by Thettin684 (cropped image) / [CC BY-SA 3.0
Myanmar’s Cultural and Economic Heart and Home to the Iconic Shwedagon Pagoda
Table of Contents
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 
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).

by Dharma / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Kandawgyi Lake 6 
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.

by Chris H Munro / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple 6 
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.

by madras91 / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Botataung Pagoda 6 
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.

by Jasoneppink / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Karaweik Hall 5 
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.

by Ralf-André Lettau / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Independent Monument in the Maha Bandula Park 5 
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.

by Auchwaswisser / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Yangon Ministers' Building 5 
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.

by Marcin Konsek / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Sule Pagoda 5 
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.

by Maungthargi / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Chinatown 4 
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.

by Marcin Konsek / CC BY-SA 2.5
#10 | National Museum 4 
The National Museum in Yangon houses Myanmar’s most prized cultural artifacts, including the Lion Throne of King Thibaw, the last monarch of Burma.

by Phyo WP / CC BY-SA 4.0
C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Yangon
#11 | Maha Wizaya Pagoda 4 
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.

by Stefan Fussan / CC BY-SA 3.0
#12 | Swe Taw Myat Pagoda 4 
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.

by ခင်မောင်မောင်လွင် / CC BY-SA 4.0
– Downtown 4 
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.

by Vyacheslav Argenberg / CC BY-SA 4.0
– Taukkyan War Cemetery (Taukkyan War Memorial) 4 
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.

by RegentsPark / CC BY-SA 3.0
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Yangon
Golden Rock 7 
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 
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: