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 trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Kandawgyi Lake Boardwalk Loop
A flat walk on the lake's wooden boardwalk and shoreline path, with Karaweik Hall and Shwedagon in view.
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2
Inya Lake Shore Walk (University Avenue and Inya Road)
A tree-lined road and lake edge walk past colonial villas and parks, popular with joggers at dawn and dusk. Large sections of the shore are private grounds.
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3
Hlawga Wildlife Park Forest Trails
Easy paths through teak and bamboo forest with ponds and animal enclosures.
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4
Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Hill Walk (Thanlyin)
A covered stairway climb to a hilltop pagoda with views over the Bago River and the Thanlyin Bridge.
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5
Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock) Pilgrim Trail
The classic pilgrim climb from Kinpun to the golden boulder; most visitors take a truck for the first part and walk the last 45 minutes.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Yangon.
- Best
- November-February
- Avoid
- April (extreme heat) and June-September (monsoon)
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Heat and dehydration
Hazard: Monsoon floods and slippery stairs
Hazard: Dengue-carrying mosquitoes
Hazard: Uneven pavements and stray dogs