All You Need to Shop in Yangon (2025): Markets, Malls & Bargaining Tips

Introduction: My Love Affair with Yangon’s Shopping Scene

The first time I wandered into Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) back in 2018, I was completely overwhelmed. The labyrinthine aisles, persistent vendors, and kaleidoscope of unfamiliar goods left me flustered and I ended up panic-buying a jade bracelet for double its value. Fast forward to 2025, and I’ve spent a cumulative eight months exploring Yangon across multiple visits. I’ve bargained in Burmese (badly), befriended jewelry sellers, and discovered hidden boutiques down unnamed alleys. Each trip teaches me something new about this fascinating city’s shopping landscape.

Whether you’re hunting for authentic handicrafts, trendy fashion, or just wondering how to navigate Yangon’s diverse shopping scene, this guide combines my hard-won experiences with the latest 2025 updates. I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to!

Understanding Yangon’s Shopping Culture in 2025

Shopping in Yangon isn’t just a transaction—it’s a cultural experience and social activity. After Myanmar’s reopening to tourism post-pandemic, Yangon’s retail landscape has evolved rapidly, balancing traditional markets with newfound international influences.

Shopping Hours & Best Times

Most Yangon shops operate from around 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM, though traditional markets often open earlier (around 8 AM) and close by 6 PM. In 2025, many air-conditioned malls have extended their hours until 9:30 PM, especially on weekends.

My personal timing tip: Visit traditional markets between 8-10 AM for the freshest selection and fewer crowds. For malls, weekday mornings are blissfully quiet. Avoid shopping on full moon days (Uposatha) when many local shops close for Buddhist observances.

Currency & Payment Methods

The Myanmar Kyat (MMK) remains the primary currency, though the payment landscape has changed dramatically since my first visit:

Cash: Still king in traditional markets. In 2025, the largest note is 10,000 kyat (about $4.75 USD). Always carry smaller denominations (1,000 and 5,000 notes) for market purchases.
Mobile Payments: KBZPay and Wave Money are now widely accepted in malls and mid-range shops. I’ve loaded both on my phone—they’re lifesavers.
Credit Cards: Increasingly accepted at upscale establishments and malls, but often with a 3-5% surcharge. Visa and Mastercard are most reliable.

Insider Tip: ATMs now dispense up to 300,000 kyat per transaction, but many still charge 6,000-8,000 kyat ($3-4 USD) per withdrawal. I use CB Bank or AYA Bank ATMs which have the lowest fees. Better yet, exchange money at authorized counters in Junction City Mall for superior rates.

Traditional Markets: The Heart of Yangon Shopping

Despite modernization, Yangon’s traditional markets remain my favorite places to shop. They’re chaotic, authentic, and offer the best glimpses into local life.

Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market)

The grande dame of Yangon markets, this colonial-era treasure remains the top shopping destination. In 2025, following a partial renovation, the market is more organized but maintains its character.

What to buy:

Gems & Jewelry: Jade, rubies, and sapphires remain specialties, though prices have increased about 20% since 2023. Look for shops with government certification.
Textiles: The selection of longyi (traditional sarongs) is unmatched. Quality silk longyi now run 35,000-60,000 kyat ($17-29).
Handicrafts: Lacquerware, puppets, and wood carvings from across Myanmar.

I always visit U Hla Tun’s shop on the eastern wing for fabric—he remembers me each time I return and always throws in extra napkins with larger purchases. While there, I use the phrase “yay zaga beh lau leh?” (how much is this?) to start negotiations.

Theingyi Zay Market

Less touristed than Bogyoke, this sprawling traditional market in downtown offers a more authentic experience. It’s where locals actually shop.

What to buy:

Dried goods & spices: The eastern hall contains countless varieties of beans, nuts, and spices at unbeatable prices.
Traditional medicine: Herbs, roots, and natural remedies that locals swear by.
Everyday items: Household goods at local prices—I buy beautiful handmade brooms here for 2,500 kyat (about $1.20).

During my last visit in January 2025, I wandered into the western section and discovered an entire floor dedicated to fabrics I’d never seen before. The sensory overload here is real—the pungent smell of dried fish mixed with incense, the constant chatter of vendors, and the rainbow of spices create an unforgettable shopping experience.

Yangon Night Market (Strand Road)

The revitalized night market along Strand Road has become increasingly popular since its 2022 renovation. Open from 3 PM to 11 PM daily, it combines food stalls with clothing and souvenir vendors.

On hot evenings, this riverside market offers a welcome breeze and a lively atmosphere. I especially love the section between Pansodan and Sule Pagoda Road, where you’ll find young local designers selling contemporary takes on traditional designs.

Money-Saving Insider Tip: Visit any market after 5 PM when vendors are preparing to close. I’ve secured discounts of 30-40% simply by shopping during this “golden hour” when sellers prefer to make final sales rather than pack up merchandise.

Modern Shopping Malls in Yangon (2025 Update)

Yangon’s mall scene has transformed dramatically, providing air-conditioned respite and international brands that were unimaginable a decade ago.

Junction City

Currently Yangon’s most upscale mall, Junction City remains the city’s premier shopping destination in 2025. The six-floor complex houses international brands, a premium supermarket, and excellent dining options.

Notable features:

Fashion: Hosts brands like Mango, Timberland, and in 2025, the newly opened first Myanmar H&M location.
Marketplace: The basement City Mart supermarket is ideal for stocking up on snacks and Myanmar coffee beans.
Banking: Houses multiple currency exchange counters with competitive rates—usually 1-2% better than street exchangers.

