Yangon
Southeast Asia, Myanmar
Daily Budget
~US$40
per day
Best Months
Climate
Tropical / Summer
Vibe
Cultural gem
Overview
Myanmar's largest city and former capital is a sprawling, chaotic, fascinating place. The Shwedagon Pagoda — one of Buddhism's holiest sites — dominates the skyline in gold. Yangon's crumbling colonial architecture, vibrant street food scene, and the warmth of its people make it a compelling destination, though the current political situation means far fewer tourists visit than before 2020.
Editor's Pick
Yangon stands out for: Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most awe-inspiring religious monuments in the world; Crumbling British colonial architecture gives the city a unique aesthetic; Street food is exceptional and extremely cheap.
Things to Do
View all 7 activitiesEat lahpet thoke, mohinga, and shan noodles at street stalls
Eat lahpet thoke (pickled tea leaf salad), mohinga (fish noodle soup), and shan noodles at street stalls
Explore Chinatown's 19th Street food stalls at night for barbecue skewers and beer
Explore Chinatown's 19th Street food stalls at night for barbecue skewers and beer
Top Hostels
View all 4 hostels
Hostels
4 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
7 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Yangon?
- Budget around US$40 per day in Yangon, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Yangon?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Yangon are Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Yangon?
- Top-rated hostels in Yangon include **Ostello Bello Yangon**, **HOOD Hostel**, **Pickled Tea Hostel**. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from US$20 per night.
- What are the top things to do in Yangon?
- Must-do activities in Yangon include Eat lahpet thoke, mohinga, and shan noodles at street stalls, Explore Chinatown's 19th Street food stalls at night for barbecue skewers and beer, Ride the Yangon Circular Railway for a 3-hour loop through local life. There are 7 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.
