Overview
Yangon, once known as Rangoon, is Myanmar's largest city and its main international gateway. It is a humid, green, low-rise city where gilded stupas rise above faded colonial streets, crowded markets and pavement tea shops. There are no direct flights from the UK, so every route involves one change of plane at a hub in the Gulf or Asia, with a typical one-stop journey from London taking around 15 to 18 hours including the layover.
Best time to fly to Yangon
The dry, cooler season from November to February is the most comfortable time to visit and the busiest for flights, with warm days and very little rain. March to May is intensely hot. The southwest monsoon runs roughly from late May to October, bringing heavy downpours but also thinner crowds and softer fares. For the current picture, check the When to book chart above.
Airlines and routes
Because there are no non-stop services, UK travellers connect once. Popular one-stop options include Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai, Singapore Airlines via Singapore, Thai Airways via Bangkok and Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur. From London, expect roughly 15 to 18 hours door to door; from Manchester it is usually a little longer, generally routing through the same Gulf or Southeast Asian hubs.
Things to do in Yangon
Yangon rewards slow wandering, ideally early morning or late afternoon when the heat eases.
- Shwedagon Pagoda: the vast gilded stupa that dominates the skyline and Myanmar's most sacred Buddhist site.
- Sule Pagoda: a golden stupa marooned in a downtown roundabout, handy for exploring the colonial quarter on foot.
- Bogyoke Aung San Market: a 1920s covered bazaar for lacquerware, textiles, gems and souvenirs.
- Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple: home to a serene 65-metre reclining Buddha.
- Kandawgyi Lake: a leafy walk with boardwalks and views of the Karaweik royal barge.
At Yangon International Airport (RGN)
The airport sits about 15 km (9 miles) north of downtown. Metered and pre-paid taxis from the arrivals hall reach the centre in around 45 to 60 minutes, longer in rush-hour traffic. Ride-hailing through the Grab app also operates in Yangon. There is no airport rail link, though many hotels can arrange a transfer.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Yangon
- Book roughly two to four months ahead for the best choice of one-stop fares.
- Travel midweek and avoid the December to January peak and the Thingyan new year holiday in mid-April, when much of the city closes.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to spot cheaper departures.
- Compare different hubs and carriers, as Doha, Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur routings can vary a lot in price.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa for Myanmar; a tourist eVisa can be arranged online before you travel, and your passport should have at least six months' validity. The currency is the Myanmar kyat (MMK), and Yangon runs largely on cash, with limited card acceptance; clean, undamaged US dollar notes are widely accepted, so carry enough money for your stay. Check NHS Fit for Travel for recommended vaccinations, and always read the latest FCDO travel advice on gov.uk before booking, as it can affect your travel insurance.
