Yangon, or formerly known as Rangoon, is the former capital city of Myanmar of Burma. It is the largest city in the country, counting 5.2 million people its inhabitants. Yangon may not be as busy as other capital cities in Southeast Asia. However, its distinct old colonial charm, dazzling Buddhist temples, and fascinating day to day street life still make this city a destination worth visiting. Pagodas are the main tourist attractions in Yangon, but Myanmar is also well-known for good food, such as Mohinga (rice noodle in fish soup), coconut noodle, and Laphat Thote (tea leaf salad)

Best time to fly from Cebu to Yangon

The dry season is the best time to visit Myanmar, with the best conditions overall. Temperatures are comfortable with average highs of about 30°C. Although temperatures can be quite high during the day, the nights during the dry season are chilly, normally around 15°C, so warmer clothes are required. During this season, beach lovers will enjoy the fact that the beach at Ngapali provides an excellent tranquil atmosphere for relaxing, and river levels are high enough for boat-trips. However, the dry season is also considered as the peak tourist season in Myanmar. Therefore flight tickets and accommodation are higher than at other times. Travellers must also expect large crowds at all the tourist attractions in Myanmar.

Main airports available in Cebu and Yangon

Mactan–Cebu International Airport – The Mactan–Cebu International Airport is an international airport that connects the city of Cebu with the outside world. The airport is located in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, a part of Metro Cebu. It is the second busiest international airport in the Philippines. The airlines that operate in this airport is AirAsia Philippines, Cebgo, Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, and Philippine Airlines. This airport consists of two different terminals. The Mactan–Cebu International Airport has many interesting shops and eateries within the airport so you can shop or dine in while waiting for the plane to arrive or depart. To go in and out of the airport is easy because there are many types of transportation available in The Mactan–Cebu International Airport for the visitors.

Yangon International Airport (RGN) – The airport is locally known as Mingaladon Airport due to its location in the Mingaladon township. The airport is the primary airport in Myanmar and is located 15 kilometres north of central Yangon. All ten Myanmar carriers and about 30 international airlines operate at Yangon International Airport. For travellers coming in from Cebu, airlines such as AirAsia, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, Korean Air, SilkAir and Singapore Airlines all offer flights to Yangon.

Climate pattern in Cebu and Yangon

Due to its tropical climate, travellers can visit Myanmar all year round. However, travellers are advised to try and avoid visiting Myanmar from June to September as this is when the country is experiencing the wet season. Certain tourist attractions like Ngapali Beach will be closed during the wet season due to inaccessible roads. Travellers still intending on visiting the country during the rainy season (May through early October) must make sure to pack an umbrella and some waterproof shoes, because of the city's streets often flood. Travellers are also advised to be careful when walking around town this time of year, as a layer of slime forms, making the sidewalks dangerously slick.

Highlights attractions in Yangon

• Shwedagon Pagoda - Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most well-known pagodas in the world and is undeniably Yangon’s main attraction. The large gilded structure stands at an impressive 99 metres (325 feet) high and sits on top of a hill overlooking the city. Yangon's cityscape will always include the temple and on a clear day, the temple can be seen from most parts of the city, even at a distance. The temple is believed to have been built some 2,600 years ago and is thought to be the oldest pagoda in the world. Visitors will be awed to see the stupa decorated with 7,000 diamonds, rubies, sapphires, topaz, and emeralds, while the main dome is plated with shining gold. It is because of this dazzling display that the Shwedagon Pagoda is also affectionately termed as “The Crown of Burma”. The revered pagoda also enshrines strands of Buddha’s hair and other holy relics, making it a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Foreign travellers. However, it will need to pay an entrance fee of 10,000 kyats (approximately PHP333) to enter the pagoda.
• Bogyoke Aung San Market – The market houses more than 2,000 shops and boasts the biggest selection of Myanmar handicrafts and souvenirs. The Bogyoke Aung San Market is constantly bustling with locals and tourists. It always referred to by its previous name of Scott's Market. What makes this market unique is the colourful bazaar that exudes an olde-worlde charm with its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Shopping enthusiasts will be delighted by the selections that the market has to offer to range from Shan shoulder bags to chilli-coated pig organs, even the most fastidious of shoppers will have a hard time choosing. Additionally, the market also sells Myanmar's local jade and other types of jewellery at very competitive prices. Travellers are always advised to haggle to get the best price.
• Kandawgyi Park - Kandawgyi Park is a lush lake park in Yangon. There are plenty of activities that can be done at the park such as trying out local Burmese food at the various restaurants there, walk around or exercise on the boardwalk with the beautiful views of the lake or relax and enjoy the view of the park with the Shwedagon Pagoda in the background. Visitors are encouraged to stay and witness the fantastic view of the sunset silhouetting the Shwedagon Pagoda. Visitors will need to take note. However, there will be an entrance fee of 300 kyats (PHP10) to the restaurant's area and 2000 kyat (PHP67) for the boardwalk.