Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar

Cruises to Yangon (Rangoon)

Yangon — the former capital of Myanmar and the true soul of Burma. This is a city where the golden spires of ancient pagodas pierce the tropical sky, where British colonial architecture stands alongside Buddhist monasteries, and streets are filled with the aromas of street food and the hum of market life. Yangon spreads across the Irrawaddy River delta in southern Myanmar, along the shores of the Andaman Sea, and is the country's largest city — its commercial, cultural and tourism heart.
For cruise travellers, Yangon offers a rare chance to experience Asia as it once was: without the skyscrapers and shopping malls that have transformed other regional megacities, yet rich with an extraordinary depth of tradition and the genuine warmth of its people. Each year, premium and luxury cruise lines — Oceania Cruises, Viking Cruises, Seabourn and others — include Yangon in their Asian and world voyage itineraries. This is a city that stays with you forever. 🚢

📋 Before joining a cruise from Yangon or going ashore during a port call, here is what you need to know:
🇲🇲 Country: Myanmar (also known as Burma)
📍 Region: Yangon Region (former capital region)
👥 Population: over 5.7 million residents (metropolitan area — approximately 9 million)
📐 Area: approximately 598 km²
🗣️ Languages: Burmese (official); English is used in tourism and business
💵 Currency: Kyat (MMK). 1 USD ≈ 2,090 kyat (2026). Cash US dollars are accepted at most tourist venues
🕐 Time Zone: MMT (UTC+6:30) — a non-standard zone, 6.5 hours ahead of UTC
☀️ Climate: tropical monsoon. Dry season: November–April (+28…+35°C). Wet season: May–October (heavy rains, high humidity)
✈️ Nearest Airport: Yangon International Airport (RGN) — 15 km from the city centre
⚓ Official Cruise Port Name: Port of Yangon / Myanmar International Terminal Thilawa (MITT)
🗺️ Port Location: Thilawa Port (MITT) — 30 km south of Yangon city centre; smaller vessels dock at the city pier Bo Aung Kyaw Jetty

🏛️ History of Yangon — from ancient Okkala to the Pearl of Indochina
⏳ 2,500 years on the banks of the Irrawaddy
The history of Yangon is, above all, the history of its sacred heart — Shwedagon Pagoda. Over 2,500 years ago, according to legend, on Singuttara Hill two merchant brothers, Tapussa and Bhallika, encountered the Buddha Gautama himself and received eight of his hair relics. Upon returning home, together with King Okkalapha they enshrined these relics here. The modern city grew from the name of the settlement Okkala, and Singuttara Hill with Shwedagon Pagoda has remained the spiritual centre of all Myanmar to this day.
For millennia the fishing town passed from ruler to ruler — Mon, Burman Empire, Arakan. The decisive turning point came in 1755, when the Burmese king Alaungpaya conquered the settlement and renamed it from Dagon to Yangon — meaning "end of strife" in Burmese. 🕊️
⚓ From British colony to Burma's largest city
In 1852, following the Second Anglo-Burmese War, the British took Lower Burma and transformed Yangon (Rangoon in their pronunciation) into the colonial capital. Under Lieutenant Fytche's direction, the city was given a neat grid layout: parallel streets running east–west and north–south, green parks, government quarters and monumental Victorian-style buildings. Today this is the largest preserved mass of colonial architecture in all of Southeast Asia.
In 1948 Burma gained independence, and Yangon (renamed from Rangoon) became the capital of the new nation. In 2005 the military junta unexpectedly moved the capital to the newly built Naypyidaw, yet Yangon remained the undisputed leader — economically, culturally and in terms of tourism. 🌆

⚓ Port of Yangon — Gateway to Burma for the Cruise World
📊 Port structure
Yangon has two cruise berths. Bo Aung Kyaw Jetty (city pier) — in the very heart of the city, on the bank of the Yangon River, a 5-minute walk from the colonial quarter. It can accommodate vessels up to 187 metres in length. Larger ships proceed to Thilawa (MITT — Myanmar International Terminal Thilawa) — a deepwater terminal 30 km south of the centre, capable of receiving vessels up to 260 metres long with a draught of up to 10 metres.
⚠️ Important: the port schedule is governed by the tides of the Yangon River, and the exact arrival and departure times may change as late as one month before the call, depending on tide tables.

