A city of golden pagodas and grand colonial buildings, Yangon is one of the must-visit locations on any visit to Myanmar.

Formerly known as Rangoon, the city served as the country’s capital until 2006 and continues to be the largest and most important commercial center.

When traveling to far-off destinations, it is good to know what to watch out for and which areas to avoid. Visiting the Buddhist temples, ornate palaces, and shimmering lakes of the city make for a dream vacation, but how safe is Yangon for tourists?

The good news is that Yangon, Myanmar is one of the safest cities to visit in Asia. Armed with the information below, you’ll be prepared to enjoy this fascinating city in safety.

Safety in Yangon

Myanmar, formerly called Burma, has an appeal as an exotic Southeast Asian country and is becoming increasingly popular with backpackers. However, it does not have a stellar international reputation. Many people are wary that the country is still developing and is controlled by a military government.

This may leave you wondering, is it safe to travel to Myanmar? The truth is that if you are traveling to Yangon, you have very little to worry about. The former capital is known as one of the safest large cities in Asia.

Perhaps the biggest safety hazard in Yangon is the traffic. Myanmar does not have the best infrastructure in the world and driving on the frantic roads can be a nail-biting experience, especially at rush hour.

Crime in Yangon

Petty theft in Myanmar is almost non-existent. In major cities like Yangon, there may be opportunists, just like in most cities around the world. The trick is to stay vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings.

Violent crime is also very low, even in urban areas like Yangon. Crimes committed against tourists are rarer still. Locals tend to be friendly and welcoming to visitors.

The worst thing that you are likely to encounter is the occasional local business or taxi driver trying to overcharge you. To avoid this, make sure you have an idea of the going rates. In the case of taxis, agree on a price beforehand so that the driver cannot try to charge you more later.

Why Visit Yangon?

Apart from being a very safe city, there are many reasons to visit Yangon.

The city is home to 2 of Myanmar’s most stunning stupas: the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Sule Pagoda.

The former is said to be over 2,500 years old. Also known as the Great Dagon Pagoda or the Golden Pagoda, this gilded temple rises from a sea of smaller stupas to a height of 326 ft. It is truly breathtaking.

The Sule Pagoda is the heart of Yangon and is a focal point for religion, politics, and ideology, as well as being located at the geographic center of the city. According to legend, it was built at the time of the Buddha and contains a strand of his hair.

Other must-see landmarks are the magnificent Karaweik Palace overlooking Kandawgyi Lake and the colonial-era High Court and City Hall buildings.

Besides the sights, Yangon is a very affordable city, with delicious Southeast Asian cuisine available at reasonable prices in every corner and good-quality accommodation available for far less than in some other major Asian cities.

Are other Parts of Myanmar Dangerous?

Myanmar does have some areas that international visitors are advised to avoid or outright prohibited from visiting. This is due to ongoing conflicts in the region between local groups and the military government.

Although this may seem troubling at first glance, the truth is that these issues will almost certainly not affect you as a tourist in Yangon. The city is far from the no-go regions and is more than welcoming to visitors.

In fact, the vast majority of the country formerly known as Burma is safe to visit. Places to avoid include Kachin and Rakhine State and parts of Shan and Chin states.

The big draws of the country, such as Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan are all considered safe to visit.

Author Bio:

Daniel Moore is an experienced content writer. He is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where he shares his valuable travel tips with the audience.