HomeAsiaSouth East AsiaMyanmar3 Days Yangon Itinerary – Myanmar Solo Backpacking Tips 167 shares By Marcos Detourist on February 5, 2013Sleep evaded me the night before my flight to Myanmar (Burma). I’m always victimized by insomnia attacks whenever I get too excited, or anxious, before going on a trip.In case you didn’t know, Myanmar is not the easiest country to travel in South East Asia.Nevertheless, I was still more excited than anxious. I read a lot of blogs and met travelers, who have already visited Myanmar, beaming with positive things to say about their experience. They raved about the beautiful temples, kind humble people, and loved that this country was not yet infiltrated by suckitude of mainstream tourism.Myanmar was also the last stop on my backpacking trip around Indochina. I was determined to make the most of my remaining two weeks before coming back home.Thailand to Yangon FlightI flew to Yangon, the capital of Myanmar, from Bangkok via AirAsia. My flight departed from Don Meuang International Airport 4:30am in the morning. Early enough to watch a beautiful sunrise behind the glass windows of the airport terminal. Was it a sign of good things to come?Sunrise before boarding my flight at Don Meuang International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand Myanmar required all visitors to apply for a tourist visa, even passport holders from ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) member countries. I applied for my tourist visa at the Myanmar embassy in Vientiane, Laos. The application process was very easy since they didn’t require a lot of documents. The 28-day tourist visa costs US$20 and was issued after 3 working days.Day 1Arrival at Yangon International AirportMy anxieties quickly died away after breezing through immigration. It was time to start my potentially epic two week adventure in Myanmar soil.Arrival hall of Yangon International Airport, MyanmarFirst impressions of MyanmarTaxi touts greeted us after we exit the arrival gate. The first thing I noticed was how most of the local men dressed differently. They were wearing sarong-like skirt bottoms called “Lungi” and had teeth heavily stained with betel nut.Traveling around Myanmar was a constant surprise, especially because I did not do too much research before my trip. This country seemed very different from the rest of South East Asia.Burmese people appeared mostly of Indian descent, many with Malay facial features and a hint of chinky eyes. As usual, I could still pass off as a local and I was seriously planning to do so by learning to speak a little Burmese. It wasn’t actually necessary, traveling around Myanmar was easy since most people engaged in the tourism industry spoke very good English.Airport to Yangon City CenterTaxi drivers were not pushy at all. In fact, I did not encounter overly persistent touts the whole time I was in Myanmar. Burmese people did not seem to be overly concerned about capitalizing tourists like most touristy places I’ve recently visited.After popping by the tourism information desk to ask for directions and get free maps, I walked to the highway and boarded a bus to Sule Pagoda, located in the heart of Yangon City Center, or simply, Central Yangon. Bus commute only costs 150 kyats (US$0.18 ), which was much cheaper than the US$10 taxi fare.Along the way, I got excited when I saw a massive fortress-like structure peering out of the horizon. It had high walls laden with myriads of needle-like spires pointing to the heavens. In the center was the largest spire built to a height fit for a skyscraper.I was already amazed and excitedly exclaimed to myself, “Myanmar is definitely something else.” The massive structure could have been the Shwedagon Pagoda. This particular photo was taken days later.Finding a hostel in Yangon City CenterYangon was the biggest surprise during my whole Indochina trip. I did not expect this city to have some of the grandest colonial-era buildings in all of South East Asia.Sule Pagoda Road coursing through the heart of Yangon. A contrast between the old, new, and eternal.First, I had to find a hostel and get a good long sleep before seeing as much of Yangon my feet could handle.I easily got lost in Central Yangon’s extensive grid-patterned roads. I passed by a few hostels, which were either over my budget or fully booked, before reaching Zar Chi Win Guest House (37th Street). A single room costs US$8 per night (with free breakfast; centralized aircon; shared TB).Zar Chi Win Guest House housed inside a colonial-era building located at cor 37th – Merchant StreetsDay 2Walking tour of YangonI started walking around the empty streets of Yangon before daybreak. The haunting aura was very alluring. The city center seemed like an Asian equivalent of Gotham City with all the “end of the century” western-style buildings sparingly interspaced by Burmese-influenced architecture and ancient temples.Wandering around Central Yangon was incomparable to other major urban centers in South East Asia. As cliche as it is, the city was chock-full of strong contrasts and oddities.Buddhist monk feeds pigeons in front of the Yangon City HallAncient Sule Pagoda sandwiched between the Yangon City Hall and modern glass high-rise buildingsBurmese locals playing ball on the street before the morning rush hourMyanmar Independence monument at Maha Bandoola GardenSelf-portrait with