🚢 Cruise lines calling at Yangon
Yangon features primarily in the itineraries of premium and luxury cruise lines conducting Asian or world voyages: Oceania Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises. A typical port stay is one or two days, offering ample time to explore the key sights. 🌏

💡 Interesting facts about Yangon and its port
Getting to know the city is richer with a few unexpected details:
🏛️ Yangon holds the largest concentration of preserved British colonial-style buildings in Southeast Asia — more than Singapore, Penang or Calcutta combined. Most buildings were never demolished, thanks to the country's decades of isolation from the outside world.
🕌 Shwedagon Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world, said to be 2,600 years old. Its 98-metre golden spire is adorned with approximately 22,000 gold plates and over 7,000 diamonds, rubies, sapphires and other precious stones. 💎
📐 The street layout of central Yangon is entirely British: neat rectangular blocks with numbering similar to Manhattan. Sule Pagoda at the centre of the roundabout served as the "zero point" when the city plan was laid out in the 19th century.
🎬 Yangon is a city that has barely changed since the 1950s. This "frozen in time" quality makes it one of the most atmospheric cities in Asia and a favourite location for filmmakers and photographers.
🍵 The local tradition of tea houses (tea shops) is a cornerstone of daily life. Every neighbourhood has its own establishment, open from morning until late at night, where people gather to talk over a glass of green or black tea. This is the heartbeat of Yangon's social life. ☕
🐘 The National Museum of Myanmar houses the Lion Throne of the last Burmese king, standing 8 metres tall — one of the greatest treasures of Asian royal art.
💰 Yangon accounts for approximately 23% of Myanmar's entire GDP, despite occupying only a small fraction of the country's territory.
🌿 The city has long been called the "Garden City of the East" — Yangon has preserved wide boulevards lined with century-old trees, numerous parks and lakes that give it a uniquely green character among Asian capitals.

📍 Top sights in Yangon — must-see for cruise travellers
A cruise ship's stay in Yangon typically lasts from 8 to 48 hours, depending on the itinerary. A detailed list with opening hours and prices can be found in the "Attractions" section; below is a brief overview of the key landmarks.
🏅 Shwedagon Pagoda — Myanmar's foremost symbol and one of the most sacred Buddhist shrines in the world. A 98-metre golden spire surrounded by 64 smaller stupas and hundreds of pagodas, chapels and shrines on the surrounding platform.
🏛️ Colonial Centre (Downtown Yangon) — the largest preserved mass of British colonial architecture in Asia. Parliament, the Supreme Court, City Hall, the Secretariat and the legendary Strand Hotel — a quarter where time has stood still.
🕌 Sule Pagoda — a 2,000-year-old golden stupa at the very heart of the city, used by the British as the geographical centrepoint when planning Rangoon's layout.
🛍️ Bogyoke Aung San Market — Yangon's largest and most colourful bazaar since 1926: rubies, sapphires, lacquerware, silk and authentic Burmese crafts.
🌊 Kandawgyi Park and Lake — a tranquil green oasis in the city centre featuring the legendary Karaweik — a golden floating pavilion in the shape of a sacred Hintha bird.
🛐 Botataung Pagoda — unique in that it is hollow inside: visitors can walk through it, admiring a mirrored labyrinth housing relics and golden ornamentation.
😊 Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha — a 65-metre reclining Buddha in a covered hall, one of the largest in Southeast Asia, renowned for its remarkably expressive, human-like face with carefully painted eyelids.

✨ Why choose a cruise with Yangon in the itinerary
Yangon is a rare experience in the modern travel world — a truly "untouched" Asia.
First, there is the unique atmosphere: no other major Asian city has preserved such a combination of millennial pagodas and Victorian architecture, street market chaos and Buddhist serenity. ✨
Second, the people. The Burmese are among the most refined, open and warm-hearted people in all of Asia. Meeting them is a reward in itself for any traveller. 🤝
Third, Yangon is the gateway to Myanmar's other treasures: ancient Bagan with its thousands of temples, the mountain lake of Inle, and the "Golden Rock" (Kyaiktiyo). 🗺️

The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you find the ideal ship with Yangon in the itinerary, arrange shore excursions and transfers from the pier, and offer exclusive fares from the leading cruise lines calling at Myanmar. 🤝

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. The situation in Myanmar remains unstable — please check the latest safety recommendations from your country's foreign ministry before travelling. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. For the most current information, please contact a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or refer to the official websites of the relevant attractions.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Yangon

