Yangon

Yangon (Burmese: ရန်ကုန်), formerly known in English as Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar until it was replaced by Naypyidaw in 2005. Western governments and Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD still use the old English name as a sign of non-recognition of the military government that changed the name. Today, with a population of over 5 million people, it remains the largest city and the economic hub of Myanmar.

Understand
As the country's former capital, Yangon is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Myanmar, where you can find nightlife, quality international restaurants, and many of the country's museums. The city is an amalgamation of British, Burmese, Chinese, and Indian influences, known for its colonial architecture, which although decaying, remains an almost unique example of a 19th-century British colonial capital in Asia. New high-rise buildings were constructed from the 1990s as the government began to allow private investment, and with the introduction of reforms in 2013, many new buildings were constructed and refurbished in the city centre. Meanwhile, former government buildings such as the massive Secretariat Building have been left to rot since the capital was shifted to Naypyidaw.

Yangon's former English name was not the only victim of change in this country. For one, the country's name was changed. To add to the on-going identity crisis, the city has been stripped of its status as capital. The nation's capital has been relocated to a remote new site called Naypyidaw, built from scratch. The flag too has been changed, redesigned in 2010, replacing the old one which replaced another one slightly more than a decade earlier.

The government requires all foreigners to register their passports at hotels. It is illegal to stay in a private residence without registering with the local Township authorities.

Read
Our Home in Myanmar: Four years in Yangon by Jessica Mudditt - An Australian freelance journalist recounts living in Yangon during the country's liberalisation between 2012–2015, working for an English-language newspaper. The author describes with fascination what her life was like, the stories she worked on, and the difficulties created by the Myanmar government for her husband, a Bangladeshi, in light of the beginnings of the Myanmar military's genocide of the Rohingya people.

By plane


Getting there/away:
 * The easiest way to get to and from the airport is by taxi (US$10 from airport to city or 7,000 kyat from the city to airport, all pre-paid). It is possible to use a public bus. If you exit the international terminal and turn right, walking along the road for about 10 min, you'll hit Pyay Rd, from where you can take public bus 51 which will take you one block east of Sule Paya (200 kyat). Thus, the cheapest was to get to the airport is to take that bus, get off at Airport Rd, and take a taxi for the remaining kilometre (about US$1 after bargaining) or just walk. To get to the city you could theoretically ask the driver at the airport to drop you off at that bus stop if you don't feel like walking. The name of the bus stop is "Mile 10" on Pyay Rd and it's line 51, but you might have trouble being understood if nobody writes it down for you in Burmese script with precise instructions (thus using this option to get to the airport is much easier because you can ask your hotel for help). Another option is to share a taxi.

International:
 * There are direct flights to RGN from Bangkok, Hong Kong, Chiang Mai, Dubai, Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Gaya, Kolkata, Kunming, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Taipei. International Airlines servicing RGN include Thai Airways, Emirates, Bangkok Air, Biman Bangladesh, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Korean Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, China Airlines and Air India. Coffee, tea and very basic snacks (packaged biscuits and single serving cakes) are available inside the security area. The international terminal has free Wi-Fi.

Domestic:
 * The domestic terminal is 200 m past the international terminal, and is old and tired looking. Facilities are minimal (espresso coffee, tea, local beer, limited hot food, and basic packaged snacks are available) but, as a consequence, check-in is simple and quick and bags arrive quickly from arriving aircraft. Ancient buses ferry passengers to their aircraft. Pre-paid taxis are available, paid at the taxi counter inside the baggage claim area, but it is easier and cheaper to exit the terminal and negotiate directly with the taxi czar who controls the taxi trade at Mingladon. Try not to allow porters to carry your luggage, as they will demand tips and hassle you. This is especially a problem in the domestic terminal as there is no customs to pass through with your bags. If a porter has not attached himself to a hapless tourist, he may take random bags off the luggage trolley, hoping someone will follow him. The full service, with no going to counters or luggage concerns will cost a few thousand kyat.

By train
There are several train lines that connect Yangon to the rest of Burma. Several trains daily connect Yangon to Mandalay via Bago with connections to Bagan and the Inle Lake area at Thazi. Most trains leave early in the morning (02:00 or 03:00) and arrive late at night. Yangon-Mandalay fares for a sleeper are US$35-50, for a seat are US$30-40 in first class and US$10-15 in second class. There is also a direct train line between Yangon and Bagan (US$35) but trains take almost 24 hr for a bumpy journey and the change at Thazi is a better bet.

