Yangon is the largest city in all of Myanmar, considered the commercial and industrial centre of the entire country, and is further home to a melting pot of religions and cultures. The name of the city sometimes reigns unrecognizable by some since it was referred to as, and in fact was officially named, Rangoon until the year 1989.
This was due to the Myanmar government requesting the name be altered to reflect the Burmese pronunciation of the city, which was in turn already utilised by many other countries. Yangon is both the largest and most populous city in Myanmar, being that it is home to over seven million residents.
The city is visually very architecturally interesting, boasting a unique ‘colonial-era urban core’ and possessing the highest number of colonial-era buildings in the entirety of Southeast Asia. Yangon is also oftentimes the first point of call for international visitors, and there is therefore so much to choose from as a tourist! In light of this, here are the author’s top eleven things to do in the city of Yangon.
The Yangon Circular Train
Departing regularly from the Yangon Circular Railway, experience life as a local on the Yangon Circular Train. Lasting just under three hours, this train ride will take you through a more agricultural side of life, contrasting the bustling lifestyle of Yangon city. Tour through rice paddies, fields, and small villages, as you experience Yangon via train.
You will sometimes need to switch vehicles, for instance, many passengers switch at a local market. It’ll be very obvious when you arrive as the train stops directly at the market! Walk on through to many stalls, trying local cuisine and enticing your taste buds.
Whether you decide to stay on board and admire the scenery or hop off at a few of the stops, the Yangon Circular Train is an incredible and unique experience!
Location: Departs from Kun Chan Rd, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
The Shwedagon Pagoda
The Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sacred religious monument in the entire country of Myanmar. Sitting comfortably ninety-nine metres high, atop Singuttara Hill, the Pagoda is truly stunning.
Adorned with gold-plating, donated by a number of monarchs and supporters from across the world, four-thousand and sixteen golden bells, five-thousand, four-hundred, and eighty-eight diamonds, and a mixture of rubies, sapphires, and other gems, the Pagoda is truly mesmerizing.
Make sure to take your time admiring the ornate adornments, and walk around the site to view the many statues, relics, and historical artifacts. The Shwedagon Pagoda is the most important building in all of Myanmar and is definitely the main attraction during your trip to Yangon!
Location: Shwedagon east gate west of the Royal Lake Yangon, 11201, Myanmar (Burma)
The Chaukhtatgyi Buddha
The Chaykhtatgyi Buddha temple is incredibly unique! The temple itself is home to one of the largest reclining Buddha images in the country. That is a sixty-six-meter-long statue of the Buddha. The image has become incredibly well-known and is oftentimes regarded as iconic in Myanmar.
With its large size and wonderful embellishments, one could spend hours admiring the wonderful statue. In addition to this awe-inspiring structure, the temple is complete with many other, smaller structures. Make sure to visit the Chaukhtatgyi Buddha to feast your eyes on one of the most famous statues in the entire country!
Location: R567+MFQ, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
U Thant House
U Thant was a UN secretary from 1961 until 1971 and was one of the most respected international politicians in Myanmar. The U Thant house exists as his previous place of residency when he was alive. When the building was discovered by his grandson, Thant Myint-U, in 2012, it was truly a wreck! Since then, it has been beautifully restored by both his family and the Yangon Heritage Trust.
The house now stands as a memorial of U Thant and is a very well respected historical site. The inside of U Thant house is covered in interesting archival photos, including U Thant with many important figures including John Lennon and Nick Khrushchev.
The building itself is quaint and beautiful, and the surrounding gardens are incredibly elegant. This is a unique and fascinating historical site, filled with authenticity! Make sure to stop by!
Location: No.31, Panwa Lane (enter from, Inya Rd, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
The Taukkyan War Cemetery
The Taukkyan War Cemetery is a beautiful location, designed to commemorate the brave soldiers who died fighting in Myanmar during the second world war. Altogether there are a total of six-thousand, three-hundred, and seventy-four graves, with many of them remaining unidentified.
Present also is the Rangoon Memorial, whereon an additional twenty-seven thousand soldiers’ names are listed. These are those of the Commonwealth forces, who died during the Myanmar (Burma) battles but do not have a known grave.
