Also see: Our photography tour to Myanmar
For most visitors to Myanmar, Yangon is just a Port of Entry to arrive in the country. After a quick visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, they move on towards other destinations such as Inle Lake, Bagan or Mandalay. But there is much to do and see in Yangon other than Shwedagon Pagoda. Here is a quick guide to spending two days in the city.
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon.
Yangon, Day 1
Start your day early in the Streets of Yangon. One of the most cherished experiences of Myanmar is watching the Buddhist monks and nuns walk silently in a line as they seek alms. They are normally out at the break of dawn with a small pot hanging on their shoulders. With a large number of monasteries spread across the country and very densely present in the cities, there is no specific place you need to wait for them. Just ask your hotel staff for the nearest place where they normally walk by. You can silently watch them come and go or follow them without disturbing them. Of course, you are welcome to contribute.
Also see: Our photography tour to Myanmar
Yangon’s circular train serves local commuters by connecting the city with its surroundings. The passengers on board are usually workers who travel to the city from their homes in the suburbs or traders who sell farm produce in the markets. Much of Myanmar’s railway system is fairly old and the age shows in the coaches and the tracks. Until last year, the coaches with bench-style seating were very dated, but some of them are now replaced by new carriages. The atmosphere inside, however hasn’t changed much, making the ride still worth it.
The stations inside the city see urban population commuting on work, which slowly gets replaced by vegetable traders from the villages as the train approaches suburban wholesale markets. Occasional non-homo-sapience passengers are known to hop on board, mostly the harmless white winged variety rendered even less harmless by tying their legs. Other vendors walk in and out, often selling beetle nut leaves, quail eggs and cut fruits. The insides of the train gain a lot of colour in the suburbs, especially at a busy market that is so crowded that even the train tracks are occupied by sellers, briefly emptied for the passing train.
Apparently they now have air-con trains targeted at tourists, but taking one of those defeats the purpose of being there.
Here is a collection of images from Yangon’s Circular Train.
Trains begin and end at Yangon Central station, although strictly speaking, being a circular train there is no beginning and end. The train stops only a few minutes at Yangon Central before continuing to make another circle. In other stations, it stops barely long enough for the passengers to quickly alight and board.
A young boy looks through the window during a journey on the circular train, Yangon, Myanmar.