The oldest line in Burma is the Yangon-Pyay line and it shows its age. But, the 9-hr journey (US$15) along the Irrawaddy basin is well worth it. Three trains leave from Pyay. 1) Start 02:00 and arrives 13:40 at Kyemyindine station (11½ hr). 2) Start 06:15 and arrives 17:30 at Kyemyindine station (11 hr). 3) Start 23:30, arrival 07:50 at Yangon central (8½ hr). Upper class 3,900 and ordinary seat 1,950 kyat.

The Mawlamyine line is equally bumpy and the 9 hr express (06:15, US$17-11) and 11 hr slow train (07:00, US$14-5) is slightly longer than by road. On this trip in first class you get your own seat and it's slightly less crowded, but there isn't much else different between the classes.

Trains also run to Pathein in the Irrawaddy delta but are very slow and the bus is a better alternative.

By boat
150 years ago, boats were the way to get to places from Yangon and IWT (Inland Water Transport) passenger ferries still ply the major rivers. Yangon to Mandalay takes 5 days with a change at Pyay (3 days) and the return trip (downriver) takes three days. The ferry leaves Pyay every Friday at 06:30 and arrives in Yangon on Sunday at 21:40.

A luxury ferry (the Delta Queen) recalls the colonial era on the Yangon-Pathein route (about 20 hr, US$170/person). The IWT ferry to Pathein takes 15 hr for the overnight trip (US$35/10).

By bus


From specific destinations:
 * Mandalay – There is heavy competition on this route with air conditioned fares ranging from 10,500 kyat (Mandalar Minn, E lite) to 18,000 kyat for a 3-seat across VIP bus (E lite). E lite has an all new fleet with several departures early morning and evening. The new highway has dramatically reduced travel times north with the Mandalay trip taking just over 8 hr with a good bus.
 * Bagan – Buses are poorer value at 15,000 kyat. At the stadium in Yangon, you can get bus tickets for 13,000 kyat to Bagan (haggle!).
 * Pyay – Several buses a day: 8 hr, from 10,000 kyat. A few of which have started in Sittwe 18 hr before that.
 * Ngapali (Thandwe) – There are many buses travelling this route, for there are many tourist longing for the beautiful beach. From Thandwe (but also Ngapali) most Yangon buses start in the morning. The first 6-8 hr of the trip can be very exhausting, because they are through hills and on serpentines mostly only the bus will fit on. Make sure to take care of your stomach.
 * Tamu – An Ordinary Express departs at 07:00, and a VIP Express at 11:00. Alternatively, transferring or stopping over in Kalay, the Ordinary Express departs Kalay at 12:00, and the VIP Express at 15:00.

Getting there/away: Going to the city from the Highway Bus Station is possible on Bus 43 for 300 kyat. The bus passes in front of the entrance to the station. Just ask the helpful locals. On the way to the terminal, ask your hotel to write it down in Burmese script and catch the bus from the city hall across from Sule Paya to the city centre for 200 kyat. Better than the horrible transfer time (see shuttle ticket below) that sometimes make you wait at Aung Minglar for 3 hours. Bus 43 takes about 1 hr to get there, but give yourself some time to check in and allow for potential delays, leaving 2 hr from Sule Paya before your bus leaves.

Big bus companies serving the main tourist destinations (Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal) have sales offices across from Yangon train station (can also buy "shuttle ticket" to Bus Terminal for 1,000 kyat here).

By taxi
The easiest way to get around the city is by taxi and Yangon is the city where Toyotas come to live out the rest of their days. Plenty of old white Toyota Corolla taxis ply the streets and will pull over if you stick your hand out. Genuine taxis have red licence plates, carry a laminated green slip, and a large-print taxi driver identification card on the dashboard of the car, but all taxis are reliable. Be warned though that around lunchtime and late at night, it may be hard to hail one. Taxis are always available outside the bigger hotels, on Sule Pagoda Rd, outside Cafe Aroma, and, during the day, outside the south entrance to the Shwedagon Pagoda. Away from the city centre, for example, near the budget hotels in Pazundaung Township, you may have to wait a bit before a taxi shows up and it may be easier to ask your hotel to call one for you. If you're travelling in the early hours (for example, to catch a 04:00 train or flight), arrange one with your hotel the previous evening. You will always, at all hours, find a taxi outside the Central Hotel on Bogoyoke Aung San Rd.

It is customary to negotiate prices prior to the trip but, other than tacking on an informal tourist surcharge, you'll very rarely be cheated. If you're not sure how much you should pay, it is safe to assume the driver is charging you an extra 500 kyat because you're a foreigner. Ask for 500 kyat less than the stated price if in doubt. Approximate fares are: city centre to airport, 6,000-8,000 kyat; city centre to Shwedagon Pagoda, 2,500-3,000 kyat; city centre to Pazundaung Township, 2,500 kyat; city centre to Aung San Suu Kyi's house, 3,000 kyat; city centre to Kandawgyi Lake area, 3,000 kyat; city centre to Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal, 5,000-6,000 kyat; city centre to Hlaing Thar Yar Bus Terminal, 4,000 kyat. Expect to pay more, sometimes twice as much, when it rains and late at nights.

