Prepare to be awed by the majestic sight of Yangon’s iconic landmark—the Karaweik Palace. Designed in the style of the Pyigyimon Royal Barge (a gold gilded royal barge which used to ferry the Burmese royalty), the Palace’s glistening gold and green structure is one of the country’s most recognisable structures. Bouncing off its reflection from Kandawgyi Lake, the Palace is an amateur or professional photographer’s dream come true. Beyond its striking architecture, the Palace also showcases Yangon’s unique art and culture—it offers traditional dance performances, arts and crafts, as well as a variety of Burmese cuisine at its restaurant.

Get an insight into the lives of Buddhist monks who reside in harmony at the Naga Hlaing Gu Monastery, also known as the Kalaywa TawYa Monastery. This religious centre and teaching monastery is home to those who wish to learn Buddhist Scriptures. The monastic compound is the best place to capture pictures of the tranquil moments of monastic life through your lenses. 

The ideal time to visit the monastery is anytime before 10:30am. You can take your time to snap pictures of the Buddhist novices who are out and about, or immortalise the simplicity of the monastery. When moving around the compound, please be mindful of not to make too much noise. You should also consider asking for permission if you are taking a photo of a human subject.

If you love people-watching in Yangon, you should definitely make a stop at the Central Train Station. The largest railway station in Myanmar, the structure is designed in traditional Burmese architectural style. Look out for the indigenous-styled tiered roofs called pyatthat—a distinctive form of roof tiling unique to Burmese architecture. 

Designated a landmark building in 1996, the railway station is an ideal spot for you to capture spontaneous human moments on your camera. A good place to start is at the platform where locals wait for their train. When the train pulls in and out, consider shooting photos of locals loading and unloading products. 

Once you are done exploring the station, hop on the Circle Line train. This three-hour train ride around town offers you a slice of the city’s daily life that few tourists get to see.

Take a step back in time, and explore how western cultures take root in Myanmar at the St. Mary’s Cathedral. The largest Catholic cathedral in the country, this hardy structure survived a 1930 earthquake and World War II. The cathedral’s facade makes an imposing sight, with two Byzantine spires rising from its neo-Gothic building. Enter the cathedral and prepare your cameras for its dazzling red-white-and green interior, made more vibrant with detailed stained glassworks.  

Get directions to St. Mary’s Cathedral

Retreat to a peaceful sanctuary amid the bustling city life at Pan Pacific Yangon. Head up to theits outdoor infinity swimming pool at dusk for one of the best photo-taking spots in the city. While relaxing at the poolside, gaze out to iconic city landmarks and skyline, and capture the spirit of the city. After that, dip into the calm pool waters or indulge in a cocktail from our pool bar while reflecting your Yangon visit. 

Welcome to Yangon! Read more about things to do in Yangon, and speak to our team at Pan Pacific Yangon to enquire about our latest offers for rooms and suites.