Visit the Sule Pagoda
Sule Pagoda was built some 2,500 years ago and is one of the most famous temples in the city. What makes this pagoda so unique is that it is located in the middle of a rather modern part of town which serves to highlight its historical importance. The Sule Pagoda, also known as Sule Paya is made up of a 46 meter stupa that is shaped like an octagon.
You can now walk around the pagoda and check out all the architectural motifs inside the main building and the walkways are an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city.
Feel tranquillity at Swal Taw Pagoda
Swal Taw literally translates to “(Buddha’s) tooth relic,” and you can find the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha in the centre of Swal Taw pagoda. Most tourists visit the other temples more often, so expect a more quiet and peaceful time when you visit Swal Taw.
Visit Shwedagon Pagoda
The Shwedagon Pagoda is must-go destination. Be amazed by this 2,500 year-old Buddhist wonder of the world and icon of Myanmar. The best time to stop by is also the busiest, mornings and early evenings around sunrise and sunset. Beat the crowds. Get there a bit later in the morning, but not too late or you risk exposure to the hefty heat.
Feed the catfish at Yangon Lake
If you want to try a favorite local activity in Yangon then you can go down to Yangon Lake (also called Kandawgyi Lake) and feed the resident catfish.
This may sound strange but when you get down to the water you will find vendors who sell hunks of bread which you can then throw to the amazing catfish. Be warned that the fish are rather large and if you throw bread to them this will result in a spirited feeding frenzy, but it is also one of the quirkiest activities you can enjoy in the city.
Eat Mohinga
This fish soup with rice noodle is very popular among locals, and you can enjoy your own serving with a side of your favourite “fries” (fried dough stick, fried gourd, fried fish cake, fried Mandalay beans, or many other options). You can even add boiled eggs.
Have a cocktail at the Strand Hotel
The Strand Hotel is a Yangon institution and is known for being the grandest hotel in the city. The Strand Hotel was built in 1901 by the Sarkies brothers and it was renovated in the 1990s to its former glory. This is one of the most famous colonial buildings in Myanmar and you can come here for a cocktail or have a traditional English afternoon tea.