Sited on the highest hill in Yangon, Shwedagon dominates Yangon’s panorama and is the grandest and most famous pagoda in Myanmar. Droves of locals and tourists come here often to pray for luck and health. According to Myanmar’s historical chronicles, in 585BC, to Burmese merchant brothers, Tapussa and Bhallika went to trade in India and were fortunate enough to meet the Lord Buddha who gave them 8 hair relics. When they returned to Myanmar, several pagodas were built along the coastal way to welcome back the relics. These pagodas are known as San Daw Kyo Payamyar (Pagodas built as a token to welcome back hair relics). The King at the time, King Okkalapa himself also came out to welcome the relics. The Shwedagon was then built and the relics enshrined there. The top of the Pagoda is decorated with hundreds of diamonds, rubies, sapphires and other gemstones donated by Buddhist devotees.

Entrance Fee: USD$5.00 (for foreigners)
Getting There: Taxi from Yangon central costs USD$5.00

Remarks: No shoes or socks are allowed in the pagoda

 

Also known as Scott market, the Bogyoke Aung San Market has a laid back feel that is reminiscent of the old British colonial times. This is the main market in Yangon where one can find a myriad of local handicrafts, gemstones, food stuffs and more. Popular buys at Bogyoke market include paintings done by local artists (around USD$10-50), garmets (T-shirts, pants, silk, etc), handicrafts, antiques and of course gemstones (jade, rubies, emerald, sapphires). It is also advisable to get your gemstones authenticated by the nearby gemstone jeweller to ensure you do not buy fake gemstones. Other popular buys include wood and teak carvings, from majestic elephants to elaborate rose petal mirrors, prices are significantly cheaper compared to neighbouring Thailand.

Getting There: Taxi from Yangon central costs USD$2.00 – USD$4.00

Remarks: Most of the shops are closed on Monday and at 5.00pm everyday

 

Kandawgyi Lake is one of two major lakes in Yangon, Myanmar. Located east of the Shwedagon Pagoda, the lake is artificial; water from Inya Lake is channelled through a series of pipes to Kandawgyi Lake. The lake is approximately 5 miles (8 km) in circumference, and has a depth of 20 to 45 inches. The 150-acre (60.7-hectare) lake is surrounded by the 110-acre (44.5-hectare) Kandawgyi Nature Park, and the 69.25-acre (28-hectare) Yangon Zoological Gardens, which consists of a zoo, an aquarium and an amusement park. There are also several cheap eats within the park itself and is a popular haunt for dating couples and local Burmese.

The Karaweik is a famous icon along Kandawgyi Lake's shores.The lake itself is bounded by Natmauk Street to its north and east, Bahan Street to its west, and Kanyeiktha Street to its south. Along the eastern shorelines of the lake is the famous Karaweik Hall, a concrete replica of a Burmese royal barge built in 1972. It houses a buffet restaurant today which has a decent buffet spread and several entertaining performances including ancient Burmese puppetry and an Elephant dance.

 

Getting There: Taxi from Yangon central costs USD$2.00 – USD$4.00

Entrance Fee: Karaweik Dinner & Performance costs USD$15.00 per head

 

The National Museum was founded in 1952 and is the main museum for Burmese art, history and culture. This 5-storey building houses an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, ornaments, works of art, costumes, and historic memorabilia relating to the history, culture and civilization of the Burmese people. Especially interesting are the dozens of mannequins featuring the colourful clothing of the various Burmese ethnic groups and a collection of hairstyles from Burma’s past.

 

Entrance Fee: USD$5.00 (for foreigners)
Getting There: Taxi from Yangon central costs USD$2.00 – USD$4.00

 

Kyaiktiyo is a popular pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists. The pagoda is near the border town of Mae Sot on Kyaiktiyo Hill at an elevation of 1100m above sea level. The Kyaiktiyopagoda itself, a small 18 foot pagoda is built on a glided boulder about 25m in circumference on the Paung Laung ridge of the Eastern Yoma mountains. One must travel 175km from Yangon to Kinponsakhan, the base camp for the ascent up to this pagoda. From here, it is a 12km climb up to the top. There are more than 20 camps on the arduous climb up that provide ample space for hikers to rest and eat. Bamboo sedans are also available for hire.

 

Entrance Fee: USD$6.00 (for foreigners)
Getting There: A local tour from a travel agency costs from USD$200 for a day tour to USD$300 for a 2D1N program including accommodation and meals.