208 days ago
208 days ago
Yangon (pop. 4 million) is the former capital and largest city of Myanmar. Yangon (or Rangoon which translates to “End of Strife”) is off many people’s “places to go” lists due to the military junta’s oppression and ailing economy. Nonetheless, the city boasts having SE Asia’s most intact colonial architecture and hundreds of gold plated Buddhist stupas in every direction.
XTS Rating: 8.5- Yangon is one of the world’s best kept secrets. The architecture is as grand as they say since the buildings of downtown are all leftover from the city’s colonial past and there’s zero foreign influence; so you won't find the tacky Golden Arches anywhere. Walking down the streets of Yangon feels like you're in the early 20th century. There’s also a strong Buddhist influence with a plethora of temples just about everywhere you go. All that plus the kindness of the people and very cheap prices make Yangon an awesome place.
Unfortunately, Myanmar is plagued by a notoriously corrupt, brutal and oppressive government; a factor that no one ever wants to see in a country. They also regularly restrict entry into the nation which can really put a damper on your travel plans.