Yangon is a city easy to fly into from Southeast Asia, yet the journey from the airport or hotel to the cruise berth has some very important nuances. There are two fundamentally different berthing locations for cruise ships — a city pier in the heart of the centre and an industrial deepwater port 30 km from the city. Knowing exactly where your ship will be is critical. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide covering all transfer options, current prices and tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. 🎯

📍 Where the Cruise Berths Are Located in Yangon
Yangon has two cruise ship anchorages that differ considerably in terms of convenience:

⚓ City Piers — in the heart of Yangon
Several piers in the city centre on the bank of the Yangon River accommodate smaller ships (up to ~185 m in length):
• Nanthida Jetty — the most convenient pier for tourists, located directly opposite the legendary Strand Hotel on Strand Road. The city centre is literally a 5-minute walk away
• TMT Port (formerly Bo Aung Kyaw Wharf) — a pier on Bo Aung Kyaw Street, 500 metres from Strand Road. Nearby are colonial buildings and numerous street vendors
• Port Health Jetty — next to the Custom House, a 5-minute walk from the Strand Hotel
📌 GPS for city piers: Strand Road, Yangon Riverfront, Downtown Yangon
🚶 Distance to the centre: Sule Pagoda — 10 minutes on foot, Bogyoke Market — 15 minutes on foot

⚓ Thilawa Port — MITT (Myanmar International Terminal Thilawa)
Large ocean-going ships (over ~185 m in length) must berth here — the only deepwater terminal on the Yangon River:
• Located 25–30 km south of central Yangon
• Journey time is at least one hour, depending on traffic
• The port is industrial: no tourist services or waiting areas — only taxis at the port exit and a complimentary shuttle from the ship to the port gates
• Tides govern the schedule: arrival and departure times depend on tide tables published only one month in advance
📌 GPS: Thilawa SEZ, Thanlyin Township, Yangon

❗ Important: your ship's berth is always shown on your cruise voucher. If the vessel is longer than 185–190 metres, it will almost certainly be Thilawa. The difference between the two berths is the difference between a leisurely walk and a one-hour taxi ride. Confirm with your cruise company 48–72 hours before boarding.

✈️ From Yangon International Airport (RGN) to the Cruise Terminal
Yangon International Airport is 15–17 km from the city centre (city piers) and approximately 40 km from Thilawa. It is Myanmar's only major airport with direct international flights. There are no direct flights from Ukraine — the usual connections are via Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Dubai.

🚕 Taxi — the most convenient option for tourists
Taxis in Yangon are easy to recognise — predominantly white or yellow cars with a «TAXI» sign on the roof. Most have no meter — agree the price before getting in.
To city piers (Nanthida / TMT Port):
• Journey time: 25–40 minutes in the morning or evening, up to 1.5–2 hours at peak times
• Fare: 15,000–25,000 kyat (~4–6 USD) by prior agreement. From the official Taxi Counter at the airport — fixed rate ~20,000–25,000 kyat
To Thilawa (MITT):
• Journey time: 1.5–2 hours (depending on traffic)
• Fare: 40,000–60,000 kyat (~10–15 USD)
• Payment: cash kyat or US dollars (new notes only, no folds)
💡 Four Gates tip: the airport has an official Taxi Counter before the exit from the international terminal — always book there. Fixed price and more comfortable cars than street drivers.

📱 Grab — the most practical option for independent travellers
Grab — Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing service — has been operating officially in Yangon since 2017. It is the most practical option for tourists as it eliminates bargaining and overcomes the language barrier.
• Meet your driver: Exit 5, Terminal T1 (international) — follow «Pick-up» signs and turn right
• Fare to the centre: 6,500–8,000 kyat (~1.5–2 USD) — slightly higher at peak times
• Payment: cash or card (depends on the driver)
• Advantages: fixed price, route visible on the map, no bargaining, driver finds you
⚠️ Note: Grab in Yangon sometimes has a limited number of cars — if no driver is found within 5 minutes, head to the official Taxi Counter at the airport.

🚐 Private transfer — the most comfortable option
Ideal for families, groups or travellers with large luggage. The driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a sign and takes you directly to the correct pier at a fixed price.
• Fare to city piers: from 38–45 USD per sedan
• Fare to Thilawa: from 55–70 USD per sedan
• Advantages: airport meet-and-greet, luggage assistance, no queues or bargaining
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply provide your flight number and pier name when booking your cruise.

🚌 Bus — a budget option (experienced travellers only)
Local buses from the airport to the centre cost ~500 kyat (~0.10 USD), but have serious drawbacks: the route is confusing for foreigners, pickpocketing is common, and there is no space for large suitcases. Strongly not recommended with large luggage. Stop: in front of Exit 1 of the International Terminal.

