Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is the largest city in Myanmar. The city is strategically located between two major rivers, the Yangon and Bago, about 30km from the Gulf of Martaban. Yangon was formerly the capital of Myanmar, but in 2006 the capital was officially moved to Naypyidaw.
Known as the “Heart of Myanmar”, the former capital Yangon today still retains its ancient beauty from the colonial period. It has the most colonial buildings in East Asia today, because it was once a British colony, most of the high-rise buildings and government offices were built in European architectural style. This is what has created an impression on international tourists.
The wide roads, with rows of green trees on both sides and large, peaceful lakes bring a very peaceful feeling. Besides, it is impossible not to mention the majestic gilded pagodas and the famous large and sacred Buddha statues in Yangon that will amaze you when you come to this ancient city.
Ideal time to travel to Yangon
The climate in Yangon is divided into three seasons: rainy season, cool season and hot season.
- Rainy season from July to September : at this time Yangon city has continuous rain day and night, heavy rainfall causing flooding. This is not a good time for you to travel to Yangon.
- Cool season from October to February of the following year : at this time there is less rain, the weather is cool and pleasant. However, this is also the peak tourist season in Yangon so service prices will be quite high.
- Hot season from February to May : this time the weather is very hot and dry, which will make you tired easily when having to move around the city. However, this season also has fewer tourists so the service prices are much cheaper.
Means of transportation when traveling to Yangon
From Vietnam to Yangon, you can buy plane tickets from Tan Son Nhat airport or Noi Bai airport. From these two airports, there are direct flights to Yangon, airlines such as Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines,.. or Air Asia will transit in Bangkok (Thailand). When arriving in Yangon, visitors can choose some of the following means of transportation:
- Taxi: This means of transport is quite popular in Yangon, however it is quite expensive and you have to negotiate the price before getting in the car.
- Bus : If you want to save on travel costs, the bus is a suitable choice. You need to find out the destinations and appropriate bus routes in advance to avoid getting on the wrong bus.
- Rent a self-drive car: You can rent a motorbike or a self-drive car to be proactive in traveling, especially it will be more economical if you travel in a large group or family and need to move between many different places. Note that you need to change to an international driving license at home in advance.
- Rickshaw: This vehicle is similar to the Vietnamese cyclo, sitting on the vehicle for a ride around the city is also a very interesting experience. However, the driver often does not know English, so it will be difficult to communicate with foreign customers, and you must agree on the price before getting on the vehicle.
Famous attractions in Yangon
Shwedagon Pagoda
Shwedagon Pagoda is the most famous and sacred pagoda in Yangon. The body and 99m high tower are plated with pure gold, and the top is studded with thousands of diamonds and precious stones. The pagoda is more than 2500 years old and has become a golden symbol of the Buddhist country of Myanmar.
Botataung Pagoda
The name of the pagoda means “thousand generals” because the pagoda was donated and built by generals in the army. In particular, the pagoda also worships Buddha’s hair relics, so it is extremely sacred and attracts many tourists. The entire ceiling inside the tower is gilded, the walls are gilded, when entering, visitors will be overwhelmed by this dazzling scene.
Sule Pagoda
The pagoda was built in an octagonal architecture with strong Mon ethnic characteristics. The details in the pagoda are carved very meticulously and delicately, making visitors amazed. Sule Pagoda is located in the city center, at the intersection of the most beautiful streets, so after visiting the pagoda, you can walk around the spacious streets, admiring the nostalgic beauty of the ancient capital of Yangon.
Chinatown
Most Southeast Asian countries have a neighborhood of Chinese communities, and Yangon has one too. There are small shops selling clothes, household items, and serving Chinese-style food. Tourists come here to enjoy specialties such as Shan dumplings, Shan noodles, or tropical fruits such as durian, mangosteen, etc.
Bogyoke Aung San Market
This is the largest gemstone market and the leading entertainment center in Yangon. Tourists often come here to buy gemstone jewelry and handicrafts as gifts for relatives and friends. People also compare Bogyoke Market to a miniature Myanmar because it converges all the quintessence of ancient Burma.
Summary of delicious dishes to try in Yangon
E Kya Kway
This is one of the favorite breakfast dishes in Yangon. The cake is made from rice flour, fried until puffed up, very similar to Vietnamese hot fried dough sticks. People often eat this cake with coffee, milk or porridge, noodles.
Roti
Roti is a dish originating from India, the ingredients include butter, sugar, milk, and eggs, mixed together and rolled into flat round cakes, then fried or baked. Roti is served with curry sauce, has a unique delicious flavor that will surely impress you.
Samosa Salad
This is a famous main dish in Yangon cuisine. Ingredients include triangular bread, potatoes, green beans, saffron, chives, tomatoes, lettuce and other spices. Mix all ingredients well and squeeze in a few drops of lemon juice, when eating, you can add mint leaves depending on each person.
Koh Pieh and Koh Puo
Both are made from white or black sticky rice, Koh Pieh is served with grated coconut, salt and pepper while Koh Puo is served with palm sugar syrup for a rich, sweet taste. These are popular street foods in Yangon that you must try.
Shan Rice
Shan rice is a specialty of the Shan people in Myanmar. Rice is mixed with turmeric to create a beautiful yellow color and a distinctive turmeric aroma. When the rice is cooked, it is pressed tightly into a bowl and placed on a plate, topped with a few slices of fish, leeks, and cloves. Shan rice is best eaten with crispy fried pork skin, which is a favorite of many tourists.
Shan Noodles
Shan noodles are also a typical dish of the Shan people. The noodles are made from rice flour, chewy and crunchy, the broth is made from chicken and typical Myanmar spices, creating an extremely attractive flavor. Shan noodles are served with chicken or pork and sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds to enhance the flavor.
Mont Lin Ma Yar
A popular snack among Yangon locals. Deep-fried rice cakes are topped with spring onions, quail eggs and chickpeas, creating an enticing aroma.
