Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon) is the largest city in Myanmar (formerly Burma). A mix of British colonial architecture, modern high-rises and gilded Buddhist pagodas define its skyline. On your Myanmar travel, spending 2 days in Yangon is ideal to discover this Southeast Asia’s boomtown and understand further this city’s culture, history and colonial architecture.
Yangon, the largest and a peaceful city of Myanmar
How to spend 2 days in Yangon? Best places to visit:
- Sule Pagoda
- Yangon Circular Train
- Shwedagon Pagoda
- Bogyoke Aung San Market
- Kandawgyi Lake
- Yangon Old Town
- Pagoda of Shwe Taw Myat Paya
Why Travel to Yangon?
Yangon is for sure an apt destination for exploring during your Myanmar tour. This city is well worth visiting for its golden pagodas, countless tourist attractions and varied cuisine. Moreover, it is an ideal place to discover more of Myanmar culture and explore many British colonial buildings. Another remarkable thing in Yangon is its delicious street food. You will find a mixture of smells and unforgettable tastes during 2 days in Yangon.
Getting to Yangon
By plane
Yangon International Airport – the second largest airport in Myanmar after Mandalay Airport, is located 15 km north of Yangon. Most international flights land at Yangon International Airport. It is therefore very easy to get to this destination by plane.
By train
Another common way to get to Yangon from other cities in Myanmar is by train. These trains offer a fairly long and bumpy ride besides different levels of comfort depending on the class you choose.
The fare for the Yangon – Mandalay train is from 35 – 50 USD/ person / seat with 30 – 40 USD/ seat in first class and 10 – 15 USD/ person / seat in second class.
On a boat
For a long time, boats have been the best way to get to different places in Yangon. Traveling by boat in Myanmar can be a real alternative to the bus or train, linking some major destinations and allowing visitors to experience real life on the river or admire the sunsets on the banks. So, go to Yangon by boat – why not?
Getting around Yangon
By taxi
One of the best ways to get around Yangon other than walking, to admire the famous scenic “sidecar” (the famous passenger bike), is still the taxi. In Yangon, there are several types of this means including van-taxi, taxi-scooter and collective taxis. It is prudent to set the price of the race before departure.
By rickshaw (the bike carrier)
This bike carrier is another mode of transport, which is less expensive than the taxi. It is a convenient way to get around Yangon. However, trishaws are rare in the city center because they are not allowed to operate until 10 AM.
Suggested Itinerary for 2 Days in Yangon
Day 1: Sule Pagoda – Round City Tour by Circular Train – Shwedagon Pagoda
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Sule Pagoda, then immerse yourself in the local community while traveling by train around the city and admire the sunset on one of South Asia’s most beautiful pagodas. East – Shwedagon Pagoda.
Sule Pagoda
Sule Pagoda at night
It is one of the most important monuments of the Burmese people, not only for its religious significance, but also for its historical and political significance.
This beautiful 44-meter high pagoda, located in the heart of the city, is one of Yangon’s must-see sights. Take a few minutes and also visit the interior of this site to better admire its magnificent architecture.
- Opening hours: from 6 AM to 8 PM.
- Entrance fee: $3/ person.
Yangon Circular Train
45.9 km long, this train makes a loop (hence its name circular train) composed of no less than 39 stations. Its entire loop takes about three hours and gives you a truly local and authentic experience. This train winds slowly through the countryside, helping travelers to have a view of the daily routine of people away from the mall. A circular train ride will take you off the beaten track and meet locals, exchange two words or a smile
- Opening hours: from 6:10 AM to 5:10 PM.
- Ticket price: $1/ person.
Shwedagon Pagoda
Shwedagon Pagoda at dawn
Built more than 2,500 years ago, this glittering monument is one of the most famous temples in Southeast Asia. Plated with 21,841 gold ingots and inlaid with more than 5,000 diamonds, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a marvel.
The central stupa is the tallest, rising to over 325 feet in height and dominating the Yangon skyline. By encircling the base of the central stupa are 68 small stupas, creating a twinkling forest of golden pagodas to explore. It will take you at least 2 hours to admire and enjoy this beautiful pagoda.
- Opening hours: from 4 AM to 10 PM.
- Entrance fee: $6.5/ person
Day 2: Bogyoke Aung San Market – Yangon Old Town – Kandawgyi Lake – Swe Taw Pagoda Myat
Bogyoke Aung San Market
Bogyoke Aung San Market, also known by its colonial name of Scott Market, is a big bazaar and market in downtown Yangon. Built by the British in 1926, it is known for its colonial architecture and cobbled inner streets.
Kandawgyi Lake
Sunset on Kandawgyi Lake
This is one of the two big lakes of Yangon, the ancient capital of Burma. It is located in the city center, a little east of the Shwedagon Pagoda; an artificial lake fed from Inya Lake by underground pipes.
The lake is a part of the beautiful Kandawgyi National Park in the heart of Yangon. It is recognized as an ideal place to find the quieter moments in a dynamic city of Yangon and get away from the noise.
Yangon Old Town
It is a destination not to be marked during your trip to Myanmar. If you are fond of Aboriginal tourism and enjoy exploring street life, you will undoubtedly fall under the spell of colorful houses of British architecture with the salient balcony of each floor. This old city is also well numbered and planned to help you walk freely without worrying about getting lost.
Pagoda of Shwe Taw Myat Paya
Located next to Yangon Airport, Shwe Taw Myat Paya Pagoda contains the relic of the Buddha’s Tooth that embraces the sacred setting for worship and meditation. In addition, this model Paya on Bagan’s 11th century Ananda Pagoda features very impressive architecture. Upon arrival at Yangon airport, some pilgrims would like to pay homage to the Buddha just in this climax.
Read more: 1 Day in Yangon – Myanmar
