What to do in Yangon? — 10 best, must do in Yangon & top things to do in Yangon

Do you wonder what are the activities that no one shall miss when travelling in Yangon self-sufficiently? The answers can be found right in this article! So, what to do in Yangon – the Eden of the Orient ? Let’s check out our suggested 10 top things to do in Yangon and best things to do in Yangon and must do in Yangon to find out the answer!

Where is Yangon?

Yangon (former name is Rangoon) is usually described as the brilliant gem at the “heart” of Myanmar. This is the nation’s capital as well as the largest city, consists of many historical sites and diverse cultures. Yangon City is also the combination of bustling traditional markets, delicious cuisine and countless solemn temples and pagodas. We can assure that you will own an unforgettable check-in photo album after the trip to Yangon.
Now, it is time to pocket these 10 must-do activities before your next trip to Yangon, Myanmar – also known as “The Garden City of the East”. What are you waiting for?

What to do in Yangon? Checklist of 10 interesting activities to do in Yangon (top things to do in Yangon, must do in Yangon, best things to do in Yangon), Myanmar

See Buddha statue at Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple

Having Buddhists accounted for over 90% of the population, it is undoubtedly easy to see religious constructions, temples and pagodas with amazing architectural styles in Myanmar. Chaukhtatgyi Paya (Reclining Buddha statue) at Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple is also known as “Sweet-Eyed Buddha Image”, thanks to the statue’s lively face that spreads the calming sense through the understanding look in the eyes. Placed on the head is a crown made of diamonds and precious gems, while on the feet sole there are letters and bizarre symbols crafted.

No matter if you are a Buddhist or not, Chaukhtatgyi Temple is worth putting in your Yangon travel checklist. Here is a hint: this famous temple is included in Yangon Highlights Private Tour by Klook. Book now!

Wandering in Maha Bandula Park

Maha Bandula Park sits right in the central Yangon. From the park, visitors have the view of many famous tourist attractions in the city, such as City Town Hall, The Supreme Court,…; inside the park, there is the Independence Monument with a height of 50 meters and other half-lion, half-dragon god statues. After taking all the photos, lying on the grass while enjoying the fresh look, the fresh atmosphere of the park feels great and relaxing.

In Yangon City Full-Day Tour, travelling to this park is included with convenience. No worries about transportation, all you need to do is wait at the hotel for our tour guides’ arrival, and after the tour, they are willing to take you back. Super comfortable, isn’t it?

“Back to the past” at Yangon National Museum

There is no other place that gives you the overall look at Yangon’s history better than Yangon National Museum. This place preserves more than 5000 artifacts and historical treasures, from images of Buddha to gorgeous golden broidered carpets. If I have to choose the most prominent, worth observing object in the National Museum, it is the 8-metre golden throne, fully encrusted with luxurious gems.

Book Yangon National Museum Tour by Klook to explore 14 galleries and get a better knowledge of the legacy of Myanmar.

Find out your pottery talent

As far as its history, clay pottery is one of the distinguished cultures of Yangon. The fertile red clay of Irrawaddy River is such an enormous source for generations after generations of Myanmarese pottery craftsmen to produced countless masterpieces. To understand more about this traditional craftsmanship, it is best to attend a pottery class. Through the workshop, you are offered a chance to create your own clay product; not to mention the memorable experience that visitors would talk about numerous times after the trip.

In Hands-on Yangon Walking Tour by Klook, tourists will take a public ferry across the mighty Yangon River, hop on a ‘dyna truck’ (a local taxi), to reach to the major pottery area of the city.

Go on a pilgrimage to Shwedagon Golden Pagoda

Shwedagon Golden Pagoda was built with a pyramid structure, an elegant combination of gold and white colours. This is one of the nation’s tallest pagodas, its height is over 100 meters. Besides CHaukhtatgyi Temple, Shwedagon Golden Pagoda is the popular site for pilgrimages, because of its history of as long as 2500 years and was known to be preserving 8 hair strands of Gautama Buddha. When the sun falls down, the pagoda is so picturesque, painting-alike that sunset is the most crowded hours of this place. You shall not miss this opportunity, dear #LivingNomadsTeam.

Extra tips for Yangon tours:

Visitors should prepare nylon bags to put shoes in and bring with them because Shwedagon Pagoda is spacious. Therefore, visitors usually enter through one gate and exit by another. Bringing shoes by your side will save you a lot of time since there is no need to return to the entrance gate, also paying no fees for the checkroom. Long sleeves, less skin-revealing clothes are recommendable for both males and females.

