One of Myanmar’s busiest cities, Yangon offers plenty of attractions for exciting explorations and discoveries.

The former capital of Myanmar was founded by King Alaungpaya of the Kone Baung Dynasty when he took the village of Dagon in 1755. The king named the settlement Yangon which means “end of strife”.

The city has a unique charm, with its tree-lined streets, green parks, serene lakes and colonial era buildings, coupled with the hustle and bustle of street vendors and thriving markets.  

No visit to Yangon would be complete without checking out these four places.

1. Bogyoke Aung San Market



Famous For
Rare antiques, old coins, Burmese jade, black market moneychangers, colonial architecture

Did You Know?
Built in 1926, the market was originally known as Scott Market, named after Mr. C. Scott, the then Municipal Commissioner. It was later renamed Bogyoke Aung San Market in honor of the country’s national leader, General Aung San, who was assassinated in 1947.

The market houses over 2,000 stalls selling luxury items, handicrafts, foodstuff, clothing, jewellery, fashion and consumer goods.

Shop For
Traditional handicrafts, handmade clothes, traditional Myanmar dishes

Insider Tip
The market has one of the largest selections of traditional longyi and gemstones. As sellers consider the first sale of the day to be very auspicious, arrive at the market early to enjoy some of the best prices.

To escape the intensity of the market, stop at the nearby Holy Trinity Cathedral for some peace and quiet contemplation.

Opening Hours
9am – 5.30pm daily except Mondays. Closed on public holidays.

Admission
Free

Location
Bogyoke Aung San Road

2. Shwedagon Pagoda

Famous For
Myanmar’s most revered Buddhist pilgrimage site and the nation’s most beloved landmark. The pagoda is said to enshrine sacred relics such as eight strands of hair from the head of Gautama Buddha, a piece of the robe believed to have belonged to Kassapa Buddha, a water filter attributed to Konagamana Buddha and the staff of Kakusandha Buddha.

Did You Know?
According to archaeologists and historians, the 99m-high pagoda which sits on top of Singuttara Hill, was built by the Mon people, an ethnic group from Myanmar, between the 6th and 10th centuries AD.

Look Out For
Its main gold-plated dome is topped by a stupa that is encrusted with 7,000 diamonds, rubies, topaz and sapphires, offset by a massive emerald that is positioned to reflect the last rays of the setting sun. The tip of the stupa is said to contain a 72-carat diamond.

Insider Tip
Lifts and wheelchairs are available at the pagoda’s southern entrance.

Cover up your knees and shoulders, and remove your shoes and socks before entering the pagoda. You can borrow the traditional longyi (long piece of cloth similar to a sarong) at one of the four entrances to cover up.

Sunset is one of the best times to visit the pagoda as you can see the changing hues of the gilded stupa as well as witness monks chanting their evening prayers.

To see the pagoda from a different perspective and for a quieter stroll, take the lower footpath encircling the compound. This pathway is accessible from all four entrances and is not as frequented by tourists. 

Opening Hours:
• 4am – 10pm daily (last admission at 9.45pm)
• The Visitor Centre is open from 8am – 9pm
• On the following days, the pagoda is open 24 hours:
* Waxing Day of Tabaung – the day before full moon day of the Myanmar Lunar month Tabaung (around March)
* Waxing Day of Wakhaung – the day before full moon day of the Myanmar Lunar month Wakhaung (around June which is the beginning of the Buddhist Lent)  

Admission
US$10

Location
Ar Zar Ni, Road Pha Yar Gyi Ward, west of the Kandawgyi Lake on Singuttara Hill

3. Chaukhtatgyi Paya (Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple)



Famous For
Its huge 65m-long, 16m-high reclining Buddha image which is housed in a metal-roofed shed.

Did You Know?
Clad in a golden robe and adorned with a crown encrusted by diamonds and other precious stones, the Buddha image features a white face, red lips, blue eye shadow and red finger nails. Its eyes are made of glass imported from Japan and its eyelashes are made from the feathers of a peafowl.

Look Out For
The soles of the Buddha’s feet showcase 108 segments in red and gold colours, with images that represent the 108 lakshanas (auspicious characteristics) of Buddha. Close to the Buddha’s feet is the small shrine of Ma Thay, a holy man who had the power to stop the rain so that sailors could have a safe journey.

