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The Best Places to Stay in Yangon, Myanmar

Make sure to stop by Yangon City Hall to marvel at its architecture when visiting Myanmar
Make sure to stop by Yangon City Hall to marvel at its architecture when visiting Myanmar | © Prisma by Dukas Presseagentur GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious hotel with views over Inya Lake or a more budget-friendly alternative, these are the best places to stay in Yangon – now bookable with Culture Trip.

The largest city in Myanmar is also one of the fastest-growing and a destination full of contrast. The 1000-year-old gilded Shwedagon Pagoda sits next to skyscrapers, and businessmen mingle with food peddlers dressed in traditional skirt-like longyis. With visa restrictions relaxed in recent years, more tourists than ever are able to explore this intriguing city. From exclusive five-star hotels to intimate boutiques, here’s our guide to the top places to stay in Yangon.

Lotte Hotel Yangon

Hotel

Lotte Hotel Yangon
Courtesy of Lotte Hotel Yangon / Expedia

A luxurious five-star option overlooking Inya Lake, Lotte offers unparalleled views from modern rooms. The hotel has a free-form swimming pool flanked by loungers. The fitness centre is popular with the well-heeled traveller, and there’s a safe indoor kids’ playground for families. Book one of the serviced apartments for an extended stay.

Meliá Yangon

Hotel

Melia Yangon
Courtesy of Melia Yangon / Expedia

Connected to the Myanmar Plaza shopping mall and towers, Meliá faces Inya Lake, offering both natural and city attractions. The Level Lounge on the 24th floor is a perfect vantage point for taking in the lake and urban views while tucking into your breakfast – or sipping cocktails at sundown. Escape the heat of the city in the mid-afternoon with a dip in the outdoor pool.

Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon

Hotel

Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon
Courtesy of Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon / Expedia

Nestled along the shoreline of Kandawgyi Lake, Chatrium has large rooms and suites with views of the water and Shwedagon Pagoda. The ambience is a modernist minimal take on vintage Myanmar, with venetian blinds and teakwood furniture. The free-form pool, flanked by tall fishtail palm trees, gives you a secluded feel, despite being in the city. Japanese, Thai and Chinese food are available at the three main restaurants.

Sule Shangri-La Yangon

Hotel

Sule Shangri-La Yangon
Courtesy of Sule Shangri-La Yangon / Expedia

Sule Shangri-La in central Yangon is a tribute to the bygone colonial era. The lobby is decked with wooden lounge chairs, huge columns and an opulent chandelier. The rooms, on the contrary, are modern in design, with feather duvets and bright contemporary Myanmar artwork. Cafe Sule has an array of Thai, Asian and continental dishes and comes alive on Sundays, when the popular brunch attracts the Yangon elite.

Merchant Art Residence

Hotel

Merchant Art Residence
Courtesy of Merchant Art Residence / Booking.com

Contemporary design meets classical teakwood furnishings at this art-themed hotel. Inside, there are more than 200 artworks on display, including work by Francoise Nielly and Patrice Murciano. The concept is minimalist; simple rooms feature wooden floors, modern bathrooms and air conditioning. There’s a lively rooftop bar that’s perfect for cracking a Myanmar beer as you watch the lights of the Shwedagon Pagoda, which is a five-minute walk away.

The Strand Hotel

Hotel, Luxury

The Strand Hotel
Courtesy of The Strand Hotel / Expedia

One of the plushest hotels in the city, The Strand was built in 1901 and upholds the legacy of the Sarkies brothers – the architects behind Raffles in Singapore, and the Eastern & Oriental in Penang. The hotel still has a dazzling fusion of colonial accents, Myanmar teakwood railings and floors, and modern five-star amenities, such as a swimming pool and a fitness centre. Head down to Sarkies Bar, where many famous faces have enjoyed a nightcap – from Rudyard Kipling to Orson Welles.

Belmond Governor’s Residence

Hotel

Belmond Governor’s Residence
Courtesy of Belmond Governor’s Residence / Booking.com

Housed in a 1920s mansion, this beautiful property is a retreat in the heart of the city. Stroll along the teak walkways through tropical foliage to the fan-shaped swimming pool, perfect for a morning dip. The luxury bohemian rooms feature king-sized beds and large terrazzo baths as standard. Indulge in a soothing massage, before heading up to the Mindon Lounge for a mandalay sour and a candlelit al fresco dinner.

Sedona Hotel

Hotel, Luxury

Sedona Hotel
Courtesy of Sedona Hotel / Expedia

Divided into two wings – one facing Inya Lake, and one a lush garden – Sedona hugs a large outdoor space with a central swimming pool. Luxury in-room perks include a pillow menu and L’Occitane bath products. Downstairs, you’ll be spoiled for choice with dining options including Italian and Asian. Sweat it out on the tennis court or in the fitness club, or relax and let the specialists at Spa by Beauty Concept work their magic.

Hotel H Valley

Hotel

Hotel H Valley
Courtesy of Hotel H Valley / Expedia

Within walking distance to the Shwedagon Pagoda, H Valley combines a central location with budget-friendly prices. Spacious rooms range from simple doubles to a deluxe family room sleeping four. Breakfast is included at the Western and Asian fusion restaurant on the ground floor. There’s also an on-site spa offering Thai massages and body scrubs.

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