- Visit the oldest zoological garden in Maynmar first opened in 1901. There are over 200 species in the zoo – around 1,100 aminals (hopefully well kept!)! Open daily.
2. See how the former (1961–1971) UN general secretary, revered both at home and abroad, lived in U Thant House. Opened only from Friday through Sunday.
3. Set on for bar scrolling & street food tasting along the 19th Street. It awakens after its day nap at around 6pm.
4. Jungle in the city! Well, not exactly – a one hour drive will bring you to the Hlawga wildlife park. If choosing between the Hlawga and the zoo, opt for the wildlife park and you won't be disappointed.
5. The best sunset in the city is definitely seen from the Botahtaung harbor. Hop onto a local ferry to get to the other side of the river and catch some breeze.
6. Oh, well, this is a tourist trap, yes. But this colonian bazaar, Bogyoke Market, is still the place to hunt for some rarities, ethnic artifacts, or tasty snacks.
7. Inya Lake is nothing close to its famous counterpart of Inle Lake, but strolling along its waterfront promenade early in the evening is a quintessentially Yangon experience.
8. And this ride is not to be missed: the circular train costs peanuts but puts you right in the middle of the local crowd hurrying up to complete their daily routine. Priceless!
9. Catch glimpses of rural life without leaving Yangon by visiting Yele Kyauk Tan Pagoda.
10. Go skydiving! Somewhat unexpectedly, Yangon has its own indoor skydiving centre opened last year. Why not try?
Spend a Day Off in Yangon Like a Local
News in Asia
Ask a foreign traveller, what the best attractions to see or the best things to do in Yangon, and they won't hesitate to name visiting the Shwedagod Paya, Sule Paya, and probably the National Museum. But the locals' must-do-in-Yangon list is totally different. Check below.