Most taxi drivers will be happy to negotiate an hourly (3,000 kyat) or daily (US$20-30) or longer rate. Taxis will take you anywhere and you can, in theory, hail a taxi and negotiate a trip to Pathein or Bago or other destinations at a much lower price than through a travel agency.

Taxi drivers charge a minimum fare of 1,500 kyat even for short trips. It seems like meters are never used, even when present.

Grab (taxi app popular in South-East Asia) can also help you catch taxis at a fair price.

By train




By trishaw
Trishaws are scarce in the city centre (and not permitted before 10:00), but more readily available in downtown and the surrounding townships. Negotiate fares in advance, but 500–1,000 kyat for a short ten minute ride, while a little more than a local would pay, is appropriate.

By bus
Using buses is safe and very cheap, the only drawback is that the network is hard to understand. Most of the locals can't speak English and the signs and bus numbers are written in Burmese. Yangon Bus Service (YBS), operated by Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA), started the operations in January 2017. The new bus network has reduced the number of lines from previous some 300 to about 70.

There are some apps that might come handy, although they are in Burmese, showing the bus stops and individual bus lines on the map (e.g. Yangon Bus Service Official App for Android).

By boat
A ferry crosses the river to Dallah from the Pansodan St Jetty.

On foot
Distances in the tourist areas are not great and, provided you take it easy, you can walk almost anywhere. The pavements can be very crowded though, particularly on Anawratha Rd, so expect to be constantly bumped into and to have to negotiate your way across vendors selling everything from hot samosas and curry to screwdrivers, TV remote controls to jeans. Many of the footpaths and pavements have large holes, mismatched pavers, or missing/unstable covers over drains. Walking on the footpath after dark can be treacherous, so either carry a torch or, like most locals, walk on the edge of the roadway which is normally in a (marginally) better state of repair.

See
Relatively untouched by development compared of other major Southeast Asian cities, the city centre of Yangon is full of historical sights. Yangon is perhaps the best preserved example of a European colonial capital in Southeast Asia.

Shwedagon Paya
The Shwedagon Pagoda or Paya is the most important religious site in Myanmar. The pagoda stands on the top of Singuttara Hill, and, according to legend, that spot has been sacred since the beginning of time, just before our present world was created. At that time, five lotus buds popped up on the hill, each bud signifying the five Buddhas who would appear in the world and guide it to Nirvana. Gautama, the Buddha as we know him, is the fourth of these five (Maitreya, the fifth, will announce the end of the world with his appearance) and, according to the legend, two brothers brought eight hairs of the Buddha to be enshrined in this sacred location, inaugurating the Shwedagon Pagoda. Whatever the truth of the legend, verifiable history records a pagoda at the site since the 6th century CE. Built and rebuilt, gilded and regilded, almost nothing in the pagoda is likely to be old, except whatever is hidden deep inside the stupa. An earthquake (18th century) destroyed the upper half of the pagoda spire and many buildings. Burmese Buddhists are practical people who constantly build and rebuild pagodas for merit. The pagoda is an interesting place: multicoloured neon highlighting a galaxy of colours, textures and shapes. It is also a jungle of spires with superior Myanmar woodcarving embellishment playfully mixed and matched with modern building materials such as corrugated roofing. Unlike other religious sites, it has a spiritual as well as a secular feel about it. Children run up and down singing songs, monks sit on the steps chatting, young men cast amorous glances at women, women stand around gossiping, all while others are deep in prayer in front of whatever shrine has significance for them. The Shwedagon captures the essence of both the informal nature as well as the strong ties that signify the relationship that the Burmese have with Buddhism. Things to see at the Shwedagon
 * Shvedagon Pagoda3.jpg

Other religious sites

 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg
 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg
 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg
 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg
 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg
 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg
 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg
 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg
 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg
 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg
 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg
 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg
 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg
 * Yangon Sule Paya.jpg

