Myanmar may have had its share of troubles in the past but the country is picking itself up in recent years, opening up to globalisation and overseas business opportunities. As the largest city and the former capital of Myanmar, Yangon is anything but lackluster.

Yangon’s tourism industry today has flourished by leaps and bounds due to gradual developments and what intrigues people to this charming city is its ability to retain most of its cultural authenticity.

So for those who are thinking of exploring Myanmar for its rich culture, here are 9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Yangon.

Photo Credit: Yangon Heritage Trust

#1 BRITISH ARCHITECTURE

A large part of Yangon is made up of well-preserved old British colonial buildings and they form an important part of they city’s history. While the buildings may have lost their former glory, many now serve as beautiful vintage backdrops for travelers to take photographs.

There is also a national heritage law that protects any building that is over a century old. Some of the colonial style buildings you can find there are the Yangon City Hall, High Court Building and Sofaer’s Building.

Photo Credit: justgola

#2 LOCAL MARKETS

To gain a better understanding of how locals go about their everyday lives, visit the local markets. It is a bustling place with peddlers selling fresh produce of all kinds, spices of different varieties and even clothing.

One of the most well known markets in Yangon is Bogyoke Market. What used to be a black market where people exchange currency has turned into a huge bazaar offering jewelry, souvenirs and food.

Photo Credit: Nomad CC Asian Food

#3 STREET FOOD

You only get to really know a place after trying their local food. Grab a seat and squeeze in with the locals at any of their roadside stalls for an authentic experience.

Interesting Burmese food to try are the e kya kway (deep-fried breadsticks), koh può (glutinous rice cakes grilled over charcoal), samosa salad, mont lin ma yar (quail egg snack) and various types of curry.

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#4 THE PAGODAS

Yangon is home to some of the oldest standing pagodas in Myanmar and it would be a shame to miss them out on your itinerary. With its many years of history (believed to date as far back as 2500 years ago), most of them have undergone renovation works.

The more famous pagodas in Yangon are Shwedagon, Botataung and Sule.

Photo Credit: Myanmar Burma

#5 CHAUKHTATGYI PAYA

Chaukhtatgyi Paya, or otherwise known as the Reclining Buddha is an extremely huge lying Buddha structure in Chaukhtatgyi temple. Spanning 65 metres long, the enormous structure is a sight to behold.

Photo Credit: Tin Htoo Khaing Photography

#6 INYA LAKE

Yangon’s largest lake is where many locals go to for recreational activities. Lake Inya is a popular dating spot for couples as they stroll leisurely along the pavement that circles around the perimeter of the lake.

You can also visit the lake at night and have dinner at one of the many restaurants by the lake.

Photo Credit: Myanmar Burma

#7 BEER STATIONS

For a unique drinking experience, skip the swanky clubs and bars and opt for the rustic and unassuming beer stations instead. These laidback pubs offer extremely competitive pricing so you can down as many glasses of beer as you desire.

Photo Credit: Nick’s Wanderings

#8 CHINATOWN

Spreading across streets 18 to 24, Yangon’s Chinatown or Tayote Tan is one of the busiest places in the city. Visit the night market where you can find Chinese herbs, medicines, roadside food stalls and interesting snacks.

Besides the market, there are also several Chinese temples such as the Kheng Hock Keong Temple and Guang Dong Guan Yin Temple.

Photo Credit: ABC

#9 EXCITING FESTIVALS

Plan your visit around certain times of the year so you can join in the fun celebrations of several exciting festivals that take place annually.

The best Burmese festivals include Thadingyut Light Festival, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, Thingyan Water Festival and Taunggyi Balloon Festival.