Travel Yangon Myanmar

Travel Yangon Myanmar, an ancient city that still holds its charm

When talking about the old capital of Myanmar, Yangon, many people might still confuse it as a small town or just a transit city. But for me, mr.hotsia, who has traveled to Yangon several times, I can say this city has much more to discover and experience than you might think. Although the capital of Myanmar moved to Naypyidaw since 2006, Yangon remains the heart and the largest city in Myanmar with over 5 million people five years ago.

Yangon is located at the mouth of the Yangon and Bago rivers, about 30 kilometers from the sea. The most convenient way for travelers like me, mr.hotsia, is to fly direct from Bangkok via AirAsia, which takes less than two hours. After arriving at Yangon International Airport, about 15 kilometers from downtown, I took a taxi from the airport to the city for 8 US dollars (about 8,000 kyats) to Sule Pagoda area, the city center where tourists often visit and relax. If you want detailed information about traveling from Yangon airport to the city, you can click to read more atTraveling from Yangon Airport to the City

The meaning of the name “Yangon” is not grilled shrimp as you might think

Many people see the name “Yangon” and think of grilled seafood. But actually, the city’s name comes from two Burmese words: "Yan" meaning enemy and "Koun" meaning to flee, together meaning “end of conflict” or “avoiding enemies,” reflecting the city’s history and reconciliation. However, if you want to eat grilled shrimp in Yangon, I once went to KSS restaurant near Sule Pagoda, a local eatery blending delicious Burmese flavors with a friendly atmosphere. The grilled shrimp there is fresh and very tasty.

Lifestyle and Atmosphere in the City

What made me, mr.hotsia, fall in love with Yangon is the simple and charming lifestyle of its people. Even though it is a large city with some development, walking through the small alleys around Sule Pagoda, I saw people giving alms in the morning, students going to school, and vendors selling fresh food and snacks along the streets. All of this reflects a daily life full of genuine warmth.

Accommodation in Yangon: When I visited in 2013, there were not many options and prices were relatively high compared to other ASEAN cities. I chose to stay at Okinawa Guest House, located in a small alley next to Sule Pagoda, with rates of 25-30 US dollars per night. It’s suitable for travelers who want to experience the authentic city atmosphere and enjoy watching daily life from their accommodation. Although there was no WiFi, the atmosphere and friendliness of the host made up for it well.

Burmese Food: Flavors You Must Try When Visiting Yangon

Burmese cuisine is another charm I, mr.hotsia, sought to explore on this trip. I tried a variety of dishes, from affordable air-conditioned restaurants to small street vendors on trishaws in suburban areas, with prices starting around 30-50 baht per meal.

One of my favorite dishes is “Nam Jaew Pla Ra,” a spicy and rich traditional Burmese sauce. It is usually served with fresh vegetables and hot steamed rice. The taste is similar to our local fermented fish sauce but without coconut milk, creating a perfect difference. There is also a street vendor selling pork stew skewers for 50 cents each, where small groups gather to eat and closely observe authentic Burmese life. If you are interested in deep Burmese food stories, you can read more atBurmese FoodandStreet Food in Yangon

Internet Connectivity and Communication in Yangon

For those worried about internet in Myanmar, I can say it has improved a lot. Large hotels in Yangon usually offer WiFi, although speeds are still modest. For example, at Shan Hotel where I stayed the first night, download speed was under 1 Mbps but sufficient for checking information and light social media updates. Small guesthouses like Okinawa have no WiFi, but you can walk to KSS restaurant, a café and eatery that provides WiFi service.

Recommended Nearby Attractions

If you have more than one day in Yangon, I recommend visiting nearby cities like Bago or Hpa-An, about 80 kilometers away. There you can experience sacred sites and important historical places such as Shwethalyaung Buddha and Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which I have written about in my articles.Travel Bago by YourselfIt’s also perfect for those who enjoy traveling to truly experience Burmese lifestyle and culture.

Summary of Yangon Travel Experience by mr.hotsia

For me, visiting Yangon is not just about sightseeing but about experiencing the real Burmese way of life, eating local food without much alteration, and walking through a city rich in history and cultural diversity. Although it lacks the conveniences of bigger cities in other countries, Yangon’s charm lies in its rawness, sincerity of its people, and the beauty of pagodas and temples blending Burmese architecture perfectly.

If you are looking for a travel experience different from the usual, Yangon is a choice not to be missed. And to make the most of it, don’t forget to plan your trip and study information carefully beforehand to fill your journey with wonderful memories just like mr.hotsia has experienced.