YANGON (RANGOON)

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Tourist information: 118, Mahabandoola Garden St (near Sule Pagoda) Phone: 95-01-252859, 95-01-374281, 95-01-371286, 95-01-378376. Fax: 95-01-254417
E-mail: mtt.mht@mptmail.net.mm gm.mtt@mptmail.net.mm

 

Getting there
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By plane

Yangon International Airport (Mingaladon). Yangon International Airport. Counter Arrival lounge Phone: 95-01-533154, 95-01-533030(Ext-203).

Many airlines flight from Bangkok, like Myanmar Airways International, Thai Airways International and Air Asia, which is the cheapest option if you come from south/east Asia. Jetstar, for flights coming from east Asia and Australia. It is also possible to flight to/ from Chiang Mai with Air Bagan but prices are high. They usually have promotions for Myanmar citizens. Cheapest domestic flights with Air KBZ and Air Mandalay.
Exchange money in the airport. It is not a rip off, as I read in some travel guides.

Taxi from the airport to Yangon’s downtown cost about US$10 or 8000 kyats (in this case, best if you pay in kyats) and to Sule Pagoda area is about 12-15$ maximum. But you always can bargain. Some unlicensed taxis will try to take you and they’ ll try to charge you more than regular prices..
If you exit the international terminal and turn right, walking along the road for about 10 minutes, you'll hit Pyay Road, from where you can take public bus 51 (200 kyat/0.25$) which will take you one block east of Sule Pagoda, where some cheap guest houses are located.

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By train
From Mandalay departs at 6am, 3pm and 5pm. Standard sleeper 33$, upper class seat 30$, first class 22$ and ordinary seat 11$.

From Bagan (Train nº62) Upper class sleeper 50$, upper class seat 40$, first class 30$. Arrives at 11am in Yangon.
Railways’ ticket office is located in Nyaung Oo, on Lanmadaw street (opposite the Grand Empire Hotel).  Timetable: 9am-5pm.

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By bus
Mandalay>Yangon- Daily buses with Shwe Sin Setkar company from Kiae Sae Kan Highway station departing at 7am, 8.30am, 9.30am, 6pm, 7pm, 9.30pm. Fare 10,400 kyats. www.shwesinsetkyar.com/yangonmandalay.htm
Bagan>Yangon- Fare 10.400 kyats.

Nyaung Oo> Yangon- Departs at 5pm. Fare 10.500 kyats.

Pyin Oo Lwin> Yangon- Departs at 4pm. from room D-8 Arkar building. Thurmingalar ward. Fare 11.400 kyats.

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Get out

By bus
There are 2 main bus stations in Yangon for long distances. Timetables depend on the companies. You can get the tickets in any of the many companies around Yangon’s Central Railway Station.

 

Going north: Aung Mingalar Bus Station (outside Yangon) Distance from Central Yangon to this station depends on the traffic that can be very difficult during rush hours. It’s recommended to leave downtown at least 1,30-2hours before departure time. A taxi from downtown cost from 6.000 kyats. From the airport can cost around 5000 Kyats.

Yangon>Bagan- 15$ and departs to Yangon at 6pm.
Yangon>Bago- 500-1.000 kyats. It takes around 2 hours.
Yangon>Chaungtha- 5.000 kyats. It takes 6-7 hours.
Yangon>Kalaw- 11.000 Kyats.
Yangon>Mandalay- 6000 kyats. It takes 12-15 hours.
Yangon>Taunggyi- 6000 kyats. It takes 20 hours.
Yangon>Pyay- 1500 kyats. It takes 6 hours.
Yangon>Thandwe- 4500 kyats. It takes 17 hours.

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Going south: Hlaing Thar Yar Bus Station connects Yangon with south Myanmar destinations.

By train
Departs from Yangon’s Central Railway Station (Kwun-Chan Station) Located in Kwun-Chan Road (in front of Pansoedan Upper bus stop).

