With former political exiles, big-time investors and free-wheeling adventurers all jostling for a place at the city's table, Yangon is currently the most exciting place to be in Myanmar. Once known as Rangoon, the country's largest metropolis is also its commercial and intellectual hub. And it's reaping the benefits of Myanmar's recent political and economic liberalisation. Decaying buildings and monuments are being spruced up. There's a rash of new restaurants, bars and shops. And there are building sites – and traffic jams – everywhere.
What really matters here, though, is what has always mattered, starting with the awe-inspiring Buddhist monument Shwedagon Paya, a golden pinnacle around which everything else revolves. Equally attractive is downtown Yangon, its pavements teeming with food and book vendors; colourful open-air markets; neighbouring temples, mosques and churches (living proof of the city's cosmopolitanism); and some of Southeast Asia's most impressive colonial architecture.
When to Go
Oct–Feb Daytime heat is tolerable and evenings are often cool.
Mar–May Hottest time of year. April's Water Festival (Thingyan) can cause disruption to travel arrangements.
Jun–Sep Wet season, but showers are often short and shouldn’t inconvenience your visit; hotels are cheaper.