Miscellaneous

 * U Thant Haus in Rangon (Yangoon), Myanmar, Birma.jpg
 * There is an abandoned amusement attached to the zoo that has many overgrown rides, while entry is not permitted, many people do go in, and locals are used to tourists going in. While it is within shouting distance of the road and zoo, women should be aware of their personal safety. Millions of mosquitoes thrive here in the wet season and a number of aggressive wild dogs live here too. Enter through the bus parks back fence 30 m east of the zoo entrance, next to the mobile phone tower.
 * U Thant Haus in Rangon (Yangoon), Myanmar, Birma.jpg
 * There is an abandoned amusement attached to the zoo that has many overgrown rides, while entry is not permitted, many people do go in, and locals are used to tourists going in. While it is within shouting distance of the road and zoo, women should be aware of their personal safety. Millions of mosquitoes thrive here in the wet season and a number of aggressive wild dogs live here too. Enter through the bus parks back fence 30 m east of the zoo entrance, next to the mobile phone tower.
 * U Thant Haus in Rangon (Yangoon), Myanmar, Birma.jpg
 * There is an abandoned amusement attached to the zoo that has many overgrown rides, while entry is not permitted, many people do go in, and locals are used to tourists going in. While it is within shouting distance of the road and zoo, women should be aware of their personal safety. Millions of mosquitoes thrive here in the wet season and a number of aggressive wild dogs live here too. Enter through the bus parks back fence 30 m east of the zoo entrance, next to the mobile phone tower.
 * U Thant Haus in Rangon (Yangoon), Myanmar, Birma.jpg
 * There is an abandoned amusement attached to the zoo that has many overgrown rides, while entry is not permitted, many people do go in, and locals are used to tourists going in. While it is within shouting distance of the road and zoo, women should be aware of their personal safety. Millions of mosquitoes thrive here in the wet season and a number of aggressive wild dogs live here too. Enter through the bus parks back fence 30 m east of the zoo entrance, next to the mobile phone tower.
 * U Thant Haus in Rangon (Yangoon), Myanmar, Birma.jpg
 * There is an abandoned amusement attached to the zoo that has many overgrown rides, while entry is not permitted, many people do go in, and locals are used to tourists going in. While it is within shouting distance of the road and zoo, women should be aware of their personal safety. Millions of mosquitoes thrive here in the wet season and a number of aggressive wild dogs live here too. Enter through the bus parks back fence 30 m east of the zoo entrance, next to the mobile phone tower.
 * U Thant Haus in Rangon (Yangoon), Myanmar, Birma.jpg
 * There is an abandoned amusement attached to the zoo that has many overgrown rides, while entry is not permitted, many people do go in, and locals are used to tourists going in. While it is within shouting distance of the road and zoo, women should be aware of their personal safety. Millions of mosquitoes thrive here in the wet season and a number of aggressive wild dogs live here too. Enter through the bus parks back fence 30 m east of the zoo entrance, next to the mobile phone tower.
 * There is an abandoned amusement attached to the zoo that has many overgrown rides, while entry is not permitted, many people do go in, and locals are used to tourists going in. While it is within shouting distance of the road and zoo, women should be aware of their personal safety. Millions of mosquitoes thrive here in the wet season and a number of aggressive wild dogs live here too. Enter through the bus parks back fence 30 m east of the zoo entrance, next to the mobile phone tower.
 * There is an abandoned amusement attached to the zoo that has many overgrown rides, while entry is not permitted, many people do go in, and locals are used to tourists going in. While it is within shouting distance of the road and zoo, women should be aware of their personal safety. Millions of mosquitoes thrive here in the wet season and a number of aggressive wild dogs live here too. Enter through the bus parks back fence 30 m east of the zoo entrance, next to the mobile phone tower.
 * There is an abandoned amusement attached to the zoo that has many overgrown rides, while entry is not permitted, many people do go in, and locals are used to tourists going in. While it is within shouting distance of the road and zoo, women should be aware of their personal safety. Millions of mosquitoes thrive here in the wet season and a number of aggressive wild dogs live here too. Enter through the bus parks back fence 30 m east of the zoo entrance, next to the mobile phone tower.
 * There is an abandoned amusement attached to the zoo that has many overgrown rides, while entry is not permitted, many people do go in, and locals are used to tourists going in. While it is within shouting distance of the road and zoo, women should be aware of their personal safety. Millions of mosquitoes thrive here in the wet season and a number of aggressive wild dogs live here too. Enter through the bus parks back fence 30 m east of the zoo entrance, next to the mobile phone tower.
 * There is an abandoned amusement attached to the zoo that has many overgrown rides, while entry is not permitted, many people do go in, and locals are used to tourists going in. While it is within shouting distance of the road and zoo, women should be aware of their personal safety. Millions of mosquitoes thrive here in the wet season and a number of aggressive wild dogs live here too. Enter through the bus parks back fence 30 m east of the zoo entrance, next to the mobile phone tower.
 * There is an abandoned amusement attached to the zoo that has many overgrown rides, while entry is not permitted, many people do go in, and locals are used to tourists going in. While it is within shouting distance of the road and zoo, women should be aware of their personal safety. Millions of mosquitoes thrive here in the wet season and a number of aggressive wild dogs live here too. Enter through the bus parks back fence 30 m east of the zoo entrance, next to the mobile phone tower.

