Where To Stay In Yangon: Best Areas And Hotels

Are you ready to tap into an extraordinary country with charming, welcoming people and golden pagodas scattered all across where life is still simple? Mingalaba! Hello and welcome to Myanmar!

Myanmar (Burma) is in high demand as an off-the-beaten-path travel destination, despite traveling around the country is still not as cheap as its popular Southeast Asian neighbour Thailand. Prices for accommodation are generally above the average price of other countries in Southeast Asia, especially if you want to sleep in a decent place with a hot running shower.

As more hostels and budget guesthouses are being opened, this is changing fast. In fact, it's already visible in the capital Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon. Yangon is one of the main cities where most travellers start or finish off the journey when backpacking Myanmar.

We will list the best budget accommodation options in Yangon, such as hostels and guesthouses, great affordable hotels as well as some luxury choices for you to splurge.

During the high season between October and March, I recommend booking ahead as the good accommodation choices in Yangon will be booked out fast.

The Best Areas To Stay In Yangon

Downtown Yangon – The bustling centre of Yangon offers a mix of history, colonial buildings and modern architecture. Downtown is the most convenient location to stay in Yangon, as it is very walkable and there are many things to see and do, as well as a lot of restaurants serving up local and international cuisine. Downtown Yangon is the best area if you're wondering where to stay in Yangon for the first time. It's close to everything and offers a lot of accommodation options, including many luxury hotels are located around Downtown.

Chinatown Yangon – Known for its rich cultural heritage and lively street markets, you'll love the atmosphere filled with a variety of food stalls, traditional shops, and historical temples. The area is especially famous for its night market, where you can eat your way around local and Chinese delicacies.

Sanchaung Township (Northern Yangon) – This is a great choice if you're looking for less hustle-bustle and a bit more peace and quiet. Northern Yangon has a range of great hotels and restaurants and it's still close enough to all the must-visits in Yangon, including Downtown and the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Inya Lake – As Yangon's largest lake, the area is popular with Yangon's upper class with many posh houses and apartment complexes by the lake. It's also a popular spot for expats. There are a variety of hotels and restaurants and it's a great spot to stay in Yangon if you want to see the non-touristy side of the city. It's still close to Downtown and a short drive from the main sights.

1. Where to Stay In Yangon For The First Time: Downtown Yangon

Downtown is the central business district where it's all happening and probably one of the most interesting areas of Yangon.

From colonial architecture to golden pagodas and large markets, you will find a large variety to explore. I can recommend joining a free Yangon walk with a local guide to truly experience the history and culture of the city.

2. Where to Stay in Yangon for Nightlife & Foodies: Chinatown

Chinatown lies not far from the famous Sule Pagoda and is one of the busiest parts of the city. It's a great base to explore Downtown from here. In the evening, the place to be is 19th Street to eat some cheap Myanmar Chinese barbecue and beer.

From both Downtown and Chinatown you'll need to take a taxi to get to Shwedagon Pagoda. I believe you could walk too but it will take a while and there are not many official pedestrian walkways.

3. Where to Stay in Yangon near Shwedagon Pagoda: Sanchaung Township

Sanchaung Township is located a little north of Downtown and makes a great base if you are looking to explore Shwedagon Pagoda and People's Park extensively. It's an easy walk from here and accommodation options are still very new as I found.

Traffic is heavy around here too as some of the main arteries run along here but there are some lovely quiet streets too. You are also close to beautiful Inya Lake, the largest lake in Yangon with one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in the city. Here you can also find the Yangon University adjacent to a large public park.

4. Where to Stay in Yangon for Luxury & Families: Inya Lake

If you're seeking luxury accommodations in Yangon, Inya Lake is your ideal choice. Right beside the largest lake in the city, this area offers a picturesque setting. It's also a nice green area of the city with a bit of space, perfect for families.

The upscale hotels and resorts around Inya Lake include elegant rooms with stunning lake views, world-class dining, and lavish spa services. From here you'll have easy access to Yangon's historical sites including the absolutely stunning Shwedagon Pagoda.