Colonial Charm & Golden Spires
Explore Yangon
Previously known as Rangoon, Yangon is Myanmar’s largest city and the country’s cultural and spiritual gateway. While modern developments and international investment have gradually transformed parts of the city, Yangon continues to preserve its rich heritage through grand colonial architecture, bustling local markets, and magnificent Buddhist pagodas. At the heart of the city stands the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s most sacred religious site and one of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking landmarks.
Check out my photography in Yangon Visual Stories
for more inspiration and places I have explored.
Why I Enjoy Yangon
Having travelled to Yangon several times during my years working in Myanmar, every visit always began with Shwedagon Pagoda. It remains my favourite place in the city, and I often visited twice in a single day—once in the early morning when the weather was cooler and again before sunset, when the golden stupa glowed brilliantly against the changing evening sky.
Beyond the pagoda, Yangon offers an interesting contrast between old and new. Colonial-era buildings stand alongside newer developments, while traditional markets, tea shops, and everyday street life continue much as they have for generations. It is a city where Myanmar’s heritage remains very much alive despite the gradual pace of modernization.
What to Do
Yangon is best explored at a relaxed pace over two or three days. Discover its spiritual heritage through magnificent pagodas, wander the colonial streets of downtown, browse local markets, and enjoy peaceful parks and lakes. Watching the changing light over Shwedagon Pagoda—either at sunrise or sunset—is one of the city’s most unforgettable experiences.
- Shwedagon Pagoda – Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist site and the city’s defining landmark. Visitors can reach the hilltop temple by elevator or escalator, but everyone must remove their shoes and socks before entering the temple grounds. Walking barefoot around the sacred complex, just as the locals do, is part of the experience and a sign of respect.
- Sule Pagoda – Located in the heart of downtown Yangon, this historic pagoda sits amid the city’s colonial architecture and busy streets.
- Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple – Home to one of Myanmar’s largest reclining Buddha statues, admired for its impressive scale and intricate craftsmanship.
- Botataung Pagoda – A revered riverside pagoda that visitors can actually walk inside to see sacred relics and beautifully decorated interiors.
- Ngar Htat Gyi Pagoda – Known for its impressive seated Buddha image and peaceful surroundings.
- Swe Taw Myat Pagoda – A quieter temple housing a revered Buddha tooth relic.
- Kandawgyi Park and Lake – A pleasant place for an evening stroll with scenic views of Shwedagon Pagoda reflected across the water.
- Bogyoke Aung San Market – Yangon’s famous market for handicrafts, gemstones, souvenirs, and local delicacies.
- Yangon Downtown – Explore one of Southeast Asia’s finest collections of preserved British colonial buildings while experiencing the city’s vibrant street life.
Here are Yangon’s
Most Instagrammable Spots:
Shwedagon Pagoda – The golden stupa is especially photogenic in the early morning and around sunset, when the changing light adds warmth and depth to the temple complex.
Kandawgyi Lake – One of the best locations for photographing Shwedagon Pagoda from a distance, particularly when the golden stupa reflects across the water.
Karaweik Palace – The distinctive royal barge-shaped structure creates one of Yangon’s most recognisable lakeside views.
Yangon Downtown – Colonial facades, weathered buildings, colourful street scenes, and local markets provide strong architectural and documentary photography opportunities.
Sule Pagoda – Its position in the middle of the city creates an interesting contrast between religious heritage, traffic, and surrounding colonial buildings.
Bogyoke Aung San Market – The market’s historic architecture, busy walkways, local shops, and colourful displays make it a lively photography location.
Chatrium Hotel Yangon View – Chatrium Hotel Yangon was one of my favourite places to stay. If possible, request a room facing Shwedagon Pagoda for a beautiful nighttime view of the illuminated golden stupa.
Check out Yangon Visual Stories for more travel inspiration and photography from my journeys through Myanmar.
