5 reasons you must visit Yangon (Myanmar)!

With vacations around the corner, everyone is surfing the internet for holiday destinations and I am sure the Google search leaves one spoiled for choice. So let me tell you about an offbeat destination that not many will…Yangon in Myanmar! Although I went there on a work trip, the place had me craving me for more by the time I boarded my flight. Why? Read on as I give you not one but 5 reasons why you must visit Yangon!

Reason #1- Schwe Dagon Pagoda

If you need just one reason to travel to Yangon, it is Schwe Dagon Pagoda. The most prominent Buddhist temple of the country, Schwe Dagon Pagoda towers majestically into the sky with its 99 m high gold plated, diamond studded spire. Situated on a hilltop, it is visible from almost everywhere in the city and the glistening gold adds to its regality. It is believed that the Pagoda exists since the time of Gautam Buddha and houses the relics of all four Buddhas who have ever lived on the face of Earth. The main stupa is surrounded by smaller stupas on all sides and it takes a good 2-2.5 hours to see the entire Pagoda. There are small shrines, 8 in number, around the main structure which depict the days of the week(2 for Wednesday, hence the number). According to Buddhist beliefs, one can pray and pay obeisance to the corner named after their day of birth by pouring water over the Buddha statue and animal sign situated there. I am Saturday born and my animal sign is the Dragon!

The best time to visit the Pagoda is towards the evening, around sunset as that is when the Pagoda gets washed in floodlights and appears all the more enigmatic.

Reason #2- The diverse, scrumptious Burmese food!

Food and travel are like the inseparable Siamese twins and many of our fond memories of a visit are related to a culinary experience but Burmese food takes it to another level. Burmese are fond of food and the love reflects in every dish. Noodles, rice, salads, seafood….there is everything on the table…and more! Even the tea there is so different. You will see tourists buying Myanmar tea on the airport too. I got a lot for myself as well and trust me, it is not like any other tea you have tried before.

If you are a foodie, you will love it in Yangon! A look at these pictures is going to get you packing!

Reason #3- The Bogyoke Aung San Market

A shopper’s delight, the Bogyoke Aung San Market, or ‘BOJO’ Market(as pronounced by the locals) is the most popular market in Yangon. It is the place to go if you wish to buy souvenirs, handicrafts, paintings, clothes and gemstone jewellery. The look of the market has an old world charm to it with small shops built in the colonial British style of architecture. You can find authentic Myanmar products here but need to possess good bargaining skills as the prices are not fixed.

Reason #4- Karaoke nights

A unique experience of the Yangon night life is a personal Karaoke party. Very popular among the youngsters, Karaoke clubs offer party halls that can be booked by a group to host a karaoke party. The rooms are sound proofed and you can sing along using microphones while karaoke music plays in state of the art music systems and the song’s video on screens. There is a decent collection of Burmese and English songs to choose from.

Reason #5- The incredibly humble and amicable Burmese people

A place they say is just as good as its people. Yangon feels like a lovely place because its inhabitants are lovely people- humble, down to earth and respectful- they possess qualities which are fast disappearing from the human race in general. Although most of the people you meet in the markets or restaurants are not well versed in English, they still try to help you out however they can. You see men and women dressed in longyi(a long drape around the waist) and shirt/top even for work. Women and girls can be seen sporting thanaka paste on their face(a great sunscreen) which forms a strong part of their tradition. In the harsh summer sun, when the temperatures soar, the umbrellas come out.

You might be surprised to see right hand drive cars being driven on the right side of the road or a contrast of malls and old markets co-existing side by side but that is just what Yangon is- a unique amalgam of things old and new- a place where the past meets the future!