Do

 * Cinemas – There are a number of cinemas that play new release English movies. Local cinemas cost only a few dollars and are usually in a good condition but the best cinema might be in Myanmar plaza. remember to stand in silence for the national anthem.
 * Cinemas – There are a number of cinemas that play new release English movies. Local cinemas cost only a few dollars and are usually in a good condition but the best cinema might be in Myanmar plaza. remember to stand in silence for the national anthem.
 * Cinemas – There are a number of cinemas that play new release English movies. Local cinemas cost only a few dollars and are usually in a good condition but the best cinema might be in Myanmar plaza. remember to stand in silence for the national anthem.
 * Cinemas – There are a number of cinemas that play new release English movies. Local cinemas cost only a few dollars and are usually in a good condition but the best cinema might be in Myanmar plaza. remember to stand in silence for the national anthem.
 * Cinemas – There are a number of cinemas that play new release English movies. Local cinemas cost only a few dollars and are usually in a good condition but the best cinema might be in Myanmar plaza. remember to stand in silence for the national anthem.
 * Cinemas – There are a number of cinemas that play new release English movies. Local cinemas cost only a few dollars and are usually in a good condition but the best cinema might be in Myanmar plaza. remember to stand in silence for the national anthem.
 * Cinemas – There are a number of cinemas that play new release English movies. Local cinemas cost only a few dollars and are usually in a good condition but the best cinema might be in Myanmar plaza. remember to stand in silence for the national anthem.
 * Cinemas – There are a number of cinemas that play new release English movies. Local cinemas cost only a few dollars and are usually in a good condition but the best cinema might be in Myanmar plaza. remember to stand in silence for the national anthem.
 * Cinemas – There are a number of cinemas that play new release English movies. Local cinemas cost only a few dollars and are usually in a good condition but the best cinema might be in Myanmar plaza. remember to stand in silence for the national anthem.
 * Cinemas – There are a number of cinemas that play new release English movies. Local cinemas cost only a few dollars and are usually in a good condition but the best cinema might be in Myanmar plaza. remember to stand in silence for the national anthem.
 * Cinemas – There are a number of cinemas that play new release English movies. Local cinemas cost only a few dollars and are usually in a good condition but the best cinema might be in Myanmar plaza. remember to stand in silence for the national anthem.
 * Cinemas – There are a number of cinemas that play new release English movies. Local cinemas cost only a few dollars and are usually in a good condition but the best cinema might be in Myanmar plaza. remember to stand in silence for the national anthem.

Buy
Valuable and expensive woodcraft, gemstones, food ingredient, and souvenirs. Shopping is fun in Yangon for variety of things being available, unlike other crowded countries, foreigners can visit on certain times view things without distraction. Bargaining is expected, although tourists will be charged higher prices. Street vendors in the centre are not allowed to open their shops until 18:00, by government mandate.
 * Junction City, One of the famous shopping center in downtown area.
 * Junction City, One of the famous shopping center in downtown area.
 * Junction City, One of the famous shopping center in downtown area.

Money
Rates at the airport are almost as competitive as in the city, so change your money there or withdraw cash from an ATM. Do not change at the first bank you see inside the security area. Banks beyond security offer better rates.

If you need to change money outside business hours, especially on holidays and Sundays, only banks in the airport are open. Exchange rates are poorer at guesthouses and money changers.

Every full moon day is a public holiday. Banks, money changers, some Chinese shops and all government offices will be closed.

There are more than 500 ATMs in Yangon, however not all may work. It may take awhile to find one working. The withdrawal limit is typically 300,000 kyat plus a processing fee of 5,000 kyat.

When bringing in US dollars, the best exchange rates are for US$100 and US$50 notes. Smaller notes (US$1, US$5 and US$10) are indispensable to pay for admissions and transportation, which are sometimes charged in US dollars only. Bring notes in crisp condition as cashiers are wary of even the slightest blemishes. Check any US$ notes you are given in change, for the same reason. If you are given any damaged notes, nobody will accept it.

Eat
Yangon has seen an explosion of restaurants in the last ten years and a wide selection of international cuisines is available: Italian, Japanese, Thai and Korean. Local cuisine reflects the multi-ethnic nature of the city and the country. Along with Bamar food, there are a large number of Indian and Chinese restaurants as well as a few places specializing in ethnic Shan food. Fast food restaurants (usually with table service) serving burgers and pizza, and a few cafes complete the scene.

