Things to do in Yangon (Rangoon)
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Shwedagon Paya
Heart stopping at any time, the Shwedagon Paya glitters bright gold in the heat of the day. Then, as the sun casts its last rays it turns a crimson gold and orange, magic floats in the heat and the mighty diamond surmounting the summit casts a beam of light that reflects sheet white, bloody red and jealous green to the far corners of the temple platform. It can be quiet and contemplative or colourful and raucous, and for the people of Myanmar it is the most sacred of all Buddhist sites, one that all Myanmar Buddhists hope to visit at least once in their lifetime.
Visible from almost anywhere in the city, Shwedagon is located to the north of central Yangon, between People’…
reviewed
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Bogyoke Aung San Market
A half-day could easily be spent wandering around this sprawling 70-year-old market (sometimes called by its old British name, Scott Market). Besides the fact that it has over 2000 shops and the largest selection of Myanmar handicrafts you’ll find under several roofs, the market is a fantastic opportunity to smile, laugh and haggle alongside local shoppers. You’ll find a whole variety of interesting souvenirs, from lacquerware and Shan shoulder bags to t-shirts and puppets. Pick up some nice slippers here, convenient for all the on-and-off demanded by paya protocol. Gems and jewellery are also on hand. If you need somewhere to store all this booty, several shops in the ma…
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National Museum
Try to ignore the fact that the priceless collection at the National Museum is appallingly labelled and lit, and just focus on the treasures that lie within this cavernous building.
Highlights of the collection include the 26ft-high Sihasana (Lion Throne), which belonged to King Thibaw Min, the last king of Myanmar. It’s actually more of an entrance doorway than a throne but let’s not pick at straws, because it’s certainly a damn sight more impressive than your front door! Further signs that the kings of old didn’t understand the meaning of the word subtlety are the jewel-encrusted beds, silver and gold rugs, flashy palanquins (one of which is palatial in its size and s…
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D
Chaukhtatgyi Paya
Fifty years ago there was a giant standing buddha poking his head above the temples and monasteries here, but one day he got tired and collapsed into a heap on the floor, whereupon he was replaced with the monster-sized lazy reclining buddha you see today. One of Myanmar’s more beautiful reclining buddhas, the placid face of the Chaukhtatgyi Buddha is topped by a crown encrusted in diamonds and other precious stones. Housed in a large metal-roofed shed, only a short distance northeast of the Shwedagon Paya, this huge figure is surprisingly little known and hardly publicised at all. Close to the buddha’s feet is the small shrine to Ma Thay, a holy man who has the power to …
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Monsoon
Inside this classic colonial town house is quite possibly the best Southeast Asian restaurant in Yangon. It’s a fully multicultural affair both in terms of the cuisine, which smoothly mixes the highlights of Burmese cooking with dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, and the staff, who are a Myanmar-Anglo mix. Often in these jack-of all-trades restaurants the food isn’t that hot, but you needn’t worry about that here. Everything that emerges from the kitchen is exceptional, and the atmosphere is relaxed and cosmopolitan without letting standards of service slip. Many locals consider it a lunchtime-only restaurant but the dinner service is just as good. Upstairs…
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Mahasi Meditation Centre
Several monasteries in Yangon welcome foreigners to meditation courses. The most famous centre in Yangon is the Mahasi Meditation Centre, founded in 1947 by the late Mahasi Sayadaw, perhaps Myanmar’s greatest meditation teacher. The Mahasi Sayadaw technique strives for intensive, moment-to-moment awareness of every physical movement, every mental and physical sensation and, ultimately, every thought. The centre only accepts foreigners who can stay for at least one week.
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Yakiniku Japanese Barbeque
A fun Japanese restaurant where the tables open up to reveal that favourite of men the world over – a barbecue! Yes, the chefs have it easy here because you cook your own meat and so, if you’re a woman and want to eat something vaguely edible then it’s best to go without a man! The menu is full of pictures of what your dinner should, but probably won’t, end up looking like.
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Maw Shwe Li Restaurant
This small, friendly, out-of-the-way place is usually crowded with locals, and the curries are excellent and cheap. Shan specialities include pei pot kyaw (sour bean condiment) and hmo chawk kyaw (fried mushrooms). It doubles as a bar and can be a little dark but the food gets plenty of local support.
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Best Of Burma
15 days (ex Yangon)
by Intrepid
Explore the magnificent temples of Bagan, Relax on a riverboat cruise to Mandalay, Discover Burma's 'Jewel City', Trek through rarely visited alpine villages, D…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,310 -
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J’s Irrawaddy Dream
This shop features high quality Myanmar textiles, clothes, lacquer and other handicrafts. It’s an especially good place to find stylish women’s dresses.
reviewed
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Highlights of Myanmar
12 days (Yangon)
Myanmar is possibly one of the least discovered countries in South East Asia. Enjoy the best of Myanmar on this incredible cultural journey - discover ancient temples and pagodas, visit prisitine lakes, observe wandering monks and be captivated by the most charming and hospitable Burmese people. This really is a trip of Highlights!.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,290 -
Royal Rose
East of Inya Lake, Royal Rose sells handbags and beautifully crafted women’s slippers, better than the kind sold in Bogyoke Aung San Market.
reviewed
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Seri Beauty and Health
After a long day slogging around the city what could be better than a massage? A professional centre with no dodgy side is Seri Beauty and Health.
reviewed
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Cycle Myanmar
11 days (Yangon)
Myanmar is possibly one of the least discovered countries in South East Asia. Enjoy the best of Myanmar as you cycle through the rural landscape - discover ancient temples and pagodas, visit prisitine lakes, observe wandering monks and be captivated by the most charming and hospitable Burmese people..
Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,190 -
Yangon and the Golden Rock
3 days (Yangon)
Myanmar is possibly one of the least discovered countries in South East Asia. Enjoy this short extension - discover ancient temples and pagodas, observe wandering pilgrims and climb one of Myanmar's most sacred sites. While all the time be captivated by the most charming and hospitable Burmese people..
Not LP reviewed
from USD$590
