Yangon (formerly Rangoon) — the former capital and economic centre of Myanmar, known for its colonial architecture and Buddhist pagodas, the most important of them being Shwedagon Zedi Daw - more than 2000 years old gilded stupa covered in gold and decorated with diamonds.
Yangon Attractions
Shwedagon Pagoda
Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden Pagoda, is a 99 meter high gold plated stupa in Yangon. The pagoda is covered with hundreds of gold plates and the top of the stupa is encrusted with few thousands of diamonds and rubies. The Golden Pagoda is set on the top of a small hill west of the royal Kandawgyi Lake in downtown Yangon. Shwedagon Pagoda is Yangon’s most famous landmark which dominates the city skyline. Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in all Myanmar as it is believed to contain relics of the four previous Buddhas.
Karaweik Hall
Karaweik Hall is another Yangon’s famous landmark located on the royal Kandawgyi Lake. Karaweik Hall is a palace which was designed like the royal barge and from a distance it looks like floating on the lake. The whole building is gilded with gold and nicely reflects in the water of Lake Kandawgyi. Karaweik Hall houses a buffet restaurant which serves lunch and dinner with dishes of Myanmar, Chinese, Eastern and Western cuisine and often offers traditional dance performances in the evenings. From the royal barge you can enjoy the stunning view of the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Sule Pagoda
Sule Pagoda is an ancient octagonal-shaped Burmese pagoda in the very center of Yangon. This 48 meter high golden stupa is surrounded by busy streets. According to legend, Sule Pagoda was built more than 2,500 years ago, making it older than the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Botataung Pagoda
Botataung Pagoda is a famous ancient pagoda located in the center of Yangon, near the Yangon River. The pagoda was built by the Mon people over 2500 years ago, almost at the same time as Shwedagon Pagoda and Sule Pagoda. Botataung pagoda was named after the thousand military leaders who brought a sacred Buddha relic to the pagoda. Botataung Pagoda is hollow making it possible to walk through it and see its ancient relics and artifacts stored inside.
Minister's Building Secretariat
The Ministers' Building or the Secretariat is a colonial building in downtown Yangon which was the administrative seat of British Burma. The Ministers' Building is the place where General Aung San, the founder of modern Myanmar, was assassinated.
Saint Mary's Cathedral
Saint Mary's Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral located in Yangon. Built in 1899, Saint Mary's Cathedral is the largest Catholic cathedral in all Myanmar.
Yangon Circular Train
Yangon Circular Railway is the Yangon’s commuter rail network. Taking circular train is a great way to see local life of people living in Yangon.
Bogyoke Market
Bogyoke Market is a big market, located in central Yangon. Bogyoke Market is known for its colonial architecture and a wide variety of shops selling antiques, Burmese handicrafts, jewelry, artworks and clothing.
Inya Lake
Inya Lake is the largest lake in Yangon and a popular recreational area for locals.
Immanuel Baptist Church
Immanuel Baptist Church is one of the oldest Baptist churches in Yangon, located in the center of the city.
Yangon Transportation
Flights to Yangon
There are plenty of options to choose from when flying from Bangkok to Yangon International Airport (RGN). This direct route from Thailand to Yangon is served by Myanmar National Airlines, Myanmar Airways International, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and low cost carriers AirAsia, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air. Flight deals for this route can be found here:
Flights from Bangkok to Yangon
Getting from Yangon Airport into the City
Shuttle bus service running all the way from Yangon International Airport (RGN) to Yangon Central Railway Station, Sule Square and other locations in Central Yangon was recently opened. Shuttle bus is a very convenient and budget friendly option for reaching the center of the city from Yangon Airport. For more information check: Shuttle Bus from Yangon Airport (RGN) to Central Yangon.
Domestic Travel
The most popular bus routes for traveling to/from Yangon are:
For more transportation options for a trip to/from Yangon, use this search form.
Tips
Currency Exchange at Yangon Airport
Even if foreign currencies are still accepted in Myanmar in some cases, usage of cash in local currency Myanmar Kyat (MMK) aka Burmese Kyat is almost unavoidable here. Money changers at Yangon Airport offer competitive currency exchange rates so you won’t lose much when making your foreign exchange at the airport. For more information check: Yangon Airport Currency Exchange Rates & Money Changers.