Watch the streets at night

When the sun goes to sleep, Yangon city life becomes much more energetic with bustling trading activities, from snack foods to cheap shoes, clothes,… Tasting delicious street foods like grill fish stick, or sipping a cold beer while observing the city are worth trying experiences.

Moreover, there are some “must-do” when travelling to Yangon is go to Street no.19 at China Town to eat grilled snacks, wander through souvenir shops in the night market, and many more. Klook suggests you take this Yangon’s Streets by Night Guided Tour and explore numerous recreational locations and activities, some are only known by the native people.

“All you can eat” Yangon

Filling your empty stomach with local cuisine is the inevitable activity in your self-sufficient Yangon trip. Wandering through famous markets of Yangon, both your eyes and stomach will be full by the delightful look and taste of street foods such as dumplings, soups, dim sum and noodles. The most loved dishes in Yangon, voted by tourists are fresh fish curry and tea leaf salad – made of cabbages, sliced tomatoes, drupes and green peas.
Attend our Food Tour in Yangon to get the best eating experience at the most popular stores, vendors and restaurants. You will not regret it!

Buying souvenir gifts at Bogyoke Aung San Market

Although Myanmar is processing its urbanization at an incredible speed, it is immensely challenging for any shopping malls to beat Bogyoke Aung San Market – which includes more than 2000 vendors. As the biggest trading site of the city, Bogyoke Aung San is the concentration of several craftsmanship stores, jewellery stores, antique shops, art galleries… If you are looking for rare souvenirs to gift families, friends and relatives, lacquer crafts, cloth bags or handmade puppets in many different styles are recommendable.

Afraid of overbuying and unable to bring all of them to the airport? Do not worry, you have Klook’s Private Yangon International Airport Transfers (RGN) for Yangon service by your side. With our support, feel free to shop all and whenever you want without the hassle of transportation. The price is exceptionally inexpensive by the way.

Hang out by Kandawgyi Lake

Kandawgyi Lake – also known as Royal Lake – just like its name, this is the perfect place for outdoor picnics. The lake locates in a beautiful park, with many outdoor coffee shops, and the significant Karaweik Palace – which includes a luxurious golden restaurant. The garden surrounds the lake is quite immense, you can find beautiful flowers, lively trees providing shades, a vivid nature scene. There is also an orchid garden, a kid zone, a zoo and some souvenir shops, which makes it very suitable for families travelling to Yangon.

When the night arrives, the reflection of Shwedagon Pagoda on Kandawgyi Lake seems like glowing, hence, this location becomes a perfect dating location for couples. Let’s admire the beauty of Kandawgyi Lake and many popular tourist sites with us, book Yangon Highlights Private Tour now.

Enjoy some black tea

In Yangon, tea houses serve freshly brewed tea with tasty snacks. On your Yangon trip, try to eat traditional dishes such as tea leaf salad, samosas and paratha ( Indian styled bread), while drinking the famous black tea or cool cocktail. Enjoying tea is one of the top cultures of Myanmar, or at least in Yangon, it is not any less common than the number of gorgeous temples and pagodas of this nation. Do you want to explore deeper about the cuisine of Yangon? Check out this Food Tour in Yangon, we cover breakfast, lunch and dinner for you in this comprehensive package!

TRAVEL TO YANGON EFFORTLESSLY WITH KLOOK SERVICES

Although this has not become a hot spot on travel-seekers’ maps, Yangon is still an amazing destination with countless of astonishing experiences. If Myanmar is not so familiar with you, worry not. Download Klook mobile app or get on Klook website and grab some super fun Yangon suggestions, as well as useful tips for self-sufficient travels!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Yangon you can refer to

• Yangon Private Car Charter
• Yangon Walking Tour
• Yangon Highlights Private Tour
• Yangon’s Streets by Night Guided Tour
• Yangon Insider Half Day Private Walking Tour
• Myanmar 4G SIM Card (HK Airport Pick Up)
• 4G GO INTER SIM Card (Siam Center or BKK Airport Pick Up) for Myanmar from DTAC

Are you looking for more Yangon travel guide and top things to do in Yangon: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Yangon itinerary 3 days — What to do & how to spend 3 days in Yangon?