🚂 From Yangon Central Railway Station to the Piers
If you are arriving from another city in Myanmar by train (Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Bago and others), you will arrive at Yangon Central Station in the city centre — 1–2 km from the city piers.

🚕 Taxi / Grab from the station: 5–10 minutes, 2,000–4,000 kyat (~0.5–1 USD) to Nanthida Jetty or TMT Port
🚶 On foot: from the station to the city piers — approximately 15–20 minutes through the grid of colonial streets
💡 Tip: if you arrive by train and have no heavy luggage, you can walk to the city piers through the colonial quarter. A stroll past the City Hall, Sule Pagoda and the Strand Road waterfront is a fine excursion in itself. 🏛️

🏙️ From Hotels in Yangon to the Piers
Yangon is a relatively compact city, so reaching the piers from most central hotels is straightforward. Use these price guidelines (2026):

🚕 Taxi / Grab from your hotel — the most convenient option with luggage:
• From Downtown (Botataung quarter, waterfront): to city piers ~5–10 min, 1,500–3,000 kyat (~0.40–0.75 USD)
• From central hotels (Sule Pagoda, Bogyoke Market area): to city piers ~10–15 min, 2,000–4,000 kyat (~0.5–1 USD)
• From hotels near Kandawgyi (Kandawgyi Lake area): to city piers ~15–20 min, 3,000–6,000 kyat (~0.75–1.5 USD)
• To Thilawa Port from any central hotel: from 30,000–50,000 kyat (~7.50–12.50 USD) + approximately 1.5 hours

💡 Tip: taxis in Yangon have no meters, so always agree the price BEFORE getting in. Or use Grab — the fixed price is shown in the app before confirming the ride. This is especially important when you are in a hurry to reach your ship.

🚶 Walking from Strand Road waterfront — only if you are in the centre with no heavy luggage:
• Nanthida Jetty and TMT Port are literally on Strand Road or a 2-minute walk from it
• Landmark: The Strand Hotel (92 Strand Road) — one of Yangon's most famous colonial hotels — stands virtually opposite Nanthida Jetty

🛵 Rickshaws and trishaws: available in central areas for short trips, but not recommended with large cruise luggage.

🚗 Parking and Port Transport
⚠️ An important Yangon characteristic — the absence of organised parking for cruise passengers:

🅿️ City piers (Nanthida Jetty / TMT Port):
• There are no official long-stay car parks for cruise passengers' private vehicles
• Short-term stopping to drop off passengers is possible on Strand Road
• If arriving by taxi, the driver can stop at the port gate for quick luggage unloading

🅿️ Thilawa Port (MITT):
• An industrial port. No parking for passengers' private vehicles
• The ship provides a complimentary shuttle from on board to the port gate — then take a taxi
• Taxis wait at the MITT exit and charge 30,000–50,000 kyat (~7.5–12.5 USD) to central Yangon

🛣️ GPS to city piers: enter «Strand Road, Yangon» or «Nanthida Jetty, Yangon».
🛣️ GPS to Thilawa: enter «Myanmar International Terminal Thilawa» or «MITT, Thanlyin, Yangon».

♿ Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Accessibility for people with reduced mobility in Yangon is considerably lower than in Barcelona or Dubai:
⚠️ City piers are not equipped with ramps or lifts for wheelchair users
⚠️ Pavements and streets in central Yangon are uneven and often damaged — wheelchair travel is difficult
✅ Grab offers some vehicles with wider doors — ask when booking
✅ Cruise lines calling at Yangon (Oceania, Viking, Silversea, etc.) generally provide individual assistance when disembarking
✅ Notify your cruise company of any special needs in advance — this is especially important in Yangon

⏰ When to Return to the Pier in Yangon
Cruise lines calling at Yangon typically make a long port call — 1–2 days, allowing more time and flexibility. However, there are key points to bear in mind:
🕐 Oceania Cruises, Viking, Seabourn, Silversea: check-in opens 3–4 hours before departure or according to the allocated time slot
🌊 Watch the tides: arrival and departure schedules depend on tide tables. Departure time may shift by 1–2 hours even weeks before the call — monitor messages from your cruise line
☀️ Weather: the rainy season (May–October) can significantly disrupt city travel. Plan with extra time in reserve
❗ All aboard rule: return to the ship 60–90 minutes before departure, but in Yangon it is wise to allow a 2-hour buffer — city traffic is highly unpredictable. All Four Gates Group vouchers include the exact boarding time for your specific cruise.

