Top Things to See
Yangon boasts quite a range of attractions of interest to visitors. There are pagodas in all parts of the city with the Shwedagon Pagoda a highlight and awesome spectacle. In addition, there are also numerous historical sites, lakes and island parks. Alongside the 3,000 years of history represented in buildings around Yangon, you’ll see some interesting newer structures in the modern areas of the capital.
 Bogyoke Aung San Park and Museum
This park, located on Natmauk road, is scenic in its own right, and also boasts a view of the lovely Kandawgyi Lake. Near Shwedagon and Mahavijaya pagodas, this park is popular with local families for fun and relaxation. You’ll find picnic areas, a playground and even a museum at the park. The museum was at one time the home of General Aung San and his wife, and dates to the 1920s. Phone: +95 1 5331448.
 Botahtaung Pagoda
The name of this pagoda means ‘a thousand military leaders,’ and the pagoda was named after those who escorted relics of the Buddha to this site from India in ancient times. The Botahtaung Pagoda is hollow, and as you walk around inside you’ll pass through a mirrored maze and see numerous glass cases that hold centuries-old artefacts and relics. Its golden spire rises more than 130ft above the pagoda.
 Chauk Htat Kyee Buddha
This reclining Buddha image, originally built in 1907, was eroded by weather conditions over the years, and rebuilt in 1966. It remains the largest Buddha image in the country. Other similar images, although smaller, are the Ngar Htat Kyee Buddha and the Koe Htat Kyee Buddha.
 Inya Lake
This lake is situated to the north of the centre of Yangon. Manmade Inya Lake is surrounded by a park that is popular with local couples, and is home to a number of small shops selling local art, handicrafts and other decorative items. The lake is also a favourite place for residents of this section of the city to watch the sun set.
 Kandawgyi Lake
This lake is not far from the city centre, and the park grounds around the lake are perfect for taking a stroll or having a picnic. There’s a trail following the edge of the lake, where many people can be found at sunset when the shimmering reflection of the Shwedagon Pagoda is enhanced by the spectacular colours of the sky as the sun goes down.
 Shwedagon Pagoda
This world-renowned pagoda towers over the city of Yangon, and can be seen for miles around. Widely considered one of the world’s wonders, Shwedagon is thought to have been constructed more than 2,500 years ago. Since that time it has been rebuilt a number of times, and it is likely that the stupa dates from 1796. Thousands of devotees visit the pagoda each day to perform religious rites to make merit.
 Sule Pagoda
Located at the heart of Yangon, the Sule Pagoda is reportedly more than 2,000 years old. Until around 200 years ago, the pagoda was encircled by water. The Mon name for the pagoda is Kyaik Athok, which means ‘the temple where a sacred hair relic is enshrined’, and it is believed that a hair from the Buddha is enshrined here. The pagoda stands at over 150ft tall. Although tours are not permitted, the architecture alone makes this site popular with photographers.
Top Things to Do
 Admire Myanmar wildlife at Hlawgar Wildlife Park. This enormous nature park is just a short drive from the centre of Yangon and where you’ll find more than 70 species of native animals and over 90 species of birds. Additionally, there are lovely lakes for fishing and boating, the banks of which make perfect spots for family picnics.
Get familiar with Yangon on a walking tour. One of the best ways to experience Yangon is to embark on a walking tour around the city. A popular place to start is in the centre at the Sule Paya, then head to City Hall. Near City Hall are the High Court building and the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Walking in a southerly direction along Pansodan road towards the Yangon River will take you to the historical Strand Hotel, a landmark dating to the British period. The hotel, a good stop for refreshments, has an interior worth seeing.
 Retreat to a meditation centre. Several meditation centres in Yangon accept foreign students and participants on their retreat programmes, including centres such as the Chanmyay Yeiktha Meditation Centre, International Meditation Centre and the Panditarama Meditation Centre. Visitors interested in joining a full programme of meditation training will require a special visa that allows a stay of up to 12 weeks.
 Ride the Circular Train. A ride on the Circular Train will give you a unique perspective on daily life in the city and the area around it. The station is a grand British colonial building that combines Burmese architectural style with functional Western elements. On the three-hour trip, you’ll see the scenery change from city to rural, and pass by ponds, villages and scenes of farm life.
 Soak up colonial splendour at Thanlyin (Syriam). Syriam is a town dating from the British colonial period that was built as a petroleum refining centre. Around a 30-minute drive from Yangon, this town has been a major port since the 14th century. In 1755 it was replaced by Yangon in importance, until the British focussed their efforts on Syriam and enhanced its status once again. Highlights for visitors here are the tombs of two famous 16th century Burmese poets, a Portuguese church from the 18th century and the 19th century Sacred Heart Church.
Take a trip on the Dallah Ferry. If you’d like to experience a ride on a local ferry, you can take a short trip on the Dallah Ferry. You’ll feel like you’re in the midst of a floating market, with all the goods on offer. Fresh watermelon is typically available, as are other fruits, cigarettes and cheroots, lots of local foods and trinkets of all sorts. You might combine the ferry ride with a daytrip to Thante, where you can visit the town and its main pagoda. The ferry jetty is situated across from the historic Strand Hotel.
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