How to Spend 2 Days in Yangon

Whether you’re catching sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda, meditating with Buddhist monks, or riding the Yangon Circular Railway to a local market, exploring Yangon is a cultural immersion for the senses. With two days in Yangon, you can see the city’s top attractions and check out colorful neighborhoods. Here’s how to plan your time.

Day 1: Yangon Circular Railway and Shwedagon Pagoda

**Morning:**Get your bearings on a morning ride aboard the Yangon Circular Railway, which loops through residential neighborhoods far from touristed areas. Nibble snacks from roving vendors as you ride the entire loop, or join a tour that samples the most interesting parts before returning to the colonial-era Yangon Central Railway Station.

**Afternoon:**For lunch, join a local crowd at one of Yangon’s many teahouses, sipping sweet tea and enjoying salty noodles as you do some people-watching. Choose between sidewalk stalls and indoor teahouses where you can cool off in the air-conditioning.

**Night:**In the early evening, head for Shwedagon Pagoda, the city’s most iconic Buddhist landmark. Sunset is especially beautiful here, as candles flicker in shrines and alcoves. To learn more about the traditions and beliefs that surround Shwedagon Pagoda, consider visiting on a guided tour.

Day 2: Bike Rides and Market Bites

**Morning:**Snarled traffic gives way to quiet roads on the outskirts of Yangon, which are perfect for exploring by bicycle. Join a guide for a bike trip to river islands, the Twante Canal, and the surrounding countryside; many trips offer the chance to meet locals and learn about life in these more rural areas.

**Afternoon:**Next, shop your way through Yangon’s colorful Bogyoke Aung San Market. Its thousands of stalls overflow with everything from jewelry to clothes and handicrafts. Instead of committing to lunch at a single location, sample your way through snacks from a handful of food vendors.

**Night:**Make the most of your last night in Yangon with tickets to a cultural show. Popular options include the Karaweik Palace Royal Culture Show and the Htwe Oo Myanmar Puppet Theater; be sure to pre-book tickets to secure your spot at these popular destinations.