Yangon Yoga House

This will be at the top of everyone’s list in Yangon. The pagoda can be seen from quite a long way away, since it is set on the top of a hill. The pagoda remains one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world, but is very much part of contemporary life in Yangon. It is open from dawn, and Buddhists will go to the pagoda from early morning to late evening. It is very high and has a crown of gold. On the crown you can find 5,448 diamonds, 2,317 rubies and the top of the crown boasts a 76 carat diamond. In total there are nearly 80,000 precious stones and 3,154 gold bells here. This is a living, practicing site, so the visitor should know some of the basic rules of visiting a Buddhist temple in Myanmar: You will be asked to take off your shoes and socks. Dress with respect: no shorts (although this is less of a problem in Myanmar than Thailand). Walk around the Pagoda in a clockwise direction, which is starting from the left side and going round to the right. This applies to all Buddhist sites. If you want to sit down, make sure your feet are not pointing towards any images or figures of The Buddha, and especially, keep the bottom of your feet tucked inside, towards yourself. Have a look at the way the local people sit, and copy them. Most sit cross legged. Try not to pat children on the head. Try to make your picture taking the least intrusive as possible. The Buddhist people who come here are worshipping, and may not want to be the centre of a photo.

Meet up with the yoga community at the Yangon Yoga House. Here you can practice meditation, sports and exchange experiences with others. A must for any aspiring Yogi.

In the heart of Yangon and located on a busy street lies the Sule Pagoda. Supposedly built 2000 years ago, legend has it that the the golden tower holds a strand of Buddah's hair. Visitors have to take off their shoes and pay a small admission fee to enter.

In Yangon you can find the oldest and largest zoo of Burma. The great collection of local wild animals makes it a popular destination for weekend travelers and locals alike. Next to the animal park, the area hosts the Natural History Museum, an Aquarium and you can join animals shows throughout the day.