Yangon>Bagan- Overnight trains run daily from Yangon, departing at about 4pm and arriving in Bagan at about 9am the following day​
Yangon>Mandalay- Departs at 6am, 8am,11am, 3pm, 5pm and 8.30pm. It takes about 16h.30min.
It’s the same departure time and train that goes to Bago, Taungoo or Naypitaw. Reservations are written down in a reservation lists. Bookings can only be made at the station where your journey starts. In Yangon, you can go to the advance booking office located in Bogyoke Aung San road, opposite the Sakura Tower.  It is open daily 6am-10am and 1pm-4pm.



Local transport

Regular bus within Yangon cost around 100-300 Kyats. For long distance buses you have to pay in kyats for all Myanmar bus fares.

Warning: Yangon is the only Myanmar´s city where motorcycles are not allowed.

 

Post
Main post office- Strand Road 7.30am-6pm (Mon-Fri) Stamps are sold on the ground floor; 1st floor post  office.
DHL- Opening hours: 8am-6pm (Mon-Fri) Address: 33, Ah Lan Paya Pagoda Road

 

Change money

Thein Phyu Money Changer- Address: 99-101, Thein Phyu Road, Botataung Township, Yangon. It's just like 10 mins walk from Sule Pagoda. KBZ counter accept folded USD dollars.
Also a good option for changing money in Yangon is Bogyoke Aung San Market.

Communication: Internet is usually quite slow. In Yangon you can find free Wi-Fi in places like Tokyo Donut or J'Donuts. In other touristic places like Bagan is easy to get Internet in tourist restaurants. There is no international roaming. Prepaid SIM cards are available for local phones.

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Internet connection
Free Wi-Fi:
Tokyo Donut 1- They have free wi-fi and also computers but they’ re slower than wi-fi. Address:79/81, Corner of 40th Street and Anawrahta Road, Kyauktada Tsp,
Tokyo Donut 2- Address: Mahabandoola Road, Between 31st Street
& Bo Soon Pat Street. www.tokyodonut.com
J'Donuts- Address: No.173/175, Pansodan Road.
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Internet café
In the shops located in Sule Pagoda building there are a couple of Internet cafés.
List of some others:
14U- Address: 1st Floor, Shwe Dagon Pagoda St.
99 Cyber- No.36/B, Insein Main Rd, No.(2) Ward
Aeon internet Acces Center- Address: 345, Maha Bandoola Rd., Corner of 39th St.
AKG- Address: 95/96, Yangon-Insein Rd.
Amazing Myawaddy- Address: 65-67, 1st Flr, Hledan Rd.
Beowulf- Address: Rm 14, Bldg 1, Yangon-Insein Rd., Hledan Junction.
Chit-Chat- Address: No.144(001), G/Flr, 18th St, Upper Block, Latha
Cyber God- Yangon-Mandalay Highway Rd, Near CB Bank
Myo Myanmar- No.50, Shan Gone St. Myaynigone
Virus computer center- Address: 283/285 (5th Floor.) Anawrahta Rd. (near Sule Pagoda)

Accommodation

When you get to the airport, just before the exit there is a booking desk. They will offer you many hotels. Prices start from 25$. Staff is kind and helpful and even if their prices don’t match your budget, they will suggest you where to go. Sule Pagoda, for example, is an area with some cheap guest houses. By taxi can cost around 10-12$.

