Yangon circle train ride

5/3(Wed)	go shopping to Bogyoke Aung San Market experience of the Yangon circle train ride route map
Lodging	Panorama / US$27 per night
	[booking sites for you / agoda.com Journeys Myanmar Myanmar P.L.G. Travel and Tours Sanay Travel]
Major expense(s)	Yangon circle train (passport required): US$1 Taxi / The University of Yangon-downtown: 2,500K=US$2
Related Sites	General Links - Asia Myanmar
My Advice	Yangon circle train takes about 2 hours and half for coming full circle. If you take clockwise line, I suggest to get off Hledan station where is located near the University of Yangon and Hledan Market; meanwhile, if you take counterclockwise line, I suggest to get off Parami station where is located near Kaba Aye Pagoda and Maha Pasana Cave. However, route map on the train is written in only Burmese, and there are NOT always bilingual station sign except major ones. So you can buy some drinks and fruits from sales aboard a train.

I regreted booking the hotel without pool because of intense heat.
Since I intended not to go sightseeing in remaining two days in Myanmar, I consulted with Sanay Travel about traveling to any beaches.
Mr. Mitsuru Nishigaki said Ngapali Beach is the most convenience to access from Yangon.
Of course I had him reserve air tickets and hotel in the beach.
Therefore it takes about 7 - 8 hours from Yangon to Chaungtha Beach via Pathein by bus, he added.

Bogyoke Aung San Market is suitable for shopping souvenirs.
T-shirts and longi are available there.
You can also change US dollar to Myanmar kyat with quite high exchange rate.
But the market is for foreign tourists, you are often overcharged by taxi drivers in front of the market.

After lunch I went to Yangon central station for riding Yangon circle train.
As I had a hard time of unreadable Burmese at the station, some locals who is Japanese speaking guide took me to the ticketing booth.
Train ticket cost me only US$1, but I was surprised to be required to show my passport.
I had the same situation when I boarded the Island Water Transport, I guess Myanmar government usually checks foreign tourists.
Yangon circle train takes about 2 hours and half for coming full circle.
I intended not to do so, I got off Hledan station where there are near the University of Yangon and Hledan market.
Because I thought to be able to catch a taxi there; in fact, I could do it and come back to Sule Pagoda.
Therefore aforementioned Burmese said there is seldom transport to downtown if you get off on the way; hence, I took a risky way.
If you avoid taking a risk, it would be better to join some guided tour.

Yangon's public phone booths
Yangon Central Station
Yangon circle train clockwise line