"Yangon - capital and great introduction to Myanmar" Top 5 Page for this destination Rangoon by planxty

Rangoon Travel Guide: 529 reviews and 1,318 photos

It's very different.

I've been lucky enough to have travelled round a fair bit of Southeast Asia, inluding some capital cities, and the thing that struck me about Yangon (Rangoon) is that it is very different.

I know it sounds like a ridiculous thing to mention, but one of the first things you notice about the city is the complete absence of scooters, so prevalent everywhere else in the region, and the equal absence of car horns, normally an integral part of Asian driving. I was told that it's because there are so many Government bigwigs about, they don't like the noise of the horns and think scooters make the place look cheap. I don't know how true all that is.

Yangon also has a very marked mix of cultures and religions. A look at the faces will indicate a Chinese influence mixed with local Bamar and all the various tribes that now make up Myanmar, along with influences from the West (Indian and Bangladeshi). This is also reflected in the places of worship, with mosques, churches and temples co-existing quite happily with the predominant Buddhist temples.

I also found the city fairly accessible with most of the main attractions within fairly easy walking distance of each other. And what attractions they are. From the simply magnificent Shwedagon, Sule Paya and the Botataung, to old colonial architecture, the bustle of Chinatown and a fascinating riverscape.

And so to food, one of my greatest delights whilst travelling. Yangon certainly has far and away the best selection of eating options in the country, as you might expect. There is everything ranging from great streetside stalls to restaurants that would not be out of place anywhere in the world.

People looking for a wild nightlife will, however, be disappointed. Most restaurants close at about 2130 and there is virtually nothing open after 2300 (except a few nightclubs which I didn't bother with). Best get to bed early ready for the next days sightseeing.

The vast majority of visitors to Myanmar will start or end their trip here, or probably both. It's a great introduction to the country.

Last visit to Rangoon: Mar 2006
Intro Updated Jun 27, 2007
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Reviews (33)

Masseur and masseuse, Yangon, Myanmar. - Rangoon

A relaxing massage. Things to Do (19)

If the stress of all that sightseeing is knotting up your muscles, you might find yourself in need of a relaxing... more travel advice

Reclining Buddha, Chaukhtatgyi Paya, Yangon. - Rangoon

Massive is the only word. Things to Do (19)

Not too far Northeast of the Shwedagon (see seperate tip) is the Chaukhtatgyi Paya which contains quite simply the... more travel advice

What a traffic island. Things to Do (19)

There is no doubt about it, Sule Paya must be the most beautiful traffic roundabout in the world. Standing in the middle... more travel advice

Colonial style architecture, Yangon, Myanmar. - Rangoon

Look up. Things to Do (19)

I remember years ago at school having a lecture from the vice-principal, a lovely man called Fred Jeffries, about... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Mar 19, 2006

8 photos

Shwedagon Paya.

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Comments (28)

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cal6060 Jan 22, 2013 at 2:19 AM

Yangon is a great place to visit! hope to visit there soon...thanks for great reviews! : )
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  planxty Jan 22, 2013 at 3:16 AM
  
  Thanks for your kind comments, yes it is a wonderful place, the whole ocuntry is amazig. You should get there if you can, you will love it. fergy
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AngMimi Jan 1, 2013 at 8:07 AM

Excellent page, Fergy. Thanks for sharing.
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  planxty Jan 1, 2013 at 8:30 AM
  
  Thanks for the kind comment, you will love it there.
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Jim_Eliason Aug 8, 2012 at 9:01 PM

great tips!
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BorneoGrrl Jan 23, 2012 at 7:19 AM

Great tips Fergy, informative and entertaining read
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ettiewyn Mar 23, 2011 at 9:07 AM

Wonderful page! Burma is very high on my wish list - I love to read about it and very much enjoyed your tips and pictures!
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MacedonianUK Dec 6, 2010 at 9:51 AM

Love your write up on Rangoon. SEA is on my net "to do " list. Maby 2011 will be the year I visit.
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BruceDunning Oct 27, 2010 at 2:28 PM

There really is some very ornate architecture, and I cannot imagine that roundabout you described with its sites surrounding it. Your presentation is excellent and the photos very good.
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junecorlett May 4, 2009 at 4:42 AM

Thanks for sharing these delicious tips.
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jumpingnorman Feb 13, 2009 at 8:58 PM

So many things too do in Myanmar! I will have to add it on my wishlist --- I love the architecture and that park looks good, Thanks again Fergy, Norman :)
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volopolo Aug 28, 2008 at 4:09 PM

Excellent informations!