West Yangon
Found in the western part of Yangon is Bahan. This is one of the most thriving areas of the city, with museums, markets, pagodas, gardens, and more worth exploring in the area. One of the area’s biggest claims to fame is the Shwedagon Pagoda, which is estimated to be over 2,500 years old. Visitors will make the climb up one of the four entrances to reach the stunning pagoda, which is best viewed in the evening when the entirety of it is golden in color and simply gleams against the dark sky. Other top sights in the area include the Maha Wizaya Pagoda, Bogyoke Aung San Museum, and the Mingalar Taung Nyunt Market.
Luxury Hotels
The Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon is one of the most luxurious hotels in the area. It is equipped with free wi-fi, daily housekeeping, picturesque gardens, and even a sauna. The grand lobby greets visitors upon arrival, though guests will surely bypass the luxurious entrance and head straight for the spa to unwind or to the back of the hotel where a sprawling pool awaits. Other luxurious hotels in the area include the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, Rose Garden Hotel, and the Regal Central Hotel.
Mid-Range Hotels
A prime location, free wi-fi, 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping: these are just a few of the perks guests at the Merchant Art Residence will enjoy. One of the most noteworthy features of this hotel is its rooftop, which has stunning views and golden pagodas. As the name suggests, the hotel is chock full of interactive art, making for a unique stay. Some other mid-range hotels in the area include the Goodliff Guesthouse, Royal Platinum Hotel, Hotel Pho Sein, and the Sky View Hotel.
Budget Accommodation
Those looking for nothing more than a simple bed to sleep in will be happy to hear there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options found in the western part of the city. One of the top acclaimed accommodation options is the Hotel H Valley, equipped with clean rooms, a pristine lobby, and great views of the surrounding pagodas. Other budget-friendly hotels in the area include Holiday Hotel, 100 Moon Inn, Hotel Lavender, and Fame Hotel.
East Yangon
Eastern Yangon is made up of a plethora of areas to choose from. Botataung, North Dagon, Pazundaung: the choices seemingly go on and on. Here, we show you some possible accommodation options that work best with your budget. Those travelers who consider themselves culture vultures may want to stay in Botahtaung, as it is equipped with many structures built during the colonial era that will impress even the most avid of designer. It is also home to the Botahtaung Pagoda, which is where the area received its name. Mingala Taungnyunt is probably the most thriving of areas, which is where visitors will find the Yangon Central Railway Station. It is also one of the most populated areas of the city.
Luxury Hotels
The Strand, Yangon is one of the most luxurious hotels found in downtown Yangon. Each room is lavishly decorated, with a colonial exterior that simply lights up after dark. The lobby and bar exude luxury, and the hotel is within walking distance of the Botataung Pagoda. Those looking to blow some kyat should check out the number of different suites the hotel is equipped with. Another luxury hotel in the area is the Grand Laurel Hotel.
Mid-Range Hotels
Those looking for a happy medium accommodation option should check out Asia Plaza Hotel or the Millennium Hotel. The Millennium Hotel is equipped with a rooftop restaurant overlooking the river and the Botataung Pagoda, which is within walking distance of the affordable hotel.
Budget Accommodation
Those looking to save some kyat may have to instead opt for a hostel. Sure, visitors will have to share a bedroom and bathroom, but having the additional kyat to spend elsewhere is certainly a bonus. Some of the most affordable hostels in the area include the Min Galar Par Hostel and Backpacker Bed & Breakfast. Do not let this hostel’s incredible cheap prices fool you: with a free breakfast and amazing views of the city, budget travelers cannot go wrong staying at Backpacker Bed & Breakfast. It is also within a five-minute walk of the amazing Sule Pagoda.
South Yangon
South Yangon is probably the least thriving of all the different areas of the city. It is smaller and has fewer things to see and do. Some attractions in the area, however, do include the St. Francis’ Catholic Church, the Mogaung Pagoda, Supramanayan Hindu Temple, the Kalayana Temple, and the Nagalein Pagoda, two of which are found on Budayon Road. Yankin is the most thriving of areas in Southern Yangon.
Luxury Hotels
One of the priciest of accommodation options in the area is Pyay Garden Residence, which makes sense considering it has some of the best views of the Sule Pagoda in the entire city from its outdoor terrace. It is also equipped with a pool, spa, and stunning suite options. Other luxury accommodation options in the area include the Belmond Governor’s Residence, Sedona Hotel Yangon, and Silver Green Hotel.
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Yankin is relatively affordable and is located within walking distance to a handful of restaurants. Hotel Kan Yeik Thar sits just adjacent both Brave Bar and Escape Gastro Bar, for those visitors looking for something to do after the sun sets. Thanlwin Guesthouse is another good option in the area, located just a short walk from Inya Lake.
Budget Accommodation
Some of the most budget-friendly options in the area include the G-Star Hotel and The SAT Yangon, which has free wi-fi for guests and is located within walking distance of some of the best street food in town.
North Yangon
North Yangon is one of the furthest cities from downtown Yangon. Insein, one of the areas in North Yangon, is located some 20 miles from the city center. When the city expanded its boundaries, however, areas like Insein were considered part of Yangon. One of the most popular sites is the Sri Mary Yeoman Church. This area is home to one of the most successful provinces in the city, Kamayut, where a number of the city’s universities are located, in addition to the Judson Chapel. One of the most thriving of areas in the north of Yangon is the Mayangone Township, which is equipped with a number of pagodas, churches, and monasteries. There is not much in terms of accommodation, which is why only the one price range is included.
Mid-Range Hotels
Palm Spring Resort is a good accommodation option for its relatively affordable pricing. It is certainly not luxurious, but the rooms are modest and comfortable with all the amenities one needs for a comfortable stay. It is also equipped with an onsite restaurant and pool, perfect for those hot, Yangon afternoons.