Yangon Myanmar 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Downtown Yangon

  • Morning: Arrive at Yangon International Airport. Check into your hotel (recommended: Strand Hotel Yangon or Sule Shangri-La Yangon) and freshen up.

  • Afternoon: Start your exploration with the iconic Sule Pagoda, a 2,000-year-old landmark in the heart of Yangon. Nearby, you can find the Bogyoke Aung San Market (closed on Mondays) for some shopping and local experiences.

  • Evening: Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset. This is Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist pagoda, an iconic structure that dominates Yangon’s skyline. Enjoy a traditional Burmese dinner at Hawker’s Bistronomy.

Day 2: Ancient City Life & Chinatown

  • Morning: Take a walk around Inya Lake, enjoy the serenity, and visit the Karaweik Palace floating barge. Then, head to the National Museum of Myanmar to learn about the country’s rich history.

  • Afternoon: Explore Yangon’s bustling Chinatown. Visit the Thiri Mingalar Street Market, try local snacks like samosa soups and fried noodles at various food stalls, and shop for souvenirs.

  • Evening: Relax at the Chinatown Night Market. For dinner, visit Yangon Tea House for a variety of Burmese dishes.

Day 3: Buddhist Sites & Colonial Architecture

  • Morning: Visit the Kaba Aye Pagoda, home to one of the largest reclining Buddha images in Myanmar, and the Maha Pasana Guha (Cave Hall).

  • Afternoon: Explore Yangon’s colonial heritage by visiting sites like the Rangoon University campus, the High Court, the Secretariat Building, and the India Town Quarter.

  • Evening: Enjoy a Burmese BBQ dinner at a local spot such as Bogyoke Aung San Road or 19th Street.

Day 4: Day Trip to Bagan

  • Morning: Take an early morning flight to Bagan (approximately 1 hour). Spend the day temple hopping, exploring ancient ruins, and enjoying the sunrise and sunset over the temples.

  • Evening: Return to Yangon in the evening and rest at your hotel. For dinner, try out the local street food at a place like 24th Street.

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend your last hours in Myanmar relaxing, shopping for souvenirs, or visiting any sights you may have missed.

  • Before Departure: Head to the airport for your flight home. Don’t forget to try some local snacks at the airport before you board!

Tips & Things to Know:

  • Myanmar uses its own currency, the Kyat (MMK). US dollars are also widely accepted in many places.
  • Always ask permission before taking photographs of people, especially monks.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites.
  • Traffic can be chaotic, so use a reliable app like Grab for transportation or negotiate prices with local taxis.
  • Stay hydrated as it can get hot in Yangon. Always carry bottled water with you.