Yangon
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Myanmar. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Myanmar
- Region
- Yangon Region
- Population
- 5.2 million
- Best time to go
- November to February
- Main airport
- Yangon International (RGN)
- Coordinates
- 16.84°N, 96.17°E
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Overview
Yangon is Myanmar's largest city, a former colonial capital where gilded stupas rise above crumbling British-era streets, tea shops spill onto pavements and monks in maroon robes walk the morning alms round.
This guide is written for a time when travel to Myanmar is advisable again. When it is, Yangon is usually the first stop, and a few days here give a gentle introduction to the country's food, faith and everyday life.
Things to see
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Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 4.0 Shwedagon Pagoda
A gold-covered stupa on a hill above the city, surrounded by shrines; visit at dusk as the lamps are lit.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sule Pagoda
An ancient golden stupa at the centre of a downtown roundabout, the heart of the colonial grid.
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Photo: C1815, CC0 Bogyoke Aung San Market
A covered colonial-era market for lacquerware, longyi fabrics, jade and handicrafts.
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Photo: Arttantra, CC0 Chaukhtatgyi Buddha
An enormous reclining Buddha with intricately painted feet, housed under a simple metal roof.
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Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0 Downtown heritage buildings
Walk past the old Secretariat, the High Court and the Strand Hotel to see the faded grandeur of the colonial city.
Things to do
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Photo: Liamisnotreallysocoollol, CC BY 4.0 Ride the Circle Line
A slow local train loops through the suburbs and villages, offering a window onto everyday life.
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Photo: Charles Haynes, CC BY-SA 2.0 Tea shop breakfast
Join locals for sweet milky tea, mohinga fish noodle soup and fried snacks at a pavement tea shop.
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Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kandawgyi Lake
Stroll the boardwalk around the lake for views of the Shwedagon and the gilded Karaweik barge.
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Photo: Christopher Voitus, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Bago
The former royal capital has huge reclining Buddhas and pagodas, a couple of hours north-east by road.
Where to stay
Downtown
Close to markets, colonial streets and street food; busy but atmospheric.
Hotels in DowntownBahan
Leafy and quieter, near the Shwedagon and Inya and Kandawgyi lakes.
Hotels in BahanAround Kandawgyi Lake
Larger hotels with green views, a short taxi ride from downtown.
Hotels in Around Kandawgyi Lake
Getting around
Taxis are the most practical way to get around; the Circle Line and buses are slower but cheap. Downtown is walkable in the cooler hours.
The airport is about 15 km north of downtown; allow 45 minutes to an hour by taxi depending on traffic.
When to go
November to February is cooler and dry. March to May is extremely hot, and the monsoon from June to October brings heavy daily downpours.
Plan your trip to Yangon
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.