Myanmar, the Golden Land, captivates with thousands of ancient temples in Bagan, the shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda, and rich Buddhist heritage. From bustling Yangon to serene Inle Lake, experience authentic Southeast Asian culture largely unchanged by mass tourism.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Bagan Lacquerware Bowls
Handcrafted bowls and containers made from coiled bamboo or horsehair, layered with lacquer and hand-etched with intricate Buddhist designs. Bagan is the heartland of Myanmar lacquerware tradition.
Price: $10-80
Where: Bagan lacquerware workshops on Anawrahta Road
Shan Shoulder Bag (Hmong Bag)
Brightly coloured woven cotton bags made by ethnic hill tribes in Shan State. Feature geometric patterns and tassels and are used daily by locals and prized by visitors as authentic handicrafts.
Price: $8-25
Where: Bogyoke Aung San Market, Yangon; Nyaungshwe market
Jade Amulets and Bangles
Myanmar is the world's largest source of fine jade. Nephrite and jadeite items ranging from pendants to carved amulets are sold across the country, though quality varies greatly — buy from reputable shops.
Price: $15-200+
Where: Gems emporiums in Yangon; Scott Market jade section
Marionette Puppets (Yokthe Thut)
Traditional Burmese string puppets depicting royal characters, mythical creatures, and classical dancers. Handcrafted from teak and dressed in ornate silk costumes. A colourful piece of Myanmar performing arts heritage.
Price: $20-100
Where: Mandalay puppet workshops on 39th Street; souvenir shops in Bagan
Mandalay Silver Repousse Bowls
Decorative silver bowls and boxes hammered by hand using the traditional repousse technique. Craftsmen in Mandalay's silver quarter produce intricate floral and mythological designs passed down through generations.
Price: $30-150
Where: Mandalay silver workshops near 82nd Street
Inle Lake Lotus Silk Scarf
Rare fabric woven from lotus stem fibres extracted by hand from stems harvested in Inle Lake. Extraordinarily soft and considered one of the world's rarest and most sustainable textiles.
Price: $40-200
Where: Inpawkhon weaving village, Inle Lake
Teak Buddha Statues
Hand-carved teak Buddha figures ranging from small palm-sized amulets to elaborate seated Buddhas over 30 cm tall. Artisans in Mandalay's carving district produce exceptional pieces using centuries-old techniques.
Price: $25-300
Where: Mandalay carving workshops on 37th Street; Bogyoke Market
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market)
Yangon's most famous covered market, dating to 1926, housing over 2,000 stalls selling lacquerware, jewellery, jade, textiles, puppets, and antiques. An essential stop for high-quality souvenirs with a fixed-price ambiance.
Where: Bogyoke Aung San Road, Pabedan Township, Yangon
Hours: 9AM-5PM Tue-Sun (closed Mon)
Nyaung U Market
Bagan's main local market catering to residents from surrounding villages. Colourful produce stalls, dried goods, traditional medicines, and basic handicrafts. Best in early morning when fresh goods arrive by cart.
Where: Nyaung U town, Bagan
Hours: 5AM-1PM daily
Nyaungshwe Market (Inle Lake)
Lively morning market in the gateway town to Inle Lake. Ethnic Shan, Pa-O, and Intha vendors sell handwoven textiles, mountain vegetables, fermented tea leaves, and silver jewellery from the surrounding hills.
Where: Main Road, Nyaungshwe
Hours: 6AM-12PM daily
Zegyo Market
Mandalay's central market spread across multiple floors. A working city market rather than a tourist attraction, with sections for cloth, electronics, food, and household goods. Good for observing Burmese daily life.
Where: 84th Street, Mandalay
Hours: 7AM-7PM daily
19th Street Night Bazaar
Yangon's famous BBQ street doubles as an informal night market. Vendors sell grilled skewers, Myanmar beer, jade trinkets, and cheap clothing. Lively atmosphere with plastic tables spilling onto the road.
Where: 19th Street, Chinatown, Yangon
Hours: 5PM-12AM daily
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Bogyoke Aung San Road area
The area around Bogyoke Market is Yangon's premium souvenir zone. Colonial-era arcades house antique dealers, gem shops, and textile merchants on streets lined with frangipani trees.
Best for: Quality souvenirs, gems, antiques
Sule Pagoda Road, Downtown Yangon
Busy central shopping street with pharmacies, mobile shops, electronics, and small boutiques. Less touristy than Bogyoke Road and good for observing everyday Yangon commerce in colonial-era buildings.
Best for: Electronics, everyday goods
39th Street Mandalay Puppet Quarter
Narrow street lined with family-run workshops producing Burmese marionette puppets, hand-painted fans, and lacquerware. Artisans work in open-fronted shops so visitors can observe the crafting process.
Best for: Puppets, fans, traditional crafts
Bagan Lacquerware Road
A cluster of lacquerware workshops and showrooms along Anawrahta Road in New Bagan. Many are family operations where visitors can watch craftsmen applying lacquer layers and engraving intricate designs.
Best for: Lacquerware, direct from craftsmen
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Junction City Shopping Centre
Yangon's most modern international-style mall near the train station. Houses international brands, a food court, supermarket, cinema, and several dining options. Popular with middle-class Yangon residents.
Hours: 10AM-9PM daily
Yoma Central (formerly Traders Hotel arcade)
Upscale retail arcade in the heart of downtown Yangon adjacent to the Sule Shangri-La Hotel. Carries international cosmetics, fashion, and a ground-floor FMI supermarket popular with expats.
Hours: 10AM-9PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at markets but not in air-conditioned shops with price tags
Start at 50-60% of the first asking price and meet somewhere in the middle
Be friendly and smile throughout — aggressive haggling is considered rude in Myanmar
Buying multiple items at once gives you better leverage for a discount
Walk away slowly if the price doesn't drop — vendors often call you back with a better offer
Never bargain aggressively over small amounts; the difference of a few dollars means more to the vendor than to you
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Do not export antiques or religious artefacts over 100 years old — this is illegal. Jade and gemstones require a receipt from a licensed dealer. Check current sanctions before purchasing high-value items.
Tax Refund: No formal VAT refund scheme for tourists currently available in Myanmar
Duty Free: Allowances on arrival: 200 cigarettes, 1 litre spirits. Check current import regulations as rules vary.
Shipping: International shipping possible via DHL and FedEx from Yangon for fragile items. Lacquerware and puppets pack well. Jade requires documentation. Expect shipping to take 7-14 days to Europe or North America.