With tourism rapidly expanding in the glistening pagoda city of Yangon, it may get overwhelming squeezing past streams of people just to glimpse inside a temple or struggle down the end of a street. These activities cradle the tranquillity of still lakes, quaint galleries and rustic outskirts – perfect for a relaxing time.
Have a picnic by Inya Lake
Legend has it that what is now the largest lake in Yangon used to be a cluster of lagoons, swamps and creeks; At the bottom of one lagoon sat a shrine, where people swam to the bottom to bury treasure as offerings to the next Buddha. In 1882, the British flooded the area to build a water reservoir. Today, Inya Lake glistens in the heart of Yangon’s elite, surrounded by posh residences and restaurants. Along its banks also sits the house of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, where she had spent most of her years under house arrest. Situated close to Yangon University, the lake doubles as a popular hangout for students and couples. Pack a picnic bag and find some shade under one of the huge trees – the view here is great.
Visit the National Museum of Myanmar
Standing at a concrete five storeys tall, the National Museum of Myanmar is home to an extensive collection of ancient artefacts, inscriptions and artworks. The country’s dynamic history is stretched on display over fourteen stunning galleries that are distributed over the different levels; On the ground floor, three galleries are specifically dedicated to documenting the evolution of the Myanmar script and alphabet. In the throne room sits the museum’s main exhibit: The Lion Throne is a beauty to behold. Carved from yamanay timber and adorned at the base with lions, the heavily gilded throne belonged to Thibaw, the last of Myanmar kings. Despite the poor labelling of ornaments, it’s clear that the treasures within the museum have no need for them – every exhibit speaks for itself.
Find peace and quiet at Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue
As the last surviving Jewish place of worship in Yangon and the only synagogue in Myanmar, Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue flaunts impressive architecture and is crammed full of history. It’s a quiet change from the busy streets downtown, and a visit promises to uncover the story of Jewish heritage in the country: From the early 20th century up until the Second World War, it housed a flourishing Jewish community of over 2000. Nestled along a narrow street, the synagogue today serves the last few remaining Jews, and can be found huddled between Muslim and Indian shops.
Pay homage to fallen soldiers at the Htauk Kyant War Memorial
Myanmar’s largest war cemetery is no place for celebration, but it is an important landmark that holds crushing historical significance to the people of the country. The graves of over 6300 fallen Allied soldiers have been received from four battlefield cemeteries at Sittwe, Mandalay, Meiktila and Sahmaw, and lain to final rest here. On the memorial pillar, the names of 27,000 Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives with no known grave have been immortalized in stone. Wander through the graves among trimmed grass, and spend a solemn afternoon paying homage to the ones who didn’t come home from war.
Wander through the city’s many art galleries
In recent years, Yangon’s creative industry has seen an increase in popularity. Previously, creative work was heavily restricted and avoided politics. Now, the new political system has opened new doors, and contemporary art in particular has been thriving, with young and emerging talent taking the spotlight. Art galleries have been popping up all over the city, allowing artists to express themselves more vividly in ways that used to be forbidden. Popular ones include New Zero Art Space, rumoured to have pioneered contemporary art in Myanmar, Lokanat Gallery, the first art gallery in the country, and Gallery 65, housed within a renovated colonial teak house. Take some time to visit some of these mesmerizing exhibits, and bask in Yangon’s flourishing art scene.
Take a walk in People’s Square and Park
Strategically situated to the west of Yangon’s pride, the Shwedagon Pagoda, the People’s Square and Park stretches over an impressive expanse of 135 acres which was once a part of Queen Shin Sawbu’s palace grounds. Within the complex sits a grand concrete fountain – two receding tiers of white elephants have their trunks raised, spewing water; Right on top, rests a single lotus bud. Surrounding this concrete marvel is a stunning marble esplanade adorned with lines of bright flowers. Known as one of the major parks in the Shwedagon Pagoda area, it serves as the perfect place to recharge after a visit to said pagoda.
Admire the sunset at Kandawgyi Lake
On a clear day, take a stroll along Kandawgyi Lake as dusk falls; The Shwedagon Pagoda is mirrored perfectly in its reflection. One of the two major lakes in Yangon, Kandawgyi Lake is artificially supplied with water pumped from Inya Lake – in its colonial past, it served as a clean water supply for the British administration. Sunset is magical here, and in the nearby Kandawgyi Park, a long wooden boardwalk extends out into the still waters, promising the best view. Springing up around the lake area are plenty of quirky cafes, ideal for a post-sunset caffeine indulgence.
Sip on cocktails at Sarkies Bar
Conquering its spot along the Yangon River is the colonial masterpiece of a hotel, The Strand. Its bar was christened after the Sarkies brothers who founded the hotel in 1901, and is elegantly decked in a classic bar setting. Offering a remarkable selection of cocktails and single malts, Sarkies Bar is a name well-worn on the tongues of travellers. Unwind with a drink, maybe two, or treat yourself to its renowned Strand Sour, a cocktail once enjoyed by the likes of George Orwell and Rudyard Kipling. In the ambient background, the occasional jazz band croons late into the night.
Activities in Yangon are in abundance; Catch your breath in one of the parks within the city, or spend a quiet afternoon at a café. Once your energy meter has filled again, be right back up onto your feet – there’s so much more yet to be seen.
