This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Yangon.
Yangon, Myanmar (Burma), formerly known as Rangoon, is the main city in Myanmar (Burma). It is not the capital of the country anymore, but it is still home to most of the embassies and the main international airport. Chances are great that you will arrive here when visiting Myanmar and it is easiest to get around in the city by taxi.
Myanmar is a booming tourist destination, with the amount of visitors more than doubling every year. The amount of hostels in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma), is increasing and in high season, it is advisable to book in advance. Hostels in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) vary in price; the quality differs as well but is acceptable overall. Mid-range hostels in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) are usually good value for money, with clean rooms and bathrooms. Hostels in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) usually don’t offer a guest kitchen, and not all hostels offer a common area/living room. If you want to stay in a hostel where you can meet a lot of people, it might be worth checking to see if they have a common area. Internet is still a problem -- and even though every hostel offers free Wi-Fi, this often means it is very slow. If you want a reliable internet connection, you’ll have to pay for a more expensive hostel in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma), or buy a SIM card with data.
The city centre of Yangon is quite compact and most hostels in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) will be located between Tenth and Fiftieth streets. From either end it is around forty-five minutes’ walk to the city centre, which is located around Thirtieth Street. Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) hostels within this area all have a good location and the area is very safe.
The main tourist attraction is the Shwedagon pagoda, which is located a bit outside of the city centre. It is too far to walk, but a taxi from downtown is affordable. Other popular tourist attractions are the market, the barbecue street food at Nineteenth Street, and the colonial buildings downtown. All these attractions are within walking distance if you stay in a Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) hostel between Tenth and Fiftieth streets.
Written by local enthusiast for Yangon hostels
Paulien
