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Yangon
Yangon (ရန္ကုန္), Myanmar's largest city, is by far the most exciting place in the country to be right now, as former political exiles, Asian investors and foreign adventurers flock in. As Myanmar's commercial and artistic hub, it's Yangon that most reflects the changes that have occurred since the country reopened to the world. There's a rash of new restaurants, bars and shops. And there are building sites – and traffic jams – everywhere.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Yangon
One of Buddhism's most sacred sites, the 326ft zedi (stupa) here is adorned with 27 metric tons of gold leaf, along with thousands of diamonds and other…
Yangon
Even though the museum's collection is poorly labelled and often badly lit, the treasures that lie within this cavernous building deserve a viewing. The…
Yangon
Housed in a large metal-roofed shed, this beautiful 215ft-long reclining buddha is larger than a similar and better-known image in Bago. The statue's…
Yangon
After many years of being off limits, this spectacular red-brick complex, which takes up a 16-acre block and was once the British seat of government for…
Yangon
One of Yangon's, if not Myanmar's, most gorgeous buddha images is this 46ft-tall one at the Ngahtatgyi Paya, sitting in calm gold-and-white repose and…
Yangon
Situated next to the Nga Moe Yeik creek, this Disneyland-ish pagoda is a hoot. Larger-than-life 3D stucco depictions of the Buddha's life and practice…
Yangon
Also known as Royal Lake, this artificial lake built by the British as a reservoir is most attractive at sunset, when the glittering Shwedagon Paya is…
Yangon
Not many cities have a primary traffic circle occupied by a 2200-year-old golden temple. This 46m zedi (stupa), said to be older than Shwedagon Paya, is…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Markets, galleries and late-night spectacles: the best free things to do in Yangon
Curated by Dominic Horner
Yangon
Botataung’s spacious riverfront location and lack of crowds give it a more down-to-earth spiritual feeling than Shwedagon. Its most original feature is…
Yangon
Although the buffet meal served here is universally slated, the stage inside this concrete replica of a Burmese royal barge is the only place in Yangon…
Yangon
Cleaning up in the Instagram stakes is this rainbow-bright and roomy art cafe where hand-painted bamboo platters and papier mâché masks (all for sale)…
Yangon
While its sister business, the floating hotel Vintage Luxury Yacht, is no great shakes, there's little to fault V Hangout as a pleasant riverside bar –…
Yangon
In operation from 1957 until 2008, when Cyclone Nargis destroyed its production facilities, this former factory still has an enormous stock of glass in…
Yangon
This small club, beneath Roof Alchemy, is currently one of Yangon's most progressive dance spots hosting DJs playing techno, EDM and hip-hop. Admission…
Yangon
This loft-like gallery has a variety of Myanmar contemporary and antique art, the latter including some unique antique prints, advertisements and photos…
Yangon
Inya Lake, created by the British as a reservoir in 1883, is Yangon's largest artificial body of water. The best spots from which to view the lake are the…
Yangon
Twelve miles north of Yangon’s airport is this beautifully maintained cemetery, containing the graves of 6374 Allied soldiers who died in the Burma and…
Yangon
The raw hustle and bustle of Yangon's wholesale fish market is compulsively fascinating. It's a heady assault on the senses – especially that of smell –…
Yangon
Also known as Royal Lake, this artificial lake built by the British as a reservoir is most attractive at sunset, when the glittering Shwedagon Paya is…
Yangon
Several hours can easily be spent at this historic covered market, with over 2000 stalls selling everything from gold and diamond jewellery to tattoos. It…
Articles
Latest stories from Yangon
Activities
The 6 best day trips from Yangon: Buddhist treasures, ancient cities, and sacred snakesMar 24, 2022 • 6 min read
ArtMarkets, galleries and late-night spectacles: the best free things to do in YangonFeb 11, 2022 • 5 min read
ArtEven the locals don't recognise Yangon's back alleys after this makeoverOct 29, 2019 • 2 min read
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