Messages are written across the memorials in many different languages due to the fact that the platoons were a multinational force. For instance, English, Hindi, Urdu, Gurmukhi, and Burmese. The cemetery is beautifully kept, with stunning gardens, plentiful plants, and a calming, peaceful atmosphere to match. There is no admission fee, so why not spend some time paying your respects in such a stunning location?
Location: Pyay Rd, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
The Botahtaung Pagoda
Located in downtown Yangon, just by the Yangon River, lies the stunning Botahtaung Pagoda. The Botahtaung Pagoda was built over two thousand, five-hundred years ago and is one of the most famous pagodas in all of Yangon. It can get a little crowded due to this, so maybe arrive early! The interior of the Botahtaung Pagoda is coated in gold foil, and there are many interesting artifacts to admire.
It is a true learning experience! A treat for the eyes and the brain. Make sure to spend your time admiring the beautiful relics and the golden stupa. The Botahtaung Pagoda is a great religious building to visit, full of things to discover and architectural beauty to marvel at.
Location: Strand Rd, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
Junction City
Yes, there are plenty of ancient, centuries-old, beautiful buildings to admire, but why not enjoy some retail therapy during your trip to Yangon? Junction City is a world-class shopping centre, comprising many international brands, luxurious stores, a cinema, and a large food court.
The development has an upmarket vibe, with a wide range of shops for you to tour through and find gifts for yourself and your family and friends.
The food court, in particular, is very well-liked, with some excellent cuisine for you to feast on and lots and lots of choices. If you’re wanting a break from sightseeing, what better place to visit than Yangon’s Junction City?
Location: Corner of, ဗိုလ်ချုပ်လမ်း, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
The Yangon National Museum
The Yangon National Museum is the main museum of Burmese art, history, and culture in all Myanmar. So, if you’re wanting a little culture trip to learn all about the history of Myanmar, then the Yangon National Museum is the stop for you! Boasting endless exhibits containing stone inscriptions, paintings, carvings, documents, and other wonderful artifacts.
Get ready to broaden your knowledge of the beautiful nation of Myanmar and its people. Established in 1952, the museum currently holds fourteen halls spread over four floors. There is so much to see and discover! You could spend hours exploring exhibit upon exhibit! Broaden your horizons and expand your mind at the Yangon National Museum!
Location: 66 Pyay Rd, Yangon 11191, Myanmar (Burma)
The Secretariat
The Secretariat in Yangon is one of the most fascinating and intriguing attractions in the entire city. It is a truly beautiful historical landmark! The Secretariat is the previous Ministers’ Building, previously existing as the administrative seat of British Burma.
The building itself is an incredibly impressive colonial building that remains spectacularly well-kept. Learn about the history of Myanmar in colonial times, and get an insight into the wonderful, Victorian architecture. Visiting The Secretariat and taking part in the guided tour of this fabulous building truly feels like a step back in time and is a fantastically authentic experience!
Location: Thein Phyu Road, Middle Block, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Complete with two ornate spires and an elegant bell tower, this towering red brick building is known as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. This Catholic church was designed by the Dutch and is considered a rarity due to the mass amount of Buddhist temples in Myanmar.
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral contains many fascinating statues and wonderfully decorated walls complete with stained glass windows and elegant tiles. Daily mass and Sunday services are performed in English and so this is a great tourist attraction for visitors from English-speaking countries! The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is a beautiful place of prayer and worship, and is well worth a visit whilst in Yangon!
Location: Archbishop’s House, 289 Thein Phyu Rd, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma
The Sule Pagoda
Located in downtown Yangon, the Sule Pagoda is a Burmese stupa surrounded by busy streets, a market, and stunning colonial-era buildings. So, the area in itself is a great place to tour through with many sites to be seen! The Sule Pagoda reigns forty-four metres high and is octagonal in shape.
The building is considered a hair relic of the Buddha and so many Burmese devotees bring offerings to make merit. The Sule Pagoda is centered in a fantastic location with so much to see and do, and in itself is a beautiful, and important building. Make sure you pay it a visit!
Location: Junction of Sule Pagoda Road, မဟာဗနု္ဓလလမ်း, Yangon 11141, Myanmar (Burma)
