There is a wide variety of shopping options in Yangon ranging from bustling local markets that offer goods from all over Myanmar to modern shopping malls offering imported fashions and electronics.
Bogyoke Aung San Market
Built in 1926, the Bogyoke Aung San Market offers many shopping options with over 1,800 shops. Shoppers can buy traditional arts and crafts, jewelry and gems, clothing, shoes, cosmetics, musical instruments, fabrics, paintings, and more. There are many options for those wishing to buy gems and jewelry such as gold and silver, famed Mogok rubies, South Sea pearls, jade, and sapphire. Many shops offer footwear to choose from ranging from traditional embroidered Myanmar slippers to brand names. Beauty salons here are good places to get haircuts, facials, and body treatments at fair prices while cosmetic shops offer many items to choose from. One can also find a wide variety of greeting cards to choose from including images of pagodas, Buddha images, natural landscapes, and more. There are many food options at the Bogyoke market especially traditional Myanmar food at inexpensive prices. The shopper should keep in mind bargaining is almost expected at any market in Myanmar.
Mingalar Market
The Mingalar Market offers reasonably priced retail products, however it is best known for its wholesale venues. Many retailers in the city come and buy goods here as the market offers everything from pharmaceuticals, hair bands, shoes, packaged snacks, to decorative flowers and more.
Chinatown
Chinatown is located in downtown Yangon’s Latha Township and is worth a visit for both its shopping and food. There are numerous side alleyways visitors can explore and immerse themselves in the local culture.
Shopping Centers
FMI Center
The FMI Center is a three story shopping complex which is located right next to the Bogyoke Aung San Market. Here one can find a wide variety of brand name cosmetics such as Paulmitchell and Shiseido and in addition La Source Beauty Salon offers expert hair and beauty treatments. There are many options for men’s wear ranging both imported and regional brands. Furthermore, there are fine jewelry shops and fine women’s fashion available. Visitors can enjoy good food at the Heart Rock Coffee Shop which is the only food outlet at the FMI Center.
Dagon Center Shopping Mall
The fairly new Dagon Center Shopping Mall has been open since 2003 and is located on a bustling corner of the Pyay Road. The mall offers almost 100 shops that sell middle to upper class items. On the ground floor there is a City Mark and MK shop where one can find brand names imports such as Arrow, Guy Laroche, UFO, Chic and Soda. The Ko Ko Beauty Salon is a local hot spot to get haircuts. Women can find places to buy jewelry and handbags throughout the mall. Also available is a snooker complex and a internet café where youngsters like to hang out. Those looking to satisfy their hunger can find a branch of Café Aroma and 124 DJ Lounge which offers choices from Myanmar, Thai, Filipino, Chinese, and European food.
Yankin Center
The Yankin Center specializes in its quality beauty salons and food options. One of the most popular salons is Trendz which provides exceptional facials, waxing treatments, manicures, and pedicures. For eating options, The Feel Restaurant serves good Asian food, the Seasons Bakery sells baked goods, and there is a Café Aroma available along with two other snack and coffee shops. In addition to the salons and food options, there are fashion shops located on the ground floor, a MK Shop, and a City Mart. The upper floors offer golf shops that sell name brands such as Taylor Made and Mizuno, a sports ware store, and plenty of shops that sell toys and children’s clothing for parents who wish to pamper their children.
Excel Shopping Mall
Excel is a newer one of Yangon’s shopping centers which opened in July 2004 at the Kaba Aye Pagoda and Shwegondine road intersection. Here one can find an MK Shop, an array of brand name products, a Victoria Hyper Mart, and electronics center, and more. The top floor of the mall specializes in young and trendy fashions that interest many teenagers and children. Also on the top floor is a golf store.
Blazon Shopping Center
The Blazon Shopping Center can be found on U Wisara Road and sells to the high end consumer. A few sport wear shops sell name brands such as Adidas and FILA on the ground floor. Another highlight is the mall’s supermarket which sells high quality imported porcelain and glassware, electronics, and stationary.
Junction 8
Junction 8 has been open since 1999 and was Yangon’s first major shopping center. It is two stories high and offers many products available at other shopping centers along with several exclusive shops. There is a City Mart on the ground floor while other shops sell brands such as AIIZ, Giordano, and Soda. The Samsonite store offers a selection of bags, backpacks, and suitcases as well. The Villas Beauty Center is a popular salon that provides good service at a midrange price.
La Pyat Wun Plaza
While the La Pyat Wun Plaza is smaller than other shopping malls in Yangon you can find a MK Shop, an Asia Light Supermarket, a Café Aroma, and a selection of other shops here. Women can find many options for jewelry, necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, clothing, and shawls here. Brand names such as St Louise, YSL, Gucci, and Police are available. There is also a Ko Ko Beauty Salon, internet café, and food court.
Yuzana Plaza
The huge Yuzana Plaza shopping compound is popular among many local consumers, as prices tend to be more reasonable than other shopping centers in Yangon. It actually has the feel of a combination between a modern mall and a traditional market, with a huge range of commodities available in all price ranges. Unlike most malls, bargaining is acceptable. As a popular destination for locals, the plaza can get very crowded on holidays.
Listings
Markets and Street Shopping
Bogyoke Aung San Market
(Open 8:30 am to 5:00 pm)
Bogyoke Aung San Street
Mingalar Market
(Open 7:00 am to 6:00 pm)
Ma U Gone Junction, Corner of Set Yone Road and
Banyadala Road, Mingalar Taung Nyunt Tsp
Shopping Centers
FMI Center
(Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm)
380, Bogyoke Aung San Street, Tel: 273 537
Dagon Center Shopping Mall
(Open 9:00 am to 9:00 pm)
Corner of Pyay Road and Bagayar Road, SanchaungTsp
Yankin Center
(Open 9:00 am to 9:00 pm)
Sayasan Road, Yankin Tsp, Tel: 544 6ó2
Excel Shopping Mall
(Open 9:00 am to 9:00 pm)
Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Tel: 559 744
Blazon Shopping Center
(Open 9:30 am to 8:30 pm)
72, U Wi Za Ra Road, Tel: 538 347
Junction 8
(Open 9:00 am to 9:00 pm)
Kyaik Wine Pagoda Road, 8 Mile, Mayangone Tsp,
Tel: 650 778
La Pyat Wun Plaza
(Open 9:00 am to 9:00 pm)
Ah Lan Paya Pagoda Street, next to the Grand Plaza
Parkroyal Hotel, Tel: 242011
Yuzana Plaza
(Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm)
Banyadala Road, near Mingalar Market, Tel: 200 747-50