Botataung Pagoda

This pagoda was rebuilt after being destroyed in a World War II bombing. It was constructed at the same time as the Sule and Shwedagon Pagodas. What is unusual is that you can walk inside and look at relics in showcases.

• Address:

  Botataung Pagoda, Yangon

Gems Museum

Myanmar is famous for its gems, so anyone interested in the history behind the gem industry will find this a good place to start. The main source of these gems was from the mines in the northeast, near Mandalay. Rubies, sapphires and jade were mined from these sites. Private companies as well as state run enterprises exhibit on three floors.

• Address:

  66 Kaba Aya Pagoda Road, Yangon

• Phone:

  +95 1 665 115

• Opening hours:

  Tue - Sat 9.30am - 5pm

Inya Lake

This is the largest of the two lakes in Yangon, which lies further away from the centre. There are some very good hotels at the lake, or nearby, so it can be a more relaxing place to stay than the city hotels. As with Kandawgyi Lake, there are plenty of vantage points to take in the views and enjoy the gardens. There is an amusement park near Kabaraye Pagoda Road.

• Address:

  Inya Lake, Yangon

Kan Daw Gyi Lake

Kan Daw Gyi Lake is close to the city centre and to Shewadagon Pagoda, so it is an ideal place to relax and get away from the traffic and crowds. At Set Yon Road, at the east end of the park, there are plenty of lakeside cafés and restaurants. Also in the vicinity is Karaweik Palace, which is a very large gold-coloured structure in the shape of a boat - or is it a pagoda? The ‘Palace’ has a restaurant, and around the corner is the Kandawyi Palace Hotel.

• Address:

  Kan Daw Gyi Lake, Yangon

Mahabandoola Garden

As you stroll through Mahabandoola Garden you can take in all the beautiful sights of the city on the way. The City Hall, the High Court, the Independence Monument Obelisk, and the Rowe & Co department store are located in the area. Don't forget to bring your camera, the park is a great backdrop for holiday pictures.

• Address:

  St Kyauktada, Yangon

Sule Pagoda

In the heart of Yangon, located on a busy street, lies the Sule Pagoda. Supposedly built 2000 years ago, legend has it that 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.

• Address:

  Maha Bandula Road, Yangon