The cost of food ranges considerably. Restaurants and cafes in hotels and the airport charge prices that are normal in Western countries, yet at a streetside stall a whole meal costs 500–2,000 kyat.

Biryani, a rice and meat dish with roots in the Mughal Empire, is a speciality and there are many biryani restaurants (dan-PAO-sain in Burmese) in the city centre, especially along Anawratha Rd. The three main competing restaurant chains (all halal, but vegetarian biryani is usually available) are Yuzana, KSS (Kyet Shar Soon), and Nilar.

Budget
Street Food: Anawratha Rd and Mahabandoola Rd are dotted with food stalls, but Yangon street ambiance is not conducive to al fresco eating. Betel-nut spitting pedestrians do not add to the ambience either. Myanmar street food is mostly deep fried, and often served in a puddle of oil. Dishes are washed at the roadside "dunk" style, without soap and without running water. The green tea is free but before drinking from the cups pour some tea, swill it, empty it on the street and then pour yourself the cup of tea. Alternatively, use the provided tissue at the table as the locals do. There are many buffet-style street stalls where you point at the food to order.

Street vendors sell samosas, onion balls, and other Indian snacks around Anawratha St between Sule Paya Rd and Shwe Bontha St in central Yangon for under 200 kyat. Many restaurants and food stalls close as early as 20:00 or 21:00. It is best go around 19:00.



Mid-range

 * Kaisu kitchen, (on Mahabandula Road, between 11th Street and Hledan Street, diagonally across from Lotteria) serving western style fried chicken, burgers and Singapore style food- 2500Kyat. better than Lotteria, cheaper than KFC, has Wifi.
 * Kaisu kitchen, (on Mahabandula Road, between 11th Street and Hledan Street, diagonally across from Lotteria) serving western style fried chicken, burgers and Singapore style food- 2500Kyat. better than Lotteria, cheaper than KFC, has Wifi.

Drink
Nightlife in Yangon is split between local bars or "beer stations" as they are called which close early (around 21:00-00:00), but offer drinks at bargain prices (about 800 kyat for a pint glass of Myanmar Beer, local whiskies cost 2,000 kyat a glass). Expect to get a lot of attention when going to the local bars, since theses places are not frequented by foreigners. Drinking is not culturally acceptable for women in Burma, so don't expect to pick up any girls except in nightclubs and Western-style venues, local bars are places where men meet to talk and chew betel nut (very popular in Myanmar).

In stark contrast to local bars are the trendy cocktail bars and nightclubs that are springing up in the more modern areas of town, this is where you will find the expatiates and wealthy Westernized locals. Drinks are expensive and the DJs are unreliable- but expect a more or less Western experience, girls drink, most venues are LGBT friendly and all "the people" are there.

Bars

 * Asia (A5IA), nicely decorated, across from ko san
 * ko san double happiness bar, cheap, friendly and on 19th street. you will be safe from prostitutes, beggars and the usual hassles of 19th street.
 * Port autonomy, very trendy and in a new location- but expensive by Yangon standards

Nightclubs
Nightclubs in Yangon are not world famous, the music is often bad and most up-market discos and some nightclubs are frequented by Burmese prostitutes who are eager to talk with foreigners.


 * The Music Club (at the Park Royal Hotel (admission, US$6, hotel guests, free); Paddy O'Malley's (Sedona Hotel, admission, US$5, including one drink).
 * Fuse nightclub
 * Pioneer nightclub, mostly rich local kids but has reliable DJs, always popular. Go with four people and buy a 80k package that includes a liter of vodka. Security is tight.
 * Level 2 nightclub, probably has the best DJs in the city, frequent events. Attached to the trendy Alchemy Bar.
 * Pyrite, has a gay night (under repair as of 7 July 2019 but will re-open soon)
 * Crush Bar in the north of the city
 * Safehouse

Sleep
Accommodation in Yangon is comparatively much more expensive than the likes of Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City or Bali.

Rooms are abundant except at the height of the tourist season (Dec-Jan), and then only in the popular backpacker hotels. Reservations are almost never necessary. Tourists can still pay in US$ (bring only newer US$ banknotes in good condition), but the kyat is more commonly used now. Credit cards are increasingly accepted at hotels.

Budget hotels are mostly away from city centre. The upside is that the hotels are quieter, the city centre can be quite noisy, and you get a little more room for your money. You'll need a taxi to get to the main sight, the Shwedagon Pagoda anyway. The downside is that most restaurants are in the city centre, a long walk or taxi ride away and choices outside the centre are limited, usually with the only choice being a restaurant attached to the hotel with indifferent cuisine and which may be closed if business is slow. Pazundaung and Botataung Townships seem to have the highest concentration of budget hotels. Some rooms, the cheaper ones, in many budget hotels have no windows. There are a few budget central hotels but, except for a couple, are quite shabby.

