A day in Yangon: The ultimate itinerary

YANGON, Myanmar — If you’re still having a hard time on which place to visit on your next vacation trip, you may consider visiting the city of Yangon in Myanmar.

Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar and the former capital of the country until 2006 before the country’s capital was transferred to Nay Pyi Daw.

Not sure what to do in Yangon? Don’t underestimate the pagodas you may visit in Yangon, as you will be left in awe with their majestic stupas plated with gold and some covered with diamonds.

At night, Yangon’s life is never boring. Enjoy the night on a barbecue street or in a rooftop bar with the view of Yangon’s most famous pagoda, the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Start your Yangon trip by visiting the Botataung Pagoda near Yangon River.

Botataung Pagoda was built over 2,500 years ago. The pagoda enshrines a sacred hair of Buddha.

This pagoda will amaze you with its gold plated walls and ceilings.

Near Botataung Pagoda is Sule Pagoda.

Also aged more than 2,000 years, Sule Pagoda also houses Buddha’s sacred hair relic.

The octagon-shaped pagoda in the heart of Yangon was believed to be the place where King Okkapala held meetings to build the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Nearby attractions from Sule Pagoda include the British Colonial architectures of Yangon City Hall and the iconic clock tower of High Court Building.

The best view to see this mix of Asian and Western designs is at Maha Bandoola Park, which is just across the Sule Pagoda.

Another gigantic reclining Buddha statue in Southeast Asia can also be found in Yangon aside from Bangkok, Thailand.

The Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda is known for its six-storey-high reclining Buddha built in 1966.

There are monasteries in the vicinity of Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda that accommodate more than 600 monks studying Buddhist Scriptures.

Save the best for last — the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Believed to be over 2,500 years old, this pagoda is one of the main tourist destinations in Myanmar.

Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sacred pagoda in Yangon.

Its stupa is completely covered with gold and encrusted with over 4,500 diamonds, the largest of which is a 72 carat diamond. Aside from gold and diamonds, structures inside the Shwedagon Pagoda are designed with precious gems, which Myanmar is also famous for.

Food and nightlife

There are many restaurants to choose from in Kandawgyi Park offering Burmese food or other Asian food — even western food is available here.

Kandawgyi Park also offers a relaxing view of Kandawgyi Lake and the long wood bridge or the majestic Karaweik Palace, which is also a floating restaurant.

If you want to try barbecue the Burmese-way, go to 19th Street in Yangon’s Chinatown. One of their best barbecues is the enokitake mushroom wrapped with chicken or pork.

Still can’t get over of Shwedagon Pagoda? Rooftop bars of Vista Bar & Grill at 168 West Shwegondiang Rd. and Eclipse Bar in Myanmar Plaza offer sumptuous Burmese food and alcoholic drinks with a good view of Shwedagon Pagoda.

So don’t hesitate to book a trip to Yangon and experience this city truly rich in things — views, culture, and tradition. (PNA)