During the colonial period, Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, was known as “the garden city of the East”. In recent years it has become a popular tourist attraction, with its unique vitality and special blend of traditional and modern architecture.
If you are still wondering what you should do when you visit the city, below is a list of the 8 top things.
Appreciate Buddhist Art and Culture
During the long process of development, the people of Myanmar formed their own unique religious beliefs. They built many Buddhist pagodas all round the country, to show their devotion. Yangon, the former capital, has lots of famous pagodas.
Shwedagon Pagoda is the most famous religious site in Myanmar. According to legend, it is the oldest pagoda in the world. It’s covered with genuine gold plates. Touring the magnificent pagoda, appreciating Myanmar’s Buddhist art and culture, you may experience a special peace.
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple houses one of the most revered reclining Buddhas in the country. On entering the temple, you’ll be stunned by the image, with its lifelike eyes and serene smile. Some paintings on the wall tell the story of the “Life of Buddha”, offering you a good opportunity to learn more about Buddhism.
What Our Customers Said
Excellent planned and executed Myanmar excursion
Asia Highlights and their local Myanmar partner "mAsia" did an excellent job in planning and execution of a one week trip to Myanmar.The various tour guides and drivers had good knowledge and good command over English.
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Gerd, Jan 2018
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Excellent planned and executed Myanmar excursion
They never failed to be at the agreed locations and on time. Cars provided spacious and in very good condition. Hotels booked met our expectations - especially Yangon, Bagan, Lake Inle.
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Gerd, Jan 2018
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In good hands with Sam
Sam Ol took very good care of us - lots of information, listened to and answered all our questions, was passionate about the places we visited and about his people and country. He was kind, had a great sense of humor, and made sure we felt safe and comfortable at all times. He helped us to fall in love with Cambodia in 3 short days.
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Carol Jones, Feb 2023
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Best tour guide in Cambodia
When we first arrived at the airport in Siem Riep it was so nice to be greeted by Mr Sam Ol. We instantly fell at home when we saw his friendly smile. We were impressed by his great English and knowledge of the temples. On the tour to the temples Sam took care of us every step of the way. He took awesome pictures of us. It felt like we were on a tour given by our brother who is also a professional photographer. Also, we appreciate his humor as well as the fact he had an answer for every question we had. I give Sam 5 stars, best tour guide ever :)
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Len S, Feb 2023
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Mr. Sam
Mr. Sam our guide in Cambodia, he and the driver out standing service they went above and beyond touring, my wife so amazed beautiful country, we're planning back here near the futures. Thank Mr. Sam,We'll feedback the whole trip next week when we be home in US
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Pho Lover, Feb 2023
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Vietnam/Cambodia/Thailand
We are still in the middle of our trip, but we are just finishing up our time in Cambodia and our guide, Borin, has been AMAZING!!! He has truly made our time here unforgettable and I plan on referring all of my friends and family to come visit this beautiful country! Thank you, Borin, for everything you did to make our trip so fantastic!
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Danielle Blount, Feb 2023
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Excellent service and Wonderful Guides
All of our guides have been terrific. Mr. Sam in Siem Reip was especially wonderful. Both he and our driver were polite, safe knowledgable and informative. Sam made our trip memorable and enioyable. We will definitely recommend Sam and Asia Highlights to our friends.
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Kaaren, Feb 2023
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Great tour guide Charity at Siem Reap
Our experience in Siem Reap could not have been any better thanks to our outstanding and cheerful guide, Charity. Her very good English speaking made it so easy to learn so much from her. She understood and answers all of our questions.She was relaxed and very knowledgeable. She went out out her way to help us make amazing pano photos of the cotton trees at Siem Reap and on our sunset cruise. She also advised us on Chanrey Tree restaurant—what we found to be the very best vegan restaurant on our first three weeks of our Asia tour. So glad to have vegan meals with very little oil!!! We are not supposed to have oil and is very hard to find vegan with no oil. Went went back the next night.
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Barbara Cornyn, Jan 2023
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Admire the Beauty of Western Architecture
Yangon is known for its diverse religious architecture, of which Saint Mary's Cathedral is a good example.
The cathedral really stands out in the heart of the city, with its red-brick exterior, stained glass windows and white spires rising above neighboring buildings. Inside, the church is colorfully decorated. Sitting on a bench there, imbibing the quiet atmosphere, will be a perfect way for you to relax.
Observe Burmese Culture
Kandawyi Park, one of two major parks in Yangon, is really popular among local people. It’s a fine spot for observing local culture, with lots of shady places and beautiful scenery.
As night falls, you can enjoy the cultural performance in Karaweik Palace, on the eastern shore of Kandawyi Lake. A buffet meal is served, with different kinds of tasty food. Spend some leisure time there and you’ll not regret it!
Recommended Itinerary
Stroll Alongside Inya Lake
If you want to escape from the crowded downtown, Inya Lake is right there waiting for you. It is endowed with clear water and a variety of flowers and greenery. Taking a boat round the lake in the morning, you can enjoy a special tranquility and get to learn more about the daily lives of Burmese fishermen.
As evening comes, a stroll alongside the lake watching the breathtaking sunset may make your day. In addition, there is a tower there, affording a great view of Yangon.
Have a Taste of Authentic Local Life
Bogyoke Aung San Market is in the center of Yangon, a half-hour walk from Shwedagon Pagoda. It’s a great place if you are looking for souvenirs or local food. It offers different kinds of Myanmar-style articles: including wooden handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, paintings and traditional dress.
China Town, a vibrant night market in Yangon, has lots of restaurants offering a wide variety of food. Stalls are lined up along the main street, selling fresh seasonal fruit, grilled meat and other snacks, and the prices are quite good. China Town will be a source of much satisfaction, as you walk along exploring the lively local culture!
Recommended Itinerary
Enjoy Exhibits at the National Museum
Have you ever wanted to learn more about Burmese art, history and culture? Then go and visit the National Museum in Yangon! Thousands of ornaments, paintings memorabilia and ancient artifacts are displayed in the five-story museum, offering a general oversight of the country.
Honor the Legacy of War
As the saying goes, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”. The Taukkyan War Cemetery aims to remind people of the horrors of war, in the hope they will not be condemned to repeat the experience.
The cemetery was built to commemorate those soldiers who gave their lives in Burma during World War II. It’s well designed and well maintained, one of the most visited war-sites in all of Asia, even though it takes an hour to get there from Yangon.
Recommended Itinerary
Relax at Ngwesaung Beach
If you want to crash out and relax after a few days’ stressful travel, Ngwesaung Beach might be your number one choice.
Ever since it was developed in 2000, it has been one of the most popular laid-back low-budget places, with its beautiful long silvery strand. There are some small islands offshore, surrounded by clear water, where you can snorkel among cute little tropical fish.
Visit Myanmar with Asia Highlights
We provide tailor-made tours to Myanmar. Tours typically start or end in Yangon or Mandalay and last approximately 9 days; visiting Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake.
You might like to read
Top 8 Things to Do in Myanmar
Best Time to Visit Myanmar
Plan a First-time Trip to Myanmar
Top 9 Attractions in Bagan
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