Joanna James
One of Myanmar's most interesting cities Yangon has much to offer. Experience the excitement and fun with many things to do, see and of course, eat. This list is a good start to loads of fun in store.
Shwedagon is the country's most revered religious site and iconic attraction of Yangon. The golden chedi standing tall at a height of 99 metres is visible across the city glowing in the golden sunlight. It is in fact hard to look at when shimmering and dazzling under the sun's rays. A treasured pilgrimage site for Buddhist in Myanmar, the site is ideal for witnessing traditional religious rites. Rituals depending on the day of birth are performed around the chedi while tourists look through binoculars at the umbrella shaped covering on the top of the pagoda. This is to determine if the ornament is indeed encrusted with gems and jewels. The pagoda is open from 4 am to 10 pm and is easily reached via taxi from downtown Yangon.
Experience local life and savour delightful food by visiting one of the local fresh food markets. The market action is ideal for indulging in local favourites while experiencing and savouring the typical hustle and bustle that goes on there. You will find the Yangon Fresh food market is easily accessible from a well located hotel, Yangon City centre is home to.
Sule Pagoda over the years has been a prominent landmark in Yangon. Since all roads in the downtown city area eventually lead to this site, it is considered a city navigation landmark as well. Around the same area, you will see government offices as well as the centre for buses and road transportation. Having a long history the pagoda is also part of the county's recent political movements, as a site that many protest rallies and political meetings were held. The pagoda is open from 6 am to 8 pm and charges a small entrance fee.
A huge respite from the hustle and bustle of Yangon, beautiful Kandawgyi Park is an oasis of greenery. Ideal for relaxing and enjoying a good day; the park on the eastern edge is well serviced by a number of restaurants. Ideal to enjoy a meal and relaxing drink, there are varied restaurants to choose from. Head over to the lake boardwalk section; equipped an elevated platform where you can enjoy a refreshing walk and some exercise to expansive views across the lake; including Karawiek Palace, Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon and Shwedagon Pagoda.
This is an enormous 65 metre reclining Buddha statue. A standing Buddha stood in its place 50 years back, until it was toppled to be replaced by the existing reclining statue. Housed within a large metal hanger type warehouse the crown of the statue is studded with precious stones.
The museum itself is quite old and in need of refurbishment; however, the collection on display is sure to impress. Artefacts covering religious objects, cultural ornaments, artwork and relics belonging to various ethnicities are exhibited here.
The circular loop established in 1954 by the British runs a distance of 50kms with 39 stops in between. In total, the journey takes around 3 hours. This is an ideal experience for witnessing the cultural and traditional lifestyles of Yangon.
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