The Ultimate Yangon (Rangoon) Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Yangon, Myanmar? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

The largest city in Myanmar (formerly Burma), with a population of almost 5.2 million.
Also known as Rangoon, it was Burma’s capital until 2006. While the capital is now Naypyidaw, Yangon remains the country’s commercial and business hub.
Known for its diverse colonial history and associated architecture.
Nickname: The Garden City of the East.

Currency: Kyat (MMK).
Note: US dollars (USD) are still preferred (some hotels will not even accept local currency). Only bring US dollar bills in pristine condition (i.e. not torn or marked).
Spoken languages: Burmese (English speakers are hard to find outside of tourist areas).
Best time to visit: from November to February (not too humid or wet).
Electricity shortages: rolling blackouts are common (4 hours/day power, 16 hours outages). Be sure to stay at a hostel or hotel with 24/7 generators.
Arriving via airport:
– Taxi: $10–$15 (30–45 mins to downtown). Use Yango or Grab apps for fixed fares21317.
– Bus #51: Still 200 kyat but often overcrowded; not ideal with luggage

Best hostel for solo travelers in Yangon: HOOD Hostel. Very clean, friendly staff, and in a central location – perfect for exploring the city. Great facilities. Cool design (renovated old colonial building).
Hotel accommodations in Yangon tend to be more expensive than in other South East Asian countries.
Budget accommodations can be found outside the city centre (in the Pazundaung and Botataung townships) and will set you back about $20/night.
Mid-range and high end hotels tend to be located in the City Centre or Kandawgyi Lake areas.
Keep in mind that electricity is still rationed in Yangon, so you may only have power about 50% of the time – most hotels have their own generator, however.

Ride-hailing apps (Yango/Grab) dominate. Fares: $2 base + $1/km29. Avoid unmetered street taxis.
There is a train network in Yangon, but it is not convenient for getting to tourist destinations. However, at just $1 a ride it can be a cheap way to explore the city and take in the culture. The circular loop takes 3 hours.
City buses are available and safe to travel on. They are not recommended for tourists, however, as English is not well understood and you may not be able to figure out which bus to go on (and when to get off).
A common way to explore Yangon is by bicycle. Many hotels and shops rent out bikes for cheap ($3/day) – armed with a city map, you can easily see many of the sites in the tourist areas.
Foreigners are not allowed to drive in Myanmar (while on a tourist visa), so you will not be able to rent a car or motorcycle yourself.

Drinking age is 18. Nightlife ends at midnight.
Local beer bars can be found everywhere, but may not have English speaking staff – drinks tend to be very cheap, however.
19th Street (Chinatown): Thriving street-food-and-beer corridor (5 PM–11 PM). Try BBQ skewers + Myanmar Lager ($1.50).
Rooftop Bars: Atlas Rooftop (Sule Pagoda views) – cocktails $6. Closes at midnight.
Clubs: Now concentrated in Dagon Township. Cover charges $10+ (includes 1 drink).

Shwedagon Pagoda is the single most important religious site in Myanmar. Originally built in the 6^th century AD, and later re-built numerous times, this beautiful structure is a must-see. Entry fee: 15,000 kyat ($4.80).
– Tip: Sunrise/sunset tours avoid the crazy midday crowds.
Mailamu Pagoda, located on the outskirts or Yangon, is overlooked by many visitors. The Pagoda rests in a large park and is surrounded by large colourful statues depicting the life of Buddha.
First opened by the British in 1906, the Zoological Gardens contain a wide array of different local animals. Shows, such as the Snake Dance and Elephant Circus, are put on for visiting foreigners.
Botahtaung Pagoda: known for its unique architecture and a museum housing Buddhist relics.
Sule Pagoda: a prominent landmark located in the heart of downtown Yangon.
National Museum of Myanmar (if time permits): lots of information about Myanmar’s history and culture.
Add a day trip to Bago (2 hours by bus) for ancient pagodas.

Explore the covered walkways leading from the surrounding hills to the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Kandawgyi Lake Park is a relaxing setting in the city. Sunset stroll ($2 entry) with golden Karaweik Palace views.
China Town has a variety of shops and side streets to explore. Walk around the stalls, and pick up a unique souvenir or two.
Wake up in the morning and stroll through Thaketa Morning Market for an authentic local experience (5 AM–9 AM).
Downtown Colonial Circuit: Start at Strand Hotel → Sule Pagoda → Secretariat Building (2 hours, shaded mornings).

Where to find good cheap eats: while street food is a wonderful experience in most South East Asian countries, this is not the case in Yangon.
– Aside from the fruit stalls, almost all the food is deep fried and the sanitation is highly questionable. Stick to major restaurants, preferably inside hotels.
Safe Street Food: 19th Street vendors (look for gloves/covered food). Mohinga (fish noodle soup) – 1,500 kyat ($0.50).
Splurge: Le Planteur (French-Asian fusion) – $30 tasting menu. Requires advance booking.

Make sure you give the Dallah Ferry a try. Dallah is a small village on the other side of the river from Yangon. While the ferry will be packed, it feels more like a trip to the floating market with all the vendors aboard. 3,000 kyat ($1) round-trip. Great for a day trip to Twante (pottery workshops).
Two things to look out for in Yangon: tap water and malaria. Make sure you drink bottled water, and take your malaria medication. Avoid raw vegetables.
Dangerous areas: Yangon is a safe place, and petty crime is rare. It is still a major city, however, so use common sense and watch your surroundings when walking alone at night.
Avoid protests (common near Sule Pagoda)

Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days