💡 Expert Tips from Four Gates Group
Yangon is a city unlike any other, and the details matter more here than elsewhere. Here is what will make your visit stress-free:

📱 Download Grab before leaving the airport. In Yangon, Grab is your best friend. No bargaining, fixed price in the app, route visible on screen. Install and set up at home or at the airport when connected to Wi-Fi. 📲

💵 Always carry cash kyat. Bank cards are accepted only in some hotels and large restaurants in Yangon. Taxis, markets, street food, small shops — cash only. Exchange US dollars (new notes only, no folds or stains) at the airport or hotel. Never on the street.

🕰️ Allow double the expected travel time. Yangon traffic jams are legendary. An hour on the map can become two hours in reality. If your ship is at Thilawa, leave your hotel at least 3 hours before departure. 🚗

🌧️ Carry an umbrella or raincoat. In the rainy season (May–October) downpours can begin without warning and last for hours. Check the forecast before going ashore. ☔

🎒 Leave excess luggage on board. Central Yangon is easily explored with a small bag. Even if the ship is at Thilawa, most cruise lines allow belongings to remain on board while you go ashore.

🕌 Respect local customs. Myanmar is a Buddhist country: remove shoes and socks before entering pagodas, cover shoulders and knees. Photographing people without permission is not acceptable. Do not touch Buddhist statues or turn your back to them for photos.

💊 Drink bottled water only. Tap water in Yangon is not for drinking. Buy bottled water in a shop or request it on board. Street food is delicious, but be mindful of hygiene standards.

🏨 Choose a hotel on Strand Road or in Downtown. If your ship is at the city piers, you are a short walk from Sule Pagoda, Bogyoke Market and the entire colonial quarter — the best base for 1–2 nights before or after your cruise.

📞 Contacts and Useful Information
Myanmar Port Authority (MPA): +95 1 222 178
Yangon International Airport (RGN): +95 1 533 031
Grab Myanmar (support): via the Grab app or grab.com/mm
Myanmar emergency services: 199 (police), 192 (fire), 191 (ambulance)
Yangon Tourist Police: +95 1 256 255
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53

Getting to the cruise pier in Yangon is entirely manageable if you know the right options and allow enough time. Yangon surprises and captivates, but it demands more preparation than typical tourist destinations. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group support our clients at every stage of the journey: from the flight arrangements to organising a transfer directly to the gangway. Contact our manager — and your cruise featuring Yangon will be meticulously planned. 🛳️✨

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. The situation in Myanmar remains unstable — please check the latest safety recommendations from your country's foreign ministry before travelling. For the most current information, please contact a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or refer to the official websites of the relevant attractions.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

Attractions and Places of Yangon: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travellers

Yangon is a city that stays with you forever. There are no skyscrapers or shopping malls that have swept across the rest of Asia — but there is a 2,500-year-old golden pagoda dominating the horizon, the largest preserved mass of British colonial architecture in Southeast Asia, and a level of genuine warmth from local people rarely found in large cities. For cruise travellers with 8–48 hours in port, Yangon reveals itself differently depending on how much time you have. Below is a tried-and-tested guide to the key attractions with current prices, opening hours and precise directions from Yangon's piers to each site. 🎯

🏅 1. Shwedagon Pagoda
💡 Interesting facts:
Shwedagon is not merely Myanmar's most famous landmark — it is one of the most sacred Buddhist shrines in the world and, according to legend, the oldest stupa on the planet. Its 98-metre gilded spire dominates the Yangon skyline and is visible from virtually anywhere in the city. ✨
🔹 The main stupa is covered with thousands of real gold plates. The crown is adorned with 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies. At the very tip sits a 76-carat diamond.
🔹 The pagoda stands on Singuttara Hill, 51 metres high — giving a total height of 170 metres above sea level. Building heights within a 1-mile radius are deliberately restricted so that Shwedagon always dominates the horizon.
🔹 On the platform surrounding the main stupa there are over 100 smaller temples, chapels, bells and sacred trees. Pilgrims walk clockwise, pausing at the chapel corresponding to their day of birth. 🕰️
🔹 Shwedagon has survived nine earthquakes since the 16th century, a fire in 1931 and two British military occupations — each time restored solely through donations from the faithful.
🔹 This is where the defining events of Burmese independence began: Aung San spoke here in 1945, and monks stood their ground here during the 2007 Saffron Revolution. 🕊️

📜 History:
According to legend, Shwedagon was founded over 2,500 years ago when two merchant brothers, Tapussa and Bhallika, met the Buddha Gautama and received eight of his hair relics. On returning home, together with King Okkalapha they enshrined these relics here. The most notable restoration was carried out by Queen Shin Saw Bu in the 15th century — she donated her own weight in gold to cover the stupa. Shwedagon is currently on UNESCO's nomination list.

