Things to Do at Bogyoke Aung San Market

Complete Guide to Bogyoke Aung San Market in Yangon

About Bogyoke Aung San Market

Bogyoke Aung San Market, formerly known as Scott Market, is Yangon's most famous covered market and honestly, it's the kind of place that might overwhelm you at first glance. Built during the British colonial period in 1926, this sprawling indoor bazaar houses over 2,000 shops under one roof, creating a maze-like experience where you'll find everything from traditional Burmese handicrafts to modern electronics. The market gets its current name from General Aung San, Myanmar's independence hero and father of Aung San Suu Kyi. What makes this place genuinely interesting isn't just the shopping - it's the atmosphere. You'll hear a dozen languages being spoken, smell incense mixing with street food aromas, and watch local vendors expertly navigate negotiations that have been happening in these same stalls for decades. Sure, it's touristy, but it's touristy for good reason. This is actually where many locals come for special purchases, particularly jewelry and traditional clothing, which gives the whole experience a more authentic feel than you might expect from such a well-known destination.

What to See & Do

Gem and Jewelry Section

Myanmar is famous for its rubies and jade, and you'll find some genuinely impressive pieces here. Even if you're not buying, watching the intricate bargaining process is fascinating. The craftsmanship tends to be excellent, though obviously you'll want to know your gems if you're making a serious purchase.

Traditional Handicrafts Area

This is where you'll stumble across beautifully carved wooden Buddha statues, intricate lacquerware from Bagan, and traditional Burmese marionettes. The quality varies quite a bit, but you can find some really special pieces if you take your time browsing.

Textile and Clothing Stalls

You might find yourself spending more time here than expected - the selection of traditional longyis (sarongs), silk scarves, and embroidered items is genuinely impressive. Many vendors will actually help you learn how to properly wear a longyi, which is worth the experience alone.

Art and Antiques Section

A mix of genuine antiques and well-made reproductions line these stalls. You'll see everything from colonial-era maps to traditional Burmese paintings. The vendors here tend to be quite knowledgeable about the history behind their pieces.

Food Court Area

Tucked away in corners, you'll discover small food stalls serving surprisingly good local snacks and tea. It's not the main attraction, but grabbing a cup of sweet Burmese tea here gives you a nice break from all the shopping.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though individual stalls might close earlier. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

Tickets & Pricing

Free entry to the market itself. Individual purchases obviously vary widely depending on what you're buying and your bargaining skills.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded and vendors might be more willing to negotiate. Late afternoons can get quite busy, especially on weekends.

Suggested Duration

Plan for 2-3 hours if you want to explore properly, though you could easily spend a full day here if you're serious about shopping or just enjoy the atmosphere.

Getting There

Find the market on Bogyoke Aung San Road in downtown Yangon. Most taxi drivers recognize the simple name 'Bogyoke Market'-no confusion there. You can walk from central hotels, but the heat makes a taxi smarter. The circular railway stops at Central Railway Station. That is a 5-minute walk away. Still, taxis remain your best bet and won't cost more than a few dollars from anywhere downtown.

Things to Do Nearby

Sule Pagoda
This 2,000-year-old pagoda sits right in the heart of downtown, about a 10-minute walk from the market. It's smaller than Shwedagon but has its own charm, especially given its central location.

Yangon City Hall
A beautiful example of colonial architecture that's worth seeing if you're interested in the city's British period. It's practically next door to the market.

Mahabandoola Garden
A pleasant green space in the middle of the city where you can rest your feet after all that market browsing. Nothing spectacular, but a nice break from the urban intensity.

Strand Hotel
Even if you're not staying here, this historic colonial hotel is worth a peek for its old-world atmosphere. Their afternoon tea is genuinely good if you want to splurge a bit.

Yangon River waterfront
About a 15-minute walk from the market, the riverfront gives you a different perspective on the city and tends to be a bit cooler in the evenings.

Tips & Advice

Bargaining is expected and actually part of the experience - start at about 30-40% of the asking price and work from there

Bring cash in small denominations (kyat or US dollars) as most vendors don't accept cards, and having exact change helps with negotiations

The market can get quite warm and crowded, so dress comfortably and consider bringing a small bottle of water

If you're buying gems or expensive items, try to shop with someone who knows what they're looking at - quality can vary dramatically and it's not always obvious to untrained eyes