Mid-priced hotels are scattered about the city, with one set concentrated in the few blocks around Sule Pagoda and a second set just north of the Shwedagon Pagoda. Luxury hotels are concentrated around Kandawgyi Lake or city centre.

Rates for hotels are usually quoted as single/double. The room is usually the same but you pay a little extra, about US$5-10, if two people share the room. Breakfast is almost always included and the quality and variety increases with the cost of the hotel. In a budget hotel, expect a banana, an egg, some bread and coffee made from "coffee mix" (a pre-packaged mix of coffee powder, milk powder and lots of sugar).

An important factor in choosing a hotel is electricity. Electricity supply is subject to frequent breaks anywhere in the city. Mid-priced hotels usually have their own generators while budget hotels either do not or have a limited supply: lights will work till 23:00, fans may or may not work, air conditioning never does even if fitted in the room unless state-supplied electricity is available. Ask when you book what the electricity situation is and, if there is no generator, what you can expect on the days that you are there.

Budget
You can get a dorm bed with free breakfast in Yangon from US$4 a night (April 2019).

Splurge




Connect




Internet cafes
Internet cafes have proliferated and Yangon has quite a few that provide access at a reasonable speed for a reasonable price. The government no longer blocks any web sites, but connections are not 100% reliable. Many hotels provide Internet services, but these tend to be more expensive than the public cafes. The cheapest rate is around 400 kyat/hr. There are plenty of places so shop around and save some cash.

Stay safe
Despite widespread poverty, Yangon is one of the safest big cities in the world. Most people, including single females, will not have any problems roaming the streets alone at night, and carrying large amounts of cash rarely poses a problem. Crimes against tourists are taken very seriously by the military government and punishment is often disproportionately severe. This, in addition to the strong Buddhist culture in the population, means that Yangon's crime rate is lower than the likes of Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Violent crime is especially rare. However, little crime does not mean no crime, and there have been isolated incidents involving tourists, so it is best to take normal big city precautions like avoiding lonely areas at night and always being aware of your valuables. As with everywhere else in the world, there is no substitute for common sense.

Prostitution and drug trafficking are illegal, though there are plenty of prostitutes in Yangon, often in bars owned by senior army officers. Drug trafficking is punishable by death.

Scams
A increasingly common scam involved an overly friendly local approaching a tourist (often near Sule Pagoda or the park next to it, or outside Shwe Dagon pagoda) and offering to take them around the city. The tourist is then taken to an isolated area (often across the river to Dala township) where a group of men appear and demand huge amounts of money and take the tourist to an ATM where they are forced to make a withdrawal.

It can be difficult to separate these men from the more common tour guide who will introduce himself and try to overcharge you for short tours.

Taxi drivers at the airport and au minglar bus station are known to badly overcharge people who have just arrived and may lie about the exchange rate of the Myanmar kyat. Using Grab taxi is safer and often cheaper for tourists.

The most common crime in Yangon is being short-changed by a money changer, so count your kyat carefully when you exchange money. Opt to exchange at the Bogyoke Market, where the rates may be slightly worse, but the jewellery shop owners won't rip you off. Do not fall for the "bad serial number" excuse, it's another attempt to con you (however, US dollars with "CB" serial numbers may be fakes). Be especially careful with the money changer around Sule Paya. They count the money in front of you, but will trick you while doing that (they have fast hands.) People are strongly advised not to change money there.

There are a multitude of fake monks along the street near Sule-Shangri La Hotel (formally Traders) and Bogyoke Market. Authentic monks do not hang around tourist attractions soliciting donations.

Stay healthy

 * Yangon can be extremely hot with intense sun. Wear long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing, drink plenty of water, and staying inside during the noon hours.
 * Yangon's tap water is not potable. Always buy bottled water or refill bottles at purified water jars. Temples supply free purified water (large steel tanks), and most shop keepers are happy to let you top up at their water jugs.
 * Mosquitoes carry dengue and malaria. Insist on using a mosquito net at night if it is available. Make sure there are no holes or gaps left in the net. Your second line of defense is mosquito coils and mosquito repellent.
 * Street food is almost universally unsafe and can be a source of everything from diarrhoea to typhoid and parasites. Stick to indoor restaurants and tea shops with non-dirt floors.
 * Street dogs are occasionally rabid: Pass them with caution, and be aware that can form aggressive packs.
 * There are open sewers all over Yangon, usually under the footpaths. Be extremely wary during rainy season when many flood. You could accidentally find yourself standing chest deep in a sewer. Some sections of sewer are covered for walking ease, others are not. During rainy season, be cautious of any cuts you may have on your feet as the flooded water in the streets is contaminated and can lead to infections.
 * Drivers are reckless. If your taxi driver is behaving recklessly tell them to slow down. Be insistent; traffic deaths are extremely common.
 * Many drugs in pharmacies are fake. Golden Bell Pharmacy listed below is reputable.

