Be awed by the sight of a 2,500-year-old, 40-metre-high golden Pagoda. While the Shwedagon or Sule Pagodas may be Instagram favourites, the Botataung Pagoda holds its own charm. Located on the banks of the river in downtown Yangon, its main stupa contains a sacred hair relic of the Buddha, along with other ancient artefacts. 

One of the highlights here is the Royal Palace Bronze Buddha statue—a finely filigreed religious artefact which rests on a high pedestal in an ornate pavilion. As you admire the intricate carvings of the pavilion, you’ll uncover stories of the Buddha’s life. Remember to remove your shoes and socks before entering.

Get directions to the Botataung Pagoda

Peek inside Myanmar’s largest Catholic cathedral⁠—a much loved religious icon which survived a 1930 earthquake and resisted the Japanese invasion during World War II. The St. Mary’s Cathedral stretches across 15 acres of land adorned with various religious Christian statues interspersed with flowers and trees. 

The main cathedral is a remarkable brick building dating back to 1909. Designed in a neo-Gothic style, its striking twin spires are modified from a Byzantine-inspired structure.  While the cathedral’s exterior is a sight to behold, the highlight is its interior⁠ design—stunning stained glass windows, meticulously restored after the original were destroyed during World War II.

Get directions to St. Mary’s Cathedral

Be mesmerised by a 66-metre-long reclining Buddha bearing a gentle smile at the Chaukhtatgyi Temple. As one of Myanmar’s most massive Buddha statues, the Chaukhtatgyi Buddha took nine years to complete, finishing in 1907. 

This reclining Buddha’s gargantuan glass eyes measure over 1.5 metres wide and were custom-made at a local glass factory. Adorning the Buddha is a crown encrusted with real diamonds and precious stones. 

When you visit, don’t forget to take a closer look at the intricate carvings on the Buddha’s feet, which depict various scenes from the Buddha’s life.

Get directions to the Chaukhtatgyi Temple

As a former British colony, Myanmar has numerous colonial structures,with the Yangon City Hall being a prime example. Listed on the Yangon City Heritage List, this historic building has been a backdrop for many significant events in Myanmar’s convoluted past, including public speeches of General Aung San, father of the former state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, between 1945 and 1947.

What’s unique about this building is its traditional Burmese tiered roofs called pyatthats, they were designed by renowned Burmese architect, U Tin, whose syncretic architectural style fusing indigenous elements with Western designs won him many fans. 

Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed inside the City Hall building. However, if you stand on the field in front of the building, you can snap a photo of the structure’s colonial architecture complemented with traditional Burmese motifs and patterns.  

Get directions to the Yangon City Hall

Relive the tumultuous wartime history of Yangon at the Taukkyan War Cemetery. Here you can pay homage to Allied soldiers from the British Commonwealth who lost their lives in Myanmar (then Burma) during both World Wars.

At this beautiful and poignant war cemetery, you can find 6,734 graves of fallen soldiers and memorial pillars with names of more than 27,000 Commonwealth soldiers who perished without graves during the Second World War. Look out for the graves of two Victoria Cross recipients, Britain’s highest military honour for bravery.

Do note that there are no restroom facilities on-site, so plan your visit accordingly. 

Get directions to the Taukkyan War Cemetery

Are you inspired to visit the historic and multi-faceted city of Yangon? Visit our Destination Insights guide for more recommendations on attractions and activities. For a luxurious stay, choose Pan Pacific Yangon, where you can enjoy panoramic river views, a full range of facilities, from an outdoor swimming pool to spa and a 24-hour gym—everything you need for a relaxing retreat after a day of adventure.