Yangon Heritage and Market Walking Tour
Yangon Heritage and
Market Walking Tour
Exploring Yangon by foot will immerse you in the sights, sounds and smells of the historic
streets. Discover gilded Buddhist pagodas, serene green spaces, colonial-era heritage
buildings and a bustling bazaar packed full of handicrafts and souvenirs.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Yangon, or Rangoon as it was previously known, was the capital of Myanmar until 2006 when the military government relocated the capital to the city of Nay Pyi Taw. Yangon boasts a mix of beautiful British colonial architecture, modern high rises and gilded Buddhist pagodas.
Dominating the city skyline is the shimmering golden bejewelled dome of the famed Shwedagon Pagoda which attracts thousands of pilgrims annually. This full-day walking tour takes in some of the city’s most iconic sites and provides the perfect insight into Yangon. Although an important commercial metropolis, Yangon has preserved its past for posterity which is revealed on this inspirational excursion.
TRAIL ITINERARY
09:00 - 18:00
The guide and driver will collect you from the hotel and take you to the start of the walking tour. On foot, set off on an exploration of the former capital city.
The tour will take you to popular sites including Sule Pagoda, a shrine that dates back to the time of Buddha; the High Court, a colonial-era building which is distinctive in its use of pale burgundy bricks; and City Hall, the seat of the city’s administrative body, the Yangon City Development Committee. Not far from the City Hall you will find Maha Bandoola Garden, a green space in the heart of downtown Yangon that dates back to 1868. The park provides beautiful views of the surrounding heritage buildings so is a great place for photos. The park’s most notable feature is the Independence Monument, a towering 149.5 metre-high white obelisk.
You will then continue on foot to Bogyoke Aung San Market, which is also known as Scott’s Market (closed on Mondays and public holidays). This sprawling bazaar features colonial architecture and inner cobblestone streets. It is packed with countless shops and stalls selling handicrafts, antiques, arts, jewellery, fabrics and precious stones. Take some time to wander through the stalls and shop for unusual souvenirs.
The tour ends at the 2,500 year-old Shwedagon Pagoda, a magnificent gleaming temple that dominates the landscape. The 99 metre-high golden spire is studded with over 4,350 diamonds and 2,310 rubies. Throughout the tour, the guide will explain the history and stories behind the sites that you visit.
Lunch in included in a local restaurant. At the end of the exploration, the driver will take you back to the hotel