What To Buy In Yangon, Myanmar

1. Sand paintings

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Sand paintings are one of the most commonly bought items in Myanmar, mostly by tourists. They are affordable, easily available, and downright gorgeous. These works of art usually depict the various ways of life of the Burmese. Some are also replicas of the murals in the Bagan Temple. It is the most popular artwork you’ll find in Myanmar, but beneath all that glamour is a painstaking process where artists spend hours or even days sprinkling sand through a screen. You’ll find these sand paintings in most temples and pagodas, even in the remote ones that few tourists would visit.

Myanmar Culture Valley

Address: People’s Park, U Wisara Road, Dagon Township, Yangon

Price: 13 USD and above

Website: Myanmar Culture Valley

2. Gemstone paintings

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

One of the most interesting items you can buy in Myanmar is a painting made of gemstones, comprising mainly ruby and jade. The process involves the crushing of gemstones into tiny pieces and sprinkling them like powdered colors that will then form a beautiful painting depicting beautiful scenery. So popular are these paintings that you can find them in most markets in town. They also make ideal gifts for friends and family back home.

IDEA GEMS ART & FRAME

Address: Block C, Bogyoke Aung San Market, No. 21, Yangon, Myanmar

Opening Hours: Mon–Sun: 8am–5pm

Price: 6.50 USD and above

3. Kalagas (tapestries)

Kalaga is a must-buy souvenir in Myanmar. It is a tapestry commonly made of silver and gold threads that seem to narrate tales in Buddhist Scriptures. Each tapestry is beaded, embroidered, and sequined to perfection by a trained weaver. It also comes in different colors, sizes, and designs. It is a traditional art form that stems way back in 18th-century Mandalay, a once-thriving Burmese trading hub.

Bogyoke Market

Address: East D, Bogyoke AungSan Market, 11141, Pabedan, Township, Yangon 11141, Myanmar

Opening Hours: Tue–Sun: 8am–5:30pm

4. Longyi

Longyi, a traditional Burmese clothing, is a cylindrical-shape sewn cloth that is worn by both sexes around their waist down to their feet and held in place by folding over. It looks like a sarong or a long skirt. Sometimes, it is being worn just up to the knees for comfort. It is a practical and versatile piece of clothing that is perfect for the country’s sweltering weather. It is even used to carry things back in some instances. Longyi also comes in different colors and designs. For instance, male longyi typically comes with striped or chequed patterns and colors like bright pink and dark green, while female longyi is usually made with bright colors, complemented by ornate and unique patterns depending on the girl’s preferences.

Bogyoke Market

Address: East D, Bogyoke AungSan Market, 11141, Pabedan, Township, Yangon 11141, Myanmar

Opening Hours: Tue–Sun: 8am–5:30pm

Price: 15 USD

5. Laquerware

Lacquerware is one of Myanmar’s most sought-after handicrafts. It has a history that dates back to the 12th century with links to the Chinese. Making lacquerware requires meticulousness, patience, and hard work. Resin is acquired from the Thit-si tree and bamboo is repeatedly lacquered to enhance the product’s beauty and durability. This piece of handicraft can be a little expensive but is worth every penny.

Myanmar Lacquerware

Address: 13th St, Yangon, Myanmar

Opening Hours: Mon–Sun: 9:30am–5pm

Price: 10 USD and above

Website: Myanmar Lacquerware

6. Gem and pearl artifacts

Apart from paintings and handicrafts, Myanmar is also popular for its gemstones. It is a great producer of precious stones like ruby, jade, pearl, bead, and more. If you’re planning to buy gemstones, Yangon has numerous stalls that sell them. You can buy spoons, plates, and bowls, made of pearls. Just a word of caution, beware of people selling fake stones for it is also sold everywhere in Yangon, so make sure to choose a reliable store.

Bogyoke Market

Address: East D, Bogyoke AungSan Market, 11141, Pabedan, Township, Yangon 11141, Myanmar

Opening Hours: Tue–Sun: 8am–5:30pm

7. Lotus silk shawls and scarves

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re looking for a unique and colorful souvenir to bring back home, then consider getting shawls and scarves made of lotus silk. Making lotus silk is quite a handful, as the process usually takes two weeks. It is also rather costly, owing to the sheer amount of effort needed to make these products. If you’re wondering where to get them on the cheap whilst not compromising on their quality, visit Nyaung Shwe Village and other places close to the Inle Lake.

Ko Than Hlaing, Taunggyi

Address: Inn Paw Khone Village, Taunggyi, Myanmar

Price: 405 USD and above

Website: Ko Than Hlaing

8. Marble Buddha carvings

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Myanmar’s primary religion is Buddhism. Because of this, you’ll find many stalls selling marble Buddha Carvings in all sizes and forms. Marble carving have been contributing to the richness of Burmese culture for about 200 years. Marble is extracted from Saqyin Hill and is then carved into statues and stone slabs.

Kyauk Daw Kyi

Address: Bargaryar Street, Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar

9. Wind chimes

Burmese wind chimes are quite popular amongst tourists. They are touted as charms that help eliminate bad luck and attract positive energy. The wind chimes in Myanmar come in different styles, sizes, and decorations. The bell facade has symbols that represent the city’s historical attractions and astrology. You can usually get this token at any temple or pagoda in town. It makes the best keepsake for it is light, easily concealed, and hardly breaks.

Bogyoke Market

Address: East D, Bogyoke AungSan Market, 11141, Pabedan, Township, Yangon 11141, Myanmar

Price: 1 USD and above

Opening Hours: Tue–Sun: 8am–5:30pm

10. Gold leaves

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Another popular souvenir in Myanmar are gold leaves, which are often incorporated in lacquerware and wood carvings. Apart from lacquerware and wood carving workshops, you’ll also find lots of gold leaf workshops, where you can buy gold leaves and learn about the process of making one. It is a handicraft that involves beating of coin-size pieces of gold into thin leaves. It makes for good home decor.

King Galon Gold Leaf Workshop

Address: No 143 36th Street, Between 77th & 78th Street, Myet Parr Yart, Mandalay, Myanmar

Price: 32 USD per 100 pcs

Website: King Galon Gold Leaf Workshop

Hello, Yangon

Yangon is popular for its pilgrim sites, Buddhist pagodas, art scene, and more. If you’ve experienced what this place has to offer, why not bring snippets of them back home with these unique products? Keep your eyes peeled for them the next time you find yourself in Yangon.