🚢 Getting there from Yangon's piers:
• From city piers (Nanthida Jetty/TMT Port) — taxi or Grab: 15–20 minutes, 5,000–8,000 kyat (~1.5–2 USD). Address: Shwedagon Pagoda Road, Dagon Township
• From Thilawa Port — taxi: ~1 hour 15 minutes, 40,000–55,000 kyat (~10–13 USD)
• On foot from Downtown hotels: ~25–30 minutes

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Entry for foreigners: 20,000 kyat (~5 USD) — paid in cash at the entrance
• Opening hours: daily 04:00–22:00 (last admission 21:45)
⚠️ IMPORTANT: remove shoes and socks before the pagoda — walk barefoot on the marble platform. 👣
👕 Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered. Shorts above the knee are not permitted.

🏛️ 2. Colonial Centre — Walking Tour of Downtown Yangon
💡 Interesting facts:
Downtown Yangon is the largest preserved mass of British colonial architecture in all of Southeast Asia — greater than Singapore, Penang or Calcutta. 🏛️
🔹 Sule Pagoda — a 2,000-year-old golden stupa 48 metres tall, standing in the middle of a central traffic roundabout. It served as the "zero point" around which British planners laid out Rangoon's streets in the 19th century.
🔹 The Secretariat — a vast red-and-yellow Victorian brick complex where General Aung San was assassinated in 1947. Now open as a museum.
🔹 The Strand Hotel (92 Strand Road) — opened in 1901 by the Sarkies brothers, who also built the Raffles in Singapore and the Oriental in Bangkok. Kipling, Orwell and Chaplin all stayed here. Even if you are not a guest, call in for afternoon tea. ☕
🔹 City Hall — a unique "British–Burmese" building of 1936 with a neoclassical facade adorned with pagoda-shaped roofs, peacocks and nagas.

🚢 Getting there:
• From city piers — on foot! Nanthida Jetty and TMT Port are right on Strand Road. Sule Pagoda is a 10-minute walk uphill from the waterfront
• From Thilawa — taxi: ~1 hour, 40,000–50,000 kyat (~10–12 USD)

💶 Prices:
• Walking tour of the quarter: free
• Sule Pagoda: 5 USD for foreigners, daily 04:00–22:00
• Afternoon tea at the Strand Hotel: from ~15–20 USD per person
💡 Yangon Heritage Trust on Pansodan Street offers free brochures with 6 self-guided colonial walking routes. 🗺️

😊 3. Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha
💡 Interesting facts:
Chaukhtatgyi is one of Myanmar's largest reclining Buddhas: 65 metres long and 16 metres tall. But the real draw is not the size — it's the face. 😮
🔹 The Buddha's face is the most expressive in all of Myanmar: glass eyes measuring 1.7×0.5 m, blue eyeliner, red lips, red toenails. Locals say the Buddha's gaze follows you wherever you move in the hall.
🔹 On the soles of the feet: 108 cells with drawings, each representing one of the 108 signs of the reincarnation cycle.
🔹 The steel beams supporting the roof still bear the stamp "Lanarkshire Steel" — made in Motherwell near Glasgow, Scotland, and shipped to Rangoon before World War I. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

🚢 Getting there:
• Taxi or Grab from city piers: 20–25 minutes, 6,000–10,000 kyat (~1.5–2.5 USD). Address: Shwegondaing Road, Bahan Township
• From Shwedagon Pagoda: ~1.7 km on foot or 5 minutes by taxi

💶 Prices: entry free (donations welcome). Daily 06:00–20:00

🛍️ 4. Bogyoke Aung San Market
💡 Interesting facts:
Bogyoke is a living architectural landmark dating from 1926 in the heart of Yangon. Over 2,000 shops selling everything from uncut rubies to silk longyi. 💎
🔹 Myanmar is one of the world's leading producers of precious gemstones. Here you can buy Burmese rubies, sapphires, jade and pearls at prices found nowhere else.
🔹 Built in 1926 and originally called Scott Market, it was renamed in honour of General Aung San after independence in 1948. Now listed in the Yangon City Heritage List.

