5 things to do in Yangon in Myanmar suited for the independent traveller. Enjoy!
Shwedagon Pagoda
One of the most impressive things to do in Yangon is to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda. It is a golden stupa in the centre surrounded by many beautiful temple buildings around it. It is the number one temple in Burma visited by many Burmese once in their lifetime and you should visit it too. Entrance fee 8000 Kyat.
How to get there for your travel planning
Take a taxi from wherever you are in Yangon. Every driver knows the Shwedagon Pagoda . Negotiate the price and don’t pay more than 4000 Kyat if you go there from downtown.
Explore Yangon old town
Yangon old town still offers a contrast between bustling life and collapsing Colonial buildings. But hurry, more and more building are being renovated, which isn’t bad, but it will change the charm of it.
Yangon old town is full of life. In the centre, within a big roundabout, you find Sule Pagoda. For 3000 Kyat you can go inside, although there’s nothing special in there. South-east of Sule Pagoda you can find many colonial buildings, some freshly renovated, some close to collapse. Northwest of Sule Pagoda you can find the Scott market (or Bogyoke Aung San Market now) and west just along the Maha Bandola Road you will encounter a building from just about every other religion. Further west, after Shwedagon Pagoda Road you’ll be right in the middle of Chinatown.
Don’t forget to visit a Burmese tea-house, for example the Shwe Khaung Laung tea-house opposite Scott market near the 31st street-corner.
How to get there for your travel planning
If you don’t stay in a hotel there already, ask a taxi driver to bring you to Sule Pagoda and from there explore it on foot, because, in my humble opinion, that is the only valid way for any town to be truly explored.
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha temple (Reclining Buddha temple)
To this place you go to soak up the atmosphere. There is not much to describe, unless the fact, that the Buddha is about 50 metres long. Just go there, have a look and enjoy the place. Free entrance.
How to get there for your travel planning
As usual you should take a taxi. Make sure, that the driver really understands, where you want to go and don’t pay more than 4000 Kyat, if you just hop within the city.
What to do in Yangon? – Visit the Botataung Pagoda
This is one of the rare Pagodas, where you can go inside the stupa. It lies next to the Yangon river (Ayarwaddy river). Take your time at the entrance to read the story – which is in English too – about how the hair relicts of Buddha came here. Every part of the story comes with an own picture. Then enter the stupa and fight with the crowds to have a direct look at the Buddha hair shrine through a tiny window.
Then just walk inside the stupa to look at the golden ornaments and the different small Buddha statues. Outside around the stupa you’ll find additional lovely temples and a garden in the corner to relax a little longer. Don’t forget to have a look at the river once you’re finished with the Pagoda. Entrance fee 3000 Kyat.
How to get there for your travel planning
Take a taxi and don’t pay more than 4000 Kyat for a city hop.
Mahapasana cave – One of the freaky things to do in Yangon
This slightly freaky cave was built for the sixth Buddhist synod from 1954 to 1956. On the outside it has some fake rocks on top, the inside looks quite similar to some majesty’s throne hall. You access it by entering the Kaba Aye Pagoda – which is also worth a look – through the main entry gate and then – when you arrived at the top seen from the exit – you turn right and leave the Pagoda ground from the next exit and you will see the cave entry in the back in a distance of 200 metres. No entrance fee.
How to get there for your travel planning
Take a taxi. Make sure, that the driver really understands, where you want to go and don’t pay more than 4000 Kyat, if you just hop within the city.
5 bonus things to do in Yangon in lovely Burma
Buy your own longyi at Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott market):
Go to Kyaw Gyi Silk & Cotton, 31/32, West (C), Phone: 01-242298, Mobile 09 513 1331. The shop owner proudly presented me photos of Aung San Suu Kyi wearing longyis she bought at this shop!
Hsin Hpyu Daw
A “zoo” with two white elephants (albino elephants). But it’s a little disgusting, as they’re chained to the same concrete ground spot the whole day.
National Museum at Pyay Road
It’s only open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm!
Kyauk Daw Kyi
A seated Buddha made from one piece of marble
Ngahtatgyi Pagoda
Inside you’ll find a big seated Buddha.
Where to stay in Yangon in Myanmar
I stayed at the Golden Smiles Inn, phone 373 589, 644 Merchant St. near the corner with 29th st. The rooms are windowless and a little smelly. But the communal area is great to meet other travellers and make new friends.
Comments
2 responses to “Be amazed by these five things to do in Yangon”
From my point of opinion the Shwedagon Pagoda is complex is awe inspiring. Best time to visit is early morning to avoid the crowds and catch the best light when the colours on the temples and pagodas are amazing. This is a must see…
Hello Katie,
Yes, it felt really special to be at that place. I can confirm this.
It’s the feeling, that you’re at the most holy place of Myanmar and they let you in to share this feeling with all Burmese.
Thank you for your comment!