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Mahabandoola guest house- 5$ single room/ 10$ for 2 people, double room/ 10$ for 1 person in a double room/ 12-15$ for 3 people with an extra mattress. All rooms share one bathroom with 3 showers and 3 toilets. They sell cold water for 300 kyats. The building looks like is falling down, dodgy and crumbling but I think the place is worth if you don’ t want to spend much money and is a good way to meet new fellow travelers. The guest house is on the second floor. Notice that there is no sign outside the building so just climb the stairs up to the second floor. The guy who runs the guest house is responsible and helpful and speaks english. Some friendly kids help him to run the place and keep it tidy and clean. Address: Building No. 93 ( 2nd Floor), Corner of Maha Bandoola Road and 32nd Street, Near Sule Pagoda, Pabedan Township, Yangon. Telephone : 248104  (Moblie ) : 09-54-11-368

Okinawa Guest House- From 5$ shared bedroom/12-18$ for private rooms with bathroom and mosquito net. Breakfast included. Always full of young backpackers. Nice tables outside for breakfast or lunch. The guys/kids who run the place don’t speak much English but are fairly helpful.
64,32nd Street, Pabedan Tsp (only 2 minutes from Sule Pagoda). +951 385 728

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Three Season Hotel- 12-18$. 9 rooms with fan. Quiet terrace. Superb breakfast. Address: 83-85 52nd Street. phyuaung@mptmail.net.mm

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Garden guest house- 8$ single room, 15-30$ double room, depending on what type of room. Best view in all of Yangon (looking down on Sule Paya) Address: 441-445, Mahabandoola St. +95 (0)1 253779. Recommended by Kenny Austin.

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May Fair Inn- 15$ Single, 24$ Double, 30$ Triple. Fan or AC. A very friendly staff. Some rooms don’t have windows. Address: 57, 38th St. 01 253 454. maytinmg@gmail.com/ mayfair  inn@myanmar.com.mm
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Motherland Inn II- 10$ dorms, 22-25$ single rooms, 25-30$ doubles, triple rooms 34-37$. Breakfast included. Free airport pick up at the airport and drop off twice a day: 6.30 am and 3 pm. Very helpful staff and good food. Address: 433, Lower Pazundaung Road.  Phone:  (95)1 291343, 1 290348 www.myanmarmotherlandinn.com Recommended by Kenny Austin
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White House Hotel- From 17$ for a single room with fan, shared bathroom, without window until a triple room a/c, attached bathroom with windows for 60$, there is a wide selection of rooms in the middle. Basic bathrooms (shared and private) Everyone who’s been here highlight  the breakfast, displayed as a really nice buffet, with real local Burmese dishes. Check their blog for updated prices and type of room: whitehousehotelyangon.blogspot.com. Address: 69/71 Konzaydan Street,Pabedan Township. (95-1) 240780, 240781

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Daddy’s Home hotel- 18$ Single, 20$ Double. Breakfast included, AC, shared bathroom.
Address: 107 Kon Zay Dan St. 01 252169. www.shwehponshein.net/hotel.html

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Chan Myae Guest House- From 18$ single room. Breakfast included. Staff is very friendly. Cozy, comfortable and clean rooms. They can helped you to plan or book your trip. Address: 256/276 3rd floor Maha Bandoola Garden St (Upper block) +95 (1) 382022, 380855

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Cherry Guest house- Single 20$, Double 25$, Triple 38$. Breakfast included. Wi-Fi and AC.
Rooms are modern and clean. Single/ double rooms don’t have windows.
Address:  278/300, 5th and 6th Floor, Mahabandoola Garden Street (Upper Block. 4th floor) cherry.gesthouse@gmail.com  09 534 0623
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Aung Si Guest house (Ocean Pearl Inn 2)- 20$ Single room, 25$ double .100, Bo Gyoke Aung Sun Street.  (+95-1) 299874
www.oceanpearlinn.com​

 

Ocean pearl Inn- 25$ Single room, 30$ double, 38$ triple.  Attached bathrooms. Some rooms are great and some smell weird. A/C, Breakfast included and free Wi-fi. They pick you up from the Airport for free. Address: 215 Bo Ta Taung Pagoda Rd. +95 297 007 www.oceanpearlinn.com
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Hninn Si Budget Inn- $25 Single room, $30 Double, $38 Triple, $50 Quad room (Family room). Breakfast included, AC, Wi-Fi, TV, towels and bottle of water. There are 5 rooms on each floor with shared bathrooms. Most of the rooms don’ t have windows. 213 Bo Ta Tuang Pagoda Rd.

