Top things to do

One of Buddhism's most sacred sites, the 325ft zedi (stupa) here is adorned with 27 metric tons of gold leaf, along with thousands of diamonds and other gems, and is believed to enshrine strands of the Gautama Buddh…

Based in a beautifully decorated mansion close to the north shore of Inya Lake, this fine-dining restaurant and catering training school is the best fine dining in Yangon for the price. No wonder the graduates go on…

This stylishly designed hipster teahouse is as popular with cashed-up locals as it is with travellers and expats. It serves traditional Burmese cuisine, locally inspired cocktails, and curries and biryanis. All the …

Housed in a large metal-roofed shed, this beautiful 215ft-long reclining buddha is hardly publicised at all, even though it's larger than a similar well-known image in Bago. The statue's placid face, with glass eyes…

Half a day could easily be spent wandering around this sprawling covered market, sometimes called by its old British name, Scott Market. It has more than 2000 shops and the largest selection of Myanmar handicrafts a…

Situated next to the Nga Moe Yeik creek, this Disneyland-ish pagoda is a hoot. Larger-than-life 3D stucco depictions of the Buddha's life and practice litter the compound. A giant crocodile houses a gallery displayi…

Book ahead for this utterly charming cultural experience by Htwe and his family who stage traditional puppet shows in their front living room. They've travelled the world and won awards for their shows, which last a…

Something of an institution now, Feel is a fine place to start discovering quality Burmese cuisine. There's a big choice of freshly made dishes on display – just go up to the counter and point out what you'd like. A…

There's a wonderful array of hill-tribe textiles at this long-running stall in Bogyoke Aung San Market. As well as weavings produced by the Karen and Kachin, you'll find colourful works of Chin State, such as blanke…

This stylish, justly popular restaurant and lounge bar is on the ground floor of the historic Sofaer building. It offers its own take on Japanese and Korean food, including yakitori (barbecue), ramen and spicy Korea…