Your Weekend Guide to Yangon, Myanmar

Mandalay has the international name recognition, and Nay Pyi Taw is known as the administrative—and infamously deserted—capital of Myanmar. However, all roads lead to the country’s commercial hub and most dynamic city, Yangon.

A city filled with opportunities, crumbling colonial architecture, and narrow streets bustling with rowdy tea shops and vendors’ trishaws, the former capital has a unique beauty that captivates visitors. It’s also home to an abundance of cultural highlights. Here’s how to experience the best of them over a weekend.

Friday Evening

After your arrival in the city, as dusk approaches, there’s no better introduction to Yangon than a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, the beating heart of Buddhism in Myanmar.

From a distance, it’s impressive, but up close, Shwedagon takes on a nearly mystical aura. The sweet scent of incense fills the air as worshippers light candles, pour cups of water over Buddhist icons, and quietly chant prayers in the many shrines surrounding the stupa. The atmosphere pulses with spiritual energy, guaranteed to enchant even the most skeptical visitors. Shwedagon is open from 4 am to 10 pm, and entry costs K10,000. Dress appropriately—no shorts or short skirts.

As your heart is filled with awe, your stomach may be rumbling, so head to the vibrant 19th street in the heart of Yangon’s Chinatown. This location is favored by both locals and tourists and is lined with self-service restaurants where you can indulge in mouthwatering barbecued meats and fresh vegetables, all while sipping on affordable mojitos and Myanmar beer.

Saturday Daytime

Kick off your day with breakfast at Pansuriya. This chic and artistic venue serves a variety of classic Burmese dishes, including mohinga (a traditional noodle broth) and an exceptional selection of curries.

After a satisfying breakfast, head to Wadan jetty and catch a boat to Seikgyi island. The moment you cross the Yangon River, you’ll notice a dramatic contrast: bustling city roads give way to tranquil dirt tracks, and towering office buildings are replaced by quaint farmsteads. If you’re exploring independently, rent a bicycle from nearby shops; this allows you to discover the rural side of Myanmar without leaving the Greater Yangon area.

The boat ride from Wadan jetty costs around K2,000-5,000, depending on your group size. As an alternative, consider joining a guided tour with Uncharted Horizons, which offers cycling experiences that include visits to Seikgyi.

Saturday Evening

After an exhilarating day of cycling, treat yourself to a sunset cocktail at the aptly named Yangon Yangon at Sakura Tower (open from 5 pm until late). This spot provides stunning panoramic views of the city.

For dinner, consider visiting House of Memories. Once the headquarters of independence leader Bogyoke Aung San, this colonial building retains much of its original charm, including Aung San’s office, which you can explore at your leisure.

Sunday Daytime

Simplify your weekend plans by combining breakfast and lunch with an experience from Sa Ba Street Food Tours. Burmese cuisine, often underrated, shines through on these tours that showcase the rich history and variety of food in Yangon, with stops at local markets and traditional teahouses. Here, you can sample classic breakfast dishes like mohinga served with freshly baked nan breads.

Conclude your tour by hopping on the Yangon Circle Train: a three-hour leisurely ride around the city, often populated by lively hawkers and vendors. It’s an excellent opportunity to witness the authentic side of Yangon, especially at Da Nyin Gone station, which has transformed into a vibrant market. The fare is incredibly affordable at K200.

Trains depart from platform seven at Yangon Central Station. Opt for the open-window trains that run at 9:40 am, 10:50 am, and 2:20 pm for a more pleasant and breezy experience. Please note that, at present, the circular line is undergoing repairs, with only half of the circuit open, but full service should resume soon.

Sunday Evening

After the train journey, you’re just a stone’s throw away from Kandawgyi Lake, one of Myanmar’s most romantic destinations. As you stroll through the park in the early evening, you’ll encounter couples enjoying their time under umbrellas and other locals walking the boardwalks, taking in the picturesque views of the lake and the majestic golden dragons adorning the Karaweik Palace restaurant.

To culminate your weekend on a delightful note, indulge in one of the most talked-about dining spots in Yangon—Pansodan. This Burmese-European brasserie has gained significant attention for its adept fusion of cuisines, offering expertly crafted dishes ranging from Burmese classics to Indian and Chinese flavors. Though it may not cater to tight budgets, dining at Pansodan will undoubtedly leave you with sweet memories and a desire to return for more.