Yangon Attractions

Allied War Memorial Cemetery

27,000 graves of Commonwealth and Allied soldiers who died in the Myanmar Campaign during WW II are spread throughout the beautifully maintained grounds at Htaukkyant, about 32km from Yangon.  

Bago

Once the glittering capital of lower Myanmar during the Mon dynasty, Bago was destroyed by the Myanmar in 1757, but partially restored in the early 19th century. It's life as an important seaport was also denied it when the Bago River changed its course, cutting the city off from the sea.

Bogyoke Aung San Park

With a lovely view of Kandawgyi Lake, city-dwellers enjoy their leisure time in the playgrounds and picnic areas.

Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda

One of the largest reclining Buddhas in Myanmar, this pagoda dates back to 1907 but was restored in 1966. Located only short distance beyond the Shwedagon Pagoda, it is worth viewing this impressively huge image.

Hlawga Wildlife Park

This attraction will be appreciated by animal lovers, especially those who are interested in bird watching. The Hlawga Wildlife Park is home to many kinds of herbivorous animals and almost 100 bird species. There are also elephant rides and fishing for visitors.

Kaba Aye Pagoda

The Kaba Aye Pagoda sets itself apart from Yangon’s many other pagodas because it was erected in in1952 for the sixth Buddhist synod, held from 1954 to 1956. It is also known as the World Peace Pagoda, simply because its name means 'world peace.'

Kandawgyi Garden

Aside from its breathtaking scenery, this attraction also has a children's playground, an orchid garden and several souvenir shops and restaurants. The place is great for picnics, or even just sightseeing. The name 'Kandawgyi' means ‘the great lake’.

Maha Wizaya Pagoda

Just like the Kaba Aye Pagoda, this is a relatively new addition compared to the other ancient temples. The Maha Wizaya Pagoda was built in 1980 as a symbolic memorial of the First Successful Congregation of the Sangha of All Orders, when all sects of the Buddhist monastic order came under one supervisory body. The pagoda features a combination of modern styles and traditional patterns.

Martyrs' Mausoleum

On a hill overlooking the city, close to the Shwedagon, this memorial is dedicated to Bogyoke Aung San - who played a key role in securing independence from the British. He was assassinated along with fellow cabinet members in 1947.

National Museum

The National Museum of Myanmar was initially established in what was once Jubilee Hall in 1952. In 1970, the museum was transferred to a more spacious building in Pansodan Street. Because that building was not built for the purposes of a museum, another move was made necessary - this time, to its present address. The five-storey building in Pyay Road is home to priceless works of art, artefacts and other items of historical significance.

People's Square and People's Park

This is one of the major parks near the Shwedagon Pagoda. The area of the People's Square and People's Park used to be part of the palace grounds during the reign of Queen Shin Sawbu and during the colonial days, it served as a golf course. In both the square and park, you will see thousands of plants, trees and flowers

Shwemawdaw Pagoda

Reminiscent of the Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon, this temple date back 1,000 years, although parts were added in 1952 and in 1954.

Shwethalyaung Buddha

After the destruction of Bago in 1757, this historic reclining Buddha was swallowed up by the jungle, not to be rediscovered until the British era, during construction of the railway line from Yangon to Bago. The 55 metre long and 16 metre high Buddha image dates back to 994AD, and is one of the most revered statues in the country.

Thanlyin (Syriam) & Kyauktan

One hour from Yangon, across Myanmar's longest bridge, lies the town of Thanlyin and the ruins of an 18th century Portuguese church. On an island in the middle of the river is Ye Le Paya Pagoda (literally "the pagoda at the centre of the river") containing pictures of other famous pagodas in different parts of the country. Beyond the town is the pagoda at Kyauktan.

A short bus ride out of town, rising on a hillock to the right of the road, is the large, golden Kyaik-khauk Pagoda. The tombs of two famous Myanmar Poets Laureate - Natshinaung and Padethayaza - stand just before this pagoda.

The Botahtaung Pagoda

Originally named Kyaik-de-att, this 2,500-year old pagoda was later named after the 1,000 military leaders who escorted the relics of Buddha from India to Myanmar. ‘Bo’ means leader, while ‘tahtaung’ means a thousand. The street where the pagoda is located is named after the pagoda. The inside of the pagoda is hollow, so people can walk through it. There is also a museum inside that features a collection of interesting pieces.

The Shwedagon Pagoda

This is the most prominent attraction, not only in Yangon, but in all of Myanmar, towering 326 feet high on Singuttara Hill, the Shwedagon Pagoda can be seen from miles away. The 2,500-year old pagoda required 30 tons of gold to be built. Precious gems such as diamonds and emeralds were used in other areas of the pagoda. This most sacred pagoda is home to the relics of three earlier Buddha images, as well as eight hairs of the Gautama Buddha.

The Sule Pagoda

Another remarkable pagoda in Yangon is the Sule Pagoda. This 2,000-year old golden image makes for an interesting landmark because of its octagonal shape. The pagoda, which measures 152 feet in height, is said to enshrine a hair of the Buddha. It is surrounded by palmist and astrologer kiosks.

Twante

Noted for its pottery and cotton-weaving industries, Twante is best reached by a two hour, 24km, boat ride along the Twante Canal. The trip also provides a delightful montage of life along the canal.

Zoological Garden

This zoo first opened its doors in 1906, and it has been a hit with both locals and tourists since then. It is home to wide selection of not only fauna, but also flora. This attraction is best visited during weekends or public holidays when there are snake shows and elephant performances.