Insider Tip
In the vicinity of the pagoda are monasteries that house over 600 monks. See how the monks honour Buddha’s teachings and get a glimpse of their monastic lifestyle.

Opening Hours
6am – 8pm daily

Admission
Free

Location
Shwe Gon Taing Road, Tamwe Township

4. Yangon City Hall



Famous For
British colonial architecture, adorned with Burmese decorative details such as peacocks, nagas (serpents) and pyatthat (traditional tiered roofs).

Did You Know?
The City Hall was designed by prominent Burmese architect U Tin who also designed the Yangon Central Railway Station. Today, the building still houses the city’s administrative body – Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC).

Look Out For
Check out the traditional Burmese peacock and the Myanmar flag at the main entrance, and see the Municipal Corporation of Rangoon insignia on the iron gates at the back of the building.

Insider Tip
To capture the entire building in a single image, take your shot from Maha Bandula Park just across the road.

Opening Hours
10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday (closed on Saturday and Sunday)

Admission
Free

Location
Maha Bandula Road


To explore Yangon and discover the best things to do in the city, click here to book a tour.

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Bagan (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Ananda Temple

No trip to Bagan is complete without visiting this temple, considered to be one of the city’s largest, best preserved and most revered temples. Built during the reign of King Kyanzittha of the Pagan Dynasty in 1105 AD, the temple’s architecture features Mon and North Indian influences, designed on a perfectly proportioned Greek cross plan. Its most distinctive feature is its gilded sikhara, the tower-like spire on top of the pagoda.

Legend has it that eight Indian monks visited King Kyanzittha and raved to him about the legendary Nandamula Cave in the Himalayas where they meditated. Impressed, the king decided to replicate the temple in Bagan. After Ananda Temple was built, the king had the monks killed as he didn’t want a similar temple to be built elsewhere.

The temple houses four standing Buddhas, each 9.5m high, facing outward from the centre of the temple: Kakusandha (north), Kassapa (south), Konagamana (east) and Gautama (west).

• Bagan Archaeological Museum

This three-storey museum with an octagonal base houses rare and fine ancient artefacts from and around Bagan including reclining Buddhas, original images, inscribed stones and mural re-creations.

At the museum’s portico is a statue of the legendary King Pyusawhti, standing with five animal sculptures – bird, boar, tiger, flying squirrel and wild weed gourd.

As you enter the museum, be greeted by bronze statues of four famous Bagan kings – Anawyahta, Kyansitthar, Alaungsithu and Kyaswa – and a large 3D mural painting of the Bagan archaeological site.

On the ground floor, look out for arts and crafts from the Bagan era, portraits of Bagan society and battlefields, language and literary works, archaeological designs, ancient clothing and statues. On the second floor are portraits of ancient pagodas, ancient wall paintings, artistic designs of Buddha and images of Buddha in different postures. Head up to the top for a panoramic view of Bagan and its pagodas.

• Bagan Golden Palace

This is one of four ancient palaces reconstructed, as part of a government plan, after 1988 based on its original architectural structure. Built opposite the excavated site of the actual palace, the reconstruction was completed in 2007 and the palace opened to the public in 2008.

The original royal palace was built in the 11th century by King Anawrahta, under whose reign the Bagan Empire reached its peak and established the classic Burmese arts and architecture.

• Bupaya Pagoda

The name of the pagoda is made up of two words – “bu” and “paya” – which translates as “pagoda in a gourd shape”. This cylindrical shaped Pyu-style pagoda stands on the banks of the Irrawaddy River and is built above rows of crenellated terraces.

Tradition attributes the pagoda to King Pyusawhti, who ruled Bagan in 3rd century AD.

The pagoda’s entrance, decorated with Burmese art elements, is guarded by two white and gold chinthes (Burmese mythological lions), flanked by two small figurines to welcome worshippers and devotees. Look out for a shrine dedicated to the “God of storms” as well as ornate pavilions within the pagoda grounds.