Healthcare
Tuberculosis and AIDS (known as "A-I-D Five" among locals) afflict a disproportionately high percentage of the people. However, HIV infection is not at the epidemic level (infection rates are much less than 1%). There is a risk of dengue fever. Malaria is a risk in rural areas.

Medical care is limited, but is most expedient at private medical clinics. Most guest houses and hotels will be able to provide you with the address of a private doctor with experience in treating foreigners. Be sure to take the proper vaccinations before you leave for your trip. Carry a small first-aid kit with you containing at least painkillers, band-aid, ORS and a loperamide-like medicine. Anti-malarial pills and DEET are recommended. For more serious medical issues, you will probably need to travel to Bangkok or Singapore for treatment.



Embassies
In the event of an emergency, always take the precaution of registering at your embassy. Many details can also be found here: https://www.embassypages.com/myanmar


 * 🇦🇺 Australia
 * 🇧🇩 BangladeshBangladesh, 11B Thanlwin Rd.
 * 🇰🇭 CambodiaCambodia, 25 New University Ave Rd.
 * 🇨🇦 CanadaCanada, The Australian Embassy provides assistance.
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇫🇷 FranceFrance, 1, 102 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Rd, is near the outskirts of the city.
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇮🇳 India
 * 🇮🇩 IndonesiaIndonesia, 100 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Rd.
 * 🇮🇱 Israel
 * 🇮🇹 ItalyItaly, 3 Inya Myaing Rd.
 * 🇯🇵 Japan
 * 🇰🇷 South KoreaKorea, 97 University Ave Rd.
 * LaosLaos, A1 Diplomatic Quarters, Taw Win St.
 * 🇲🇾 MalaysiaMalaysia, 82 Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Rd.
 * 🇳🇵 NepalNepal, 16 Natmauk Rd.
 * 🇳🇱 NetherlandsNetherlands, The German Embassy provides assistance.
 * 🇳🇿 New ZealandNew Zealand, The UK Embassy provides assistance.
 * 🇵🇰 PakistanPakistan, 4A Pyay Rd.
 * 🇵🇭 PhilippinesPhilippines, 50 Sayasan St.
 * 🇷🇺 RussiaRussia, 38 Sagawa Road
 * 🇸🇬 Singapore
 * 🇱🇰 Sri LankaSri Lanka, 34 Taw Win St.
 * 🇸🇪 SwedenSweden, The UK Embassy provides assistance.
 * 🇨🇭 SwitzerlandSwitzerland, The German Embassy provides assistance.
 * 🇹🇭 ThailandThailand, 94 Pyay St.
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States
 * VietnamVietnam, 72 Thanlwin Rd.

Go next



 * Yangon International Airport - Taxi to airport is around 8,000 kyat including baggage. Your hotel manager may well drive you to the airport. There is a beautiful 3-storey mural, a nice composition of Burmese countryside and lifestyle in the style of idyllic romanticism worth taking souvenir photo of as you go to immigration on the second floor departure area.
 * Bago (Pegu) - an important city with pagodas and monasteries 60 km north of Yangon. An easy day trip.
 * Mandalay - overnight buses, and expensive government trains, leave for Mandalay daily. Bus tickets can be booked at the number of travel agents just north of Yangon railway station.
 * Mawlamyine - A pleasant seaside city with a few daytrip possibilities. 9 hr express train runs there each morning about 06:15 (and an 11 hr slow train at 07:00). Ordinary tickets (with no seat reservations) cost foreigners US$5, while upper class tickets are US$14. You get your own seat and it's slightly less crowded, but there isn't much difference between classes.
 * Pathein (Bassein) - famous for its paper umbrellas and stunning religious architecture, and an overnight boat away (or 4 hours by rented car, more by bus) to the west. From Pathein it's only a few hours by bus or pick-up truck on to the beaches of Chaungtha and Ngwe Saung.
 * Taukkyan - about an hour's drive (35 km) of central Yangon, and site of the Taukkyan War Cemetery.
 * Thanlyin - once an important city on the Irrawaddy Delta, and gateway to Kyauktan (Syriam), a small island in the Yangon River, which is the site of the 4th century Ye Le Paya.
 * Twante - the most accessible delta town to Yangon, makes for a nice half- or full-day trip.