Things to do in Yangon – Myanmar


Shwedagon Pagoda

Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Great Dragon Pagoda and Golden Pagoda, in Yangon, Myanmar. This ancient stupa is located in the heart of the city and is a must-see for visitors to Myanmar. Its size and majesty make it an amazing site for a spiritual trip.

It is essential to dress appropriately for the visit. Women should wear loose, knee-length clothing and men should wear pants. Sarongs can be rented for men at the entrance. Visitors must also remove their shoes and socks to enter the pagoda, so it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes. Bringing a small bag to store your shoes and wet wipes is also recommended.

The Shwedagon Pagoda has numerous Buddha statues and several stupas. The central stupa is believed to contain the relics of the Buddha. There are also many shrines, temples, and other buildings in the complex.

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Yangon Circular Train

The Yangon Circular Train connects the suburbs and satellite towns of Yangon. It is a 45.9-kilometer loop system that connects the city to the suburbs and satellite towns. The service is free and operates 24 hours a day. It is the most convenient way to get around Yangon.

The train leaves from the central railway station in Yangon. It is a 5-minute walk from Bogyoke Aung San Market. There are English-speaking staff at the station. It is recommended to get to the train station early in order to get a good seat. The train stops at various locations along the way.

The train is clean and comfortable, although there are no toilets. Carry a bottle of water for your journey, or buy bottled water at the next station. The train’s lounge has power banks, so you can charge your cellphone.

Botahtaung Pagoda

One of the things to do in Yangon is to visit the famous Botahtaung Pagodha, which is one of the oldest and largest pagodas in the country. Located on the highest hill in Yangon, it is adorned with gold plating and 7000 gems. It is considered one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Myanmar.

The name of this Buddhist temple is derived from a legend of Buddha’s hair being brought to Myanmar more than two thousand years ago. The relics of eight hairs from Buddha were brought to Yangon, and the 1,000 military leaders formed a guard of honor for them. These relics were later dispersed and enshrined in other pagodas. Now, only one of the original hairs remains at the Botataung Pagoda.

The Botataung Pagoda, also called Botahtaung, is a 40-meter tall structure in downtown Yangon. The structure was built by the Mon people around 2,500 years ago. It was partially destroyed during the second world war, but rebuilding began in 1948.

U Thant House

U Thant House in Yangon is a museum that houses U Thant’s former residence. This museum is operated by a nonprofit organization, the U Thant House Trust. The museum is open daily, except for Mondays, when it is closed. The museum is open for tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The U Thant House in Yangon is a museum that preserves the life and legacy of the third Secretary General of the United Nations and the first Asian to take the honorary post. U Thant was a pioneer in many fields, including human rights, global poverty, and decolonization. He is also considered to be one of the most important educators in Myanmar. The house is now used as a museum and as a venue for public events.

Thant was born in Pantanaw and educated at the National High School and Rangoon University. He was known for his moderate political views and was a close friend of Burma’s first Prime Minister, U Nu. He served in various cabinet positions from 1948 to 1961, and his calm demeanor gained him much respect.

Taukkyan War Cemetery

The Taukkyan War Cemetery in Yangon is a cemetery that is located outside of the city. It is near the airport and adjacent to the village of Taukkyan. It can be reached via taxi, but public transit is also available. Public buses going to Bago pass by the cemetery. The cemetery contains 5559 grave markers.

Visitors can visit the cemetery during the day, and it is very peaceful and serene. It is open to the public from early morning until early evening. Visitors will find it particularly peaceful in the early morning. On Remembrance Day, the cemetery is decorated with flowers. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains a database of the graves in this cemetery. It is estimated that over 5,000 Commonwealth forces soldiers are buried here.

The Taukkyan War Cemetery is located 20 miles north of Rangoon. It contains individual memorials to approximately 6,400 men who died for freedom. The cemetery contains graves that were exhumed from the jungle.

The Secretariat

One of the things to do in Yangon is to visit the Secretariat building. This 37,000 square meter building was once off limits, but recently opened to the public. The building is being renovated to create a cultural and art complex. Asia Tours Myanmar offers exclusive tours of the building.

The Secretariat is a historic building with a rich history. It was closed to the public until 1962 and photography was not allowed until a few years ago. The complex is described as an architectural treasure by the Yangon Heritage Trust. It has survived many wars and natural disasters, including a series of earthquakes. Cyclone Nargis, which killed 140,000 people in 2008, also left its mark.

The Secretariat is home to a variety of cultural and artistic spaces. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Yangon snack in the lobby every afternoon. The staff can also help plan your day and book activities, and teach you a few Burmese phrases.

National Museum

The National Museum is a must-see while visiting Yangon. It features royal regalia, ancient jewelry, and the traditional costumes of various ethnic groups of Myanmar. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. It is located at the corner of Hanthawady Road and Kyun Taw Road. The museum is easily accessible by taxi or foot.

The National Museum in Yangon was first opened in 1952. The building has 14 halls displaying ancient artifacts and works of art. The exhibits are well lit, with signs in both English and Myanmar languages. The building is air-conditioned and attractive, and the museum staff are happy to welcome tourists.

The museum also has displays of Myanmar literature, art, and culture. It also features antique artifacts, manuscripts, and inscriptions. The museum is located a few kilometers from downtown Yangon. Many of the tours in Myanmar include a visit to the museum.

Chaukhtatgyi Buddha

The Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Yangon and the Yangon Region. It is the home of one of the country’s most revered reclining Buddha images. The image is 66 metres long and one of the largest in Burma.

It is located near the Bahan Township in Yangon. The Buddha is seated in an open-sided steel and corrugated iron structure that is surrounded by many small temples. From the viewing platform, visitors can view the intricate detailing on the feet of the Buddha statue. The Buddha’s feet have 108 segments – a sacred number for Buddhists in Myanmar.

One of the most beautiful features of the Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple is its huge reclining Buddha. The statue was originally constructed in 1899 by a wealthy Burmese man named Sir Po Tha. In the mid-20th century, it underwent restorations to give it its current glory.

10 Interesting facts about Yangon

  1. Yangon is the cultural and economic center of Myanmar, and is home to over five million people.
  2. The city is located on the Yangon River, and is known for its beautiful colonial-era architecture, as well as the Shwedagon Pagoda, which is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world.
  3. Yangon was the capital of British Burma from the mid-19th century until the country gained independence in 1948.
  4. The city has a tropical monsoon climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters.
  5. Yangon is home to the National Museum of Myanmar, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts and artworks from the country’s history.
  6. The city is also home to the University of Yangon, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country.
  7. Yangon is the hub of Myanmar’s transportation network, and is served by a large international airport, as well as a major port on the Bay of Bengal.
  8. The city is known for its vibrant street food scene, and is home to a number of popular markets, including the Bogyoke Aung San Market and the Scott Market.
  9. Yangon is also home to a number of large parks and green spaces, including Inya Lake, Kandawgyi Lake, and the Hlawga National Park.
  10. Despite its rapid growth and development, Yangon has managed to retain its traditional charm and character, and is a popular destination for travelers interested in exploring the rich culture and history of Myanmar.

David Cronk - Editor

David Cronk is the editor of online travel magazine Travelodium Travel Magazine. David has travelled to over 30 countries of the world and his writing has been published by enRoute magazine - Air Canada's inflight magazine and by Hotel & Accommodation Management Magazine. David has worked as a Sales Executive for Sheraton and Hilton Hotels and for Hotelbookers in London. He has worked also as a Hotel Night Manager and in bars throughout Europe. David eventually settled into a position working as a croupier for several years before changing careers to become a Data, Sales and Statistical Analyst.

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