Yangon is Myanmar's largest city and former capital, a humid river port where the golden Shwedagon Pagoda rises above a downtown of colonial buildings, tea shops, markets and Buddhist temples.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Yangon.
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1
Shwedagon Pagoda
The 99-metre gilded stupa on Singuttara Hill is Myanmar's holiest Buddhist site and the focal point of the city, ringed by hundreds of shrines, prayer halls and planetary posts.
Tip: Remove shoes and socks at the stairway entrance and cover shoulders and knees · Arrive before 07:00 or around sunset for cooler stone and better light · Carry small change for flowers and donations and keep the entry ticket · Weekends and full-moon days are much busier than weekdays · Consider a local guide for the shrine legends; agree the fee first · Walk clockwise and keep feet pointed away from Buddha images · Wear sandals that slip off easily and bring water in the hot season
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2
Sule Pagoda
A roughly 2,000-year-old stupa that anchors the colonial downtown grid, said to enshrine a hair of the Buddha, with small shops and astrologers around its base.
Tip: Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering · Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat · Combine with a walk through Maha Bandula Park and the colonial buildings · Keep valuables secure in the busy roundabout area · Carry small notes for donations and the entry fee
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3
Botahtaung Pagoda
A hollow gilded stupa rebuilt after wartime bombing whose mirrored inner corridor displays relics said to include hair of the Buddha, beside a quiet river-view terrace.
Tip: Visit late afternoon, then walk the riverfront at dusk · Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes at the entrance · Check signs before photographing inside the relic corridor · Take a taxi for 2,000-4,000 MMK or walk along Strand Road in cool hours · Expect a narrow, busy corridor when tour groups arrive
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4
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple
One of Yangon's largest reclining Buddha images, 65 metres long, in a hall beside a working monastery where visitors can watch monks at prayer.
Tip: Remove shoes and socks and cover shoulders and knees · Visit in the morning or late afternoon for cooler air and better light · Combine with Ngahtatgyi Pagoda a few minutes away · Ask before photographing monks or worshippers · Leave a donation at the box on the way out
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5
Ngahtatgyi Pagoda
A five-storey seated Buddha with an ornate gilded wooden throne-frame, a short walk from Chaukhtatgyi and good for visitors who want fewer crowds than Shwedagon.
Tip: Visit in the morning when the hall is cooler · Walk over from Chaukhtatgyi, about five minutes away · Remove shoes and cover shoulders and knees · Avoid flash and keep voices low near worshippers · Leave a small donation as is customary
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6
Kaba Aye Pagoda and Maha Pasana Guha
The 'World Peace Pagoda' built for the Sixth Buddhist Council in 1952-54, with the man-made Maha Pasana Guha cave hall where the council convened.
Tip: Visit in the morning when the air is cooler · Ask the taxi driver for Kaba Aye Paya and agree the return fare · Remove shoes and cover shoulders and knees · Carry small notes for donations or a camera fee · Combine with the Myanmar Gems Museum on the same road
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7
National Museum of Myanmar (Yangon)
The country's main national collection, best known for the 8-metre Sihasana Lion Throne from Mandalay palace plus royal regalia, Buddhist art and ethnographic displays.
Tip: Verify opening days, as the museum is typically closed Mondays and public holidays · Visit on a weekday late morning for fewer crowds · Check the photography rules and fees at the ticket desk · Use the visit as a cool midday break from the heat · Visit before a trip to Bagan or Mandalay for context
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8
Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market)
A 1926 colonial-era covered market of about 2,000 stalls selling gems, jade, lacquerware, longyi fabric, art and souvenirs, with tea shops and tailors in the side arcades.
Tip: Visit in the morning for cooler air and smaller crowds · Bargain politely and compare several stalls before buying · Be cautious with gem and jade purchases and ask for receipts · Carry small notes in cash · The market is closed on Mondays and public holidays
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9
Kandawgyi Lake and Boardwalk
A royal lake created in 1882 with a shaded wooden boardwalk, lakeside restaurants and a view of the gilded Karaweik Hall and distant Shwedagon.
Tip: Come late afternoon to see the sunset and the evening crowds · Verify the entry fee at the gate · Bring insect repellent for dusk · Combine with Karaweik Hall and the zoo nearby · Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter walk
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10
Karaweik Hall
A concrete-and-gold replica of a royal barge shaped like the mythical karaweik bird, floating at the water's edge as a banquet hall and cultural-show venue.
