Walking Tour in Downtown Yangon
Active
2h - 3h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the vibrant history and culture of Yangon on a 3-hour walking tour through its bustling downtown area. This tour uncovers the stories and secrets of a city with a rich and turbulent past, from its origins as a small Mon village to its transformation into a multicultural hub. Visit iconic colonial buildings, hidden gems, and local hotspots, while learning about the influences of visitors from the East and West that have shaped Yangon’s unique identity.
Explore Colonial Architecture: Walk through the historic streets and admire the Secretariat and other colonial-era buildings.
Local Experiences: Visit teashops, temples, and markets, and interact with the city’s friendly residents.
Cultural Insights: Learn about Yangon’s multicultural heritage and its future prospects.
Hidden Stories: Discover lesser-known locations with fascinating tales to tell.
Available options
Walking Tour in Downtown Yangon
What's included
All fees and taxes
Licensed English-speaking guide
Local snacks and refreshments
Bottled water
Detailed itinerary
1
Learn about the history of British Rangoon, the struggle for independence, and the assassination of General Aung San. This iconic building is a symbol of Myanmar’s political history.
Stroll down Yangon’s prettiest street and discover efforts to preserve the city’s architectural heritage.
2
Explore the history of the Armenian community in Yangon and their contributions to the city.
Hear the story of Yangon’s most famous hotel and the Armenian brothers who put the city on the tourist map.
3
Walk up Pansodan Street, once the financial hub of British Burma, and admire its colonial architecture.
Visit the heart of downtown Yangon and learn how the city was built around Sule Pagoda. Discover the multiple religions that coexist around this historic site.
4
Explore Yangon’s Indian Quarter and learn about the role of Indian communities in the city’s development. Enjoy some Indian snacks and refreshments.
End the tour in Chinatown at the Guanyin Temple, a Mahayana Buddhist temple. Hear stories about Myanmar’s connections with its eastern neighbors and the differences between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.
What's not included
Personal expenses
Gratuities (optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
The tour starts at the Lumbini Tea Room and ends at the Guanyin Temple in Chinatown. Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
About Yangon
Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is Myanmar's largest city and its commercial capital. Known for its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon offers a rich blend of tradition and modernity. The city's relaxed pace and vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination in Myanmar.
Top Attractions
Shwedagon Pagoda
The Shwedagon Pagoda is the most revered Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar. It is said to contain relics of the four Buddha's and is covered in gold leaf.
Religious/Historical
2-3 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Bogyoke Aung San Market
This bustling market is a great place to shop for traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. It's also a good spot to try local street food.
Market/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to enter, prices vary by item
Chauhtatgyi Buddha Temple
This temple is home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Myanmar. The statue is 65 meters long and 16 meters high.
Religious
1 hour
Free (donations welcome)
Kandawgyi Lake
This beautiful lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It's surrounded by lush gardens and offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Nature/Relaxation
1-2 hours
Free
Sule Pagoda
This ancient pagoda is located in the heart of Yangon and is believed to be over 2,000 years old. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Religious/Historical
1 hour
Free (donations welcome)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Mohinga
A popular rice noodle soup made with fish, lemongrass, and other aromatic spices. It's often eaten for breakfast or as a light meal.
Breakfast/Lunch
Contains fish, can be made vegetarian with tofu
Tea Leaf Salad (Laphet Thoke)
A traditional Burmese salad made with fermented tea leaves, nuts, seeds, and other ingredients. It has a unique tangy and savory flavor.
Snack
Vegetarian (if no fish sauce is added)
Samosa
A popular street food item, samosas are deep-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, onions, and sometimes meat. They are often served with a tangy tamarind sauce.
Snack
Can be vegetarian or with meat
Shan Noodles (Nan Gyi Thok)
A popular noodle dish from the Shan state, made with rice noodles, chicken or pork, and a flavorful gravy. It's often served with pickled vegetables and a fried egg.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat, can be made with chicken or pork
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby national parks
Boat tours on the Yangon River
Visiting spas and wellness centers
Enjoying a traditional Burmese massage
Exploring historic sites and temples
Attending traditional performances and festivals
Fishing trips
Not applicable
Best Time to Visit
November to February
This is the cool and dry season, making it the most pleasant time to visit. The weather is ideal for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities.
20°C to 30°C
68°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Burmese
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas
Currency
Burmese Kyat (MMK)
Time Zone
GMT+6:30
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Yangon is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night. Avoid political demonstrations and protests, as they can turn violent.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
- • Use reputable taxi services and avoid unlicensed cabs.
- • Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
Getting there
By air
- Yangon International Airport • 15 km (9.3 miles) from city center
By train
Central Railway Station
By bus
Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal, YBS (Yangon Bus Service) Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport in Yangon. They are affordable but can be crowded and slow.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Yangon
Kamayut
Dagon
Day trips
Bago
80 km (50 miles) from Yangon • Half day to full day
Bago is an ancient city with a rich history and many historic sites, including the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, the Kyaik Pun Pagoda, and the Bago Palace.
Thanlyin
25 km (15.5 miles) from Yangon • Half day to full day
Thanlyin is a historic town with a rich past and many interesting sites, including the Kyaik Kauk Pagoda, the Ancient Ships Museum, and the War Cemetery.
Twante
25 km (15.5 miles) from Yangon • Half day to full day
Twante is a small town known for its pottery and traditional crafts. It's a great place to try local food, shop for souvenirs, and experience the local way of life.
Festivals
Thingyan (Water Festival) • April (dates vary by year)
Tazaungdaing Festival (Festival of Lights) • October/November (full moon of Tazaungmon)
Kason Festival (Water Festival) • April/May (full moon of Kason)
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic phrases in Burmese, such as 'Mingalabar' (hello) and 'Kayzu tin bar de' (thank you), to show respect and make a good impression.
- Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites, to show respect for local customs and traditions.
- Use reputable taxi services and avoid unlicensed cabs to ensure a safe and reliable ride.
- Carry small denominations of cash, as change can be difficult to come by, and bargaining is expected in markets and with street vendors.
- Be mindful of your impact on the environment and local communities, and support sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
