A guide to Yangon for first time travellers

Yangon, formerly Rangoon is Myanmar’s biggest metropolis and a wonder that must be beheld. From scenic lakes, busy marketplaces, iconic temples to streets that overflow in many a sight; here is a detailed guide on covering the length and breadth of Myanmar’s business and artistic hub.

Best time to go

As is the case with a majority of Southeast Asian cities, Yangon is impacted by two seasons – the rainy and dry. While the former lasts from May through October, the latter makes its presence felt, beginning in November and concluding in April. Notably, March and April are easily the height of the dry season, which can make travelling a tad uncomfortable. This is why planning your travels around the November to February period will be wise, given that the daily temperatures will be favourable to get about with no risk of falling prey to a sunstroke.

Visit Shwedagon Pagoda

Recognised as the most traversed site in Yangon and the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in the country, the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda is a structure that will amaze you, the longer you remain. Best visited during dawn, so that you are well away from crowds, this place of worship rises to an astonishing 326 feet in the air and is said to house the relics of four Buddhas. Interestingly, gold plates adorn the entirety of the stupa along with countless precious stones. Scattered throughout the temple complex are various structures, shrines and monuments. Moreover, Shwedagon Pagoda has played a pivotal role in shaping Myanmar’s future, as the temple was where political activist Aung San Suu Kyi addressed crowds in 1988.

Get your daily dose of exercise around Kandawgyi Lake

Built by the British, Kandawgyi Lake or ‘Royal Lake’ is a serene getaway that will provide much needed respite from the busyness of Yangon. For the health conscious, it is recommended to explore the boardwalk that covers the western and southern sides of the attraction, for one will be presented with ample space in which to enjoy a walk or jog. Towards the Lake’s eastern end are a plethora of sights, including a kids’ playground, park and the famed Karaweik Palace; a concrete reproduction of a royal barge that was a vessel used by Burmese monarchs of old during ceremonial processions.

Shop at Bogyoke Aung San Market

Jam-packed with well over 2,000 stalls to check out, Bogyoke Aung San Market, nestled in the heart of Yangon will lure you in for one awe-inspiring journey. Found across 2 floors within a colonial building, this colourful marketplace is where you can shop for a wide spectrum of products under one roof. Be it souvenirs, handicrafts, jewellery, textiles to detailed Burmese antiques that would make your mantelpiece or coffee table back home look its absolute best. In fact, if searching for a good place of lodging from where to plan your travels to Yangon from, then do factor in the possibility of reserving your stay with PARKROYAL Yangon, considered one of the finest 5 star hotels in Yangon.

Have a food tour

Sampling the city’s culinary joys is a ‘must’ and one way to go about this is to organise a food tour. First up is the popular dish titled Shan Noodle Soup. This noodle soup dish is made by tossing rice vermicelli in either pork or chicken broth and served with pickled mustard greens. Affording a fantastic take on this serving is 999 Shan Noodle Shop. In terms of price, expect to pay nothing more than MMK 1,900 (1,900 Burmese Kyats) for an order. Should you be longing to have lunch on a lake and that too with fantastic views, then look no further than Karaweik Palace Restaurant. Found on Kandawgyi Lake, this grand restaurant provides a well-priced menu with a host of items to choose from. From the national dish of Mohinga, which is a tasty fish broth capped off with various toppings to Burmese Vegetable Tempura and what not, here is an eatery that will be well worth stopping by. For a street food outing made up of barbecued meat, scrumptious seafood and more than one bottle of Burmese beer, then do beeline for 19th Street, which can be reached in Yangon’s Chinatown area. For a truly memorable experience, do arrive at night where you will be joined by like-minded culinary connoisseurs, eager to delight in what makes Yangon a remarkable destination to be at.