
4 Must-See Temples in Yangon
Tour our top picks of temples in Myanmar's one-time capital, Yangon.
Only occasional services are held at Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue now, but it was once a spiritual home for a sizable Sephardic Jewish community. Visiting the synagogue is the chance to learn about that community’s legacy as you explore the main sanctuary, browse historic photos, and see the Torah scrolls. Some tours of Yangon stop by the synagogue, and with a bit of luck or preplanning, the caretaker might be free to show you around.
Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue is located on 26th Street, where it intersects with Maha Bandula. Ample taxis and public transport are available in the busy area; the closest bus stop is Thein Gyee Zay. Sule Pagoda is just a quarter of a mile (half a kilometer) away, making this a convenient place to visit after a trip to the Buddhist temple.
While the exact schedule varies, Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue is open Monday through Saturday for just a few hours each day. To ensure a successful visit, call ahead. On some Jewish high holidays, services are held at the synagogue for the local congregation.
Exploring the busy area surrounding the synagogue is a crash-course in Myanmar’s diverse cultural and spiritual heritage. A few blocks east of the synagogue is Surti Sunni Jamah Mosque, built by the Indian community in the 1860s. From there, continue to Mogul Shiah Jamay Mosque, one of Yangon’s few Shia landmarks. Make a final stop at Sule Pagoda, a gilded stupa that’s among the most beloved Buddhist sites in Yangon.