• Dhammayangyi Temple

Said to be Bagan’s largest and best-preserved temple, Dhammayangyi Temple has an impressive architecture which resembles an Egyptian pyramid. Built in the 12th century by King Narathu, the temple has a brutal history. It is said that the king built the temple to atone for his sins of killing his father, brother and one of his wives.

However, the temple was never completed as the king was assassinated by eight men, disguised as Brahmin priests, who were sent by the father of the wife that the king executed. Following the death of the ruthless king, the builders proceeded to fill the inner centre of the temple with rubble, blocking off the walkways, corridors and interiors as “payback”. The temple’s bad karma may be the reason it remains one of the few temples that has not undergone major restoration.

• Gawdawpalin Temple

Standing at 55m tall, this two-storey temple is Bagan’s second highest temple after Thatbyinnyu Temple. Built during the reign of King Narapatisithu and finished under the reign of King Nadaungmya, the temple has porticoes on all four sides.

The temple’s three lower terraces are surrounded by a corridor that showcases a Buddha image on each of the four sides, while its four upper terraces house one Buddha image. The terraces are topped by a square tower, conical spire and hti (umbrella).

• Htilominlo Temple

Said to be the last Myanmar-style temple to be built, this three-storey, 46m-high temple was built by King Nandaungmya (aka King Htilominlo) in 1218 to commemorate his selection as crown prince from among his five brothers.

The selection of an heir to the throne followed a tradition where all the king’s sons had to stand in a circle around a white umbrella. If the umbrella tilted and pointed towards one of the son, that son would be the next king. As the umbrella pointed towards King Nandaungmya, he was chosen to succeed his father.

Originally covered in carved white stucco, some of the temple’s finely detailed plaster can still be seen today. The walls from the entrances leading to the inner sanctuary contain arched recesses where small Buddha images are enshrined. Both floors contain four large gilded Buddha images, each facing one side of the temple. There are also murals and frescoes of Buddhist depictions done in several colours, though some of them have faded considerably.

• Lawkaoushaung Temple

• Mani-Sithu Market

• Manuha Temple

• Mount Popa

• Pyathadar Temple (Pyathatgyi Temple)

• Sein Nyet Sister Temples

• Shwegugyi Temple

• Shwesandaw Pagoda

• Shwezigon Pagoda

• Sulamani Temple

• Thambula Temple

• Thanakha Gallery

• Thatbyinnyu Temple

Bago

• Hintha Gon Pagoda

• Kanbawzathadi Palace

• Mahazedi Pagoda (Great Stupa)

• Shwemawdaw Pagoda

• Shwethalyaung Buddha

Inle Lake

• Alodaw Pauk Pagoda

• Inle Lake Floating Gardens

• Nga Phe Kyaung (Jumping Cat Monastery)

• Nyaung Oak Pagodas

• Phaungdawoo Pagoda

• Shwe Indein Pagoda

Mandalay

• Kaungmudaw Pagoda

• Kuthodaw Pagoda (world’s largest book)

• Kyauktawgyi Pagoda

• Mahamuni Buddha Temple

• Mandalay Cultural Museum

• Mandalay Hill

• Mandalay Palace

• Mingun Bell

• Sandamuni Pagoda (largest iron Buddha image)

• Shwenandaw Kyuang (Golden Palace Monastery)

• Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda

• U-Bein Bridge

• U Min Thone Sae Pagoda

Mawlamyine

• Win Sein Taw Ya
At 180m-long and 30m-high, Win Sein Taw Ya is said to be the the world’s largest reclining Buddha statue. Look out for a row of life-size monk statues standing in single file with alms bowl in hand on the side of the road leading to the entrance.

Mon State

• Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

Perched precariously on top of a granite boulder and covered with gold leaves pasted on by devotees, Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is said to be supported by a strand of hair from Buddha. Also known as the Golden Rock, the pagoda is a very popular Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Legend has it that a Buddhist hermit received a strand of hair from Buddha, which he then gave to the king. In return for his gift, the king gave him a boulder that was shaped like his head, and used magical powers to pull the boulder from the sea. The king then built a small pagoda on top of the rock to enshrine the Buddha’s hair for all eternity.

