We arrived in Yangon just before 4.00am. The situation at the Aung Mingalar Bus Station (Arrival) again was chaotic but we were more mentally prepared then. We negotiated for 12,000 kyat (S$13.33) and hopped onto the taxi. It was raining and we felt even more tired from the bus ride. Upon arrival at Merchant Art Residence, we were told that early check-in would incur an additional cost of 24,400 kyat (S$27.11). We agreed without hesitation as all we wanted was to have a good rest.
Photos taken while we were going out later in the morning.
Deluxe Twin Room.
When we thought we could finally have a good sleep, the aircon was malfunctioning. Every 10 to 15 minutes, it would turn off on its own. And that meant we had to wake up every 10 to 15 minutes to turn on the aircon again. It was only when we woke up for the day that we made the call to the reception. The repairman came to check but couldn't resolve it. We ended up having to pack up and change room. We then headed out for lunch. So according to some internet reviews, there is this restaurant (Aung Thukar) that serves traditional and authentic Burmese food. Google maps said it was somewhere near our place but when we reached, we couldn't find it at all. We stopped outside a Japanese restaurant and looked lost. The people there were very kind to help us find our way, even with their limited knowledge of spoken English. It was until this man who speaks fluent English who gave us clear instructions to finally arrive at the restaurant. We ended up walking another 15 minutes or so before reaching. Apparently, I think they shifted their location but Google maps didn't update it when we checked.
Our lunch at 7,600 kyat (S$8.44). They charge 3,000 kyat per meat dish, 500 kyat per vegetable dish and 300 kyat for a bottle of 1.5L drinking water.
It is easy to get a taxi on the roads of Yangon. You can just flag for one at anywhere along the roads. It is believed that the drivers typically charge tourists more, but each trip within the city should range between 2,000 kyat and 3,500 kyat. If there are more than 2 passengers, or if it's rush hour, the drivers may charge you a higher price. As taxis are easily available, it's okay to negotiate the price before hopping on. If you can't agree on the price, you can wait for the next one. And in case of language barriers, it's advisable to have the Myanmar address printed to show to the driver.
Feeling satisfied, we went on a 3-hour train ride in Yangon. Yangon Circular Railway is the local commuter rail network that serves the Yangon metropolitan area. The 45.9km 39-station loop system connects satellite towns and suburban areas to the city. Upon arrival at Yangon Central Railway Station, head to Platform 7 to purchase your train tickets and wait for the train. There is a flight of steps near the Passenger Service Counter, and you would need to walk up the steps to access to Platform 7. The staff at the ticketing counter is known to give clear instructions regarding the boarding time etc. At the platform, there would be locals (adults and kids) holding onto bottles of water or food, bugging you to buy. They are typically friendly and would help you make your way to the right train. However, the prices that they are selling their products at are crazy! A bottle of 1.5L drinking water is sold at 300 kyat at restaurants and 500 kyat at convenience stores. But they quote 1,500 kyat to tourists. They would slowly reduce the price but hey, bear in mind how much you would pay for the same thing elsewhere. Never pay more than 500 kyat for a bottle of 1.5L water! 1,500 kyat is not expensive if you compare to tourist attractions in Singapore, but knowing that you are overcharged by 3 times, would you not reconsider?
To experience the Myanmar daily lives and colours, many tourists like us would simply spend 200 kyat each on a non-aircon train around Yangon. During the train ride, we saw how well/poor the Burmese live, eat, work and sleep. You would also see families sleeping or playing at the train stations.
The Burmese set up roadside stalls everyday in the sun, and when it rains, they would need to pack up at their fastest speed and hide under some shelters. If there is a train coming, they would move everything up the train. They do not just move their own food and belongings, but also assist the others who needed help (especially the women and elderly).
The toilets at Yangon Central Railway Station are located at a corner. You wouldn't know where it is unless you ask for directions. We approached the Passenger Service Counter right in front of the railway station for help and he gave very clear instructions. Usage of the toilets are charged at 100 kyat (S$0.11) per pax, and they did not provide toilet papers in the cubicles. The toilet cubicles were not well-lit and the floor was wet. There were spider webs around the door hinges too. Oh well, you can't expect to have clean toilets in Myanmar.
By the time we arrived at Chinatown of Yangon next was 6.00pm. Chinatown lies in the west of Sule Pagoda and is located in the centre of downtown Yangon. There is a variety of restaurants, jewellery stores, apparel shops and mini-markets. The roadside food stalls are what make the Chinatown an attractive place for both the locals and foreigners. Based on the internet reviews, it is said that one of the best street foods can be found here!
We walked from street to street looking for dinner choices. We shared a egg crepe with shredded coconut (400 kyat), and dry noodles with chicken (1,000 kyat). The crepe is a must try! I can't remember where it is located but it's about one to two streets from the porridge stall. Apparently the queue at the porridge stall attracted us. So we observed and finally ordered the chicken & duck (mixed) porridge (1,200 kyat). There were 3 men working at the stall, one who was wearing a cap, could speak fluent mandarin. Friendly guy too! We weren't really hungry yet so we bought a packet of porridge and some BBQ skewers back to our hotel for 2nd round of dinner. The 19th street is popular for the BBQ food and beer, and almost every stall along that street was selling BBQ. So we finally stopped at Win Restaurant (with red signboard) because the choices and hygiene looked most decent.
Back at our hotel then we realised we didn't have anywhere to pour the porridge into! Luckily there were tea cups, glasses and teaspoons. If only we could have beer with the BBQ skewers... Anyway it was a really satisfying dinner especially the warm porridge!
Merchant Art Residence
Address: New Yay Tar Shay Street, Bahan, Yangon, Myanmar
Getting Here: Via Taxi
Type of Room: Deluxe Twin Room
Type of Room: Deluxe Twin Room
Aung Thukar
Address: 17(A), West Shwe Gon Daing Road, Yangon, Myanmar
Getting Here: Via Taxi or Walk (Note that Aung Thukha is located on Shwe Gon Taing Street 1, near the intersection with Shwe Gon Taing Street 4.)
Yangon Central Railway Station
Address: Kun Chan Road, Yangon, Myanmar
Getting Here: via Taxi
Operating Hours: Circular train serves from 6.10am to 5.10pm daily
Cost: 200 kyat (S$0.22) per ticket
To note: Trains depart Yangon Railway Station in every 45 to 60 minutes. Some trains will operate in the clockwise direction, while others in the anti-clockwise direction.
[Pictures taken using Samsung Galaxy S5 and Oppo]
More on Myanmar:
Day 1: Yangon-Bagan (6 Jun 2016)
Day 2: Bagan (7 Jun 2016)
Day 3: Bagan (8 Jun 2016)
Day 5: Yangon (10 Jun 2016)
More on Myanmar:
Day 1: Yangon-Bagan (6 Jun 2016)
Day 2: Bagan (7 Jun 2016)
Day 3: Bagan (8 Jun 2016)
Day 5: Yangon (10 Jun 2016)
