The largest city in Myanmar, Rangoon (Yangon) is a mix of cosmopolitan high-rises, stunning architecture and historical sights. Featuring the best of everything Myanmar has to offer, this exceptional city is a must-see destination on your Irrawaddy River cruise.
Top Attractions in Rangoon
If you’re only planning a short stop in the City, you’ll want to make the most of your time in Rangoon. With so many things to see and do, you’ll be hard pressed to explore everything the City has to offer, but there are some tourist attractions that wouldn’t want to miss.
Shwedagon Pagoda at Rangoon
Shwedagon Pagoda
The world-famous Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most popular attractions in the City, and it’s easy to see why. Sometimes known as the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda, the unique structure can be seen from almost every location in the City, and the golden roof of the Pagoda illuminates the skyline during dusk and throughout the night.
Attracting thousands of pilgrims from around the world every year, the Shwedagon Pagoda is estimated to date back at least 2,500 years. As well as being a revered holy temple, the Pagoda is a symbol of Rangoon (Yangon), and Myanmar as a whole.
Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset
Its exceptional architecture, peaceful tranquillity and stunning jewel-encrusted stupa ensure the Golden Pagoda remain one of Rangoon’s most visited locations, and what a location it is to see!
Sule Pagoda
Sule Pagoda is another exquisite example of religious architecture. The historical pagoda is home to thousands of statues and shrines, and it’s ornate, gilded exterior simply adds to the breath-taking City landscape.
Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda
The Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda is another must-see site in Rangoon. Featuring one of the country’s largest statues, the 66m sculpture of the reclining Buddha is revered by locals and tourists alike. One of the best-known temples in the wider area, the Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple offers a wonderful experience of the country’s religion, culture, and history.
Bogyoke Aung San Market
If you fancy a spot of shopping in Rangoon, there are endless shops and stores to visit. Stretching over 200 square miles, there’s not much the City doesn’t have to offer. However, Bogyoke Aung San Market offers an unmistakable and authentic experience. The bazaar features hundreds of stalls and stores, mainly offering antiques, jewellery, crafts, and clothing, as well as art galleries. Whilst the opportunity to pick up authentic souvenirs is enough to attract tourists, the colonial architecture and cobbled streets provide a fantastic experience of Rangoon in themselves.
For guests travelling on Pandaw river cruises, there is ample opportunity to spend time in Rangoon. Our The Irrawaddy and The Golden Land cruise is one of the best ways to not only explore stunning Burma but also the historic Rangoon (Yangon).
