Yangon City One Day Tour: Shwedagon Pagoda & Colonial Center

The National Museum holds 14 halls of Myanmar's art, history and sacred objects across four stories.

A full-day guided tour of Yangon starting at your hotel, moving through colonial buildings and the city center, then to Chauk-Htat-Gyi Buddha Temple to see the reclining Buddha, the National Museum's four-story collection, Bogyoke Aung San Market, Kandawgyi Royal Lake and the Shwedagon Pagoda for sunset. Includes entrance fees, transportation, an English-speaking guide, water and a local lunch.

The experience

Eight hours takes you through Yangon's layers in sequence. You start at your hotel or the airport, then move into the colonial district and city center before heading to Chauk-Htat-Gyi Buddha Temple, where a massive reclining Buddha fills the space. The scale of it, stretched across the temple floor, is what stays with you. From there, the National Museum opens up 14 halls across four buildings holding ancient artifacts, works of art and historic objects that trace Myanmar's religion, culture and history. It is the kind of place where the density of what is on display means you move slowly.

Lunch is a local meal, eaten somewhere in the city. After that comes Bogyoke Aung San Market, the sprawl of stalls and vendors selling everything from textiles to lacquerware, then Kandawgyi Royal Lake, where the Karaweik Hall floats on the water. A hamsa-bird-shaped barge that is uniquely decorated and sits on the lake like a landmark. The day ends at the Shwedagon Pagoda, the golden stupa that is the heart of Myanmar, and you watch the sunset from there before the drive back to your hotel.

The guide speaks English throughout, so the commentary and the history come through clearly. Wear long pants, a shirt with sleeves and proper shoes: the temples require it. Bring an umbrella or rain coat if the forecast calls for it. The itinerary can shift if weather or traffic demands it. The market closes on Mondays, so that stop will not happen if you book for that day.

What’s included

• Entrance fees to all sites.
• transportation throughout the day.
• an English-speaking tour guide.
• water and a towel.
• a local lunch.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 09:00

Live guideEnglish

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MyProGuide Myanmar

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so the history and context come through clearly for anyone comfortable following a tour in English. The eight-hour day is full but not rushed, moving from one major site to the next without the pace of a sprint.

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Top questions

What is the reclining Buddha at Chauk-Htat-Gyi Temple like?

Chauk-Htat-Gyi Buddha Temple holds a massive reclining Buddha image that stretches across the temple floor, one of the main sights on the tour.

How much time do you spend at the National Museum?

The National Museum is a substantial stop on the day (it spans four stories with 14 halls of ancient artifacts, art and historic objects), but the exact time depends on the guide's pacing and the flow of the day.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch is a delicious local meal included in the tour price, eaten during the day in Yangon.

What should I wear to visit the temples?

Wear long pants, a shirt with sleeves and proper shoes. Temples require respectful dress, so avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.

Will we visit Bogyoke Aung San Market every day?

Bogyoke Aung San Market closes on Mondays, so if you book the tour for a Monday, that stop will not be included in the itinerary.

When do we see the Shwedagon Pagoda?

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the final stop on the tour, and you arrive in time to watch the sunset from the golden stupa before returning to your hotel.