I recently set foot in a country that is relatively unknown to many people in my home country — Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). Nestled in Southeast Asia, Myanmar is still adapting to globalization while preserving its rich cultural heritage. The influence of tradition remains evident, especially in its cities.
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| Skyline View of Yangon with the Shwedagon Pagoda |
My first stop? Yangon, one of the largest and most vibrant cities in Myanmar. I chose to explore Yangon as my introduction to the country — and it didn’t disappoint.
Spontaneous Adventure from Bangkok to Yangon
Here’s a quick backstory: I was in Bangkok on one of my usual trips when I spontaneously decided to book a flight to Yangon. Leaving my luggage at my friend’s hotel, I hopped on a plane and flew to Myanmar that same day.
The flight from Bangkok to Yangon takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, and with Myanmar being 30 minutes ahead of Thailand, I arrived just in time to catch the sunset. After checking into my hotel, I set out to explore the city at night.
Currency Exchange Tips in Myanmar
Before arriving, I did some research on how to exchange currency in Myanmar. Here’s what I found (and experienced):
Most money changers only accept US dollars, and they must be in crisp, new condition.
At the time of my visit, the exchange rate was approximately 1 USD = 1,500 Kyat.
I initially only had Thai Baht, which caused some anxiety.
Fortunately, I had a local friend in Yangon who helped me exchange 1,000 Thai Baht for 46,000 Kyat.
💡 Tip: Avoid exchanging money at the airport. Instead, exchange your currency in the city for better rates.
Getting Around Yangon: Transportation Guide
I always prefer to travel like a local, and Yangon offered just that:
City buses cost only 200 Kyat per ride — a super budget-friendly way to explore.
For convenience, I used Grab App to book taxis. Most rides ranged from 5,000–5,800 Kyat depending on the destination.
Yangon’s Local Scene: Between Tradition and Modernity
Yangon is a city in transition. While it's modernizing with the arrival of international brands and businesses, it still preserves its green spaces and cultural landmarks.
One of my favorite spots was Kandawgyi Park, a serene place for a stroll with a great view of the lake.
Best View in the City: Atlas Bar
As someone who loves sky bars, I had to check out Atlas Bar — and it did not disappoint. It offers a stunning skyline view of Yangon, especially with the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda in the distance.
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| Skyline at Atlas Bar |
Nightlife in Yangon
Yangon’s nightlife is slowly emerging, and 19th Street in Chinatown is the place to be. The street is alive with locals and tourists enjoying barbecue, street food, local beers, and even Burmese white wine.
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| Local Burmese White Wine |
And yes, alcohol is surprisingly affordable here! 🍻
Food Guide: Tasting the Flavors of Myanmar
As a food lover, exploring the local cuisine is a must. Burmese food is rich in herbs and vegetables, and the dishes I tried were flavorful and unique.
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| Burmese Milk Tea |
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| Tomatoes with herbs |
Must-Try Burmese Dishes
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| This is my favorite |
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| Nan Gyi and Pyay Paratha |
Mohinga – Myanmar’s national dish. A fish broth noodle soup infused with herbs and onions. I’m usually not a fan of fish-based soups, but this one won me over.
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| Mohinga |
Paratha – My personal favorite. A flatbread stuffed with minced meat and aromatic herbs. The flavor was fresh and deeply satisfying.
Nan Gyi Thoke – A dry noodle salad that’s spicy and savory.
Grilled street food in Chinatown – You’ll find everything from pork intestines to grilled vegetables and skewers.
And of course, don’t forget to try Burmese milk tea and local tomato salads with fresh herbs!
Visiting the Iconic Shwedagon Pagoda
One of the main reasons I visited Yangon was to check off a bucket list experience — praying at the Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist site.
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| Golden Temple |
When we arrived:
Shoes must be removed and stored in a plastic bag.
Since I was wearing shorts, I borrowed a Longyi (a traditional Burmese wrap) to cover my knees.
Locals often wear Longyis daily — not just for tradition, but also because they suit the hot weather.
We climbed what felt like a thousand steps toward the central pagoda. But the anticipation kept me energized.
Inside, the golden temple was even more magnificent than I imagined. I had read about the tradition of praying at the corner representing the day of your birth. Since I was born on a Friday, I made my offering and prayed at the Friday Corner.
They say that heartfelt prayers at your designated corner will come true. I’ll keep what I prayed for a secret — but let’s just say, I believe it worked.
Final Thoughts: Grateful for Yangon
My trip to Yangon was short but deeply meaningful. I discovered a city rich in culture, kindness, and authenticity. I’m thankful for the opportunity to experience it — and grateful that I was able to tick another destination off my travel bucket list.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Southeast Asia, Yangon, Myanmar should be on your list.
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