Where to Stay In Yangon For The First Time: Downtown

Downtown is the central business district where it's all happening and probably the one of the most interesting areas of Yangon.

From colonial architecture to golden pagodas and large markets, you will find a large variety to explore. I can recommend joining a free Yangon walk with a local guide to truly experience the history and culture of the city.

A Touch Of Myanmar Hostel

My very first few nights in the country were spent at this backpacker hostel right in the center of Yangon, about 15 minutes walking to the central railway station and only 5 minutes down to the port. Downtown Yangon is very much alive and there is a convenience store right around the corner and many little stands on the street with everything from food, books, clothes to phones and more.

Located on the 9th floor, the entry downstairs might come to a surprise while I never expected a hostel to be inside this house. Luckily there is an elevator to take you up. The hostel also has a small balcony where you get a first impression of Yangon. It's on the move!

30th Corner Boutique Hostel

This modern hostel is also located in the middle of Downtown Yangon, walking distance to all great things to see like the Sule Pagoda, City Hall and Bogyoke Aung San Market.

Comfortable accommodation with different types of rooms from dorms with shared bathroom facilities to individual rooms with an ensuite bathroom and LCD TV.

The hostel is nicely decorated and located on the 2nd floor of a residential building. There is no elevator and not all rooms have a window, if that bothers you, check ahead.

There is wifi throughout, front desk operates 24-hours and a laundry service. You can also rent bikes and arrange your airport transfer or tours directly with the friendly staff.

Starting from US$22 per night in a 5 bed dorm.

Chinatown lies not far from the famous Sule Pagoda and is one of the busiest parts of the city. It's a great base to explore Downtown from here. In the evening, the place to be is 19th street to eat some cheap Myanmar Chinese barbecue and beer.

From both Downtown and Chinatown you'll need to take a taxi to get to Shwedagon Pagoda. I believe you could walk too but it will take a while and there are not many official pedestrian walkways.

Traveller's House Chinatown

Located around the corner from 19th street in Chinatown where all the good food is and very close to all the happenings of Downtown. Traveller's House offers spacious, comfortable capsules with curtains for maximal privacy. There is power and light in each capsule and you get your own private locker to store your things. If you get tired of walking around and exploring, crash in front of the TV.

There is free wifi, the front desk is available 24-hours and air-con runs throughout. Traveller's House also has a balcony to watch the hustle bustle of local life outside. There is a lovely breakfast offered in the morning.

Starting from US$28 per night.

The SAT Hostel

SAT Hostel is located in the center of Chinatown, only a short 15 minute walk to all the attractions of Downtown with the impressive City Hall as well as the yummy BBQ-style food on 19th street. This is the place to find inexpensive bars and have a chat with other traveller or meet some locals.

The hostel is located in an 100 year old building with lovely wooded floors which was only just renovated in mid-2015. The rooms are clean and comfortable fitted with air-con and there is a 24-hour reception desk. There is free wifi and a complementary breakfast which changes around.

There are 21 rooms and you can choose from single, twin and double rooms. There are no dorm beds here. Bathrooms are shared.

Starting from US$15 per night in a single room.

Sanchaung Township is located a litte north of Downtown and makes a great base if you are looking to explore Shwedagon Pagoda and People's Park extensively. It's an easy walk from here and accommodation options are still very new as I found.

Traffic is heavy around here too as some of the main arteries run along here but there are some lovely quiet streets too. You are also close to beautiful Inya Lake, the largest lake in Yangon with one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in the city.

Here you can also find the Yangon University adjacent to a large public park.

Pickled Tea Hostel

One of my favourite options for a real nice and affordable place to stay in Yangon!

Seriously, this hostel is super awesome and I really enjoyed staying here. It's in a quiet side street in the neighbourhood of Sanchaung and therefore close to many of Yangon's must see attractions, like the famous Shwedagon Pagoda and People's Park. You can actually walk to the pagoda from here and you will definitely be twice as fast as taking a taxi, as traffic gets tough around here with some of the main arteries of the city running around here.

You can choose between a 6 or 4 bed dorm (there are ladies only dorms too) with shared bathrooms with huge individual cabins or opt for the private single or double (however two single or bunk) bed.

I stayed in a 6 bed dorm bed room and it still felt very private as beds are comfortable with a personal reading light, your own power socket and even a lockable cupboard. Bathrooms felt super clean always. There is wifi and it worked okay most of the time.

Every morning the staff served a complimentary local breakfast, so you will for sure get to try some interesting Myanmar food infused with coconut and sugar cane. Be surprised, they change it up every morning! And you can take it at the outside lounge while watching the local life go by.

Starting from US$21 per night in a 6 bed dorm. Definitely an affordable accommodation option for what you get!

Humble Footprints Hostel

This hostel was just getting the final touches to be officially opened up when I first stayed here. It's located in Sanchaung Township a few streets away from Pickled Tea Hostel mentioned above. Therefore, it's also in easy walking distance to the Shwedagon Pagoda. The city center is best reachable in a taxi from here. Try to avoid rush hours as the 2.2km to the city center might take you a while when everyone is on the road.

You can choose to stay in 4 or 6 bed dorms, either with a shared or attached bathroom or sleep in a twin or queen room with more privacy.

There is wifi throughout, a shared lounge/TV area and 24-hour reception as well as complimentary breakfast served downstairs every morning. The rooftop terrace is a plus, however it gets quite hot up here, depending on the season and time of day of course.

Starting from US$21 per night in a 6 bed dorm.