(951) 203 475 Email: HninnSi.BudgetInn@gmail.com www.hninnsibudgetinn.com

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Father Land Hotel- 35$ double standard room/ 45$ superior room/ 50$ family room. Breakfast included. Fast Wi-Fi in the lobby. No. 232/A, Yamonna Street,Yangon.
+ 95 (1) 9190078, + 95 (1) 9190079 Fax : + 95 (1) 9190080 fatherlandhotel.com
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Golden Star Guest House- From 25$ per night for double room include air-con and hot water. All the rooms are very new and clean. Wi-Fi is not available. Address: No. 711/719 , 2nd Floor , between 26 street and Strand Road and Merchant road (2nd floor ) 10 minutes walking from Sule (Su Lay) Pagoda and 15 minutes to city hall. +95 1 374 182 www.facebook.com/GoldenStarGuestHouse?ref=stream#!/GoldenStarGuestHouse Recommended by Kenny Austin


Lai Lai Hotel- 25$ SIngle Room/  35$ Double Room. Breakfast included, Mini Bar, Satellite TV and Air Conditioned. Address : No:783, Mahabandola Road. (+951) 227878, 225913, 227835 Fax : (+951) 227342

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Kaung Su San- 30 $ single room, 40 $ double, family room for 3 people 50 $. Clean and tidy. Wi-Fi, AC, breakfast included. 712-714, corner of Mahabandoola road and 18th street (Chinese district). 01-377544, 01-377545, 01-377795, 01-377796, 01-710023. kaungsusan@gmail.com

 

Beauty Land Hotel I- Clean, quite comfortable and safe. Breakfast included. No. 9, Bo Cho Street, Bahan +95-1-540092, 549772. www.goldenlandpages.com

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Beauty Land Hotel II- Single room $30, Double $40. Tidy rooms with friendly staff. 188-192, 33rd Street, Kyauktada Township +95 1 243 952, 243952, 240054, 240227  Fax:248047 E-mail:beautyland@ www.goldenlandpages.com

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Eastern Hotel- 45-60$. 194/196 Bo Myat Htun Street, Pazundaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar.  (95-1) 293815, 293168, 293169 Fax: (95-1) 294 346  www.myanmareasternhotel.com

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Aung Tha Pyay Hotel- 55$ Double room. 74, 38th Street  (+95) 01 378 663
www.AungThaPyayHotel.com

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Golden Guest Inn- 15 air conditioned guest rooms. For high season (From October to mid-March) Single room 65$ Double 75$. Shoulder season (from late March to May) Single 55$, Double 65$. Low season (from June to September) Single room 50$, Double 60$. This includes an American breakfast. They arrange interesting tour packages and flights and also transport booking. Computer with Internet Access, TV/ Video / Satellite ( 24 hours ) and laundry Services. Address: 182, Insein Road (near Than Lann Bus Stop). It’ s located 20 minutes’ drive from the center of Yangon, 15 minutes’ drive from the International Airport and 5 minutes’ drive to the Beautiful Inya Lake. 95-1-524642, 526008  Fax : 95-1-526008. www.goldenguestinn-travel.com

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Special events/ festivals
The best website I have found about events or activities in Yangon: http://whatsonyangon.com. You will find from yoga classes to French literature club meetings. Just check the calendar or type of event to find the most suitable activity for you.

