Best Places to Visit in Yangon – Culture and Heritage, Streaked With Greenery

A holiday in Myanmar without a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda? It’s unheard of! This beautiful creation is worth an hour or two of your time. With a history of 2,500 years, the Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the oldest religious monuments in the country. The importance of the site is down to the Buddhist relics it holds; some say that this is one of the places where you can find the hair relic of Buddha. Sitting atop a hill near a serene lake, the pagoda not only offers you a spiritual release but also brings you stunning scenery. With a height of 110 metres, the pagoda stands tall and proud amidst all the stunning scenery – the top of the pagoda is the best part; it’s adorned with gold and diamonds. Worried about transport? Well, you can relax; the pagoda is located just minutes from Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon, meaning you can get here easily.

Also known as Kandawgyi Nature Park, Kandawgyi Garden is a must-visit. The name of the garden, Kandawgyi, translates to ‘the great lake’. This is one of the favourite spots in the country; locals often come here to sit back and relax. The garden is quite spectacular and huge, spanning over 260 acres. In the middle of the garden is a serene lake, and surrounding the lake are trees that provide much-needed shade from the mid-day sun. You’ll discover some of the rare tropical flowers here. Whether you’re a family travelling together or a solo traveller, the garden offers something for everyone – there’s a play area for kids, and adults can indulge in some retail therapy at the many shops found here.

Get ready for a fantastic time at Waterboom! This is the first modern waterpark in the country. Packed with all sorts of rides and slides, the park caters to all ages. It's situated in Shu Khin Thar, ready to welcome families looking for excitement. Waterboom really takes fun and enjoyment to a whole new level, and it’s also an excellent venue for events and parties – be it a team get-together or a kid’s birthday party. Visiting Waterboom is one of the top things to do in Yangon, so don’t miss out!

Located close to the Thanlyin Bridge in Thaketa Township, National Races Village offers you a deeper insight into the diverse cultures of Myanmar. The village was created by the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs to celebrate the unity and diversity of Myanmar's people. Visiting the village is a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. The soothing breeze from the Bago River will be an excellent addition to your day. And the cultural diversity you can experience in the village is quite unlike any other experience in Myanmar.

Sitting right next to Shwedagon Pagoda, People’s Park is a green oasis in the heart of the city. The park spans over 135 acres, which makes it a huge expanse of greenery. The park started welcoming visitors in 1990. Since then, it has become a place where both locals and tourists come to unwind and relax at the end of the day. At the centre of the park is a beautiful water fountain surrounded by marbled pathways. If you’re a botanist, you’ll be amazed at the diversity of tree species you find at the park – over a thousand trees colour the park in various green hues, adding to the serenity of the park. Adjacent to the park is the sprawling 70-acre People’s Square, filled with blossoming flowers and lined with marble paths that lead to the stunning Shwedagon Pagoda. If you have more time, visit the museum.