoda witnesses the long history of Yangon from time to time and people consider it as a holy site too. In this pagoda, you may meet some fortune tellers, if you are curious about your life, you can try too !Make sure you take a Yangon map to see all the remarkable colonial building in Yangon including City Halls, Secretariat Building or High Court.
These architectal heritages is an important part of Yangon. If you have good budget, drop in Strand Hotel to try the authentic English-Burmese tea time.
Now, you`ll have time to see China town in day light. It is a unique China town because it has very few things in Chinese but mostly in Burmese writing instead. After the walk, head to the train station for a circular train. It will take you out of the city where you`ll see the open market by the rail side, lively street.
The ticket is valid for some stops which means you can even stop for a walk to Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda where a big reclining Buddha statue is situated.
Continue your 3 days Yangon itinerary to Theingyi, known as the largest market which exhibits hundreds of shops ranging from accessories to foods.
The market is out of the tourist map so we are sure you`ll enjoy it more than others. Return to Yangon city.
Do not forget to treat yourself a good drink at Sakura tower which provides stunning city panorama.
More idea to fill up your day in Yangon: Yangon food Tour
Day 3 in Yangon: Fish market – Botataung pagoda – Indawgyi Lake
For those who want to see the fish market of Yangon, it is necessary to wake up early as it take places before the sunrise. It is a perfect place to get portraits of daily life. After that, check in Botataung pagoda which was built more than 2,500 years ago.Do not hesitate to take a ferry to cross the river. It is really worth seeing how the life goes outside Yangon city. Before you leave Yangon, head to Indawgyi lake for the last visit. This is the largest lake of the city and it is located right on the way to the airport.
Alternative Yangon 3 days itinerary
The Yangon 3 days itinerary above is very classic.Many travelers chose this because it is not rushing, giving more time to soak up the local lifestyle.
If you are after Yangon more than just its surface, we suggest you a new itinerary in brief:
Day 1: Yangon – China town – Heritage Walk – Shwedagon pagoda
Day 2: Yangon – Bago – Yangon
Day 3: Yangon food tour – Kandawgyi lake
See also: Bagan 3 days itinerary
Is 3 days enough to see Yangon ?
It is fairly enough to see in Yangon in 3 days. If you arrange your itinerary well, you will not miss any of its attractions.Private Yangon tour for 3 days At Myanmar Tours, we offer wide choice for 3 days private tour. Whether it is a combination of sightseeing and Buddhist pilgrimage, Eco tour with visits to the most highlighted attractions or family-friendly trip, we are happy to craft a very personalized Yangon Tour for you.
Best time to visit Yangon
Yangon has 2 clear season: rainy and dry.The best time is probably the winter time which lasts from November to April During this period, it is not so hot during the day while the evening has cool temperature which is perfect for outing.
Summer is the monsoon time. It rains for most of the time but it does not the rain is non stop. If you come to Yangon this time, Yangon is different with green plantation, water activities and most importantly, the service and accommodation are cheaper.
What to see in Yangon for 3 days
Chaukhtatgyi Paya’s reclining Buddha
Located in a serene part of Yangon, Chautkhtatgyi Paya is a remarkable Buddhism site which houses the biggest reclining Buddha statue in the country. The paya is a nice stop for a Yangon Sightseeing, spotting local people practice Buddhism, trying the touch by touching the gold inscriptions on the Buddha’s feet.The temple also offers tranquil area for meditation.
Opening time : 6am-8pm.
Heritage Walking Tour
Many of our travel experts in Yangon vote for this walk as a part of Yangon`s trip that everyone should have. The heritage walk lets you travel back into the past where the story of British Colony presented in Yangon.Bogyoke Aung San Market
Known as Scott market, Boyoke Aung San market is named after the hero of Myanmar who gained the independence for the country in 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, 10am – 5pm.
People’s Park and Kandawgyi Lake
For a leisurely stroll where you can shoot the panorama of Shwedagon pagoda, the Kandawgyi lake is one of the top choice. 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 wood ways winding along the lakeside.In the evening time, local musical events are often hold in an open space near Kandawgyi Badges features 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.

Photo: Keir Gravil
Yangon Circular Train
Circular train is one of the best ways to live in the culture in 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 the real life.Ticket prices start from US$0.10. The first train departs at 6.10am and the last train at 10pm.
The full-circle last train departs at 5.10pm.
Htwe Oo Myanmar Puppet Show
Rated number 1 for concert and show in Yangon, Htwe Oo Myanmar presents the quintessence of traditional Myanmar puppetry. This is a true Myanmar Local Experience you should delve into.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 from 2 people, showcasing the 28 typical figures of the puppetry.
