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Top 8 Things to Do in Yangon - Authentic Local Experience

Top 8 Things to Do in Yangon - Authentic Local Experience

By Wendy Updated Oct. 26, 2022

During the colonial period, Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, was known as “the garden city of the East”. In recent years it has become a popular tourist attraction, with its unique vitality and special blend of traditional and modern architecture.

If you are still wondering what you should do when you visit the city, below is a list of the 8 top things.

Appreciate Buddhist Art and Culture

During the long process of development, the people of Myanmar formed their own unique religious beliefs. They built many Buddhist pagodas all round the country, to show their devotion. Yangon, the former capital, has lots of famous pagodas.

Shwedagon Pagoda is the most famous religious site in Myanmar. According to legend, it is the oldest pagoda in the world. It’s covered with genuine gold plates. Touring the magnificent pagoda, appreciating Myanmar’s Buddhist art and culture, you may experience a special peace.

Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple houses one of the most revered reclining Buddhas in the country. On entering the temple, you’ll be stunned by the image, with its lifelike eyes and serene smile. Some paintings on the wall tell the story of the “Life of Buddha”, offering you a good opportunity to learn more about Buddhism.

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Admire the Beauty of Western Architecture

Yangon is known for its diverse religious architecture, of which Saint Mary's Cathedral is a good example.

The cathedral really stands out in the heart of the city, with its red-brick exterior, stained glass windows and white spires rising above neighboring buildings. Inside, the church is colorfully decorated. Sitting on a bench there, imbibing the quiet atmosphere, will be a perfect way for you to relax.

Observe Burmese Culture

Kandawyi Park, one of two major parks in Yangon, is really popular among local people. It’s a fine spot for observing local culture, with lots of shady places and beautiful scenery.

As night falls, you can enjoy the cultural performance in Karaweik Palace, on the eastern shore of Kandawyi Lake. A buffet meal is served, with different kinds of tasty food. Spend some leisure time there and you’ll not regret it!

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Stroll Alongside Inya Lake

If you want to escape from the crowded downtown, Inya Lake is right there waiting for you. It is endowed with clear water and a variety of flowers and greenery. Taking a boat round the lake in the morning, you can enjoy a special tranquility and get to learn more about the daily lives of Burmese fishermen.

As evening comes, a stroll alongside the lake watching the breathtaking sunset may make your day. In addition, there is a tower there, affording a great view of Yangon.

Have a Taste of Authentic Local Life

Bogyoke Aung San Market is in the center of Yangon, a half-hour walk from Shwedagon Pagoda. It’s a great place if you are looking for souvenirs or local food. It offers different kinds of Myanmar-style articles: including wooden handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, paintings and traditional dress.

China Town, a vibrant night market in Yangon, has lots of restaurants offering a wide variety of food. Stalls are lined up along the main street, selling fresh seasonal fruit, grilled meat and other snacks, and the prices are quite good. China Town will be a source of much satisfaction, as you walk along exploring the lively local culture!

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Enjoy Exhibits at the National Museum

Have you ever wanted to learn more about Burmese art, history and culture? Then go and visit the National Museum in Yangon! Thousands of ornaments, paintings memorabilia and ancient artifacts are displayed in the five-story museum, offering a general oversight of the country.

Honor the Legacy of War

As the saying goes, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”. The Taukkyan War Cemetery aims to remind people of the horrors of war, in the hope they will not be condemned to repeat the experience.

The cemetery was built to commemorate those soldiers who gave their lives in Burma during World War II. It’s well designed and well maintained, one of the most visited war-sites in all of Asia, even though it takes an hour to get there from Yangon.

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Relax at Ngwesaung Beach

If you want to crash out and relax after a few days’ stressful travel, Ngwesaung Beach might be your number one choice.

Ever since it was developed in 2000, it has been one of the most popular laid-back low-budget places, with its beautiful long silvery strand. There are some small islands offshore, surrounded by clear water, where you can snorkel among cute little tropical fish.

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