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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Longyi (sarong-style skirt)
Cotton or silk, worn by men and women; patterns vary by region
Price: 5,000-30,000 MMK (~$1.15-7)
Where: Bogyoke Aung San Market, Theingyi Zay
Lacquerware bowls and boxes
Bamboo-based lacquer from Bagan, often with traditional designs
Price: 10,000-100,000 MMK (~$2.30-23)
Where: Bogyoke Aung San Market
Jade, ruby and sapphire jewellery
Only buy from fixed-price shops with receipts
Price: From 50,000 MMK (~$12)
Where: Bogyoke Aung San Market
Marionettes and woodcarvings
Traditional puppets and carved items
Price: 15,000-80,000 MMK (~$3.50-19)
Where: Bogyoke Aung San Market
Tea leaves and laphet
Packaged tea leaves and fermented tea-leaf salad kits
Price: 3,000-15,000 MMK (~$0.70-3.50)
Where: Local markets and supermarkets
Paintings and prints
Contemporary Burmese art
Price: 20,000-500,000 MMK (~$4.65-116)
Where: Pansodan Road galleries
Thanaka paste
Fragrant bark paste worn on the face as sunscreen
Price: 1,000-5,000 MMK (~$0.25-1.15)
Where: Markets
Secondhand and antiquarian books
Burmese and English titles
Price: 3,000-40,000 MMK (~$0.70-9)
Where: Pansodan Road stalls
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market)
The main tourist market, with gem and jade shops, lacquerware, longyi textiles and art.
Where: Pabedan Township
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday about 09:30-17:00; closed Mondays and public holidays
Theingyi Zay Market
A bustling local market for textiles, spices, tea leaves and household goods in the Indian-Chinese quarter.
Where: Pabedan Township
Hours: Daily, about 07:00-17:00
Pazundaung Market
A busy fresh-produce and dry-goods market east of downtown, good for local snacks and everyday life.
Where: Mingala Taungnyunt Township
Hours: Daily, about 06:00-17:00
Junction City
A modern downtown shopping mall with a supermarket, fashion shops and cafes.
Where: Pabedan Township
Hours: Daily, typically about 09:00-21:00
Myanmar Plaza
A large mall with international brands, a cinema and restaurants, beside the Melia hotel.
Where: Bahan Township
Hours: Daily, typically about 09:30-21:00
Junction Square
A mall on the Pyay Road side, anchored by a supermarket and restaurants.
Where: Kamayut Township
Hours: Daily, typically about 09:30-21:00
Lawkanat Gallery House and Pansodan Gallery Area
Galleries and book stalls on Pansodan Road selling contemporary Burmese paintings, prints and antiquarian books.
Where: Kyauktada Township
Hours: Typically daytime (verify)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Junction City
Downtown mall with supermarket and dining
Myanmar Plaza
Large mall with international brands and cinema
Junction Square
Mall with supermarket and restaurants
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Smile and counter at about 60-70% of the first price.
Walk away politely if the price is too high; sellers often call you back.
Fixed-price shops and malls do not bargain.
Compare prices at two or three stalls before buying.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Export of antiques and Buddha images requires a permit, Keep receipts for gems and jade