 

Irrawaddy Literary Festival- It was held for first time in 2013. They bring the best local authors writing in English as well as a substantial number of local authors writing in Burmese. www.irrawaddylitfest.com

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The art of freedom- It´s a short films and documentaries film festival. Usually held around Independence Day, 4th January. So far, it’ s the most important film festival in Myanmar.. Many celebrities and politicians attend to this event. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=233034263428246&id=233000596764946#!/TheArtofFreedomFilmFestival
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Human Rights, Human Dignity- International film festival held in Yangon from June 15 to 19. Movies compete in 3 different sections: Documentary, short and animation. http://www.hrhdiff.org
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Annual European Film Festival- It is usually held at Nay Pyi Taw Cinema in downtown Yangon. It’s organized with several European embassies located in Myanmar. The films shown at the festival are subtitled in English. It has not exact dates but it’s usually held in October.
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Institute Français de Birmanie- Organizes many events through the year, including a music Festival and Yangon Photo Festival www.yangonphoto.com​. Check their website for events www.institutfrancais-birmanie.com Address: 340 Pyay Road
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The Blue Wind Multimedia Art Festival for female artists is held at Myanmar Art Centre on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. The festival includes workshops on painting, installation art, photo essays, printed media, video and film. www.bluewindart.com

 

The International Multimedia Art Festival’s last edition was held at the French Institute. The event is organised by New Zero Art Space. The festival includes video, installation and performance by local and international artists.


Inya Lake hotel organize many events: www.inyalakehotel.com/tour-the-hotel/inya-lake-events.

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January
Hta-Mané Festival: It’s a national festival where burmese celebrates the harvest, and it’s named after a traditional meal that is eaten during this time. It is made by cooking a type of rice with coconut, nuts, and then mixed with garlic, onion, ginger, sesame oil and water are to cook in a huge pan using fire-wood. Then they take some for offering to the monks.
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March
Shwedagon Pagoda Festival: The festival is held around the full-moon day of Tabaung Luman, between February and March. Also celebrates the enshrinement of the 8 pieces of sacred hair that are believed to be contained in the Shwedagon pagoda. Many people contribute to fund the repairing of some Buddhist buildings. Many sellers set up stalls in front of the entrance to the temple, selling foods and other locally-made products. Shows features traditional theatre, music from all around Myanmar.
Shinbyu ceremony is one of the most important events in Myanmar. It is when boys enter the Buddha's order as a novice. They must shave their heads, donate clothes to become a novice. It’ s very important and very respected for regular Burmese and even some parents  sponsor a novitiate. People  can also contribute if the boy's own parents cannot afford the expense or if the kid is an orphan.
These ceremonies are usually held during the summer around the time of the water festival when schools are closed for summer holidays.
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April
Thingyan Water Festival is a Buddhist festival that, after 4 days of celebration, culminates in the Burmese New Year. The dates of the Thingyan festival used to be calculated according to the traditional Burmese calendar, but now they’re adapted to Gregorian calendar.

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May
Kason Full moon Day is a nationwide festival. Kason (May), the second month in the Myanmar calendar is the most significant day in the Buddhist world. It is the festival of pouring water on the Bodhi tree to celebrate the day Buddha was born and the day he achieved Enlightenment.

 

June
Nayone Festival of Tipitaka. It’s a nationwide festival where robes and food are offered to monks and nuns. It’s usually held from June 16-23. By Lone Lone

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July
Waso Fullmoon Day (Dhammasetkya Day) Waso is the 4th month in the Burmese calendar. It is a nationwide festival that commemorates the time when Buddha gave his first sermon.

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August
Not festivals in August in Yangon, but in Mingun (Mandalay) they celebrate the Nat Festival.

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September
Full Moon Day of Thadingyut where many places are illuminated to celebrate the return of Buddha. It’ s a nationwide festival.

 

October
October to November celebrate the Kahtein, where robe and gift s are offered to monks) – Nationwide

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November
Ta-Zaung-Dine Light Festival- Homes and streets are illuminated. There is also a ceremony where Buddhists provide robes to monks.
Robe Weaving Contest- Competition during the night where women make robes to offer to the monks. It’ s celebrated  throughout Myanmar and in Yangon is celebrated in Shwe Dagon Pagoda.

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December
In Mount Popa they celebrate the Mount Popa Nat Spirit Festival.

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