In the past, one would have had absolutely no reason to step into some of the alleyways in Yangon—caked and crusted with grime, these alleyways were little more than garbage repositories. That was before heritage organisation Doh Eain (Burmese for “our home”) swooped in to the rescue. Doh Eain worked with construction teams to clean up some of these trash alleys and build play areas for children here, using sustainable materials. They also collaborated with artists to create uplifting, meaningful art on the walls. 

Now, these spruced-up backstreets are known as “Alley Gardens,” and you can check them out on a tour with Doh Eain. Choose their small-group Bogalayzay Living History Walk, which includes a stop at the iconic Secretariat building—the place where Burmese nationalist hero General Aung San was assassinated in 1947. You will also get to visit several Alley Gardens, and catch glimpses of ordinary Yangonites going about their daily lives in the area.

Book a tour with Doh Eain (Bogalayzay Living History Walk)

Prefer an intimate Yangon tour, specially curated for you and your significant other? Book a romantic boat ride for two to see a different perspective of Yangon. 

For couples who are history buffs, you can learn more about Yangon in the 1700s and early 1800s, back when the city was known for its shipbuilding capabilities in the region. Yangon Walking Tours has a half-day private boat ride tour (complete with a “discovery walk”), which takes you through Yangon’s historical shipyards and dockyards. After the boat ride, you will take a contemplative walk to reach a local village, where you can experience the rustic simplicity of rural life in Yangon.

Have specific ideas on what you and your partner would like to do in Yangon but need help with itinerary planning? Consider opting for a customised tour with responsible travel agencies such as Sampan Travel—a Yangon travel specialist that focuses on protecting the environment and supporting local communities. You can also browse Myanmar-based tour agencies that have been given the stamp of approval by Travelife, an international certification scheme that aims to help travel operators move towards realistic sustainability goals.

Book a tour with Yangon Walking Tours (Half-day Yangon River Private Boat Touring with Discovery Walk)

Customise a tour with Sampan Travel

Nagar Glass Factory

It’s been hailed as one of Yangon’s best-kept secrets, as well as a “magical land of glass.” The Nagar Glass Factory was opened in 1948 by a master craftsman and his wife, and handed down to their children. In its heyday, the factory was commissioned to work on several high-profile projects, such as the captivating glass eyes of the giant reclining Buddha at Yangon’s Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda. In 1966, US astronaut John Glenn visited the factory, where he made his own hand-blown glass bowl.

Sadly, much of the factory—its kilns and machinery—was destroyed in 2008 when Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar. (Cyclone Nargis is recorded in history as Myanmar’s greatest natural disaster.) But as providence would have it, piles of glassware survived intact. Today, these quaint relics are laid on the ground for visitors to inspect and purchase, if they so please. Prices are said to begin at 3,000K (USD2.07) for a small tumbler, 6,000K (USD4.14) for a drinking glass, and 8,000K (USD5.52) and above for bowls, vases, and carafes. 

There are fascinating stories that the owners can share with you regarding the rise and fall of this intriguing glass factory—do spend some time here to get to know them better! 

Get directions to Nagar Glass Factory

Le Planteur

What could be more romantic than walking alongside the river while deep in conversation with your significant other? Inya Lake, Yangon’s largest inland body of water, is where Yangon couples go to spend quality time together in nature. The best views of the lake are said to be along Pyay Road or Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, and these locations are where you can capture some beautiful Yangon photos for your collection. 

If you are here for the sunset view, consider packing a picnic basket, or heading to one of Yangon’s most picturesque restaurants, Le Planteur, which is nearby. Housed in a restored colonial-era building, the French-Asian fusion restaurant has an outdoor space offering unparalleled sundown views, and its reputation is vouched for by the likes of Tatler and the New York Times. 

Get directions to Inya Lake

Get directions to Le Planteur

SEEDS Restaurant & Lounge

Also in the vicinity of Inya Lake is SEEDS Restaurant & Lounge, helmed by Swiss Michelin-star chef Felix Eppisser and his wife Lucia. 

“We cook what we love; we often blend local, organic ingredients with European techniques and compose colourful, creative dishes,” says Lucia of their cooking philosophy. 

For an unforgettable experience, book their Chef’s Table to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek at how the establishment’s fine cuisine is prepared. Here, you can watch the restaurant’s chefs in the thick of the action, as well as ply them with all your foodie questions. Alternatively, opt to sit outdoors in the “air pavilion,” where you can dine in an intricate bamboo-crafted “nest” while enjoying a gorgeous view of Inya Lake.

Get directions to SEEDS Restaurant & Lounge

Welcome to Yangon! Need more travel suggestions? View more itinerary ideas below, and check out the room offers at PARKROYAL Yangon. For assistance, contact our friendly associates today.