During a journey, surprises often don’t come from attractions but from the variety of life seen on the streets. So as long as my stamina allows, I prefer to walk or cycle — the process is never boring. Along these journeys, I see so many things big and small, hence this collection of the various scenes of Myanmar that I’ve witnessed.
How dirty are the streets of Yangon?
May and June are Myanmar’s rainy season. Right after landing, I went out for dinner with someone I met at the hostel. The streets were already full of trash, and the heavy rain washed garbage from the drains onto the road. There were rats the size of palms walking around, and you even had to make way for them (but I ran away when I saw them and didn’t manage to take a photo). As for cockroaches, well, you probably wouldn’t believe me if I said there weren’t any. The smell was okay, though.
An American travel companion asked me whether I thought China or Myanmar was dirtier. I said Myanmar, but he was already freaked out by the filth in China. Here, it was almost enough to make him want to throw up, haha. Maybe because I grew up in Asia and often visited less developed parts of China as a kid, I have a pretty high tolerance for dirt. My description might sound gross or a bit scary, but honestly, I’m okay with it.
How dirty are the streets of Yangon after an evening rain? What do you think? (@Yangon)
They couldn’t stand the filth on the ground, so they wore plastic bags over their shoes. The guy on the right even used a plastic bag as socks inside his shoes, drawing plenty of bewildered glances along the way, haha. Meanwhile, I was still happily strolling around in my flip-flops. (@Yangon)
If someone told me this was China, I might actually believe them (@Yangon)
The architecture in Yangon is full of color and character (@Yangon)
The eye-catching pink building; just look how busy the traffic is (@Yangon)
Calling out in the heart of Yangon
Sule Pagoda at dusk. Sometimes I envy the people here who get to see such views every day (@Yangon)
Roads spread out in all directions from Sule Pagoda (@Yangon)
The exotic vibe of Yangon
Myanmar’s colonial past has made Yangon one of the places in Southeast Asia with the most preserved European-style colonial architecture. Nowadays, these buildings mainly serve as government offices, such as the Yangon City Hall, the High Court Building, and the Accountant General's Office. Starting from Sule Pagoda and heading southward (toward the Yangon River), you’ll see a row of European-style buildings. Taking an evening stroll here is my favorite kind of free entertainment.
Like Rowe Building in Europe (@Yangon)
Maha Bandula Park outside Sule Pagoda is surrounded by European buildings, making you feel like you’ve suddenly arrived in Europe (@Yangon) (from left: City Hall, Rowe Building, and the pointed one on the right is Immanuel Baptist Church)
High Court Building (@Yangon)
A guard let me sneak in a bit to take a photo. So beautiful (@The Secretarial Building, Yangon)
Taking an evening stroll (@Yangon Divisional Court)
Myanmar’s national religion is Buddhism, but Yangon is probably the most religiously diverse place in Myanmar. In Yangon, you can find Christian churches, mosques, Hindu temples, and even the only synagogue. The synagogue, which is over a hundred years old, is the place I most wanted to visit, but unfortunately, I missed its opening hours. It’s said that there are only about 20 Jews left in Yangon, so the synagogue isn’t open very often. The Hindu temple, mosque, and synagogue are all located in an area where Indians and Muslims live. Walking into this neighborhood feels like entering another country.
A Hindu temple in Yangon (@Sri Kali Temple, Yangon)
A unique view in Yangon — Europe on one side (City Hall), Myanmar on the other (Sule Pagoda) (@Yangon)
You’ll find surprises everywhere in Myanmar. Actually, maybe not just in Myanmar — as long as you explore every place with curiosity, you’ll encounter unexpected beauty. For more detailed “Myanmar stories,” check out my blog.
Myanmar Essentials Part 1 / Part 2
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