Famous for the Shwedagon Pagoda or the Sule Pagoda, Yangon has numerous attractions such as historic colonial buildings, beautiful parks and vibrant markets that promise to bring unforgettable experiences to your trip here. To ensure you have a fantastic experience, I will review about the 2-day Yangon City Tour for you. I hope it will help you make the most of your time in Yangon, along with essential shopping and travel information. Whatever your interests, such as collecting exceptional handicrafts, exploring historical museums or indulging in delicious new cuisines, Yangon guarantees a fulfilling and unforgettable experience that will make me completely satisfied.
I. Yangon
Yangon is the destination I chose because it is the largest city in Myanmar. It boasts a long and diverse history with many unique architectural structures and tourist attractions in Yangon. It has a vibrant nightlife, high-quality restaurants and many national museums. The vibrant mix of diverse cultures and religions in this city made my experience impressive right from the start. I was impressed by the wealth of colonial-era buildings that have been meticulously preserved through the years.
Among the pagodas that adorn the city's landscape, I find the splendid Shwedagon Pagoda to be the most iconic and impressive. Considered one of Asia's oldest pagodas in Myanmar, it holds an important place in the hearts of locals as a source of national pride. The cultural history of Yangon is wealthy and diverse. With its Buddhist architectural splendor and many famous pagodas, it is an attractive destination for culture and religion enthusiasts. The city's crowning jewel is the illustrious Shwedagon Temple, a renowned Buddhist sanctuary featuring a majestic 99-meter-tall central tower resplendently adorned with gold and precious gemstones. The city also has many traditional markets and restaurants and I can savor the distinctive flavors of Myanmar cuisine.
II. The best time to visit Yangon
The weather is the part that I definitely must review about the 2-day tour Yangon City Tour. It has three distinct seasons: the dry season (November - February), the hot season (March - May), and the wet season (June - October). Before deciding to visit Yangon, I learned about the weather in Yangon. My trip was in early November because I thought the dry season was the most ideal time to explore Myanmar, offering the most favorable conditions. Yangon has a minimal amount of rainfall during most of the year, making it a suitable destination for travelers. The dry season has comfortable temperatures, with average daytime highs hovering around 30°C. However, the nights are quite chilly, typically dipping to approximately 15 °C, and you should bring warmer clothing. These conditions are conducive for all sorts of sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The dry season's elevated river levels make it perfect for boat trips. Keep in mind that this period corresponds to the peak tourist season, which means that airfares and accommodation rates may be relatively higher and attractions may be more crowded. When I visited Yangon during the peak season that means it is the best time to visit Yangon, so many hotels were fully booked, leading to increased prices. To circumvent this, it's advisable to plan your visit to Yangon for late October, early November, or late February, allowing you to enjoy your experience without the peak-season rush and potential price surges.
III. The summary of my travel itinerary of Yangon City Tour
This is a summary of my travel schedule for 2 days. Autour Asia created this program based on my wishes when I wanted to visit. I will review about the 2-day Yangon City Tour in detail so you can refer to this itinerary.
- Day 1:
- Morning 4h30: Sunrise over Sule Pagoda and Bogyoke Aung San Market
- Afternoon 14h00: Yangon Circle Line Train and Yangon Waterboom
Day 2:
- Morning: Chinatown and National Museum and lunch in Karaweik Hall
- Afternoon 13h30: Kandawgyi Park and sunset over Shwedagon Pagoda
1. Day 1
Sunrise over Sule Pagoda in the early morning
We started leaving early so as not to miss the moment. Arriving amidst the still-shrouded pagoda, darkness enveloped our surroundings. The alabaster architecture gleamed softly under the embrace of hundreds of illuminating lights, their warm radiance accentuating the Buddhas and statues nestled within the temple's hallowed chambers. An atmosphere of profound stillness reigned, occasionally interrupted by the melodic songs of birds and the solemn chants of the residing monks, cultivating an ambiance of serenity and devotion.
Exploring this temple during these tranquil moments grants a serene experience for me, while the shifting lighting conditions provide the perfect backdrop for capturing exquisite photographs. Similar to the Golden Shwedagon Pagoda, you can pay your respects to the Buddha statue aligned with your birthday of the week and offer prayers for good health, fortune, and prosperity.
Bogyoke Aung San Market
Bogyoke Aung San Market that I
review about the 2-day Yangon City Tour is one of the
best places to visit in myanmar . I think it's like Manila's Tutuban Market, although there's one difference: the entire space is not air-conditioned. Here, goods mainly include local handicrafts and products originating from neighboring countries such as China, Indonesia and Thailand. Notably, one striking disparity sets Bogyoke apart from Tutuban—Yangon as a whole exudes an impressive cleanliness.
