Yangon, Myanmar - Travel Guide

Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, offers a fascinating blend of colonial architecture and bustling local life. It's home to the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda and provides a vibrant glimpse into Myanmar's rich cultural heritage and religious devotion.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$25/day

Mid-range$50/day

Luxury$150/day

Known For

RangoonBurmaMyanmarSoutheast Asia

🇲🇲 Country Information: Myanmar

CapitalNay Pyi Taw

CurrencyBurmese kyat (K)

Language Burmese , English (limited), various ethnic languages

Phone Code+95

Electricity230V (Type C, D, F, G)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is becoming more common in tourist areas, especially for tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff (around 5
10% or a few thousand Kyats)
Small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants

Money & Payments

ATMs are increasingly available in major cities, but cash is still king, especially in rural areas
Credit card acceptance is limited, mostly to high
end hotels and restaurants in major cities
Bringing US dollars (crisp, new bills) is highly recommended for exchange
While less common now, there was historically a black market for cash, but it's generally not recommended to use it anymore

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered)
Remove shoes and socks when entering temples, pagodas, and private homes
Do not touch anyone on the head
Use your right hand for eating and passing objects as the left hand is considered unclean
Avoid public displays of affection
It is considered rude to point with your feet or to step over someone's legs

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Laws against same-sex sexual activity exist and LGBTQ+ individuals face significant discrimination.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties for even small amounts of drugs

Special Laws

Photography near military installations or government buildings is forbidden
It is illegal to insult or mock Buddhism or its symbols
Tourists are often required to stay in licensed accommodation

Common Phrases

HelloMingalaba (min-ga-la-bah) မင်္ဂလာပါ

GoodbyeThwa ba mal (thwa-bah-mal) သွားပါမယ်

Thank youKyay zu tin ba de (chay-zoo-tin-ba-deh) ကျေးဇူးတင်ပါတယ်

Climate

Climate Zone: Equatorial Monsoon

Best Time to Visit

Hot Season: Mar
May
Monsoon Season: May
Oct (heavy rainfall, potential for floods)

Getting There

Fly into Yangon International Airport (RGN)
Direct flights from major Asian cities (e
g
, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur)
Buses and trains connect to other parts of Myanmar

Getting Around

Taxis and Grab are common for local transport
Local buses are available but can be confusing for tourists
Trishaws and cyclos are available for short distances

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended
Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis recommended
Malaria risk in some rural areas, not typically in Yangon city
Consult a travel doctor for specific advice

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is limited but growing
Mytel and Ooredoo are major local providers
Airalo and Nomad can sometimes offer regional Asia eSIMs that work here

Local Cuisine

Mohinga must_try

Mohinga is considered the national dish of Myanmar and is a staple breakfast food, often eaten throughout the day. It is a savory, thick fish and nood

Lahpet Thoke (Tea Leaf Salad) regional_speciality

This unique and famous Burmese salad features fermented tea leaves mixed with fried garlic, peanuts, sesame seeds, dried shrimp, tomatoes, and often c

Shan Noodles must_try

Originating from the Shan State, this noodle dish is very popular in Yangon and can be served either dry or in a peppery broth. The noodles are typica

Burmese Curry (Siet-tar hin) regional_speciality

Burmese curries are characterized by being oilier and less spicy than those from neighboring countries, usually cooked without strong spices. These me

Kway-Oh street_food

Kway-oh is a light and subtle noodle soup, typically featuring flat rice noodles and pieces of duck or other meat. The broth is clear and mild, making

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Intercity Sleeper Train Tickets (e.g., Yangon to Mandalay/Bagan) Transport

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Sleeper and upper-class seats on popular routes are limited and often sell out quickly, especially the most comfortable classes.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Accommodation in Yangon (Peak Season) Accommodation

Book 1–3 months in advance

During the high season (November to February), popular, well-reviewed hotels, especially mid-range and boutique options, can fill up, leading to higher prices for remaining rooms.

Fun Facts

1. Yangon was known as "the garden city of the East" at the beginning of the 20th century due to its open, well-manicured parks, beautiful lakes, and architecture.
2. The city was once said to have public services and infrastructure comparable to London at the start of the 20th century.
3. The name Yangon, given by King Alaungpaya in 1755, means “end of strife,” because he had just won battles that united his kingdom.
4. Despite no longer being the official capital (relocated to Naypyidaw in 2006), Yangon remains Myanmar's largest city and commercial hub.

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