Helpful links for Visiting Myanmar

Best Time of Year to Visit Myanmar
Is It Safe to Visit Myanmar?
Visa requirements for Myanmar

Traders Hotel Yangon Myanmar

Traders Hotel - Yangon, Myanmar
223 Sule Pagoda Rd., Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar

A 22-story behemoth, the Traders Hotel is visible from many areas of Yangon. Rooms are large, simple, and clean and the hotel is located in the heart of the downtown area near Yangon's Bogyoke Market. The hotel offers welcome drinks, buffet meals, a business center and a swimming pool.

The Strand Hotel Yangon Myanmar

The Strand Hotel - Yangon, Myanmar
92 Strand Rd., Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar

Perhaps the most well-known hotel in Yangon, The Strand hotel is one of Yangon's premier luxury hotel. The Strand is located in the downtown area, close to the Yangon River. Originally opened in 1901, The Strand itself is a renovated colonial-era building and is renowned for its history and service.

Yangon Circle Train

Pic title: on the Yangon circle train (Link)

The Yangon circle train is a popular activity for people visiting Myanmar. The Yangon circle train is old--don't expect comfortable seats or Western standards--but it is a great way to see Yangon and the surrounding area. It is also a good way to travel as the locals do. Most of the people who ride the Yangon circle train are in fact residents of the greater Yangon area.

The total trip on the Yangon circle train takes three hours. The train leaves from the Yangon Central Railway Station. To buy a ticket on the Yangon circle train, go to the platform and purchase a ticket at the booth for foreign travelers. Make sure to have your passport with you, as they will ask for your passport number when you purchase a ticket.

Taxi from Yangon Airport to City Center

Pic title: the little taxi that tried (Link)

Most people visiting Myanmar arrive in Yangon. Taxi is the primary mode of transportation used in getting from Yangon airport to the city center.

Taxis from Yangon airport to Yangon cost around USD$10 if you use the taxi stand inside the airport. If you leave the Yangon airport to find a taxi outside, you can usually get a little better price. Make sure to agree on a price with the taxi driver before getting into the taxi.

Yangon Markets

Pic title: Yangon Markets 07 (Link)

Yangon, Myanmar has no shortage of open-air markets. Yangon markets come in several varieties. One type of Yangon market is a fruit or vegetable market. These markets are usually set up on a street, where vendors lay their goods on the ground and buyers walk through the narrow center aisle to browse. Another type of Yangon market is the bustling sidewalk markets in which vendors sell everything the mind can imagine. People visiting Yangon can find goods ranging from jewelry to metal bolts, T-shirts to rusty fans, sandals to children's watches. Yangon markets are crowded and bustling, and are worth a visit for the experience alone.

Shwedagon Paya

Pic title: Shwedagon Paya 1 (Link)

The Shwedagon Paya (sometimes called the Shwedagon Pagoda) is located on Singuttara Hill in Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma). The largest and most visited destination in the city of Yangon, the Shwedagon Paya a very sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese. The massive, gilded central stuppa is surrounded by many smaller pagodas, all infused with Buddhist symbols and decorated in vibrant colors.

The Shwedagon Paya is easily reachable from the downtown Yangon area by foot (somewhat of a long walk) or by taxi.

Note: When you arrive, local people will come up to you and start telling you about the history and symbolism of various aspects of the Shwedagon Paya. They expect you to pay them at the end of your informal tour. If you do not intend to pay them, politely say "no, thank you" and continue on your way.

Yangon Hotels

Pic title: The Strand (Link)

The Strand Hotel - Yangon, Myanmar
92 Strand Rd., Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar

Perhaps the most well-known hotel in Yangon, The Strand hotel is one of Yangon's premier luxury hotel. The Strand is located in the downtown area, close to the Yangon River. Originally opened in 1901, The Strand itself is a renovated colonial-era building and is renowned for its history and service.

Traders Hotel - Yangon, Myanmar
223 Sule Pagoda Rd., Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar

A 22-story behemoth, the Traders Hotel is visible from many areas of Yangon. Rooms are large, simple, and clean and the hotel is located in the heart of the downtown area near Yangon's Bogyoke Market. The hotel offers welcome drinks, buffet meals, a business center and a swimming pool.

Yangon is Rangoon

Photo title: Sule Paya
Link to flickr.

In line with the name change from Burma to Myanmar it should be no surprise that many other city names were changed. The biggest change was that Rangoon became Yangon. The airport code is still RGN but maps and travel agencies refer to Yangon exclusively.

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