Beautiful Lakes

Modern Yangon has grown up around two breathtaking natural lakes, the centrally located Kandawgyi Lake and lnya Lake. Kandawgyi Lake, which means Royal Lake, is an oasis in the heart of the city. With boardwalks built around and over the water it is perfect for a relaxing stroll before sitting down at one of many restaurants along the lake shore. The lake is also home to a full-scale replica of a royal barge, modelled on the image of the Karaweik (Sanskrit for Garuda, the legendary bird-mount of the Hindu god Vishnu). All in gold, the barge is best viewed at night when it is beautifully illuminated with coloured lights and reflected in the lake. At early evening, the breathtaking image of the nearby Shwedagon can also be seen reflected in the water of the lake.

Inya Lake’s size (five-times bigger than Kandawgyi), its irregular shape and the lush vegetation found along its edge give you the impression that you are somewhere out in the wilderness, rather than in the centre of a busy metropolis. Less developed than Kandawgyi, it still offers amenities to make strolling along its western and eastern sides a very comfortable experience. There you will find paved walkways, cold drink and food vendors and benches along the water’s edge that are popular with young couples. There is even an amusement park in the southeastern corner. Along its southern side are several restaurants and cafes with picturesque gardens overlooking the lake. Here you will also find the Yangon Sailing Club.