What are the best things to do in Yangon?
Top picks in Yangon include Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Bogyoke Aung San Market, Yangon Colonial Downtown walk. See the full list and itinerary on this Yangon travel guide.
Photo: Jean-Marie Hullot · CC BY 3.0
Why visit Yangon
Travel guide for Yangon, Myanmar — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Yangon is a stop in Myanmar, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Bogyoke Aung San Market instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 25–70 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Yangon
1
Shwedagon Pagoda
2
Sule Pagoda
3
Bogyoke Aung San Market
4
Yangon Colonial Downtown walk
5
Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha
6
Kandawgyi Lake
7
Circular Train ride
8
Botataung Pagoda
Budget travel
Free things to do in Yangon
Bogyoke Aung San Market
Yangon Colonial Downtown walk
Kandawgyi Lake
Day Shrines
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Yangon itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Walkways to the Pagoda
- Visit The Pagoda Platform
- Visit Day Shrines
- Eat at 999 Shan Noodle Shop
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Statue of Wa Thon Da Ray
- Eat at Aung Mingalar Shan Noodle Shop
Prefer a full 13-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Yangon itinerary guide.
Budget
Yangon trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 25–70
per person / day
Luxury
USD 80–135+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Yangon, Myanmar. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Yangon
Estimated total (USD)
$1,725
≈ $863 per person · $246 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $50/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Yangon mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 25–70 · luxury 80–135+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
999 Shan Noodle Shop
Tiny snack joint with very good noodle dishes. The staff will play harmless entertaining tricks on your table such as flipping the pepper bo
Aung Mingalar Shan Noodle Shop
A lively restaurant specializing in Shan cuisine. The price is hard to beat and the waitresses are friendly.
Family Thai & Chinese Restaurant
Feel
A wide variety of Burmese curry dishes displayed in the back. Salads and fries.
Golden City Chetti
Offers Indian food at very reasonable prices and free top-ups on the veg thali.
Kyet Shar Soon Biriani
Established in 1947, offers a dish of halal Burmese-accented biryani.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$
Beautyland Hotel II
Friendly and helpful staff in a central location. They have a range of rooms: non-air-con, air-con with TV, air-con with TV & window. Breakf
- $
Hninn Si Budget Inn
Hotel Everest
The place is not beautiful, but the staff are very friendly. Acceptable for a cheap stay providing you are not a diva and can handle some sh
- $
May Fair Inn
Good central location. Dated rooms but clean bathrooms. The owner is a bit wacky but her daughter is full of useful information. No breakfas
- $
Motherland Inn 2
Prices have gone up significantly. Expensive for a guesthouse but still a popular backpacker's place with private and shared baths, and on-s
Shopping
- A.K.K. Shopping Centre
- Bespoke Clothing
- Bogyoke Aung San Market
- Capital Hypermarket
- Chinatown
- Junction Square Shopping Centre
Nightlife
- 7 Joint Bar
Museums & culture
- Day Shrines
In pictures
Yangon gallery
Photos: Jean-Marie Hullot, Marcin Konsek, Naing Linn Aung 2018, Kooo311013, ReflectedSerendipity — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Yangon travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Yangon?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Yangon?
Plan at least 2 days in Yangon for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Yangon?
Popular stays in Yangon include Beautyland Hotel II, Hninn Si Budget Inn, Hotel Everest. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Yangon cost?
On the ground in Yangon (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 25–70, and luxury about 80–135+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Yangon, Myanmar. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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