Yangon
Yangon's most storied hotel underwent a major head-to-toe renovation in 2016, upgrading the building's 32 suites with new air-conditioning, sound and communications systems, as well as a dash of contemporary styling in the decor. Also new are a great outdoor pool, spa and gym.
If not staying here, visit for a drink in Sarkies Bar, high tea in the lobby lounge (US$18 to US$20, 2.30pm to 5pm) or a splurge lunch or dinner at the cafe.
2.15 MILES
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…
1.88 MILES
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…
2.88 MILES
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…
0.45 MILES
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…
2.76 MILES
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…
7.86 MILES
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…
1.76 MILES
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…
0.42 MILES
Not many cities have a primary traffic circle occupied by a 2200-year-old golden temple. This 46m zedi (stupa), said to be older than Shwedagon Paya, is…
0.07 MILES
This grand building is a landmark on the Strand with its striking square corner tower and bas-relief sculptures of ships on the facade. For a brief time…
0.08 MILES
The small gallery of historic photographs here gives an idea of how downtown Yangon used to look. There's a great view of lower Pansodan St's grand…
0.09 MILES
This ailing, pastel-coloured building is one of the oldest masonry structures in Yangon, dating from around 1900. Its original use was as the Currency…
4. Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank
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This 1930s building designed by Thomas Oliphant Forster and Basil Ward is one of Pansodan St's grandest buildings. It originally housed the National Bank…
5. Inland Waterways Department
0.11 MILES
This building was once the headquarters of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company and has weathered the passage of time well. Cross the road to admire its upper…
0.14 MILES
The red-brick Customs House, built between 1912 and 1916 and designed by John Begg, one the Raj's principal architects, is still functioning for its…
0.15 MILES
In desperate need of love and attention, this crumbling Italianate building, constructed by the Jewish-Baghdadi trader Isaac A Sofaer, still has original…
0.15 MILES
Around 250 workers were trained in new skills for the sensitive restoration in 2016 of this two-storey colonial-era building, home to 80 residents from 12…