🚢 Getting there:
• Taxi or Grab from city piers: 10–15 minutes, 3,000–5,000 kyat (~0.75–1.25 USD). Address: Bogyoke Aung San Road, Pabedan Township
• On foot from Sule Pagoda: 10–12 minutes up Sule Pagoda Road

💶 Prices: free entry. Tue–Sun 09:00–17:30. Closed Monday and public holidays.
⚠️ Bargaining is the norm. Only buy gemstones from certified jewellers and always obtain a certificate.

🌊 5. Botataung Pagoda and Strand Road Waterfront
💡 Interesting facts:
Botataung is the only hollow stupa in Myanmar. You literally walk inside a 40-metre golden pagoda and pass right through it! 🤯
🔹 Inside: a labyrinth of mirrored walls with display cases housing sacred relics and artefacts once sealed inside the older stupa, including a vessel of "Buddhagaya sand" from India.
🔹 The name translates as "a thousand generals" — the number of warriors said to have guarded the Buddha's relics when they were first brought to Burma over 2,000 years ago.
🔹 The original stupa was destroyed by a British bomb in 1943. The debris revealed a miniature golden stupa containing relics.

🚢 Getting there:
• From city piers (Nanthida/TMT Port): 5–7 minutes on foot east along Strand Road — the closest attraction to the piers!
• Grab or taxi: 1,500–2,000 kyat (~0.40–0.50 USD)

💶 Prices: 5 USD for foreigners. Daily 05:00–21:00

🌳 6. Kandawgyi Park and Karaweik Palace
💡 Interesting facts:
Kandawgyi — "Royal Lake" in the heart of Yangon — is a green island of calm in the middle of the city. 🌅
🔹 On the eastern shore stands Karaweik Hall: a gilded floating pavilion in the shape of the sacred Hintha bird, with a Burmese restaurant and nightly cultural shows inside.
🔹 The most Instagram-worthy location in Yangon after Shwedagon — especially at sunset when the pagoda is reflected in the lake. ✨

🚢 Getting there:
• Taxi or Grab from city piers: 15–20 minutes, 5,000–8,000 kyat (~1.5–2 USD). Address: Kandawgyi Nature Park, Bahan Township

💶 Prices: park entry 2–3 USD, daily 06:00–21:00. Karaweik restaurant (buffet + show): from 25–30 USD, evening show from 19:30

🎨 7. Other Attractions Worth Visiting
• 🏰 Sule Pagoda — 5 USD, daily 04:00–22:00. Find the altar for your birth-weekday — a local tradition. 🌟
• 📜 National Museum of Myanmar — 14 halls: the 8-metre Lion Throne of the last Burmese king, the world's largest pearl (found 2001), rubies and sapphires. 5 USD. Tue–Sun 10:00–16:00. 💍
• 🚂 Yangon Circular Train — 45.9 km of track, 39 stations, a nearly 3-hour loop around the entire city for 1 USD. The best "anthropological" excursion in town. Departs from Yangon Central Station. 🚆
• 🌺 Mahabandoola Garden — a free public garden between Sule Pagoda and the Secretariat with a memorial obelisk marking independence in 1948. 🌿

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🗺️ Three Self-Guided Yangon Itineraries for an 8–10-Hour Port Call
A cruise stay in Yangon typically lasts 8 to 48 hours. If docked at city piers you are already in the centre. If docked at Thilawa, allow at least 2 hours for transit. Below are three options based on budget and preferences.

🥉 Itinerary 1. Budget — under 15 USD per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours (from city piers) | 💰 Budget: ~10–15 USD + food

🕘 09:00 — Leave piers (Nanthida Jetty or TMT Port). You are already on Strand Road.
🕘 09:00–09:30 — Botataung Pagoda. 5–7 min walk east. Entry 5 USD.
🕙 09:30–11:00 — Colonial quarter on foot: Mitni St → Pansodan St → Sule Pagoda (5 USD) → Mahabandoola Garden → City Hall → Secretariat.
🕦 11:00–12:30 — Bogyoke Market. 10 min walk from Sule. Free entry.
🕐 12:30–13:30 — Lunch: mohinga or shan noodles for 1,500–3,000 kyat (~0.40–0.75 USD).
🕝 13:30–15:30 — Shwedagon Pagoda. Grab (~1.5 USD). Entry 5 USD.
🕞 15:30–16:30 — Kandawgyi Park. 5 min walk from Shwedagon. Entry 2–3 USD.
🕟 16:30–17:30 — Return to piers. Grab (~1.5–2 USD).

