The gateway to Myanmar, Yangon is the country’s main hub for business, transport and culture, dotted with lush parks and pretty lakes. Though this is a vibrant and busy city, Yangon has not yet been infiltrated with global brands or corporations, and instead boasts friendly locals and lively street markets, amid the grand old buildings of the colonial era.

Named ‘The Garden City of the East’, Yangon blends a wealth of activity and tradition with verdant pockets of tropical trees and evergreen scenery. As night falls, the scents and flavours of Chinatown seem to intensify, making this a fantastic place to wander and explore, while daytime visits to the shaded parks and museums offer a welcome respite from the heat.

The ancient, golden Shwedagon Pagoda forms the centrepiece of the former capital from its hilltop perch. Follow the trail of monks and nuns along to this must-see pagoda, which dominates the horizon, and is particularly captivating at both sunrise and twilight.

When to go

Visit Yangon from November to February when the weather is at its coolest and driest.

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What to do

  • Visit the huge, gleaming Shwedagon Pagoda
  • Wander around the shaded parks and lakes
  • Enjoy delicious street food in bustling Chinatown at night
Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline