Colors of Yangon Yangon Myanmar 2016

Colors of Yangon Yangon Myanmar 2016

When mr.hotsia had the chance to travel to Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar in 2016, the first impression was an atmosphere full of real life. It was not just the image of a quiet old city or famous temples, but a vibrant mix of the colorful lifestyles of the people blending harmoniously.

Yangon is not only famous for Sule Pagoda or Shwedagon Pagoda, but also for its lively street markets and walking streets. mr.hotsia enjoyed strolling around to watch vendors and cheerful Burmese merchants, with the scent of spices in the air reminding of delicious local food. In fact, I have written about this in the articleStreet Food in Yangonwhich is another side of this city that should not be missed.

The journey from Yangon airport to the city center was a memorable experience for mr.hotsia. Yangon airport is about 15 kilometers from downtown, and taking an affordable taxi (around 8 USD) felt convenient and safe. Friendly conversations with taxi drivers and immigration officers made me feel that Myanmar sincerely welcomes tourists, which I described in detail inTraveling from Yangon Airport to the City

One highly recommended activity by mr.hotsia for visitors to Yangon is taking the Yangon Circle Line train, which takes about 3 hours to complete the loop. This route passes through both urban neighborhoods and rural areas where traditional Burmese lifestyles are clearly visible. The train costs only 1 USD, but the experience is priceless. You can see houses, markets along the railway, and rice fields nestled within the city — a perspective tourists should not miss. mr.hotsia has shared this experience inRiding the Yangon Circle Line Trainand confirms it is a fun trip that truly teaches about Burmese life.

I also had the chance to visit Bago, about 80 kilometers north of Yangon. This city is rich in history and beautiful temples such as the Reclining Buddha Shwethalyaung and Shwemawdaw Pagoda, well known to Thai people as Phra That Mute. Traveling to Bago is easy to do independently, and I enjoyed the lifestyle atmosphere that differs from Yangon, which I wrote about in the articleExploring Bago on Your OwnGive it a read; it will deepen your perspective on traveling in Myanmar.

Yangon is a city full of a deep blend of culture and history. The name “Yangon,” which mr.hotsia jokingly says is not about grilled shrimp, actually comes from “Yan” meaning enemy and “Koun” meaning to flee, symbolizing the end of conflict. It is a city that has endured hardships and now enjoys peace.

Besides major tourist attractions, I also enjoy exploring markets and communities around the city to observe the lifestyles and real lives of Burmese people, such as old markets with fresh and dried goods, fruits, and street food worth trying. I also see people wearing traditional Mon or Burmese costumes who still preserve their original culture well.

For those interested in traveling to Myanmar independently, I recommend readingTraveling Yangon Myanmarwhere I share real information and experiences about traveling in this city, including transportation, visa application, and living in a city quite different from other major Southeast Asian cities.

Regarding accommodation, although prices are slightly higher than neighboring countries, there are various options ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range and luxury hotels. mr.hotsia has always chosen accommodations that suit comfort and budget.

In summary, Yangon in 2016 for mr.hotsia is a city full of the true colors of life — the bustling markets, streets, lifestyles, and even the aura of history and culture that continues strongly. If you are ready to open your heart to new experiences and want to experience Myanmar beyond just the images in books or package tours, Yangon is the answer mr.hotsia wholeheartedly recommends.

For those who want to watch a video capturing the atmosphere and colors of Yangon in 2016, I recommendVideo: Colors of Yangon Yangon Myanmar 2016which will help you see the city’s image and feel it more clearly.