Yangon Shopping Guide

Yangon is the best place to do most of your shopping, whether it’s gems, jewellery, embroidery or lacquer. At Yangon’s Scott Market, you’ll find lots of souvenir shops where you can pick up some good deals. Stuff to look out for include jewellery, local art, antiques, mother of pearl inlay and shell boxes, ivory and teak carvings, bags and lungis (cloth wraps) made from Shan weaves and pretty baskets.

Shops around local temples sell local crafts and most large hotels have shopping arcades or shops that sell the more `upmarket’ handicrafts aimed at tourists and visitors. Bargaining is common practise in Myanmar, and you can really hone your haggling skills in the local markets. One thing to remember: Myanmar authorities have very strict rules about exporting art and antiques. Don’t buy anything you may not be able to take out of the country- in fact, if you’re keen on buying antiques, you’d best make enquiries beforehand at the MMC.