A legendary colonial hotel opened in 1901, The Strand epitomizes old-world elegance with impeccable service. Located along the Yangon River, this icon blends British colonial charm with modern luxury. Features teak furniture, high ceilings, and one of Myanmar's finest restaurants.
The Strand Yangon occupies a commanding position on Strand Road along the Yangon River waterfront, placing guests within a short walk of Sule Pagoda (roughly 1 kilometre north) and the colonial downtown grid of Botataung and Kyauktada townships. The Yangon Central Railway Station lies about 2 kilometres inland, the historic Bogyoke Aung San Market is 1.5 kilometres away, and airport transfers take approximately 45 minutes by car.
Opened in 1901 by the Sarkies Brothers — the same family behind Raffles Hotel Singapore and the E&O Hotel in Penang — The Strand stands as one of Southeast Asia's oldest grand hotels. The white Edwardian facade, double-height verandahs, polished Burmese teak panelling, and slow-turning ceiling fans preserve the atmosphere of a colonial trading capital, while discreet modern upgrades keep standards current.
The hotel consists entirely of suites — 31 in total — ranging from Garden Suites and Grand Suites to the signature Strand Suite. All feature high ceilings, period-reproduction furniture, locally commissioned Burmese artwork, and butler service included in the room rate.
Dining centres on The Strand Restaurant, which combines British colonial-era classics with contemporary Burmese and Asian dishes. The Strand Bar — one of Yangon's most atmospheric rooms — is celebrated for its Pimm's Cups, gin-forward cocktails, and afternoon tea service.
A small spa offers traditional Burmese massage treatments and body work. There is no outdoor swimming pool. The fitness centre is compact but functional. Service is among the most attentive in Myanmar, with personal butlers available around the clock and concierge staff knowledgeable about cultural site permissions, driver hire, and private tour arrangements. The property is best suited to couples and business travellers who prioritise heritage atmosphere over resort facilities.
Amenities
- riverside pool
- spa
- fine dining restaurant
- bar
- fitness center
- butler service
- free WiFi
Location
92 Strand Road, Yangon, Myanmar
16.7764, 96.1625 View on map
Highlights
- One of Asia's most storied colonial properties, opened by the Sarkies Brothers in 1901 on the Yangon River waterfront
- 31 individually designed suites — no standard rooms — all with high ceilings, Burmese teak detailing, and round-the-clock butler service
- The Strand Bar is one of Yangon's most atmospheric spaces, celebrated for its Pimm's Cups, gin selection, and afternoon tea
- The Strand Restaurant serves both colonial-era classics and refined Burmese-Asian dishes using local seasonal ingredients
- Central location on Strand Road, within walking distance of Sule Pagoda, Botataung Pagoda, and the colonial downtown core
Tips for visiting
- Book the riverfront-facing suites for views across the Yangon River toward Dalah — sunsets from these rooms are particularly striking
- The hotel's concierge can arrange private guided tours of downtown colonial architecture, including buildings not accessible via standard tours
- The Strand Bar fills up in the early evening — arrive before 19:00 for a quieter experience and better seat choice
- Rates include a comprehensive breakfast but not lunch or dinner; the restaurant is à la carte only in the evenings
- Taxis from Yangon International Airport take 45–60 minutes depending on traffic; the hotel's airport transfer service costs more but is seamless
When to visit
November to February (cool dry season)