Begin your journey by getting up close to a majestic 37-foot-tall structure of Buddha carved out of a single piece of white marble. Perched at the top of Mindhama Hill near the Yangon airport, the Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda is where you can find the most massive Buddha statue in Myanmar. 

The 24-foot-wide statue, which weighs over 600 tonnes, is enshrined in a climate-controlled glass case at the centre of the temple. Named Lawka Chantha Abaya Labamuni, which translates to “world peace and prosperity”, the Buddha structure has been a mainstay at the temple since 2008.    

The pagoda itself makes an unusual sight. At the bottom of its entrance lie ferocious-looking heads of a giant Naga—a serpent from Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Next, at the top of the stairway, rests a pair of giant white and gold Chinthe. These regal looking lions are known for guarding Myanmese temples. 

One of the best places to take unique photos in Yangon, do bring along your wide-angle lens for your visit here to capture these carvings as well as the Buddha. 

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Have an eye for architecture? The different styles applied to this building will amuse you—they also provide you with opportunities to snap unique architectural photos of Yangon.

Admire the blend of European and Chinese architectural styles at this ornate villa which reflects Yangon’s rich history and culture. The contrasting materials used to erect the building—Burmese teak and Italian marble—work surprisingly well side by side. 

Interiors of the palace are just as visually contrasting. Here, you can find grand staircases and imposing pillars found in European mansions, coexisting with dougongs (interlocking animal-shaped brackets commonly found in Chinese temples). 

The octagonal-shaped five-storey building belongs to Lim Chin Tsong, a prominent Chinese merchant from the Myanmese Hokkien Chinese community. Maintained as one of Yangon’s heritage buildings, it has been serving as a centre for traditional Myanmar arts and crafts since 2018. 

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Nature lovers would love a walk around Inya Lake—the largest Lake in Yangon, it is a popular location for locals to gather, especially dating  couples. 

An artificial lake created in the early 1880s by the British, Inya’s original role was to provide fresh water supply to Yangon. Surrounding the lake is one of the most exclusive areas of the city to reside in. Just south of the lake is where you can find Aung San Suu Kyi’s home—her famed residence during the years when she was under house arrest.

The best spots to view the lake are the manicured parks along Pyay Road and Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. The park itself is a well-known dating area for university students, with small field areas peppered with flourishing flowers, creating the right ambience for courtship and romance. 

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History buffs would delight in visiting Yangon University—one of the country's most impressive and historic universities. Lying south-west of Inya Lake, it was established in 1878 by the British, and modelled after Oxford University. 

The university has seen its fair share of historical events. It has also weathered damages caused by World War II, and thrust into the limelight as the hotbed of the anti-colonial movement. Walking through its grounds is like taking a walk back in Myanmar’s history. 

While the buildings are visibly old and greying, the highlight of Yangon University lies in its landscaped gardens. These green sanctuaries provide students and faculty alike a chance to look for inspiration, or to take a break from their books. For visitors, it offers a tranquil sight, away from the bustling Yangon life. 

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Get ready for a darkly beautiful experience at Myanmar’s first hand-blown glass factory. During its heyday, the Nagar Glass Factory counted Pan Am airlines as one of its customers, along with Aung San Suu Kyi and US astronaut John Glenn.

Sadly, that all came to an abrupt end with Cyclone Nargis. The worst natural disaster to hit the country, it destroyed the factory in 2008. Colourful glass pieces— once beautiful glassworks which reflected the rays of the Sun—are now scattered around the area. Glass ruins now dominate the jungle around the former factory. 

Miraculously, a large percentage of the glass remained intact. While the Nagar Glass Factory never regained production, it accepts visitors who are intrigued enough to visit the strangely haunting and otherworldly site. 

Every shard of glass lying around is available for purchase, at a price decided by the buyer. If you have the time, do dig through the sprawling jungle for a hidden treasure like a wine glass or a fruit bowl. You may just bring home the most unique Myanmar souvenir yet. 

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