An exotic Southeast Asian city with popular religious sites, refreshing parks, affordable shopping, and colonial architecture, Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, used to be the capital of Myanmar (Burma), but had to give up its position to Naypyidaw. Yangon is still the biggest and most popular travel destination in Myanmar. However, due to Myanmar's political situation and the destruction caused by the cyclone Nargis in 2008, the treasures of Yangon will stay out of touch to most tourists for some time.
Nature attractions. Apart from the several religious monuments in Yangon and from its old colonial architecture dominating the city center, Yangon attracts visitors also with its green side. There are several refreshing parks with fountains and artificial lakes, and with blooming rose gardens inside the city. Yangon is one of the least polluted big cities of Asia, making it enjoyable for walking. There is a wildlife park in Yangon with the best collection of Myanmar's wild animals. This popular park is the place to go if you want to see dancing snakes and playing elephants. After a fascinating trip to the zoo, you can continue with for example shopping in Yangon or visiting some of the museums in Yangon, before diving into the inviting nightlife of Yangon.
Circular train for touring. If you want to see the surroundings of the city, a ride in the circular train line of Yangon might be a good idea. This three hour long train ride shows you the best of Yangon, in addition to which you will also get to see a glimpse of the countryside surrounding this Southern Burmese city.
From religious monuments to green parks: Yangon's Attractions
Dominating the skyline of Yangon, the 98 meters tall Shwedagon Pagoda is the most fascinating sight in the city, as well as a religious tourism magnet of great importance. Reaching the sky with its golden tap, this massive old Buddhist temple is standing on a secret ground and has an interesting history behind its suspected 2,500 years of age. It is a magical monument which is said to have secret spiritual powers, which is why many people coming to see Shwedagon Pagoda spend hours sitting beside it, enjoying the spirit of the place.Nature attractions. Apart from the several religious monuments in Yangon and from its old colonial architecture dominating the city center, Yangon attracts visitors also with its green side. There are several refreshing parks with fountains and artificial lakes, and with blooming rose gardens inside the city. Yangon is one of the least polluted big cities of Asia, making it enjoyable for walking. There is a wildlife park in Yangon with the best collection of Myanmar's wild animals. This popular park is the place to go if you want to see dancing snakes and playing elephants. After a fascinating trip to the zoo, you can continue with for example shopping in Yangon or visiting some of the museums in Yangon, before diving into the inviting nightlife of Yangon.
Bago temples and Mount Popa: Attractions away from the city
In addition to interesting sites within Yangon's city area, this city in Southern Myanmar along the Irrawaddy River is a good starting point for tours to famous sights such as Bago, an amazing complex of temples and a religious site of great importance. Another suitable day-trip destination around Yangon is the ancient volcanic peak of Mount Popa, which in addition to great views and spiritually interesting atmosphere offers also monasteries and pagodas for tourists to admire.Circular train for touring. If you want to see the surroundings of the city, a ride in the circular train line of Yangon might be a good idea. This three hour long train ride shows you the best of Yangon, in addition to which you will also get to see a glimpse of the countryside surrounding this Southern Burmese city.
Photo: antwerpenR, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Practical information for your stay in Yangon
Weather of Yangon is hot with steady 30-35 degrees Celsius high temperatures available all year round. Rainy season in Yangon lasts from June to October and usually contains periods of heavy rain. Sometimes also natural disasters such as typhoons cause problems in Yangon. This happened in May 2008, when typhoon Nargis caused big destruction in the city. Overall, the best time to visit Yangon is directly after the rainy period when it is dry, but the heat is not yet at its worst.How to get there. Flights to Yangon are best available in major Asian airports, and the city is also reachable by train from inside Myanmar. However, as public traffic in Myanmar is not one of the most efficient in the world, and as there are restrictions for foreign travel in the country, be prepared with patience when traveling to Yangon by public transport. Taxis are the most popular way of moving around inside the city. Rental cars in Yangon are not available, as they are not permitted to foreigners in Myanmar. Local buses are available, but might be wise to avoid due to the very chaotic and crowded conditions of a bus-ride in Yangon.
Visitor services. Hotels in Yangon, as well as restaurants in Yangon offer you plenty of choices. Many educated Burmese people speak some English. Although Myanmar is not one of the safest places on earth, safety situation in Yangon is generally good. To maximize your safety, avoid public events, don't make comments on local politics or authorities, and never photograph a person wearing a uniform.
