Kandawgyi Lake and Boardwalk

Kandawgyi Lake, whose name means Royal Lake, lies just east of Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar, with its main entrance on Kan Yeiktha Road in Bahan Township. The lake was created in 1882 as a reservoir for the colonial city and is now surrounded by a landscaped park. A shaded wooden boardwalk runs along part of the shore, passing over water and through trees, and offers views of the gilded Karaweik Hall on the eastern bank and the distant golden spire of Shwedagon. Lakeside restaurants, cafes and small stalls serve food and drinks, and families, couples and joggers use the paths throughout the day. Park or boardwalk entry costs about 3,000 MMK (about $0.70), though visitors should verify at the gate. A visit takes one to two hours. The best time is late afternoon into evening, when the heat eases, local visitors arrive and the sunset lights Shwedagon in the distance. Photographers favour the boardwalk for reflections of the Karaweik barge and the pagoda, and the western shore for the view across the water at dusk. Mornings are quieter and suit joggers and walkers. Weekends are busy, and evenings can be crowded near the restaurants. The lake adjoins the Yangon Zoological Gardens and lies near Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple, so the area makes a good half-day circuit. Taxis from downtown cost about 3,000 to 5,000 MMK. Mosquitoes can be present near the water at dusk, so repellent is useful. Visitors should keep to marked paths and avoid feeding wildlife.