Since the democratic elections in 2015, Myanmar has started opening up to the rest of the world, bringing in a deluge of new and exciting changes. Yangon is the largest and most populated city in Myanmar. As the country’s former colonial capital and its biggest commercial hub, Yangon rakes in throngs of visitors, since it is where most will first touch down before travelling on to other cities. Be it a one-day stopover or a leisurely long weekend, these tips will equip you with the basics of how to make the most of your Yangon experience.
Check the Season
Characteristic of Southeast Asian cities, Yangon has two distinct seasons: rainy and dry. From March through April, the temperatures are scorching and fluctuate around 40ºC. The rainy season runs from May to October, and brings in regular monsoons – it pours, and floods are a common occurrence. Some activities are also not available during the rainy season, such as hot air balloon tours. Hence, an ideal time to visit Yangon would be between November and February; It is still the dry season, but temperatures are cooler, and skies clearer.
Where to Stay
For ease of accessing public transportation, you would want to consider picking an accommodation around Downtown Yangon. Here, most attractions in the city such as the Sule Pagoda and Saint Mary’s Cathedral are within walking distance, as well as the Yangon Central Railway Station. Should you prefer to dock closer to Yangon’s beacon – the 2,500 year-old Shwedagon Pagoda, Northern Yangon is the place for you. Resonating even more strongly with Yangon’s history, it exudes a rustic vibe, promising stunning sunsets during quiet strolls along Kandawgyi Lake.
Where to Exchange Currency
Most of Yangon uses both the Burmese Kyat (MMK) and United States Dollar (USD). To exchange currency, swing by popular tourist spots such as areas close to the Sule Pagoda or Bogyoke Aung San Market. Reputable money changers are aplenty, and a majority of them offer competitive rates. If your card has been enabled for overseas use, then ATMs will be a convenient way for you to obtain kyats. However, don’t be surprised if the ATMs run out of cash on payday (usually the last or first day of the month), so try to plan your trip to the ATM around that. One curious thing to note is that the Burmese favour crisp, freshly printed U.S. dollars; The newer the bills look, the better. For some reason, if your bills are wrinkled or stained, they may be reduced in value.
Get Connected
A SIM card would be the cheapest and easiest way to get access to the internet. Of course, in recent years, more establishments in the country such as cafés and restaurants have started to provide Wi-Fi. However, by Murphy’s law, it may be difficult to find a stable connection when you need it most. On the contrary, Myanmar boasts one of the fastest mobile data networks around, with Yangon running an average 4G connection speed of 15 mbps. Internet packages are affordable and widely available – In fact, you need not look any further than the airport.
Getting Around Yangon
Yangon’s transportation system is still largely undeveloped, so the most reliable way to get around is by taxi. Motorbikes are also illegal in the city centre, and bicycles banned in some parts of the city. The taxis are difficult to miss: White with a sign on top. They don’t run on a meter, so be prepared to haggle with the drivers as prices are agreed upon before the ride. It would also be useful to know a rough estimate of how much your ride would cost to avoid being ripped off; Most destinations around Yangon should not set you back more than K4,000. A workaround is to download ride hailing apps such as Grab or Oway Ride, which would allow you to input your destination and let you know the cost upfront.
Temple Etiquette
Buddhism is deeply rooted in Burmese culture, and Yangon is no different. Be sure to dress modestly when you visit any of the city’s sacred religious sites: Covered knees and shoulders are in order. Many locals wear a longyi (traditional Burmese attire), a long scarf that knots neatly around the waist – the weather gets stifling most times around the year, and it is much cooler to wear a longyi than to be in long pants. Shoes and socks are also to be removed before entering any places of worship; Most pagodas and temples provide shoe storage for a small fee, or you can choose to carry your footwear around in a plastic bag. The best time to visit iconic pagodas such as the Shwedagon Pagoda and Sule Pagoda are during sunrise and sunset, when the weather is cool and the light golden upon their stupas.
Dig Into Some Local Fare
There’s an age-old saying that the best way to get to know a city is to eat your way through it. Burmese cuisine is a delight and a beautiful medley of various Southeast Asian flavours. Most noticeably, it draws inspiration from the neighbouring cities of China, Thailand and Laos. Famed street food includes the breakfast of champions, Mohinga and Yangon’s favourite staple, Shan noodles. A popular food district is the area around Sule Pagoda, where one can find a variety of street food just beside Maha Bandula Park. For dinner or supper options, Chinatown’s 19th Street is a strong contender and is where most locals and backpackers alike flock to for beer and barbecue during the evenings.
Drop by a Tea Shop
While touring around Yangon, it’s impossible not to notice the abundance of tea shops. Tea is a fundamental part of everyday life, and locals can be seen drinking tea at nearly any time during the day. A constant item on the menu is Laphet Yay, the notorious Burmese sweet tea. Usually brewed with black tea and sweetened with varying amounts of condensed milk, Laphet Yay is both delicious and indulgent, claiming a spot in many hearts. Step into a tea shop, have a seat and order yourself a cup of Laphet Yay. Don’t hold off on the snacks: popular choices include crispy samosas and freshly steamed buns stuffed with pork or chicken.
Join a Walking Tour
As a former British colony, Yangon is home to the largest number of colonial-era buildings in the whole of Southeast Asia. Many of these buildings are still in use to this day and are deeply entangled with the country’s historical and political past. There’s no better way to admire the striking architecture of these buildings than to join a walking tour; Visit iconic landmarks from the City Hall to the Secretariat – all while having a friendly guide or volunteer to tell their stories. It’s the perfect way to get in touch with Yangon’s past and to learn about its heritage.
Take a Ferry
For a quiet afternoon, take a local ferry over to towns across the river and bask in the rustic vibes of more rural life. Visits to the quaint townships of Dala and Twante make amazing half-day trips. Less than 10 minutes away, Dala and Twante are both extremely accessible and have their own charms to offer. Dala allows you a glimpse into the life of people in poverty and the unwavering smiles on the locals’ faces may haunt you with a bittersweet tinge. About an hour’s drive from Dala is Twante, home to the sensational Snake Temple, Mwe Paya. With close to 50 Burmese pythons lounging freely around the pagoda, it’ll be a riveting experience for sure. Though, not to worry, the snakes are harmless and enjoy a diet of rice and milk.
For first-timers, it may be overwhelming to travel Yangon since its tourism industry is still under development. However, it is a beautiful city in all of its chaos and glory. Before the rest of the world discovers its treasures, be sure to drop by and soak up Yangon’s rich history and unspoilt honesty. With its mesmerizing sunsets and friendly locals, Yangon will definitely grow roots in your heart.
