How to Make the Most of Your Time In Yangon

I arrived in Yangon with high hopes and a ponytail but the stifling heat made it difficult to enjoy. I was there in April, just before monsoon season. A swell of heat had already engulfed the city, and heavy air pollution lurked above the skyline. Regardless, I was determined to make the most of my time in Yangon, the former capital city of Myanmar.

After only a few hours of wandering around the city, Yangon had piqued my curiosity. I was looking forward to discovering more of this mysterious city had to offer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SHWEDAGON PAGODA

It would be blasphemous to write about Yangon without mentioning the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda. Shwedagon Pagoda is considered to be the most sacred site in Myanmar. Perched on Singuttara Hill, the pagoda towers above all of Yangon, watching over its myriad of loyal devotees.

The main stupa is covered in sheets of pure gold-leaves. The tip of the stupa is encrusted with thousands of diamonds as well as other precious stones.

The huge pagoda is surrounded by smaller, less-intricate pagodas, and by 8 planetary posts each representing a day of the week. The Burmese religious weekly calendar has 8 days with Wednesday split into two days, namely a.m. and p.m..

Furthermore, each post is assigned an animal according to the Burmese zodiac signs, and each has a statue of Buddha. Devotees pray to Buddha and make wishes at the post representing the day they were born on. Part of the ritual includes kneeling and pouring water over the designated Buddha statue in the hopes he graciously makes their wishes and prayers come true.

WHICH DAY WERE YOU BORN ON?

Sunday = Garuda (bird/human creature)

Monday = Tiger

Tuesday = Lion

Wednesday a.m. = Tusked Elephant

Wednesday p.m. = Tuskless Elephant

Thursday = Mouse

Friday = Guinea Pig

Saturday = Naga (snake/human being)

I spent a few hours at Shwedagon Pagoda admiring its beautiful architecture, and taking in the atmosphere. Men carried young boys dressed in shiny, pastel outfits to inaugurate the commencement of their time as novice monks. Sons becoming monks is an honour for Burmese families. It's also a way for impoverished families to offer their children an excellent education through the teachings of the monastery.

Daily opening hours of the Shewdagon Pagoda: 4:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Entrance fee (for foreigners): 8000 kyats

Dress code: Both men and women are expected to cover their knees and shoulders. Longyis (wrap-around skirts) are sold at the entrance counter. Shoes must be left in a bag at the entrance and cannot be carried inside the pagoda.

BOGYOKE MARKET

Bogkyoke Market is the biggest market in Myanmar. The market is geared towards locals and tourists. Some shops sell traditional clothing such as longyis while others sell typical tourist souvenirs. There was also an endless choice of jewelry shops selling locally-sourced gems and jade products.

If ever you go to Bogyoke Market, I highly recommend stopping by Yo Ya May. This was by far my favourite shop at the market! The owners, U Kyin Lam Mang and Daw Khun Shwe, are a lovely Chin couple who specialize in selling unique handmade items from all over Myanmar.

DON'T MISS: Myanmar is reputed for having some of the most precious gems in the world such as rubies. It’s worth having a look at the gem traders doing business outside the Bogyoke Market between the two main buildings.

CIRCLE LINE TRAIN

The Circle Train is a fun way to visit the countryside of Yangon. The slow train makes a loop taking about 3 hours from start to finish. The best thing about the Circle Train is the many markets set up along the tracks.

Ticket for Circle Train: 200 kyats/person

DOWNTOWN YANGON

Hectic, chaotic, polluted and crowded, welcome to downtown Yangon. Walking around will give a true feel of the biggest city in Myanmar. The unique architecture in Yangon showcases its history. In fact, Myanmar was under British rule until 1948. A few colonial relics are still left standing amongst the mostly dilapidated buildings.

Although Yangon has a serious traffic problem, I noticed there weren't any motorbikes which is quite unusual in South East Asia. Apparently, motorbikes were banned after the car of a high-ranking official was accidentally hit by a motorcyclist back in 2003. It seemed like an odd reason but I truly didn’t see any motorbikes in Yangon!

KANDAWGYI LAKE & NATURAL PARK

In the middle of the chaos and hectic traffic of downtown Yangon, a little peace can be had at Kandawgyi Lake & Natural Park. It's a popular place for families to gather and for lovers to cuddle. Huge blossoming water lilies added a certain fairy tale charm to this welcoming haven in the middle of the big, noisy city.

Karaweik Hall sits on the eastern bank of the lake. The hall is a replica of a royal barge complete with two mythological Burmese birds draped in gold on each side.