How to Spend a Day in Yangon with Kids
By: Lucifer Goodman
Tags: Vacation, Yangon, Myanmar, Travel, Family Travel

Yangon may not be listed as a quintessential holiday destination for kids, but pay the place a visit with the family and you will be amazed at the range of exciting experiences on offer. The best part, it’s got nothing to do with the usual theme parks and entertainment zones; instead, Yangon offers you a chance to explore, savour exotic customs and make loads of unique memories while having fun with the kids. Read on to learn more.

1. Check Out the Colonial District

Yangon is lauded as having the largest number of colonial buildings in South East Asia. An ode to its days under the British Empire, some of the colonial buildings of Yangon are well restored and are now home to restaurants, banks, and even some hotels; a large portion though, remains neglected and is falling to ruin; to the artistic eye, however, these locations, with shrubs growing all around and exposed brickwork are pretty rustic places to explore. The streets where these old buildings are located are pretty interesting to explore with the kids, you are treated to sights of locals tucking into breakfast or lunch while old shops sell a range of quirky gift items, amongst which kids are sure to find something fascinating. Located there is the Maha Bandula Gardens which also houses the Independence Monument, take the children there to run around and play in the kiddies grounds and let off some energy. The park is just 20 minutes from Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon, a pretty good location to be based at if you are holidaying with kids with loads of energy!

2. Pay a Visit to the Sule Pagoda

Tipped to be over 2,500 years old, the golden roof of the Sule Pagoda can be easily viewed from downtown Yangon. The stupa rises like a golden spire amidst tall buildings and busy shopping streets. The area has always been an important location throughout the history of Burmese politics, with many rallies being organised from this point. Exploring the place and its rich history is a treat for the entire family, you will be surprised at how absorbed the kids are in learning about the many instances the pagoda was in the midst of important rallies throughout the tumultuous history of Yangon; such as the Saffron Revolution and 1988 Uprising. Get the kids involved hunting down the various sized bells, which they will take pleasure in ringing and do brush up on your knowledge of the pagoda in order to answer the many questions your curious bunch is going to have.

3. Stop for Lunch at a Rangoon Tea House

Now, the food in Yangon is not going to come close to the fab fair available in neighbouring Thailand or Vietnam; Myanmar is not popular for its cuisine but you will find quite the exception with a visit to the Rangoon Tea House; probably one of the best Yangon restaurants to patronise. A memory to the famous tea houses of Yangon during its colonial heydays, this lovely family friendly restaurant is both modern and exuding traditional vibes. The menu is pretty impressive too, offering a selection of Burmese traditional dishes, together with grilled meats, salads, curries, biriyani, a range of Myanmar teas, plus cocktails and local beer. As you can see, the entire family will find the place quite a treat.

4. And — Stop for Ice Cream at Sharky’s

This super treat is located next door to the Yangon Tea House. There you will find a fine selection of bread, snacks, sausages, dry aged beef, and artisan cheeses; the home-made ice cream, of course, is the real winner amongst kids.

5. Spend Time Exploring Bogyoke Market

The Bogyoke Aung San Market is a good place to work off the huge meal and ice cream; a very interesting precinct to explore, the place will have kids imaginations running wild. The bazaar is home to over 2,000 stalls selling a range of goodies from jewellery to handicrafts and artworks to quirky souvenirs. Remember to bargain if you want to snag a good deal.

Enjoy Yangon Folks!