Yangon offers a lot of historical and religious monuments that can definitely strike tourists in awe. This city offers a lot of their culture through its people, establishments, and food. Here is a list of things you should experience when you first come to Myanmar's largest city.

Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda

Not only is it richly covered with gold, this sacred pagoda's very peak is ornamented by fine diamonds and rubies. The Shwedagon serves as a religious monument for Buddhist followers In Myanmar. There's an entrance fee for tourists--read more about it here.

Scan the streets around Sule Pagoda

Another golden religious pagoda located in the center of downtown Yangon, the over 2000-year-old Sule Pagoda offers great architecture and design inside. Political rallies and meetings were conducted here in 1988 and 2007, so you'll get some history lesson as well. Admission fee is $2. 

Eat at Chinatown

A ten to fifteen minute walk from the Sule Pagoda, Chinatown comes alive in the evening when street food vendors open at around five in the afternoon. Try out different delicacies by passing on one street to the other and meet other tourists as they eat and drink the night away.

Marvel at the Reclining Buddha

The 65 meter Chaukhtatgyi Paya is located in a large shed at the north of Kandawgyi Lake. The statue was restored in 1907 and had five more meters of its original height. Devout Buddhists crowd the religious statue as they offer flowers and burn incense.

Rest your feet at Inya Lake

Popular for the locals especially the couples, Inya Lake offers a wide scenery of the largest lake in Yangon. It is an artificial water supply that the British created to provide for city's residents. Today, the place is famous with locals for meeting friends and hanging out with the family. You can also do water activities here like swimming, sailing, and rowing.