Excursions in Burma: Rangoon Full Day Tour

To begin your exploration of Rangoon we recommend starting with a visit to the National Museum. One exhibit worth paying attention to is the glittering Lion Throne of King Thibaw, an extraordinary work of art which stands over twenty feet tall and is covered with carvings depicting scenes from Burmese mythology.

Monks walk to the entrance of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon

The Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon is the holiest Buddhist site in BurmaLate afternoon at the Shwedagon pagodaMonks walk to the entrance of the Shwedagon Pagoda in RangoonCraftsmen line the streets of MyanmarMonk At the Shwedagon Pagoda, RangoonA novice monk walks to lunch at a monasteryColonial RangoonA Burmese boy paints an undercoat at the Shwedagon pagodaThe Shwedagon Pagoda shines bright at sunsetA buddhist statue in Rangoon, BurmaPassers by admire the grandeur of the Karaweik in RangoonA monk walks through the traffic in RangoonPalm trees compete for the skyline at the Shwedagon pagoda in RangoonOne of the two lions that protect the southern entrance to the Shwedagon Pagoda, RangoonNovice monks about to eat lunch at a monastery

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Also of interest are the Mandalay Regalia, a collection of gem studded arms and displays on Burmese prehistory, crafts and musical instruments. A visit to the old colonial city centre is also a must. Using the Buddhist temple of Sule Paya as your landmark, your guide will give you a great insight into the colonial architecture which makes this city one of the most exotic in Southeast Asia.

The Sule Paya is rumoured to be over 2000 years old but has been rebuilt and repaired many times over the centuries. A hair of the Buddha is said to be held in the central stupa and the golden zedi stands 46 metres high.

For lunch you might wish to head to Bogyoke Park where you can enjoy your meal overlooking the lake.

The afternoon takes you shopping for souvenirs at the large, covered 'Scott' (now renamed Bogyoke) market. Close by is the Holy Trinity Anglican church which houses a book containing the names of all the Christian soldiers who fell in the Burma campaign - a page is turned in memory everyday and you may look through the record if you wish. Services are still held in English and the priest will be happy to talk to you.

Towards the end of the day a visit to the bustling Chinatown section of Yangon will give you a fascinating look at the people and 100 or so Chinese temples which are prevalent in the area.

The excursion will culminate with an evening visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. You will witness the magical atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon and darkness falls in this most holy of places. 

As with all our excursions, this itinerary is only a suggestion you are free to adapt the tour to your interests and pace. Our guides are fully flexible and open to suggestions and discussion.