Stepping into the market feels like a journey back in time, with its architectural charm and cobblestone streets reminiscent of colonial-era aesthetics. I can see many antiques, Burmese handicrafts, and jewelry stores. This market, which offers a wide variety of goods, is for people who like shopping. If you are seeking special items, don't miss the special brocade fabrics and antique lacquerware showcased in the Heritage Gallery. I bought some Burmese handicrafts for my friends here. After a while of negotiating prices, I was able to buy a few items at reasonable prices. The market also has many skilled tailors. At the market's rear, you'll find "The Lady Home '' restaurant, a delectable haven that beckons you to savor its cuisine.
Yangon Circle Line Train
Riding the Yangon Circle Line train is on my list of things to do in Yangon. In my opinion, this experience is a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the local lifestyle in Yangon. I could explore all of this railway thanks to my knowledgeable local guide, who offered information and is a professional translator. The tour offered an insight into the city's rhythms and surroundings, so I could observe the daily lives of the locals.
The entire tour lasted six hours and included a visit to St. Mary's Catholic Church. The hours we spent in the rickety train carriages, traversing the 45.9 km railway loop of the Yangon Circle Line, are some of the most cherished memories from my year of travel. Originally constructed during colonial times, Yangon's Circle Line train still serves as the primary commuter line for many locals, who use it to transport their goods to the market. If you're seeking an authentic and distinctive window into the daily life of the Burmese people, embarking on this train journey ranks among the top experiences in Yangon.
Yangon Waterboom
It is one of the places of interest in Yangon with a lot of fun and interesting activities. From thrilling water sports and high-speed water slides to entertainment programs, it offers various experiences. I took a drink at the minibar, and it seemed alright. For the little ones, there's the Kiddy Land playground, ensuring that children have a blast. In addition, there are many interesting surfing games and this can be an ideal destination for families, children and friends to have fun and relax. While the place offers fun water rides, it should have upgraded facilities and maintenance. Cleanliness and quality were generally satisfactory, though there was room for improvement. It is worth noting that safety measures must be stronger, as there are situations where riders may feel unsafe, such as when riding a high-speed horn-shaped water scooter.
2. Day 2 - Review about the 2-day Yangon City Tour
Chinatown
Yangon's Chinatown is different from other areas in Yangon. Visiting this market is one of things to do in Yangon that I had been looking forward to for a long time so it is also a place that I want to review about the 2-day Yangon City Tour. This place is famous for its vibrant day and night markets, which impressed me very much. While the streets are always bustling, exploring this part of the city is a good idea. I think this is a must-see for those who enjoy traditional Chinese dishes. The nighttime atmosphere is especially vibrant, with the culinary scene concentrated along a bustling street. About twenty stalls and several grill eateries offer a selection of grilled, skewered delicacies. It's worth noting that the place is a bit smelly because there are many eateries.
If you have more free time, I think you can walk through Chinatown and watch the locals trade. I found many restaurants serving affordable meals as well as countless massage parlors, bars, bakeries and antique shops. I saw many products like stunning gold jewelry to traditional textiles, ornate antiques to replica clothing brands, and even Burmese crafts, the options are varied and fascinating. In addition to clothing and fashion accessories, you can also find rubies, Burmese pearls and some of the world's finest pearls.
National Museum
With many antiques, artifacts, paintings, and costumes, it is a destination for people who want to visit Yangon and learn about Myanmar's history. Each object is accompanied by informative text that helps visitors learn deeply about Myanmar's history. The highlight of the museum is the throne. In addition, the museum also displays the traditional costumes of different ethnic groups in Myanmar. It also includes regal jewelry and artifacts decorated with exquisite rubies. A pleasant surprise awaits you at the Buddhist Art Gallery, located on the 4th floor of the museum.
I discovered a collection of Buddha statues - some of the most beautiful in Asia. The collection features exquisite and intricately detailed examples from Bagan that are delightful. Although the museum offers a deeply enriching experience, the lighting department still needs improvement, especially for individuals sensitive to flickering light.
Kandawgyi Park and Hall
Kandawgyi Park, situated at the heart of Yangon, features the picturesque Karaweik Palace nestled in one corner of Kandawgyi Lake. With an area of 150 acres, Kandawgyi Lake provides a serene view. Though the park may not attract as many visitors as it once did, the view from Kandawgyi Lake, particularly during the sunset, is truly enchanting and magical. I really like this park's natural beauty, and it is one of the tourist attractions in Yangon to enjoy their leisure time. Notably, "Karaweik Palace," one of the restaurants within Kandawgyi Park, has cultural evening performances. I didn't have a chance to see this performance, but my tour guide said it was very interesting.
