by Thettin684 (cropped image) / [CC BY-SA 3.0

Myanmar’s Cultural and Economic Heart and Home to the Iconic Shwedagon Pagoda

A. About Yangon

Nickname: The Garden City of the East

Yangon, also known as Rangoon, is the largest city and former capital of Myanmar, situated at the confluence of the Yangon and Hlaing Rivers; it remains the country's primary commercial hub despite the capital's relocation to Naypyidaw in 2006.

Known for its colonial-era architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant street life, Yangon is home to the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, a golden stupa central to Myanmar's Buddhist traditions.

In addition to its bustling urban life, Yangon features natural attractions like Kandawgyi and Inya Lakes, providing serene escapes amidst the lively cityscape.


The Good

Yangon is very budget-friendly for travelers, offering low-cost accommodations, food, and transportation.

Additionally, Yangon has several impressive attractions, such as the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda and the colonial-era architecture in the city center.

Yangon is reasonably safe, though caution is advisable in certain situations.

Negative Aspects

Yangon’s transport system is underdeveloped, with heavy traffic, limited public transit options, and poorly maintained roads.

 


B. Best Things to Do in Yangon in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than forty sights in the Australian coastal city of Yangon. The following sights and attractions contribute to an impressive score of 6.45/10 in this most important category:

# Shwedagon Pagoda 8 4 out of 5 stars

The Shwedagon Pagoda, over 2,500 years old, is Myanmar's most sacred Buddhist site, believed to enshrine relics of four Buddhas.

Standing 99 meters tall and covered in gold leaf, its stupa glimmers under the sun and is crowned with a jewel-encrusted hti (umbrella).

Pagoda

by Dharma / CC BY-SA 2.0

# Kandawgyi Lake 6 3 out of 5 stars

Kandawgyi Lake is an artificial lake offering a serene escape in the heart of Yangon, surrounded by lush gardens and walking paths. Visitors enjoy stunning sunrise and sunset views of the lake, especially with the Shwedagon Pagoda reflected in its calm waters.

Lake

by Chris H Munro / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple 6 3 out of 5 stars

This temple houses one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Myanmar, measuring an impressive 66 meters long. The Buddha statue features intricate details, such as glass mosaic patterns on its feet and serene facial expressions.

Temple

by madras91 / CC BY-SA 2.0

 

# Botataung Pagoda 6 3 out of 5 stars

The Botataung Pagoda is unique for its hollow interior, allowing visitors to walk through golden corridors showcasing relics and sacred items. It is said to enshrine a strand of Buddha’s hair, making it a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Situated by the Yangon River, the pagoda offers scenic views and a glimpse into ancient Buddhist traditions.

Pagoda

by Jasoneppink / CC BY-SA 2.0

 

# Karaweik Hall 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Karaweik Hall is a striking barge-shaped structure on Kandawgyi Lake, designed to resemble a mythical bird from Burmese folklore. Built in the 1970s, it houses a restaurant and cultural center offering traditional dance performances and local cuisine.

Barge-shaped Structure

by Ralf-André Lettau  / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Independent Monument in the Maha Bandula Park 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Located at the center of Maha Bandula Park, this obelisk commemorates Myanmar’s independence from British rule in 1948. The park is surrounded by colonial-era architecture, including the City Hall and the Supreme Court, making it a historical and cultural hotspot.

Obelisk

by Auchwaswisser / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Yangon Ministers' Building 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Ministers' Building, or Secretariat, is a historic colonial-era structure that served as the administrative center under British rule. Currently under restoration, it occasionally opens for exhibitions and tours showcasing its significance in Myanmar’s history.

Colonial Building

by Marcin Konsek / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Sule Pagoda 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Sule Pagoda is a small yet significant golden stupa at the heart of Yangon, believed to be over 2,500 years old. The area is a bustling hub, surrounded by markets, offices, and historic landmarks.

Pagoda

by Maungthargi / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Chinatown 4 2 out of 5 stars

Yangon’s Chinatown is a lively district offering an eclectic mix of street food, cultural experiences, and festive celebrations. The famous 19th Street is a must-visit spot for barbeque, drinks, and lively evening scenes.

City District

by Marcin Konsek / CC BY-SA 2.5

 

#10 | National Museum 4 2 out of 5 stars

The National Museum in Yangon houses Myanmar’s most prized cultural artifacts, including the Lion Throne of King Thibaw, the last monarch of Burma.

National Museum

by Phyo WP / CC BY-SA 4.0   

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌎 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Yangon

#11 | Maha Wizaya Pagoda  4 2 out of 5 stars

Maha Wizaya Pagoda is a modern Buddhist stupa built in 1980, blending traditional architecture with modern design. Its interior features murals and a dome representing the Buddhist cosmos, enhancing its spiritual ambiance.

Pagoda

by Stefan Fussan / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

#12 | Swe Taw Myat Pagoda 4 2 out of 5 stars

Swe Taw Myat Pagoda, also known as the Buddha Tooth Relic Pagoda, is a stunning white and gold structure housing a sacred replica of Buddha’s tooth relic.

Pagoda

by ခင်မောင်မောင်လွင် / CC BY-SA 4.0

– Downtown 4 2 out of 5 stars

Downtown Yangon is a vibrant hub filled with colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, and a mix of cultural and historical landmarks. The area features iconic sites like Sule Pagoda, Chinatown, and the historic Yangon City Hall.

City District

by Vyacheslav Argenberg / CC BY-SA 4.0

– Taukkyan War Cemetery (Taukkyan War Memorial) 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Taukkyan War Cemetery honors over 6,000 Allied soldiers who lost their lives during World War II in Burma. It features meticulously maintained graves, memorial plaques, and serene surroundings, offering a place for remembrance and reflection.

Cemetery

by RegentsPark / CC BY-SA 3.0

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Yangon

Golden Rock 7 3.5 out of 5 stars

Golden Rock, an iconic pilgrimage destination near Yangon, captivates with its gravity-defying golden boulder, steeped in Buddhist legends, and offers awe-inspiring mountain vistas and serene spiritual experiences. From Yangon, the journey takes approximately 5 hours to get to the Golden Rock.

Buddhist Pilgrimage Site Distance from Yangon: 200 km

by Ralf-André Lettau / CC BY-SA 2.5

 

Bago 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Bago is a historic city located about 80 kilometers northeast of Yangon, known for its rich cultural and religious heritage. Its highlights include the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, the tallest pagoda in Myanmar, and the Shwethalyaung Buddha, one of the most impressive reclining Buddha statues in the world.

City  Distance from Yangon: 80 km

by Hans A. Rosbach / CC BY-SA 3.0

E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Yangon (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Yangon for at least three entire days:

Shwedagon Pagoda 8 

Kandawgyi Lake 6 

Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple 6 

Botataung Pagoda 6 

Karaweik Hall 5 

Independent Monument 5

Ministers' Building 5

Sule Pagoda 5

Chinatown 4

National Museum 4