the Burma high court buildingCustoms House BuildingAccountant-General Office (left) and Myanmar Port Authority (right) BuildingsMyanmar Economic Bank (left) and Yangon Division Court (right) BuildingsStrand HotelChanging Money in MyanmarThe currency of Myanmar was “kyat,” pronounced as “chat.” It can be abbreviated as “Ks” or simply “K,” placed before or after the numerical value.There were no ATMs in Myanmar that accepted withdrawal using foreign cards. Additionally, only a few establishments accepted credit card payment. The most practical option for tourists was to bring all the money needed for the entire duration of their trip.Most banks and money changers only accepted US$. Not just any US$ bill. It had to be: Absolutely “crispy” new with no bends, creases, marks, tears. Printed after the year 2000, preferably after 2003 must not contain CB, BC or AB serial numbersI should have exchanged all the money I needed at the airport because they offered the best rate at US$1 = K860.Wasted a few hours at the money changer center along Thain Phyu road waiting for the currency exchange counters to go online. The exchange rate was US$1 = K853. You could imagine my dread reaction when they refused to accept two of my US$100 bills because of a minuscule center fold.Fortunately, I only needed to change half of my money to kyats since most hotels charge in US$. They were not so particular about negligible folds. Train and some boat tickets are also paid in US$.If you can avoid it, do not exchange US$ at the dodgy roadside “black market” peddlers. In case you’re curious, they usually hung around near Sule Pagoda.People waiting for the money changer to open. The chaotic crowd was 10x as big when the counters went online. Locals were considerate to let foreigners transact first.US$200 worth of K1000 bills. Theft is not a common problem in Myanmar for tourists carrying wads of money. Of course, it is necessary to be discrete.Yangon walking tour continuedLunch at a local Burmese eatery. The curries are delicious! Meals usually come with complimentary side dish and hot teaLove samosa!Saint Mary’s Cathedral YangonApartment block in Central YangonGrand towers of the Prime Minister’s building all fenced up :(Bengali Sunni Jameh MosqueBurma High Court, my absolute favorite building in YangonFacade of the Burma High Court and closer view of its clock towerShwe Dagon Pagoda and Kandawgyi LakeLater in the afternoon, I planned on visiting the Shwe Dagon Pagoda, the most famous landmark of Yangon and holiest Buddhist site in all of Myanmar. I took a local bus (I think it was bus#43) to Kandawgi Lake and walked my way from there.I was caught breathless by the surreal beauty of the Shwe Dagon Paya under the golden sunset.Beautiful sunsets in Myanmar seem to be in glowing abundance. The sunsets were perfect in most days.Wooden bridge at Kandawgyi LakeKaraweik Royal BargeFollowed a wrong turn and stumbled upon the Maha Wizaya PagodaBeautiful ceiling paintings depicting the life of Buddha at Maha Wizaya PagodaGolden spires of the Shwe Dagon Pagoda reaching out into the heavenly twilightOne small corner of the massive temple complex. My short visit was not enough to fully explore the Shwe Dagon Pagoda.Huge bell inside ornate hallsSouvenir photo at Shwe Dagon PagodaDay 3My itinerary wasn’t as busy on my last day in Yangon. I started with brunch and WIFI at Tokyo Bakery Cafe, the only affordable restaurant I found offering free WIFI internet. Speeds were very slow in all places that had online access in Myanmar. My hostel did not have WIFI internet. If you’re looking for a cheap hostel with free WIFI, I recommend Tokyo Guest House (200 Bo Aung Kyaw Street).After brunch, I walked to the bus agency shops outside the Aung San Stadium to buy tickets to Bagan, my next destination. Passed by the Yangon Central Railway Station and abandoned Old Burma Railway Headquarters on the way back to my hostel (for check-out).Brunch and WIFI at Tokyo Bakery Cafe along Maha Bandula Road (near Sule Paya). Bogyoke MarketOld Burma Railway HeadquartersYangon Central Railway Station (left) and bus company shops at Aung San Stadium (right)Inside Yangon Central Railway StationAboard the local bus#43 to Au Ming Lar bus stationRead my full Yangon 3 day itinerary.Next destination: Bagan, Myanmar for four daysDon’t leave yet. There’s more!Enlightenment at Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar2 Weeks Myanmar Itinerary — Central and Northern BurmaKyaiktiyo Golden Rock Golden Sunset in Myanmar19 Days Laos Itinerary — North to South Traverse10 Weeks Indochina Itinerary — Thailand, Laos, Cambodia,…2 Weeks Myanmar Itinerary - Burma Solo Backpacking TipsComments Turista Trails saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 1:55 amThe colonial-era structures look well preserved. I recently did a so-so research on Yangon for my American boss’ upcoming project and this helps a lot. I forwarded an excerpt of this post to him just now via email. Thanks! Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:12 pmYes, they did look well preserved. I think might have “restored/renovated” the buildings very recently. paul | walkflypinoy saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 3:25 pmWhat a great coverage of traveling around Yangon! I really got a good impression of the city. I don’t think I will be visiting Myanmar anytime soon (other destinations in the horizon) but seeing it through your spectacular, as in spectacular photos, is good enough for me at this point. Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:15 pmThanks paul, more Yangon and Myanmar posts to come :) Gino | Mynomadichabits saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 5:21 pmHope i’ll get to visit Myanmar and see its Pagodas this 2013. BTW, St. Mary’s Cathedral looks like Notre Dame Church in Saigon… Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:18 pmGo lang :) Many travelers seem to be visiting Myanmar this year. I highly recommend it. Yes, both churches look similar especially the dominantly tall spires. Cecile saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 7:33 pmLove you Marcos! Love your travels! ;) Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:18 pmThanks Cecile *blushes* killerfillers saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 7:36 pmgreat post. hopefully before the year ends i get to visit myanmar too. Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:20 pmYou’ll love it! Burma has offers a lot of interesting photographic opportunities :D Drew saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 7:40 pmSurprised to see how “modern” everything looks. Even free Wifi is available. I was told by someone that they only have dial-up internet and taxi cabs are very, very old. Looks like that ain’t accurate. Marcos saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 8:17 pmThe internet was very slow and unreliable. They might have used dial-up internet connected to a WIFI router.The country’s recent move of “opening” itself more to the world may be bringing about rapid change. The general atmosphere of Yangon still seemed like it was decades behind other South East Asian cities though.Other travelers I met also gave me bleak descriptions of Burma’s cities. One even persisted that I bring a flashlight because they had no street lights and the sidewalks were filled with deep potholes and sharp objects like broken glass.When I was there, the streets were indeed very dark but I thought their warnings seemed exaggerated. Maybe things have improved. I’d be more concerned bringing a flashlight so locals will know I’m passing through and they don’t accidentally spew a mouthful of betel nut spit all over me… it almost happened to my friend, LOL.I was also surprised with the excellent road conditions along major highways in Myanmar, especially between Yangon and Mandalay. Ron saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 9:29 pmWOW! you’re giving lonely planet a run for their money! This is the ultimate post! Can’t wait for our Myanmar trip this march! Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:20 pmHehe, maybe they should hire me instead :D Safe travel to you guys! Wends of Journeys and Travels saysFebruary 7, 2013 at 8:20 amI will definitely be using this come December :) I just love the photos and great information too :) Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:21 pmThanks, as always ^_^ miguel saysFebruary 7, 2013 at 10:13 amwow my myanmar trip will be for next year. how does the samosa taste like? nice post marcos :-) Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:21 pmIt’s like our empanada, but with curry-esque filling :D Ching saysFebruary 7, 2013 at 5:46 pmIsa ni sa gusto ko kadtuan next year when i already have the luxury of time. Nathalie saysFebruary 8, 2013 at 9:29 amgot mixed feelings when I set foot Yangon’s airport, I was scared yet excited but I’m so happy I did… by far the best destination I’ve been to outside Pinas, Burmese are one of the most gracious bunch I’ve met. Love ko rin yung samosa pero di ko na try mag bus..praning lang. hehe Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:24 pmI can relate Nathalie. I was scared at first but after getting to know how kind the Burmese people were, I became more at ease. Cherryl saysFebruary 21, 2013 at 9:06 amHi. I lovereading ur blogs and seeing ur pics too! Planning to go on a solo trip to myanmar. Is it safe for solo female travellers? John saysMarch 7, 2013 at 8:07 amHi.. Good job here.. Just want to ask if it’s possible to get Myanmar Visa in Bangkok? By the way, I like your photos. They are so awesome. I hope I can take photos ng tulad sayo. Visit New Zealand I’m sure mag eenjoy kang kumuha ng mga pictures dito. felix dsouza saysMarch 4, 2014 at 8:02 pmi enjoyed the photographs of yangoon and macau Marcos saysMarch 27, 2014 at 7:32 amThanks Felix! Brian saysJune 23, 2016 at 9:38 amBeautiful pictures! Stumbled upon your blog while in Yangon and looking for inspiration for things to do. “chinky eyes” can be offensive/distasteful but I’m sure you didn’t mean it in that way. I loved the walking tour pictures Posting of new comments is disabled temporarily.Connect with Marcos on:Detourista.comMarcosDetourist.comFacebookInstagramTwitterDetourista.comDiscover more travel guides and blogs about the Philippines and beyond by Marcos DetouristChoose your next destination: Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Turista Trails saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 1:55 amThe colonial-era structures look well preserved. I recently did a so-so research on Yangon for my American boss’ upcoming project and this helps a lot. I forwarded an excerpt of this post to him just now via email. Thanks!
Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:12 pmYes, they did look well preserved. I think might have “restored/renovated” the buildings very recently.
paul | walkflypinoy saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 3:25 pmWhat a great coverage of traveling around Yangon! I really got a good impression of the city. I don’t think I will be visiting Myanmar anytime soon (other destinations in the horizon) but seeing it through your spectacular, as in spectacular photos, is good enough for me at this point.
Gino | Mynomadichabits saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 5:21 pmHope i’ll get to visit Myanmar and see its Pagodas this 2013. BTW, St. Mary’s Cathedral looks like Notre Dame Church in Saigon…
Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:18 pmGo lang :) Many travelers seem to be visiting Myanmar this year. I highly recommend it. Yes, both churches look similar especially the dominantly tall spires.
killerfillers saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 7:36 pmgreat post. hopefully before the year ends i get to visit myanmar too.
Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:20 pmYou’ll love it! Burma has offers a lot of interesting photographic opportunities :D
Drew saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 7:40 pmSurprised to see how “modern” everything looks. Even free Wifi is available. I was told by someone that they only have dial-up internet and taxi cabs are very, very old. Looks like that ain’t accurate.
Marcos saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 8:17 pmThe internet was very slow and unreliable. They might have used dial-up internet connected to a WIFI router.The country’s recent move of “opening” itself more to the world may be bringing about rapid change. The general atmosphere of Yangon still seemed like it was decades behind other South East Asian cities though.Other travelers I met also gave me bleak descriptions of Burma’s cities. One even persisted that I bring a flashlight because they had no street lights and the sidewalks were filled with deep potholes and sharp objects like broken glass.When I was there, the streets were indeed very dark but I thought their warnings seemed exaggerated. Maybe things have improved. I’d be more concerned bringing a flashlight so locals will know I’m passing through and they don’t accidentally spew a mouthful of betel nut spit all over me… it almost happened to my friend, LOL.I was also surprised with the excellent road conditions along major highways in Myanmar, especially between Yangon and Mandalay.
Ron saysFebruary 6, 2013 at 9:29 pmWOW! you’re giving lonely planet a run for their money! This is the ultimate post! Can’t wait for our Myanmar trip this march!
Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:20 pmHehe, maybe they should hire me instead :D Safe travel to you guys!
Wends of Journeys and Travels saysFebruary 7, 2013 at 8:20 amI will definitely be using this come December :) I just love the photos and great information too :)
miguel saysFebruary 7, 2013 at 10:13 amwow my myanmar trip will be for next year. how does the samosa taste like? nice post marcos :-)
Ching saysFebruary 7, 2013 at 5:46 pmIsa ni sa gusto ko kadtuan next year when i already have the luxury of time.
Nathalie saysFebruary 8, 2013 at 9:29 amgot mixed feelings when I set foot Yangon’s airport, I was scared yet excited but I’m so happy I did… by far the best destination I’ve been to outside Pinas, Burmese are one of the most gracious bunch I’ve met. Love ko rin yung samosa pero di ko na try mag bus..praning lang. hehe
Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:24 pmI can relate Nathalie. I was scared at first but after getting to know how kind the Burmese people were, I became more at ease.
Cherryl saysFebruary 21, 2013 at 9:06 amHi. I lovereading ur blogs and seeing ur pics too! Planning to go on a solo trip to myanmar. Is it safe for solo female travellers?
John saysMarch 7, 2013 at 8:07 amHi.. Good job here.. Just want to ask if it’s possible to get Myanmar Visa in Bangkok? By the way, I like your photos. They are so awesome. I hope I can take photos ng tulad sayo. Visit New Zealand I’m sure mag eenjoy kang kumuha ng mga pictures dito.
Brian saysJune 23, 2016 at 9:38 amBeautiful pictures! Stumbled upon your blog while in Yangon and looking for inspiration for things to do. “chinky eyes” can be offensive/distasteful but I’m sure you didn’t mean it in that way. I loved the walking tour pictures