Colonial Architecture
Yangon’s city centre is host to the largest collection of late-nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century colonial architecture in Southeast Asia. Among these are the Yangon City Hall, Customs House, Victorian-style Strand Hotel and the Pegu Club, one of the oldest surviving British colonial buildings in Yangon.
National Races Village
The National Races Village was built by the Ministry of Border Affairs, and showcases the different cultures of the eight main national races residing in the country, covering traditional dress, music, literature and customs. The village covers a large area so rent a bike at the entrance or be prepared for some walking.
Bogyoke Aung San Museum
The former residence of Bogyoke (General) Aung San and his wife Daw Kin Kyi, the museum today is home to mementos of the man considered the father of modern-day Burma. The house itself dates from the 1920s and holds several old family photos, which include daughter Aung San Suu Kyi as a little girl.
Chinatown
Yangon’s Chinatown is a bustling hotpot of restaurants, gold and jewellery stores, cyber cafés, apparel shops and mini-markets. The more adventurous will enjoy the variety of delicious and inexpensive street food on offer. The Guan Yin Gu Miao and Qing Fu Gong temples are also worth a visit.
Kandawgyi Lake
This natural lake is a popular destination for both young and old. The surrounding gardens contain an orchid garden, children’s play-ground, Mini Zoo and several restaurants. Go for a stroll along the Eastern part of the lake at sunset, and enjoy the view of the glittering Shwedagon pagoda reflected in its calm waters.
Golden Rock
Take a drive through the rural part of the Yangon region and take a day trip to visit the magnificent Golden Rock, one of Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Be prepared for an uphill trek, but your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Shwedagon Pagoda
Also known as the Golden Pagoda, the 2,500 year old Shwedagon Pagoda is the oldest in the world. Standing at 110m high, it is covered with hundreds of gold plates and topped with 4,531 diamonds. Said to enshrine strands of Buddha’s hair and other holy relics, it the most sacred stupa for Buddhists in Myanmar.