Yangon Travel Guide

Yangon Tourist Information

Situated in the south of Myanmar, the former capital and growing tourist destination of Yangon has much to offer its guests. With a collection of sacred temples, beautiful parklands, picturesque lakes and impressive architecture Yangon is well worth a look. There are also many tourist attractions close by including the Yangon Zoo, the manmade caves of Maha Pasana Guha and Sule Paya, a 2,000-year-old golden temple.

The city is an interesting jungle of old and new, where modern office blocks stand directly next to old ruins of buildings from centuries past. The street vendors sell everything from food to fake designer gear and pirated DVDs. Transportation is chaotic in the city with many cars, buses, motorbikes and bicycles all quickly moving throughout the streets. The bustling city has its own charm that cannot be seen anywhere else.

Yangon Tourist Attractions

Standing on the top of Singuttara hill is the most significant Buddhist temple in the whole of Myanmar, the Shwedagon Pagoda. The impressive, gold pagoda is steeped with Buddhist history dating back to the 6th century.

The temple has undergone much renovation and repair since then but is still a treasured possession of Burma and its people. Legend says that a hair from the Lord Gautama Buddha was brought to the pagoda by two brothers and for this reason, the temple is held in such high regard.

Many luxury and mid-range hotels are scattered throughout the city centre. International cuisine is easily found with many choices including Italian, French, Thai and Chinese. With the many rooftop bars and discos, nightlife in Yangon is surprisingly lively. There are also cinemas showing the latest Hollywood films and theatres with live shows, many in the five-star hotels that include dinner and a show.

Transportation Around Yangon

Getting to Yangon is not too difficult; Yangon International Airport is situated about 30 minutes north of the city. Flights arrive from many neighbouring cities including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong. Alternatively, for the more adventurous there are trains that connect with the rest of the Myanmar. There are also buses, but considering road safety and the condition of the vehicles caution is advised.

Yangon is considered a very safe city however caution should be taken if out late in less crowed areas as Myanmar is a poor country and robberies can occur. Also pay extra attention when counting your money from the money exchanges as many try to short change tourists. It is of course advised to take out a travel insurance policy for you and your family before leaving for Yangon to avoid any unforeseen problems that may occur.