Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Yangon (RGN)

About Yangon

Yangon, where heritage meets riverside energy

Yangon is a city of wide avenues, leafy parks, and a skyline dotted with gilded landmarks and colonial-era architecture. As Myanmar's largest city, it blends traditional streetside life with emerging cafes, galleries, and boutique hotels, creating a destination that feels both historic and evolving.

Along the Yangon River, busy jetties, markets, and teashops give you a close view of daily life. Downtown, grand 19th- and early 20th-century buildings stand beside lively shopping streets and food stalls. Whether you are here for business, culture, or a wider journey through Myanmar, Yangon offers a memorable introduction to the country.

Top sights in Yangon

Shwedagon Pagoda

Admire the golden stupa, surrounding shrines, and sweeping city views from Yangon's most iconic hilltop landmark.

Downtown heritage streets

Wander past restored colonial-era buildings, local shops, and cafes around Pansodan Street and the riverfront.

Yangon Circular Railway

Take a slow loop around the city and its suburbs for relaxed views of markets, neighbourhoods, and fields.

Bogyoke Aung San Market

Browse covered arcades filled with textiles, jewellery, handicrafts, and everyday goods in a historic marketplace setting.

Kandawgyi Lake

Stroll lakeside walkways and parks with views of traditional-style architecture and the distant city skyline.

Experience Yangon's culture and everyday rhythm

Start by exploring Yangon's downtown on foot, where you can appreciate grand facades, side streets of family-run shops, and small galleries showcasing contemporary Myanmar art. Many streets are lined with teashops and snack stalls, giving you easy opportunities to pause and observe local life as the city moves around you.

Join a guided walking tour or small-group excursion to learn how different communities have shaped Yangon over time, from trading houses to traditional crafts. For a more leisurely experience, the Yangon Circular Railway offers an accessible way to see neighbourhoods beyond the centre, from markets near the tracks to green spaces on the outskirts.

In the evening, parks and lakeside promenades fill with families and friends enjoying the cooler air. You can take a sunset boat ride on the river, seek out a rooftop venue for city views, or simply settle into a teashop or cafe to sample local snacks and drinks while planning the rest of your journey through Myanmar.

A taste of Yangon

Yangon's dining scene brings together traditional Myanmar flavours and regional influences from across Asia. Around the city, you will find everything from simple noodle stalls and teashops to modern restaurants that reinterpret classic dishes. Breakfast is a highlight, with rich broths, savoury fritters, and soft breads served in lively neighbourhood spots.

Make time to try popular local dishes such as salads built around crunchy textures and bright flavours, rich curries accompanied by fresh vegetables, and fragrant rice-based specialities. Street food areas and small family eateries offer a relaxed way to explore different tastes, often with a wide selection of condiments and side dishes to customise your meal.

For a different perspective on the city, head to a riverfront or rooftop restaurant in the evening. Many venues offer a mix of Myanmar cuisine and international favourites, so you can combine new discoveries with familiar comforts. Cafes and bakeries are increasingly common in central Yangon, giving you an easy place to rest during the day with coffee, tea, and sweet treats.

Retail therapy in Yangon

Shopping in Yangon ranges from bustling traditional markets to newer shopping centres. Bogyoke Aung San Market is a popular starting point, with long corridors of stalls selling textiles, jewellery, handicrafts, and clothing. It is a convenient place to look for keepsakes and gifts in one location.

Across the city, you will also find smaller neighbourhood markets where residents buy fresh produce, household goods, and everyday essentials. Exploring these areas gives you insight into local routines and offers the chance to pick up snacks, simple garments, and practical travel items. Modern malls in central districts provide air-conditioned comfort and a selection of international and local brands.

Handcrafted items such as woven textiles, lacquerware, and decorative pieces can often be found in specialist shops and selected market stalls. When buying souvenirs, it is worth taking your time to compare quality and workmanship, and to speak with sellers about how and where items are made.

Best time to visit Yangon

Cool dry season (November to February, peak season). Average temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F), with lower humidity and clearer skies. This period is popular for sightseeing, walking tours, and day trips, and outdoor conditions are generally more comfortable throughout the day.

Hot season (March to May, shoulder season). Temperatures often sit between 25°C and 36°C (77°F to 97°F), with strong sunshine and higher humidity. It is a good time for early-morning and evening exploring, indoor attractions, and enjoying Yangon's growing cafe and dining scene during the warm afternoons.

Rainy season (June to October, low season). Expect temperatures around 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F), with frequent showers and lush greenery across the city. Between downpours, you can enjoy quieter streets and attractions, and the changing skies can add atmosphere to riverside walks and views over lakes.

Frequently Asked Questions