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Visiting the Bogyoke Aung San Market in Yangon

Howcast — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 20:00:51 +0000

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Yangon is a vibrant, bustling city, and there’s no better way to soak in the atmosphere than by exploring Bogyoke Aung San Market. This market has been around since 1926, when Yangon was still under British rule, and was originally called Scott’s Market. You can still see the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture from that time. Today, it’s still one of Yangon’s biggest and most important bazaars, and it’s always bustling with tourists and locals alike. You can buy a variety of antiques or handcrafted goods, such as lacquerware, paintings, woodwork, and more. You’ll find clothing here too, from t-shirts to beautiful traditional longyis like the ones you’ll see the locals wearing all around you. There’s also a thriving market for jewelry and Burma’s famous precious stones, like jade. You might have to haggle for your purchase, but that’s part of the fun, and often the prices aren’t bad even if you don’t. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, Bogyoke Aung San Market is the ideal place to watch Yangon locals go about their daily business. Go to the market before noon for better prices and cooler temperatures to walk in, and then be sure to take your time wandering through one of the most popular destinations in Yangon.

Visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon

Howcast — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 19:46:50 +0000

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Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda is undoubtedly the most sacred Buddhist site in Burma. It’s said to have been around in one form or another for over two thousand years, being rebuilt on the same site over and over, making it the world’s oldest pagoda. Today, it’s one of the most impressive sights you’ll see anywhere. Situated on top of Singuttara Hill, the pagoda itself stands hundreds of feet tall, with a number of other shrines and statues on the grounds. The stupa is said to contain important holy Buddhist relics, including eight strands of Gautama Buddha’s hair. In tribute to the valuables it houses, the pagoda is plated with gold bars, and the very top of the spire is set with thousands of precious gemstones and golden bells. There are four entrances leading up to the pagoda, one for each of the cardinal directions, all guarded by giant lion sculptures. The best way to take in the stunning view is by walking up the stairs of the Eastern walkway and watching the pagoda slowly grow larger in your field of vision, while vendors all around you sell flowers, incense, candles, and other items for pilgrims and tourists. Remember that visitors are asked to wear clothing covering at least to the knees and elbows, and shoes are not allowed inside the complex–leave them outside the entrance or carry them with you in a bag. As long as you respect those rules, you can take in the Shwedagon Pagoda’s beauty and history.

How to Get around Yangon

Howcast — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 19:37:36 +0000

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When you’re in Yangon, try to get around on foot as much as you can. As long as you don’t need to go far, walking is the best way to enjoy the city and its friendly people. The streets are safe for pedestrians, and you’ll have lots of locals walking with you. But for longer trips, you’ll want to avoid the heat and save your feet. Visitors are not allowed to drive in Yangon, so renting a car isn’t an option, but don’t let that discourage you–there are still tourist-friendly ways to get around. Taxis are your best bet; price is mostly negotiable, but standing taxis are always more expensive, so hail them on the street if you can. You can tell taxis from the other cars by their red license plates. Buses are another option; they’re usually crowded and you’ll have trouble if there’s a language barrier, but they’re safe, reliable, and cheap. The circular train is inexpensive as well, but it doesn’t stop near many tourist destinations, so it may not be your first choice. However you get around Yangon, be sure to wear light clothing and keep a leisurely pace so the heat won’t get the better of you while you’re out and about.

Best Time of Year to Visit Yangon

Howcast — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 19:32:30 +0000

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The good news is that Yangon is relatively inexpensive to visit, especially when you shop and eat locally, so you don’t need to worry much about whether your trip falls in the off-season. However, you do need to take the weather into account when you plan. Yangon is very warm, and the temperature doesn’t change much throughout the year. Usually highs are in the 80s and 90s while lows are in 60s and 70s, so be prepared for heat no matter which season you visit during. It’s also usually pretty humid, but the monsoon season is from May to October, so you probably want to avoid those months–Yangon’s attractions are a lot easier to enjoy when you’re not getting rained on. The months from November to April are much drier. December and January are the sunniest months, so visit Yangon in the winter to get the most out of your visit. Since the winter is Yangon’s most pleasant season, it’s also the peak of Yangon’s tourist season, so it’s a good idea to book in advance just to make sure you get the flights and hotel rooms you want. If you plan ahead and avoid the worst of the rain, you’re sure to get the most out of your trip to Yangon.

Top 8 Places to Visit in Yangon

Howcast — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 19:19:20 +0000

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Yangon’s culture is diverse and fascinating, with a variety of attractions to prove it. The city is home to many beautiful pagodas, or payas. Known as the oldest and most important is the Shwedagon Pagoda, which dominates the skyline. You can’t afford to miss the Shwedagon, but there are others worth checking out too. The Sule Paya isn’t as big, but it’s thought to be just as old. Botataung Paya, situated on the Yangon River, might not be as impressive as the Shwedagon, but its stupa is hollow and visitors are allowed inside to see the relics. You should also stop by the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda to see the famous giant reclining Buddha. For a different religious experience, visit the beautifully preserved Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue, Burma’s only synagogue, left over from the colonial era. Another great way to take in Yangon’s vibrant culture is by exploring the Bogyoke Aung San Market, where you can buy antiques or handcrafted goods, and watch locals go about their daily business. When you want a break from the bustling city, head for one of Yangon’s beautiful parks. Kandawgyi Lake might be artificial, and it isn’t Yangon’s largest, but it offers a view of the Karaweik, a magnificent replica of a Burmese royal barge. The Yangon Zoo is also on Kandawgyi Lake, so stop by to visit the huge variety of animals living there. There’s a lot to see in Yangon, and you won’t want to miss any of it.