Luckily, I live in Thailand where overseas travelling could easily be reached in approximately 1 hour flight. That's why a day trip is surely possible. One of the case is flying to Yangon, Myanmar. This one day trip is more like religious combines with gastronomic travel. We visit 9 temples and 2 restaurants in a matter of 9 hours. Leaving Bangkok at dawn and flight back in the evening. We booked a private van to conveniently pick us up from the airport and take us around the city.
More than thousands of temples in Yangon but without disrespect, we only visit 9 temples in that day. The 9 temples that a-must visit, not in a particular order are Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule, Botataung (two sites), Chauk-htat-gyi temple, Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda, Swe Taw Myat Pagoda, Kaba Aye Pagoda, and Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda. With 9 temples to visit, it was quite hectic journey yet pretty comfortable in a way. We break down the journey for early lunch and also early dinner before heading back to the airport.
In Myanmar, people are very religious and respect Buddhist for their life. Therefore, local people take off their shoes since in front of the hall far before the temple's entrance door. And most of them are bringing a plastic bag to keep their shoes and carry it with them, in case of going out from different gate. However, some temples provide the space to keep our shoes with a fee of course. One of the useful tips, is to carry a wet tissue with us where we can wipe off our feet after walking around before we put our shoes back on rather than be patient with our dirty feet.
For our lunch, we had genuine Burmese dishes from Feel restaurant. Not only packed with tourists, but most of their customers are actually local people as well. That's why is guaranteed that their food is definitely up to standard. Burmese delicacies is using lots of pork especially that oily belly part. Lots of spices and oil are going on in one dish. It creates a strong flavour and fragrant dish in this tiny bowl.
This restaurant allow you to self-picked food from the food bar then the waiters will bring them to your table. Good food and fast service as well with a reasonable price. However, around lunch time the restaurant is quite crowded and packed with hungry customers challenging the food. And outside the restaurant, they are selling some Burmese sweet and snacks too.
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| Deep fried wonton |
So, can Yangon be done in one day? Yes, definitely can. But it is also recommended if you want to stay for a night. As a few other activities equally interested to be done. Such as shopping at Bogyoke Aung San Market and more food to explore.
Shwedagon Pagoda
Opening hours: 04:00-22:00
Entrance fee: $9 (US$ is widely accepted in Myanmar as well as Kyat)
Botataung Pagoda
Opening hours: 06:00-20:00
Entrance fee: $3
Sule Pagoda
Opening hours: 04:00-22:00
Entrance fee: $3
Feel Restaurant
Pyay Lan (West) Ward, Yangon, Myanmar
Open 24 hours
Ph: +95 9 730 48783
999 Shan Noodle Shop
130b, 34th Street, Yangon, Myanmar
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm
Ph +95 1 389 363
