Yangon

Yangon streets by friskodude

Yangon, the most multiethnic and cosmopolitan city in Myanmar is the main gateway to the country. Despite being the commercial capital of Myanmar, Yangon is a city engulfed by it’s rich history and culture, an integration of ancient traditions and spiritual heritage. The stunning Shwedagon Pagoda is the centerpiece of Yangon city, which itself is famous for the best British colonial era architecture.

Shwedagon Pagoda at night by simonsanthane

The history of Yangon is intertwined with the history of the Shwedagon Pagoda, which reaches back to the days of the Enlightenment of Gaudama Buddha – the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda is also one the main reason why visitors ended up in Myanmar. The glory of the Shwedagon comes not from it’s material wealth but rather from it’s 100 pavilions and shrines of traditional architectures clustered on it’s platform and the reverence of the devotees. Throughout Myanmar’s history, many kings and queens had donated pure gold equivalent of their body weight in to the great golden pyramid.

Shwedagon Pagoda by ntempini

The lower stupa is plated with 8,688 solid gold bars, an upper part with another 13,153. The tip of the stupa, far too high for the human eye to discern in any detail, is set with 5448 diamonds, 2317 rubies, sapphires, and other gems, 1065 golden bells and, at the very top, a single 76-carat diamond.

Getting Around

Transportation in Yangon is generally efficient, served with public buses, circular train services, ferry boats, and the city taxis (which you probably might be using mainly) – do remember to bargain on the taxi price before boarding. Many of Yangon’s top sights can be easily reached from the Shwedagon Pagoda, such as Botataung Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Chauk-htat-kyi Pagoda, Mae Lamu Pagoda and the National Museum.

God light by leprecon

Where to Shop

The 70+ yr old Bogyoke Aung San zei, which is well known for it’s variety of handicrafts is not to be missed if shopping is on your list. Shopping at the markets (zei) can be fun, educational and a chance to interact with the locals. Theingyi Zei is the biggest market in Yangon, good for locals who finds Bogyoke Aung San zei a little too pricey.

Where & What to Eat

Yangon street food by tianyake

Feeling hungry?! Be sure not to miss having a dinner bite at Chinatown (19th St between Mahabandoola and Anawratha Rds ) famous for it’s street food.

You probably spend a good amount of time in Schwedagon Pagoda, and the rest of the Yangon’s top sights can be seen in a rush on an overnight stay, but you’ll need at least 2 days to do them justice. You can get the most out of Yangon in a week stay, do some shopping and even enjoy an excursion out of Yangon.

Welcome to Yangon, one of the most exotic and striking cities in the Southeast Asia.