💸 TOTAL: ~22–25 USD per person
💡 If docked at Thilawa, add ~25 USD for a taxi return and 2 hours travel time.

🥈 Itinerary 2. Balanced — culture and pagodas
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Budget: ~35–45 USD + food

🕘 08:30 — Grab (~1.5 USD) to Shwedagon. Entry 5 USD. Full platform walk.
🕚 10:30–11:30 — Chaukhtatgyi (Reclining Buddha). Grab (~1.5 USD). Free.
🕧 11:30–12:30 — Bogyoke Market + shopping. Grab (~1 USD).
🕐 12:30–13:30 — Lunch at Rangoon Tea House. ~5,000–10,000 kyat (~1.25–2.5 USD).
🕝 13:30–15:30 — Colonial quarter on foot: Sule → Secretariat → Strand Hotel → Botataung.
🕓 15:30–16:30 — Kandawgyi Park. Grab (~1.5 USD).
🕟 16:30–17:30 — Return. Grab (~1.5–2 USD).

💸 TOTAL: ~22–26 USD per person

🥇 Itinerary 3. Premium — private guided tour from 120 USD per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Budget: from 120 USD per person

🏆 What is included:
• ✅ Meeting with an English-speaking guide at the gangway
• ✅ Air-conditioned car for the full day
• ✅ Entry tickets to all attractions
• ✅ Lunch at Yangon's finest Burmese restaurant
• ✅ Afternoon tea at the Strand Hotel or Rangoon Tea House
• ✅ Guided walking tour of the colonial quarter
• ✅ Guaranteed return to the ship on time

To book, contact your cruise manager or reach us through any convenient channel:

Phone:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53

Write to us by e-mail

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🕘 08:30 — Meeting with guide and driver at the terminal
🕘 09:00–11:00 — Shwedagon with guide. A detailed account of every chapel, decorative symbolism and legends of the relics.
🕚 11:15–12:00 — Chaukhtatgyi with guide. Explanation of the 108 symbols on the feet, visit to Asha Tawa monastery.
🕧 12:15–13:30 — Lunch at The House of Memories or Rangoon Tea House. From 15–20 USD.
🕝 13:45–15:30 — Colonial quarter with guide: Sule Pagoda → Secretariat → Pansodan Street → Strand Hotel → waterfront.
🕓 15:30–16:30 — Bogyoke Market. Guide assists with authentic purchases and bargaining.
🕟 16:45–17:30 — Botataung Pagoda and sunset over the Yangon River. 📸
🕟 17:30–18:30 — Return to piers.

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Licensed guide (9 hrs): from 80–100 USD
• Driver with car (9 hrs): from 50–70 USD
• Entry tickets: ~20 USD
• Lunch: from 15 USD
💸 TOTAL: from 165–205 USD per person (for 2+ people, car and guide costs are shared)

🤝 Four Gates Group organises private guided tours of Yangon with licensed guides and a guaranteed return to the ship on time. Contact your cruise specialist. 🛳️✨

⚠️ Important to Know Before Going Ashore
🕐 All aboard rule: return to the ship at least 60 minutes before departure. Given Yangon's traffic, allow a minimum 2-hour buffer — especially if the ship is at Thilawa.
🪪 Documents: photocopy of passport + cruise Ship Card + printed Myanmar e-visa voucher.
💵 Cash: carry 20,000–50,000 kyat for small expenses. New US dollar banknotes are accepted in most places. Cards are rare outside large hotels.
👟 Dress: covered shoulders and knees are mandatory at pagodas and will be checked. Easy-to-remove footwear — you will take off your shoes at every pagoda. Thin socks in your bag help on hot marble. 👣
📱 Apps: Grab, Google Maps (offline Yangon map), Google Translate with Burmese.
🌡️ Climate: November–April — +28–35°C, dry. May–October — rainy season, expect sudden downpours.
💊 Drinking water: bottled water only. Tap water is not safe to drink.
📷 Photography: be respectful at pagodas — do not photograph worshippers during prayer. Always ask permission before photographing people on the street. 🙏

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. The situation in Myanmar remains unstable — please check the latest safety recommendations from your country's foreign ministry before travelling. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions are subject to change. For the most current information, please contact a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or refer to the official websites of the relevant attractions.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

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