China town
The Chinese came to Yangon very long time ago and now they are a part of Yangon population. There merging China town does not reflect their own culture but also the local influence. Unearth the uniqueness of China town is a rewarding experience.Shwedagon Pagoda
Undoubtedly, Shwedagon is the most famous pagoda in Myanmar. This impressive structure sits atop of a hill offering grand views to the city. It can be seen from most of the streets in Yangon during the day time and highlight the skyline at night.Shwedagon is believed to be built about 2,600 years ago and shrine Buddha relics while its notable spire comprises of 7,000 diamonds, rubies, sapphires, topaz and emerald. This magical site is always listed in our Yangon City Tour as well our tour packages for whole Myanmar The entrance fee is 10,000 kyat and it’s open from 4am-10pm.
Recommendation: Yangon 2 days itinerary
Day Tours from Yangon
The surrounding of Yangon has some beautiful draw that you should eye on. These are the destination you can go for a day trip :Bago
Located about 80km from Yangon, Bago has a beautiful setting by the river side. The first reason people visit Bago is : it houses a giant Reclining Buddha Statue in Shwe Thalyaung and the well known Kanbawzathadi Palace. The city of Bago used to be the capital of Burma kingdom.Thanlyin
Another riverside town which is not far from Yangon. For 1 hour drive, Thanlyin is a convenient destination to spend half of the day.This is home to the only one pagoda which raise above Thanlyin river. A guided tour to Thanlyin also offer a deeper look into the traditional ceramic work.
Hlawga National Park
To spot wildlife and go trekking near Yangon, there is no better place than Hlawga National Park.What to eat in Yangon
When it comes to the culinary, Yangon seems to be the best destination in Myanmar to sample all Burmese foods. From one street to another, you`ll find the wide array of foods which come from many areas of Myanmar. Here are the top dishes you should try:Khao sueh thoke
A fantastic mix of noodles and slatad. “ Thoke “ in Burmese means salad which covers lettuce and tomatoes. There are dried shrimp, chopped carrots, special fish sauce and oil made from peanut in this dish.Samosa thoke
Another salad dish which is served with fried bread. Curry, lemon, masala, chilli powder, onions and cabbage are the main ingredients of this dish. You can ask for a masala soup if you prefer when having this food.Koh Pièh
Koh Pieh provides a lot energy as it is made of sticky rice with sesame seeds along with grated coconut. It is very aromatic.Koh Pu
People often praise this dish thanks to its delicious syrup which is made from palm sugar. This sauce is to add on the baked rice making it different from others.Kauknyintok
It is very easy to eat Kauknyintok as it combines coconut milk with sticky rice and banana.Dosa
Dosa is the prove that Indian food influence remains visible in Myanmar. Dosa is a type of crepe made from rice flour – lentils both fermented at least 8 hours. It is served hot with some grated coconut.Nangyi thok
The local people often said one bowl of Nangyi thoke is enough for half of the day. Fried noodles, sliced fish, boiled eggs are mixed well in thisMont Lin Ma Yar
This dish is often appears on our Yangon food tour as it is light and tasty. Mont Lin Ma Yar consists of crispy fried rice topped with quail eggs, roasted chicken peas and some onions.Skewed pork Myanmar
A very popular food in the China town is the skewed pork. However, if you sit by a BBQ restaurant there, choices are abundant from meat to fish and vegetables.Shan rice
To cook Shan rice, Burmese people use rice colored by turmeric. It goes well with a slice of fish. Do not hesitate to order a bowl of broth when you eat Shan rice.Tea Leaf Salad
It comes to the surprise when the first time visitors eat tea leaf as we often think tea is to drink, not to eat. Actually, the young push of tea can be fermented in a Burmese way. After that, cabbage, tomatoes, sprouts of bean are added to create a very own flavor.Shan Noodles Myanmar
A very typical people from Shan state will surely recommend you to try Shan noodle. It is like Pho in Vietnamese cuisine.How to travel around in Yangon
Like any big cities in Asia, Yangon has good transportation network. Here are some ways to navigate inside the city:Taxi in Yangon
Taxi is very common. It is comparatively cheap and convenient. You can grab them from the pavement or order from your hotel/ restaurant.It is advisable to choose metre taxi unless you know the distance and how to negotiate.
Trishaw
This 3 wheel bike service offers slow pace travel. When you want to see the life in downtown Yangon, it is ideal to use this service.Myanmar Travel Guide
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