Having wandered through the impressive stupas and temples of Bagan and cruised the Irrawaddy River in full good two days, we were back in Yangon in transit to our night flight to Singapore en route to Manila. Since we are arriving earliest in the morning, we had a full day to ourselves to check out Myanmar’s (formerly Burma) long time capital.

Until 2006, Yangon or Rangoon, which literally translates to “End of Strife” is the capital of the Union of Myanmar. It remains the country’s largest city with over 7 million residents and the center of business, commerce and education.The city is also home to notable and important religious architectures which also serve as its biggest tourist attractions. Given its colonial history, the city is hosts numerous  colonial-era and well-preserved structures and design.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Given your limited time, it is worth-wile to check out and spend some of your precious time and perhaps budget in some of the city’s renowned heritage sites and popular must-see attractions. It is best to plan out your day, including transportation preference to ensure that you have enough time to catch your flight.

1. Sule Pagoda

This iconic stupa is situated right at the heart of Yangon and considered to be one of the city’s important and oldest heritage sites and city landmark. It is believed to have been built some 2000 years ago and pre-dates the bigger Shwedagon Pagoda. More importantly, it is said to contain a strand of Buddha’s hair. Besides its religious value, the stupa has also been at the center of Burmese politics, being the staging area for the country’s popular uprisings in 1988 and recently in 2007.

The pagoda is notable for its octagonal base right up to its middle dome and its golden spire. There are small shops surround the the pagoda’s base.

Access: It is located right beside the Yangon City Hall and across the Independence Square. Opening Hours: 4am to 10pm daily Admission Fee: USD 2.00

2. Shwedagon Pagoda

Officially, the Shwedagon Zedi Daw (The Great Golden Mountain Stupa), the Shwedagon Pagoda is Yangon’s most recognizable landmark and and perhaps the whole of Myanmar. Situated at top of Singuttara Hill, this 326-feet imposing stupa dominates the Yangon skyline and visible from various points upon entering the city center.  It is also considered to be the country’s most sacred Buddhist pagoda given the belief that it enshrined the relics of four previous Buddhas, which attracts thousands of local and foreign pilgrims every year.

The pagoda is also notable for its magnificent architecture having weathered earthquakes, fires and wars. Guarding the pagoda’s entrance is a pair of lion-like creatures called leogryphs. The stupas base is made of gold-covered bricks while its dome or inverted alms bowl are made of gold plates out of donation by people, a tradition said to continue to this day. At the top, the stupa’s crown is covered in diamonds and rubies by the thousands, including a 76 carat diamond.

The pagoda can be accessed through its four entrances. For beginners like us, the local practice is to walk around the stupas clockwise while saying your prayers. It is better to visit here in the early morning or late afternoon since footwear is not allowed inside.

Access: Singutarra Hill, near Kandawgyi Lake. Opening Hours: 4am to 10pm daily Admission Fee: USD 8.00 Note: Dress modestly, avoid sleeveless or shorts/above knee skirt.

3. Kandawgyi Lake and Karaweik Hall

The Kandawgyi Lake or the “Great Royal Lake” is one of Yangon’s major lakes. During the British colonization, the lake was created by extracting water from Inya Lake to serve as the city’s water source. Within its shores is the renowned floating icon which is a replica of a royal barge known as the Karaweik, named after a mythical bird. It has since function as a restaurant. At present, the lake is surrounded by a nature park and a zoological garden. It also offers a beautiful vantage point of the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Access: The lake is walking distance to the east of Shwedagon Pagoda Opening Hours: 4am to 10pm daily Admission Fee: Kyats 1,000 (Kandawgyi Nature Park) / Kyats 3,000 (Karaweik Hall)

3. Bogyoke Market

If Saigon has Ben Thanh and Bangkok has Pratunam, then Yangon won’t let you leave without something to bring home. After visiting the city’s attractions, don’t miss checking out Myanmar’s major bazaar and market housed within colonial-era buildings in central Yangon. Built in the 1920’s, it was previously known as the Scott Market. Prominent displays for sale are Burmese handicrafts, antiques, artworks, clothes, medicines, food items and jewelries, including the famous jade, ruby and other precious stones.

Access: Walking distance from Sule Pagoda and Sule Shangri-La Hotel, beside the Anglican Church Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm daily Admission Fee: Free but bring enough cash

4. Yangon City Hall 

Located right at the center of Yangon next to the Sule Pagoda, the city hall building is best known for its historical and cultural values. This was our staging point when we did our day tour of the city.  The building was designed by noted Burmese architect U Tin and was completed over a decade. It is also considered an example of unique Burmese architecture integrating the traditional multi-level roofs known as pyatthat.

The city hall and its adjacent stupa have been known as the venues of key political mobilizations and actions. Beside the hall is the High Court and Yangon Post Office.

Access: It is conveniently located right across the Bandoola Park and Sule Pagoda

5. Maha Bandoola Park and Independence Monument

The Maha Bandoola park is a known landmark and public park fronting the City Hall and surrounded equally important and historical structures. It was named after a popular general who fought against the British empire in the 1800s. In its center is the Independence Monument, an obelisk to mark the independence of Burma from Britain.

Access: It is located right in front of the City Hall.

6. National Museum (Yangon)

Under time pressure, a good go-to destination to quickly appreciate the country’s history and culture is heading to a museum. If time allows, then check out the National Museum of Myanmar in Yangon. Another National Museum has been inaugurated in Naypyitaw. Founded in 1952, the museum houses in its 5-storey building a comprehensive collection reflecting Burmese culture and history ranging from artifacts and memorabilia on Burmese calligraphy, folk and performing arts, ethnic cultures, art works, natural history, ancient ornaments, and items representing Burmese pre-historic and historic period, including its royalties. A best known item on display is the Lion Throne of the Burmese monarch.

Access: Walking distance from the western exit of Shwedagon Pagoda Opening Hours: 10:00am – 4:00pm, except Myanmar holidays Entrance Fee: 5,000 kyats

Others Must-Visit Attractions

Yangon has so much to offer for those with enough time and of course budget to spend. Since we only have a day to spare, it is best to make prior research on what’s best and must to visit. There are equally appealing and important sites and attractions to check out in the city given extended time. Some of these include the Botahtaung Pagoda, Chaukhtatgyi Buddha (Reclining Buddha) Temple, Inya Lake, Gems Museum, Bogyoke Museum, among others. Day tours to nearby townships are also possible. We are also interested to experience its night life and have some taste of its best kept local gastronomic secrets.

Sample Itinerary

We are also sharing our quick itinerary for general reference. Please note that we made this trip coming from Bagan but this is also applicable if you decide to first explore Yangon upon arrival before proceeding to Bagan.

Time	Activity	Remarks
0500 –  0600	Arrival in Yangon	Designated bus stop outside the city
0600 –  0700	Take Bus to Central Yangon	Alight near Sule Pagoda
0700 –  0800	Breakfast	Local stalls near City Hall & Sule Pagoda
0800 – 0900	Maha Bandoola Park + Independence Monument City Hall + High Court + Post Office Sule Pagoda	Walking Tour
0900 – 1030	Kandawgyi Lake + Karaweik	Walking distance – 10mins
1030 – 1200	Shwedagon Pagoda	Take taxi or Grab – 10mins
1200 – 1300	Lunch	near Shwedagon
1300 – 1430	National Museum	Walking distance – 10mins
1430 – 1600	Bogyoke Market	Take taxi or Grab – 10mins
1600 – 1800	Travel to Yangon Airport	Take taxi or Grab – 30~60mins
2000 –	Flight to SG / BKK / KL