Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Yangon (RGN)

About Yangon

Discover the charm of Yangon

Yangon is a city where historic streets, leafy avenues, and shimmering landmarks come together along the banks of the Yangon River. Once a major trading port, it retains a grand colonial core, with wide boulevards, faded pastel buildings, and teahouses that spill out onto busy sidewalks. The city moves at a measured pace, inviting you to slow down and observe daily life unfold.

Beyond the downtown area, Yangon opens up into serene lakes, green parks, and lively neighbourhood markets. Street vendors serve local snacks beside family-run shops and coffee houses, while modern shopping centres and boutique hotels add a contemporary layer to the cityscape. Whether you are here for a short break or as part of a longer journey, Yangon offers a quietly captivating introduction to Myanmar.

Top sights in Yangon

Shwedagon Pagoda

Admire the magnificent golden stupa, intricate shrines, and panoramic views from Yangon’s most iconic landmark.

Downtown colonial district

Walk past historic banks, civic buildings, and restored facades that tell the story of Yangon’s port-city past.

Kandawgyi Lake

Stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy greenery in the heart of the city, and take in views of the ornate Karaweik Hall.

Bogyoke Aung San Market

Browse covered arcades filled with textiles, handicrafts, and local artwork in one of Yangon’s most famous markets.

Yangon Circular Train

Ride the slow loop around the city to see outlying neighbourhoods, markets, and daily life from a local commuter train.

Experience Yangon’s everyday life

Exploring Yangon is as much about its atmosphere as its landmarks. Spend time walking the grid of downtown streets, where traditional shopfronts stand beside art galleries, small cafes, and lively street food corners. Joining a guided walking tour can help you understand the stories behind the city’s architecture and its role as a historic trading hub.

For a quieter perspective, head to Inya Lake or Kandawgyi Lake, where locals meet for evening walks, kite-flying, and casual gatherings along the water. You can also take the Yangon Circular Train for a slow journey through suburban neighbourhoods, watching markets, schools, and small farms pass by your window. Photography enthusiasts will find countless scenes to capture, from colourful street markets to sunset silhouettes across the lakes.

Those interested in history and culture can visit museums, galleries, and restored heritage buildings that showcase paintings, sculptures, and everyday objects. Joining a local cooking class or a market-to-table experience is another engaging way to connect with Yangon, giving you hands-on insight into ingredients and flavours that define the city’s cuisine.

A taste of Yangon

Yangon’s dining scene brings together local flavours, regional influences, and a growing number of contemporary restaurants. You will find everything from humble eateries serving noodle soups to stylish venues putting a fresh spin on classic dishes. Tea shops are central to daily life here, offering sweet milky tea, snacks, and a friendly setting to pause between explorations.

Make time to try local salads, rich curries, and flavourful rice dishes that showcase herbs, vegetables, and a balance of textures. Street food stalls and small family-run spots offer an authentic experience, where you can sit side by side with residents enjoying their regular meals. Fresh tropical fruits, traditional sweets, and warm snacks from street vendors are perfect for quick bites throughout the day.

If you prefer a sit-down meal, head to areas around downtown and the lakes, where you will find a mix of casual restaurants and hotel dining rooms. Many places now blend local recipes with international techniques, so you can explore new flavours while still enjoying familiar comforts. Cafes and bakeries are also on the rise, making Yangon an increasingly welcoming city for coffee and dessert lovers.

Retail therapy in Yangon

Shopping in Yangon combines traditional markets, independent boutiques, and modern malls. Bogyoke Aung San Market is one of the best-known stops, with long corridors of shops selling textiles, jewellery, lacquerware, and handicrafts. It is a good place to pick up gifts and souvenirs that reflect local craftsmanship.

Around downtown, you will find smaller shops and studios showcasing contemporary design, art, and homeware. These spaces often highlight emerging creators, giving you the chance to bring home pieces that feel both modern and distinctly local. Exploring side streets on foot can reveal hidden gems, including bookshops and small clothing stores.

For air-conditioned comfort and a wider range of international brands, Yangon’s shopping centres are convenient options. Here you can browse fashion, electronics, and lifestyle goods in an easy, familiar setting. Wherever you choose to shop, set aside time to explore at a relaxed pace and enjoy the city’s mix of old and new retail experiences.

Best time to visit Yangon

Cool dry season (November to February, peak season). Temperatures typically range from 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F), with lower humidity and clearer skies. This period is popular for sightseeing, walking tours, and lakefront strolls, with comfortable evenings for outdoor dining and exploring the city.

Hot season (March to May, shoulder season). Daytime temperatures often reach 25°C to 38°C (77°F to 100°F), with strong sun and rising humidity. It is a good time for slower-paced activities, indoor attractions, and early-morning or late-afternoon walks by the lakes when the light is especially soft.

Rainy season (June to October, low season). Temperatures usually stay around 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), accompanied by regular showers and lush greenery. Short bursts of rain are common, but there are still many dry intervals for sightseeing, and the city’s parks and lakes feel especially vibrant and refreshed.

Frequently Asked Questions