Simply Yangon (Rangoon) Extension

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Yangon

You will meet your guide on arrival, transfer and check-in to your hotel. During the drive your guide will provide an introduction to Yangon (Rangoon), answer any questions you have, and make arrangements for the following day. Enjoy free time for the remainder of the first day.

Located in the fertile delta region of central Burma (Myanmar), the former capital and waterfront city of Yangon with its crumbling British colonial mansions and ancient stupas, thriving restaurants and lively bars, is a melting pot of old and new. Home to over four million inhabitants, it's a sprawling city, the streets interspersed with parks and lakes, much of its allure stemming from the colourful street life. Marvel at the glittering Shwedagon Pagoda, wander the cobblestone streets of Bogyoke Market or simply watch the rickshaw drivers in their striped longyis (sarongs) peddle lazily through the streets as you sip on a cup of tea at a roadside tea stall.

Yangon has a good choice of restaurants serving both authentic Burmese cuisine and international choices. Ask your guide for personal recommendations.

Day 2: Yangon

Accompanied by your guide explore the sights of Yangon. Begin with a visit to the octagonal Sule Pagoda. Originally an Indian structure but now Burmese, it is thought to be over 2,000 years old and said to enshrine a hair of the Buddha. Stroll through downtown Yangon with its faded colonial buildings and leafy boulevards and visit the beautiful colonial style Post Office. Watch the locals going about their daily business as you pass Mahabandoola Park, named after General Maha Bandula who fought against the British in the First Anglo-Burmese War. The park includes the Independence Monument, an obelisk which commemorates Burmese independence gained from the British in 1948. Next visit Chaukhtatgyi and the Reclining Buddha which measures 70 metres (230 feet) in length.

In the afternoon you visit the National Museum, the principle museum of Burmese art, history and culture. The museum was founded in 1952 and houses an extensive collection of ancient artefacts, ornaments, art works, inscriptions and historic memorabilia, related to history, culture and the civilisation of the Burmese people.

Next stop is Bogyoke Market, one of the oldest markets in Yangon, with colonial architecture and cobbled streets. It offers Burmese handicrafts and gemstones but also has traditional Burmese and Chinese food stalls. After the market, head to the Indian Quarter for a very different view of the city. Here you will find Hindu Temples and street stalls selling Indian food. End the day with a visit to the breathtaking Shwedagon Pagoda, or Golden Pagoda, its stupa dominating the city’s skyline. This is one of the holiest places in Burma, and one reason why Burma is known as the "Land of Golden Pagodas". The pagoda itself is 99 metres (326 feet) high, studded with solid gold plates and decorated with diamonds and other precious jewels.

Day 3: Yangon

Spend the morning learning about Burmese cuisine with an exclusive cooking demonstration in one of Yangon's best restaurants. Burmese cuisine is a delightful mixture of fragrant curries, tangy salads, healthy soups and tasty sweets, influenced by its neighbours, but with its own distinctive results.

Set off with your guide to Padonmar Restaurant, set in an old converted residential house. At the restaurant, meet with the chef and discuss the day's plan. Then visit the local market to explore the stalls where a huge variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, spices, herbs, pastes and other sauces used in local cuisine are on offer. Your chef will explain how each of the tropical ingredients are used in Burmese cooking as they are selected from the market.

Return to Padonmar Restaurant where you will prepare the ingredients with your chef using traditional techniques to cook several Burmese dishes. At the end of the demonstration, enjoy the delicious meal that you helped prepare. After lunch return to your hotel.

Enjoy the rest of the day free to explore Yangon.

Day 4: Yangon

On your last day enjoy free time until your departure transfer.