Roam like a local

Want to see the city through a local’s eyes? Take one of the many trishaws that fill the streets. Of course, a taxi is a much faster way to get around- but where’s the fun in that? Although trishaws have no meters, the rates are modest: prices start at 2000 kyat ($2) for a short trip.

The best way to see the city’s suburbs is to hop on the Yangon Circular Train. Its 39-station loop takes about three hours to complete. This train ride gives you a real taste of the Burmese way of life. Most people wrap themselves in the traditional longyi (sarong) and have tanakas – a yellowish white paste made from ground bark – on their faces. The paste acts as a natural sunscreen. You will see vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to snacks such as boiled quail eggs and peanuts or even digestive remedies.

Built by the British in 1954, this train line’s upgrade, a collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency, is in the pipeline. You can buy a round-trip ticket for 1300 kyat (~$1.40) at The Central Railway Station in downtown Yangon, and the train departs roughly every 30 minutes from 6:10am.

Plan a daytrip

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, take a day trip to Hlawga National Park for jungle trekking, elephant riding or bird watching. The park is about 35km north of Yangon, an hour’s drive from the city. Here you will spot all kinds of exotic animals, from pangolins, pythons, rhesus monkeys, wild boars, indigenous deers and various unusual birds. Visitors can either drive around in a private car, hop on a safari bus (every 30 minutes) or, if visiting the park on a weekend, opt for an elephant ride.

Soak in the local culture 

Another little-known cultural wonder, and a less touristy alternative to Shwedagon Pagoda, is the Kyauk Taw Gyi temple in Insein Township, 16km northwest of Yangon. Its 11m-tall seated Buddha statue weighs more than 600 tonnes and is carved from a single piece of marble. As at all pagodas in Myanmar, visitors must remove their shoes and leave them at the entrance, or carry them in a plastic bag. Also, showing too much skin is considered disrespectful, so avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts and miniskirts.

Food glorious food

Tickle your tastebuds with authentic Myanmar cuisine, which is typically a mix of sour, salty and spicy flavours. Head to Danuphyu Daw Saw Yee Restaurant, which is popular among locals for lunch or dinner. If you are up for a hearty seafood meal, I recommend Minn Lan.

Street find makes up a large part of the locals’ daily meals. Myanmar’s national dish, mohinga (rich noodle and fish soup) is a must-try. You can also try other traditional dishes such as ohn no kaukswe (noodle soup with coconut chicken curry) and lahpet thoke (tea leaf salad). YKKO is famous for its kyay oh (noodles and minced meat cooked in delicious meat broth).

Sip a cuppa

A true Yangon experience would not be complete without a visit to one of the city’s popular tea houses. Morning Star Cafe (U Wisara Rd, Yangon) and Lucky Seven (49th St, Yangon) are among the top-rated tea houses in town. Enjoy a cup of black tea sweetened with condensed milk, and chow down on snacks such as steamed buns, samosas or puff pastries while you do a spot of people watching.

Best buys

All the guidebooks mention Bogyoke Aung San Market, but you’ll find the best bargains at Theingyi Zay, the largest market in downtown Yangon. It has more than 1000 stalls selling everything from meat and spices to household goods, cosmetics, traditional medicines and textiles.

Where to stay?

It has been a few years since I visited Yangon, so perhaps there would have been more hostels springing up in the capital city.

• -The Loft Hotel (33, Yaw Min Gyi Street, Dagon Township)
• -Bike World Explores Myanmar Inn (Martin Ave, Yangon)
• -Chan Myaye Guesthouse (No. 256/276, Maha Bandoola Park Street (UP Block) Kyauktada Tsp, Yangoon)
• -Space Boutique Hostel (No(210/214), 3th Floor, Corner of 32nd Street, Upper Block, Yangon)
• -Scott Hostel (31st Street, Yangon 11221)