Tip: Visit at dusk for the best light on the gold exterior · Reserve the dinner show in advance in peak season · Verify entry and buffet prices before going · Combine with a walk along the Kandawgyi boardwalk · Expect tour groups in the evening
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Shwedagon Pagoda
The 99-metre golden stupa and spiritual heart of the country
Sule Pagoda
The downtown roundabout stupa at the centre of the colonial grid
Botahtaung Pagoda
A hollow riverside stupa with a mirrored relic corridor
Yangon City Hall and Maha Bandula Park
1936 colonial civic landmark with Independence Monument
Karaweik Hall
A royal-barge replica on Kandawgyi Lake
Religious_sites
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple
A 65-metre reclining Buddha in an active monastery
Ngahtatgyi Pagoda
A five-storey seated Buddha on a gilded teak throne-frame
Kaba Aye Pagoda and Maha Pasana Guha
World Peace Pagoda and the council cave hall
Kheng Hock Keong Temple
A Fujian-style Chinese temple dedicated to Mazu
Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue
The last working synagogue in Myanmar
Holy Trinity Cathedral
A Gothic Revival Anglican cathedral from 1886
Saint Mary's Cathedral
The country's largest Catholic cathedral
Museums
National Museum of Myanmar (Yangon)
The Lion Throne, royal regalia and Buddhist art
Bogyoke Aung San Museum
The preserved family home of General Aung San
Myanmar Gems Museum
Rubies, sapphires and jade from Myanmar's mines
Markets_and_experiences
Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market)
A 1926 market for gems, art and textiles
Yangon Circular Railway
A three-hour slow loop around the city
Kandawgyi Lake and Boardwalk
A royal lake with a wooden boardwalk
Family_and_green
Yangon Zoological Gardens
A colonial-era zoo beside Kandawgyi Lake
People's Park
A landscaped park at Shwedagon's foot
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most pagodas open from dawn (about 04:00-06:00) until 20:00-22:00. Museums typically open Tuesday-Sunday about 09:30-16:00 and close on Mondays and public holidays. Bogyoke Aung San Market closes on Mondays.
- Fees
- Shwedagon is about 10,000 MMK (~$2.30); Sule about 5,000 MMK; Botahtaung about 6,000 MMK; National Museum about 5,000 MMK. Many smaller temples are free. Foreigners must usually pay in kyat; carry small notes.
- Best Times
- November to February for dry, cooler weather. Visit pagodas at sunrise or after 16:30 to avoid midday heat. Avoid the 07:00-09:00 and 16:00-18:30 traffic peaks when moving across the city.
- Booking
- No advance booking is needed for temples and markets. Day trips and guides can be arranged through hotels or booked directly at the venue.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Remove shoes and socks before entering any pagoda platform; most have free shoe-keeping counters, and pavements can be very hot at midday.
Cover shoulders and knees at all religious sites. Longyi (sarong-style skirts) can be bought for about 5,000-10,000 MMK (~$1.15-2.30) at Bogyoke Aung San Market.
Walk pagodas clockwise and never point your feet at Buddha images.
Carry small kyat notes (500, 1,000, 5,000) for admissions, donations and trishaws; foreigners are often asked to pay in crisp notes.
Use ride-hailing or agree a taxi fare before leaving; downtown to Shwedagon is usually 3,000-6,000 MMK (~$0.70-1.40).
Carry a copy of your passport and keep the original in the hotel safe where possible.
Check your government's current travel advisory and hotel status before moving between districts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Shwedagon Pagoda?
Late afternoon through sunset gives the best light and cooler temperatures; early morning around 05:00-07:00 is quieter and cooler. The platform stays open late into the evening.
How much does Shwedagon cost for foreigners?
About 10,000 MMK (~$2.30), payable in kyat at the gate; confirm the current price on arrival.
How many days do I need in Yangon?
Two to three days cover the main sights (Shwedagon, downtown colonial core, markets and the Circular Railway); allow four to seven days to add Dala, Bago and slower neighbourhood time.
Is Yangon walkable?
The downtown grid is walkable but hot and crowded; use taxis or ride-hailing for distances to Shwedagon, Kandawgyi Lake and Bahan.