Although it ceded its capital status during the years of military rule, Yangon remains the de facto economic, religious, cultural and artistic capital of Myanmar. It is the start and end point of most trips to the country. Known as Rangoon when the likes of George Orwell, Rudyard Kipling, Graham Greene and Somerset Maugham were passing through, Yangon’s crumbling colonial remnants seem a world away from the modern, capitalistic bustle that has reshaped other Southeast Asian cities. That all is changing, however, and quickly. This city of 4 million has witnessed a huge influx of foreign visitors in the past years, prompting authorities to modernize the city’s infrastructure, telecommunications and hospitality industry. Today, Yangon is poised to lead Myanmar into a new era in its modern history.
Particular highlights include the elegant Strand Hotel, once frequented by the likes of Graham Greene and W. Somerset Maugham; the gleaming Shwedagon Pagoda, immortalized in poem by Rudyard Kipling; and the unique Shwe Phone Pint Pagoda, home to fortune-tellers and soothsayers.
Region
Indochina
language
Burmese
capital
Naypyidaw
population
5,514,000
area
598,8 km²
currency
Myanmar Kyat
FIND YOUR
Inspiration
Locally based with in-country expertise means our Destination Experience Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. We piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure, you can find it in our featured journeys or speak to our travel advisors.
Inspiration
Locally based with in-country expertise means our Destination Experience Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. We piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure, you can find it in our featured journeys or speak to our travel advisors.
CLASSIC MYNAMAR
10 Days/ 9 Nights – From $5900
TAKE a 10-day journey to one of Southeast Asia’s most mysterious countries: Myanmar. You’ll discover the charming nation’s most adored destinations, flying in a hot-air balloon over Bagan’s temple-studded plains, observe expert leg-rowers at Inle Lake, circumambulate gilded temples, and get to know the people and their livelihoods.
A JOURNEY THROUGH SACRED MYANMAR
13 Days/ 12 Nights – From $9900
EXPERIENCE the heart of both Buddhism and Myanmar’s enriching heritage on this 12-day expedition across the country, whether you are witnessing a breathtaking sunset at the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, marveling over the carvings decorating the walls of the Kawgun Cave, or discovering enlightened Buddhist meditation practices at the Pha Auk Forest Monastery.
MYANMAR CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS AND HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS
14 Days/ 13 Nights – From $14.700
Explore Myanmar’s great outdoors on this exhilarating 14-day adventure. You’ll make friends with local villagers, check out Bagan’s 2,000 temples, cruise down the legendary Inle Lake, raft the exciting Malikha river, and stay in some of Myanmar’s most luxurious hotels, like the iconic Governor’s Residence.
When to go
The best time to visit is from November to March when temperatures are relatively low, averaging between 15ºC/59°F to 3ºC/86°F. In December and January, temperatures can drop to near freezing at night in the highlands of Kalaw and Inle Lake. In April and May, the hottest season, temperatures often rise to over 37.8ºC/100°F in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan. Monsoon season begins between mid-May and mid-June, bringing frequent rains, especially in the southern and western regions that last until September.