Nawnghkio

• Gokteik Viaduct

Mrauk U

• Htukkanthein Temple

• Koe-thaung Temple

• Shite-thaung Temple

Yangon

• Aung San Suu Kyi’s House

• Bogyoke Aung San Market

Built in 1926, the market was originally known as Scott Market, named after Mr. C. Scott, the then Municipal Commissioner. It was later renamed Bogyoke Aung San Market in honor of the country’s national leader, General Aung San, who was assassinated in 1947.

The market houses over 2,000 stalls selling luxury items, handicrafts, foodstuff, clothing, jewellery, fashion and consumer goods. It is known for its rare antiques, old coins, Burmese jade and black market moneychangers.

The market has one of the largest selections of traditional longyi and gemstones. As sellers consider the first sale of the day to be very auspicious, arrive at the market early to enjoy some of the best prices.

• Bogyoke Aung San Museum

• Botatung Pagoda

• Buangdawgyoke Pagoda

• Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda

The pagoda is famous for its enormous 65m-long, 16m-high reclining Buddha which is housed in a metal-roofed shed. Clad in a golden robe and adorned with a crown encrusted by diamonds and other precious stones, the Buddha image features a white face, red lips, blue eye shadow and red finger nails. Its eyes are made of glass imported from Japan and its eyelashes are made from the feathers of a peafowl.

Look out for the soles of the Buddha’s feet showcase 108 segments in red and gold colours, with images that represent the 108 lakshanas (auspicious characteristics) of Buddha. Close to the Buddha’s feet is the small shrine of Ma Thay, a holy man who had the power to stop the rain so that sailors could have a safe journey.

In the vicinity of the pagoda are monasteries that house over 600 monks. See how the monks honour Buddha’s teachings and get a glimpse of their monastic lifestyle.

• Chinatown

• Inya Lake

• Kaba Aye Pagoda

• Kalaywa Monastery

• Kandawgyi Lake

• Karaweik Palace

• Maha Bandula Park

• Maha Wizaya Pagoda

• Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue

• Myanmar Gems Museum

• National Museum of Myanmar

• Saint Mary’s Cathedral

• Shwedagon Pagoda

Myanmar’s most revered Buddhist pilgrimage site and the nation’s most beloved landmark. The pagoda is said to enshrine sacred relics such as eight strands of hair from the head of Gautama Buddha, a piece of the robe believed to have belonged to Kassapa Buddha, a water filter attributed to Konagamana Buddha and the staff of Kakusandha Buddha.

According to archaeologists and historians, the 99m-high pagoda which sits on top of Singuttara Hill, was built by the Mon people, an ethnic group from Myanmar, between the 6th and 10th centuries AD.

Its main gold-plated dome is topped by a stupa that is encrusted with 7,000 diamonds, rubies, topaz and sapphires, offset by a massive emerald that is positioned to reflect the last rays of the setting sun. The tip of the stupa is said to contain a 72-carat diamond.

Sunset is one of the best times to visit the pagoda as you can see the changing hues of the gilded stupa as well as witness monks chanting their evening prayers.

• Sule Pagoda

Said to have been built before Shwedagon Pagoda, this Mon-style, octagonal-shaped pagoda sits in the middle of a traffic circle in the heart of Yangon’s busy downtown area. Its unique octagonal shape continues right up to its bell and inverted bowl.

Taking its name from a derivative of the Myanmar word “su-way” which means “meeting”, the pagoda is highly revered as it is said to enshrine a hair relic of Buddha.

Look out for a small golden karaweik (royal boat designed in the shape of a mythical bird) close to the pagoda’s north entrance, where devotees can place their prayer cards and the cards will be sent up to a shrine higher up in the stupa via a wire pulley system.

Around the pagoda are small shops offering astrology and palmistry services.

• Swe Taw Myat Pagoda (Buddha tooth relic pagoda)

• Taukkyan War Cemetery

• Yangon City Hall

Built between 1925 and 1940, Yangon City Hall is a fine example of British colonial architecture, adorned with Burmese decorative details such as peacocks, nagas (serpents) and pyatthat (traditional tiered roofs).

The City Hall was designed by prominent Burmese architect U Tin who also designed the Yangon Central Railway Station. Today, the building still houses the city’s administrative body – Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC).

