Joanna James
Yangon is the old capital of the country as well as its most populous city and financial hub. It will be your first stop on your visit to Myanmar and will no doubt impress. There are many activities and things to see in Yangon and here are few that top the list.
You haven't been to Yangon if you haven't seen this world-famous pagoda which still shines resplendent in gold nearly 2600 years after being constructed. It is one of the most famous sights in the city and is nothing short of stunning. It is close by to most of the famous 5-star hotels in Yangon including the well renowned PARKROYAL Yangon and should probably be your first stop on the first day of your trip.
This 120-year-old building is an iconic feature of the city and sits right in its heart. The historic venue was the setting for a shooting in 1947 that killed 6 cabinet ministers and General Aung San. The building is being renovated but certain areas are open for the public to visit.
This two-storey colonial-style house once was home to one of Myanmar's most-celebrated diplomats: U Thant. He is most remembered for the role he played to diffuse the Cuba missile crisis during his tenure as Third Secretary-General of the UN. The house has been renovated to serve as a museum in his honour.
Yangon has many colonial buildings still left standing and in use that serve as a reminder of a history steeped in conflict. Many guided tours are available to see the downtown area where the most iconic buildings are situated.
The National Museum of Myanmar has been open since 1954 and houses amazing art, artefacts and memorabilia that give ode to the nation's rich history. The museum has 14 galleries and the entrance is only around $5 for tourists.
This is a recent introduction to the city but offers an amazing tour around the city while offering up some of the best views Yangon has. The trip is worthwhile and costs only 1200kyat for tourists.
This war cemetery was built to honour allied soldiers who lost their lives during World War 1 and World War 2. It was constructed in 1951. It is beautifully maintained and is a place for calm reflection of the monstrosity that is war. Graves from 4 battlefield cemeteries including Mandalay, Akyab, Meiktila, Bahmaw were transferred here. The cemetery is about one hour's drive outside the city.
Explore the food and the life of the locals, spend an evening walking through Chinatown sampling the amazing street food and chatting with the friendly locals. 19th street is a great place to grab a drink as it has many pubs and it's also a great place to catch a glimpse of the city's nightlife. Boyar Nyunt street is not too far from Chinatown and offers a bit more upscale assortment of restaurant and pubs for you to pick from.
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