The star attraction, Karaweik Hall, a bird-shaped floating restaurant on the lake's eastern side, offers an unrivaled vista of the lake and the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda in the distance. The hall has three floors with private dining rooms, spaces for traditional performances, shops selling Myanmar's art and crafts, and an amusement area for children. The cultural show hosted at Karaweik Hall showcases traditional Kachin, Shan, and other mesmerizing dances. I had lunch here, and the food was perfect, especially the Burmese curries.
Sunset over Shwedagon Pagoda
Shwedagon Pagoda in the evening that I need to
review about the 2-day Yangon City Tour is at its most enchanting. It is one of
places to visit in myanmar . A short stroll from Kandawgyi Park to Shwedagon Pagoda, or a quick taxi ride, is all it takes to witness the city's most renowned attraction as it transforms under the night sky. As the sun sets, Shwedagon Pagoda bathes in a radiant array of colors, casting a magical glow that captivates onlookers. The pagoda's surroundings come alive with a lively, social atmosphere as locals gather to reconnect with one another and engage in worship, while monks serenely traverse the premises. Undoubtedly, the golden hour of sunset is the ideal time to experience Shwedagon Pagoda. The play of light during this hour is nothing short of magical, and observing the pagoda's illumination as night falls is a truly breathtaking experience.
I allocated a couple of hours to fully appreciate the splendor of the pagoda before venturing back into downtown for a delightful dinner. I took advantage to take some beautiful photos. Notbly when you photograph individuals at prayer, please be respectful and discreet and take in the mesmerizing light displays in each temple area. When I went down, I made a discovery a multitude of souvenir shops offering traditional wears along the staircase at the southern part of the pagoda.
V. How to get around Yangon
Yangon is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, and I highly recommend exploring the city on foot when you visit Yangon, as it offers the best way to truly immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere. However, when you wish to venture beyond the downtown area, taking a taxi is typically the most convenient option. Yangon's taxi fares can often be negotiated, so don't hesitate to haggle. It's worth noting that the more passengers you have in a taxi, the higher the fare may be, so keep that in mind. Due to the increasing number of tourists in Yangon, some taxi drivers have started charging higher rates, and you must have some negotiation skills on your part.
| Base fee (day) | 1.5 USD |
| Price per KM | 1 USD |
| Waiting time per hour | 4.58 USD |
VI. Some advices when visiting Yangon
There are a few things that I will review about the 2-day Yangon City Tour and you need to pay attention to when you visit Yangon, Myanmar. I hope you will read this section carefully to avoid getting into some unnecessary trouble:
The traditional greeting "mingalabar" (pronounced min-gah-lah-bah) conveys "auspiciousness wishes." When you use it with locals, it often elicits a warm smile and a cheerful nod in response. And if you add a thank you, saying "kye zu tin ba deh" (pronounced cheh-zu-tin-ba-deh), you'll earn some extra appreciation points.
As newcomers to this place of worship, we were initially unaware of the customary practice of removing our shoes before entering the sacred courtyard. A valuable lesson for anyone embarking on a journey to Myanmar: always remember to remove your shoes before entering any holy sanctuaries.
When considering the acquisition of rare, ancient artifacts, or other high-value items, it's prudent for you to make their purchases from shops that provide legal invoices.
Keep in mind not to cross your legs or point your finger at anyone, as this is considered highly disrespectful.
Remember to remove your shoes and avoid wearing short skirts or shorts as a sign of respect when entering the temple grounds.
Ensure you have $50 or $100 bills to exchange, as smaller denominations will typically receive a less favorable exchange rate.
It's advisable to pack lightweight clothing made of natural fibers, a light raincoat or umbrella, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen for your trip. Additionally, consider including a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings in Yangon.
Currently, there are many travel companies, but you need to consider carefully to find a reputable company to trust and bring you a wonderful experience of a Yangon City Tour. This trip, I chose to trust
Autour Asia - a Vietnam Travel Agency that offers professional service for authentic Asia tours. They provided full service and arranged for me to have a very attentive and knowledgeable tour guide. I also want to thank my tour guide very much for providing detailed information for me to clearly understand the culture and history in Yangon in particular and in Myanmar in general.
This is all the information that I want to review about the 2-day Yangon City Tour. I had a great trip and I hope you, too!
Yangon, 8th November 2022
MICHAEL GAMBON
FR
ITA