Yangon
Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery
Overview
Yangon (ရန္ကုန္), Myanmar's largest city, is by far the most exciting place in the country to be right now, as former political exiles, Asian investors and foreign adventurers flock in. As Myanmar's commercial and artistic hub, it's Yangon that most reflects the changes that have occurred since the country reopened to the world. There's a rash of new restaurants, bars and shops. And there are building sites – and traffic jams – everywhere.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Yangon
One of Buddhism's most sacred sites, the 326ft zedi (stupa) here is adorned with 27 metric tons of gold leaf, along with thousands of diamonds and other…
Yangon
Also known as Royal Lake, this artificial lake built by the British as a reservoir is most attractive at sunset, when the glittering Shwedagon Paya is…
Yangon
Even though the museum's collection is poorly labelled and often badly lit, the treasures that lie within this cavernous building deserve a viewing. The…
Yangon
Housed in a large metal-roofed shed, this beautiful 215ft-long reclining buddha is larger than a similar and better-known image in Bago. The statue's…
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Yangon
After many years of being off limits, this spectacular red-brick complex, which takes up a 16-acre block and was once the British seat of government for…
Yangon
One of Yangon's, if not Myanmar's, most gorgeous buddha images is this 46ft-tall one at the Ngahtatgyi Paya, sitting in calm gold-and-white repose and…
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Yangon
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…
Yangon
Botataung’s spacious riverfront location and lack of crowds give it a more down-to-earth spiritual feeling than Shwedagon. Its most original feature is…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Free Things to Do
From lakeside rambling to touring a disused glass factory, here are seven superb things to do in Yangon that are completely free of charge.
Read articleDay Trips
From huge Buddha statues to beach resorts and river pagodas, there's plenty to see beyond Myanmar's biggest city. Here are the best day trips from Yangon.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from Yangon
Activities
The 6 best day trips from Yangon: Buddhist treasures, ancient cities, and sacred snakesMar 24, 2022 • 6 min read
- ArtMarkets, galleries and late-night spectacles: the best free things to do in Yangon
Feb 11, 2022 • 5 min read
ArtEven the locals don't recognise Yangon's back alleys after this makeoverOct 29, 2019 • 2 min read
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