Things To Do
in Rangoon
Yangon, historically Rangoon, is Myanmar’s largest city and a former royal capital whose skyline blends gilded pagodas with colonial-era architecture. The city thrives on bustling markets, riverfront promenades, and a lively cafe culture that reveals a transitional, cosmopolitan edge. The Shwedagon Pagoda dominates the religious and cultural landscape, serving as a timeless beacon for locals and visitors alike.
Yangon offers a rich tapestry of tradition, arts, and everyday life, all set against a warm, humid tropical climate that invites exploration by day and by night.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Sule Pagoda, a landmark at the heart of the city. Wander through the bustling streets of downtown Yangon, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere and local life. Stop at a nearby tea shop to savor a traditional Burmese tea break with snacks.
Continue your exploration by visiting the National Museum of Myanmar, where you can learn about the country's rich history and culture. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll around Kandawgyi Lake, enjoying the serene views and lush greenery. Grab lunch at one of the local eateries and try a plate of Mohinga, a popular fish noodle soup.
As the sun sets, head to the Shwedagon Pagoda, where the golden stupa glimmers in the fading light. Experience a magical evening walk around the pagoda, observing local worshippers and the serene ambiance. End your day with dinner at a rooftop restaurant, enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline.
Start your day at Bogyoke Aung San Market, where you can explore a plethora of stalls selling traditional Burmese handicrafts and souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you browse through gemstones, textiles, and local art. Don’t forget to sample some local snacks from the market vendors.
After your shopping spree, take a guided tour of the nearby Colonial architecture, including the famous Yangon City Hall and the High Court. Stop for lunch at a local café, trying dishes like Laphet Thoke (tea leaf salad) that showcase the unique flavors of Burmese cuisine. Conclude your afternoon with a visit to the nearby Maha Bandula Park to relax and people-watch.
In the evening, join a cultural performance at the National Theatre of Yangon, where traditional music and dance are showcased. The vibrant performances will provide a deep insight into Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage. After the show, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant offering authentic Burmese cuisine, such as curry and rice.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $2-4 |
| 🧃Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $25-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and architecture
- Warm, friendly people
- Delicious street food and diverse cuisine
- Very affordable compared with many regional peers
- Air quality and humidity can be high
- Traffic congestion and uneven sidewalks
- Limited high-speed internet in some areas
- Markets can be crowded and chaotic
- "Mingalaba" - Hello
- "Chit thu zay par de" - Thank you
- "Kyaunt pa-de" - Please
- "Ee-bae-lay-bwar? (Where is the bathroom?)" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Rangoon
Visit one of these nice places.
A colossal gilded stupa that glows at sunrise and sunset; spectacular exterior shots and quiet moments inside the surrounding complex.
A central, octagonal structure framed by busy streets and colonial-era architecture.
Water reflections, skyline silhouettes, and the iconic royal barges offer varied compositions.
Tree-lined avenues and preserved colonial buildings along the Yangon River provide classic architectural photography.
A massive reclining Buddha with calm interior lighting; good for interior photography.
Boats and market life along the river at dusk create vibrant, dynamic scenes.
Food in Rangoon
Rangoon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Iconic fish-noodle soup commonly eaten for breakfast; best from street stalls near the riverside.
Must-Try!
Fermented tea leaf salad with crunchy nuts and seeds; a quintessential Burmese starter.
Soft tofu served in light curry with vegetables; common in Shan-influenced eateries.
Coconut-based chicken noodle soup with curry notes and chickpeas.
Hearty curry served with rice and an array of condiments.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A classic market for handicrafts, fabrics, jewelry, and Burmese snacks; great for a cultural browse and snacks.
Street-side stalls offering fried dumplings, mohinga variations, sesame sweets, fresh fruit shakes, and more.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Modest dress is requested at religious sites (shoulders and knees covered); remove shoes before entering pagodas; avoid pointing feet at sacred objects.
Show respect to monks; women should avoid direct physical contact with monks and handing money directly to them.
Ask permission before photographing people; be mindful of crowds and religious spaces, and remove hats in sacred areas.
Safety
Tipping in Rangoon
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping 5-10% is common when service charges are not included; some places may add a service charge; check the bill.
Cash (kyat) is widely used; credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and upscale restaurants; ATMs are available but may have withdrawal limits; USD is sometimes used in tourist-focused areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool, comfortable days with clearer skies; ideal for temple visits and walking tours.
Hot and humid, with temperatures often in the 30s°C; hydrate and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Frequent heavy showers; plan for indoor attractions and bring rain gear; landscapes are lush and photography can benefit from soft, diffused light.
Rangoon at Night
Hiking in Rangoon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate nature walks around the reservoir; good birdwatching and short day hikes in the dry season.
Airports
How to reach Rangoon by plane.
Main international gateway to the city; transfer to the city center by taxi or ride-hailing; usually 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group; Yangon is home to diverse minority communities including Chinese Burmese and Indian Burmese.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed and played in parks; local matches are occasionally visible in public spaces.
Traditional martial art with cultural significance; events occur in gyms and occasionally larger venues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rangoon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Yangon restaurants offer vegetarian curries and tofu-based dishes; request no fish sauce or meat stock, and look for Lahpet Thoke and vegetable curries.