Check out the traditional Burmese peacock and the Myanmar flag at the main entrance, and see the Municipal Corporation of Rangoon insignia on the iron gates at the back of the building.

• Yangon Zoological Gardens

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• Visit temples and pagodas especially the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock) in Kyaikto, Mon State, to understand Buddhism

• Experience the local life on the Yangon Circular Train

• Take a slow train ride from Mandalay to Lashio to see the spectacular Gokteik Viaduct railway bridge

• Soar among the clouds on a hot air balloon (Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Ngapali Beach)

• Enjoy thrills, spills and more at Yangon Waterboom and Natural World Amusement Park

• Explore Pyin Oo Lwin’s (former British hill station) botanical gardens, Anisakan Falls and attractions

• Visit the ancient capital of Ava by horse and cart

• Explore Bagan’s countryside and temples on bicycles

• Trek to the peak of Mount Victoria, Mount Zwegabin or the much lower Mandalay Hill to enjoy stunning vistas

• Get a taste of local village life by trekking up to a hill tribe village such as Danu or Yasakyi (Palaung hill tribe) villages in Pindaya or Kalaw

• Enjoy the beach life at Ngapali

• Go island-hopping in Cocks Comb Island (Emerald Heart Island) and Nyaung Oo Phee Island

• Explore Inle Lake on a long-tailed boat

• Cruise along Irrawady River to enjoy captivating panoramas and bustling river activity

• Go on a sunset cruise to catch the amazing glow of lights and soak up the evening breeze

• Visit one of Myanmar’s stunning waterfalls such as Dee Dote, Nam Tok, Pwe Kauk and Kyone Htaw

• Explore the famous caves of Hpa-An

• Feed and bathe elephants at an eco camp

• Catch a traditional Burmese puppet show

• Shop for souvenirs at Bogyoke Aung San Market in Yangon

• Learn about gems and how they are mined in Myanmar at Myanmar Gems Museum in Yangon

• Attend a gold leaf workshop like the King Galon Gold Leaf Workshop in Mandalay to discover how gold leaf is made

• Take a cooking class in Yangon or Mandalay and learn how to cook Burmese food

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Grandfather Beach

Kanthaya Beach

Mergui (Myeik) Archipelago

Nabule Beach

Ngapali Beach

Ngwe Saung Beach

Chaung Tha Beach

Thandwe Beach

Zik Hone Beach

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Bagan

• Loka Nanda Star Tortoise Sanctuary

Bago

• Moeyingyi Wetland Bird Sanctuary
• Winga Baw Elephant Camp

Bogale

• Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary

Chin State

• Natmataung National Park

Gwa

• Rakhine Yoma Elephant Sanctuary

Kachin State

• Hponkanrazi Wildlife Sanctuary
• Hukaung Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
• Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

Kalaw

• Green Hill Valley
• Ye Ayekan Reserve Forest

Katha

• Nat Pauk Elephant Camp

Loikaw

• Loikaw Elephant Camp

Taikkyi

• Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp

Taungoo

• Pho Kyar Elephant Camp

Sagaing Region

• Htamani Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary

Yangon

• Hlawga Wildlife Park
• Yangon Zoological Gardens

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Hpa-An

• Kan Thar Yar Lake
• Kyone Htaw Waterfall

Hsipaw

• Nam Hu Nwe Waterfall
• Nam Tok Waterfall

Kachin State

• Indawgyi Lake (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)
• Sadone Waterfall

Kengtung

• Pin Tauk Waterfall

Mandalay

• Mandalay Hill
• Popa Mountain National Park
• Taungthaman Lake

Mon State

• Zin Kyaik Waterfall

Pyin Oo Lwin

• Anisakan Falls
• Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall
• Dee Dote (Doke) Falls
• Peik Chin Myaung Waterfall
• Pwe Kauk Falls
• Yay Pyan Taung Waterfall

Thargara

• Pho Kyar Forest Resort

Yangon

• Inya Lake
• Kandawgyi Botanical Garden
• Kandawgyi Lake (Royal Lake)
• Kandawgyi Nature Park
• Maha Bandula Park
• People’s Park

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