Yangon: Tips

Yangon, formely Rangoon, is the largest city of Myanmar. It used to be the capital of Myanmar until it was superseded by Naypyidaw in 2005.

To see:

  • Shwedagon Pagoda: Most important religious site in Myanmar. According to the legend, five lotus buds popped up on the Singuttara Hill, each bud signifying the five Buddhas who would appear in the world and guide it to Nirvana. Also according to the legend, two brothers brought eight hairs of the Buddha (Gautama) to be enshrined in this sacred location, inaugurating the Shwedagon Pagoda.
  • Sule Paya: A pagoda built 2000 years ago to house a strand of Buddha’s hair.
  • Yangon Zoological Garden
  • Mahabandoola Garden
  • Kandawgyi Lake
  • National Museum
  • Strand Hotel: Myanmar oldest and most famous Hotel
  • The circular train

Respect the temples:

  • Dress modestly: Cover your knees and shoulders
  • No shoes
  • The locals and buddhists won’t stop you from getting in but they will be strongly offended by this behavior. So please, respect them and the places you go to

To eat:

  • Le Planteur: Really good restaurant with a good atmosphere, sitting by a lake and amazing food
  • Mandalay Restaurant
  • 999 Shan Noodle House

 

Hotels:

  • Merchant Art Boutique Hotel
  • The Strand
  • Savoy Hotel Yangon

CRIS TIPS:

  • The Airport won’t change less than $100. They actually do, but they will charge you more if you change $50 or $20. You won’t use that much money in the Country. So you can exchange money with a friend or something. Something important also. The bills can’t be folded or kneaded.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • Respect the temples and their people.
  • Communication will be a lot of fun. Most of the places we’ve been to, no one spoke english.
  • Thanaka: Something they used on the face to refresh from the heat. Usually women and kids use it.I tried it and I could feel the breeze. 🙂
  • VISA: Online ($50) or upon arrival.