I embarrassed myself here in 2023 by unknowingly using the prayer room as a quiet place to organize my shopping bags. A kind local quickly redirected me—one of those cultural missteps that still makes me cringe!

Myanmar Plaza

Located farther from downtown but closer to embassies and expat neighborhoods, Myanmar Plaza continues to thrive in 2025 with a good mix of international and local brands.

Since 2024, the mall has added a dedicated “Myanmar Makers Market” on the third floor showcasing local designers and artisans. I found beautiful handmade notebooks using traditional Shan paper here for 12,000 kyat (about $5.75)—half what similar products cost at tourist shops.

The Riverview Mall (New in 2024)

Yangon’s newest retail development sits along Strand Road with actual views of the Yangon River. While still establishing itself, it offers a modern shopping experience with an emphasis on local designer boutiques and food outlets.

The rooftop garden and dining area provides a spectacular sunset view of the river—a perfect place to rest after a day of shopping. I discovered an incredible local brand called Burmese Days that creates contemporary clothing from traditional textiles on the second floor.

Insider Money-Saving Tip: Download the “Myanmar Rewards” app (new in 2024) that aggregates mall loyalty programs. I’ve saved about 80,000 kyat ($38) in three months using the digital punch cards and flash discounts.

Specialty Shopping in Yangon

Bargain Hunting at Yuzana Plaza

For electronics, phone accessories, and surprisingly good fashion knockoffs, Yuzana Plaza remains my go-to spot. Located near the central railway station, this multi-story complex isn’t pretty, but the prices can’t be beat.

The air conditioning is spotty and navigation is confusing, but persistence pays off. My greatest find was a perfectly good secondhand iPad for 120,000 kyat ($57) that has served me faithfully for two years. The fourth floor houses factory overruns from Myanmar’s garment industry—I’ve found export-quality t-shirts for just 3,000 kyat ($1.43).

Artisan Shopping at Hla Day

Hla Day continues to be Yangon’s premier destination for ethically-produced handicrafts. This social enterprise works with disadvantaged groups and small producers to create contemporary products with traditional techniques.

Their 2025 collection focuses on sustainable materials, with standout items including recycled plastic baskets, natural-dyed textiles, and contemporary jewelry using traditional techniques. While prices exceed market rates (earrings range from 25,000-45,000 kyat/$12-22), the quality and ethical production justify the cost.

Last April, I attended their weaving workshop (75,000 kyat/$36 for three hours) and gained newfound appreciation for the skill involved in creating even simple textiles. The experience connected me with three local artisans who shared not just techniques but stories from their villages.

Book Shopping at Myanmar Book Centre

Bookworms shouldn’t miss the Myanmar Book Centre on Merchant Road. Their English-language selection has expanded dramatically in 2025, with translations of Myanmar literature alongside international titles.

The hidden gem is their second-floor collection of photo books documenting Myanmar. I spent hours browsing stunning volumes on tribal cultures, architecture, and changing urban landscapes. My favorite purchase was “Yangon Time Machine” (65,000 kyat/$31)—a photographic comparison of colonial-era and modern street scenes.

Mastering the Art of Bargaining in Yangon

Bargaining remains essential in markets and local shops, though the practice is evolving in 2025. Fixed pricing has become more common in boutiques catering to tourists, but negotiation is still expected in traditional markets.

My Personal Bargaining Strategy

After many painful failures (including once accidentally offering more than the asking price due to currency confusion), I’ve developed a reliable approach:

Research price ranges beforehand by observing similar items at multiple stalls
Start at 40-50% of the asking price for souvenirs and handicrafts
Use a calculator to avoid language confusion
Employ the phrase “ne-be lo pyaw-chin-de” (I want a friend price) with a smile
Be prepared to walk away—I’m often called back with a better offer

I’ve found that learning just a few Burmese phrases transforms the bargaining experience from transactional to social. When I use “kyay zu tin ba deh” (thank you) regardless of outcome, I often receive small gifts or extra discounts on future visits.

What NOT To Do When Bargaining

My worst shopping experience happened when I aggressively bargained over a handmade puppet, eventually getting the price down to 8,000 kyat ($3.80) from 15,000 kyat. The seller reluctantly agreed, but as I watched him carefully wrap it, I noticed his weathered hands and realized I’d spent 10 minutes arguing over less than $4 for something that took days to create. I immediately felt terrible and bought a second puppet at full price.

From this experience, I learned to:

Never bargain on essential items or food
Consider the craftsmanship and time invested
Understand that extreme bargaining can be disrespectful
Recognize when prices are already fair

Money-Saving Insider Tip: Rather than bargaining excessively on individual items, ask for a bulk discount when buying multiple pieces. I consistently receive 10-15% off without any negotiation simply by purchasing 3+ items from the same vendor.

What to Buy in Yangon: Authentic Souvenirs (2025 Prices)

After years of trial and error (and shipping home items that broke, faded, or simply made no sense once I got them home), here are my recommendations for truly worthwhile purchases:

Item	Where to Buy	Price Range (2025)	Notes
Longyi (traditional sarong)	Bogyoke Market	20,000-60,000 kyat ($9.50-$29)	Cotton for everyday, silk for special occasions. Men’s patterns differ from women’s.
Lacquerware	Bogyoke Market or Bagan House	25,000-300,000 kyat ($12-$143)	Best quality comes from Bagan. Check for flexibility without cracking.
Thanaka Wood/Paste	Theingyi Zay	8,000-15,000 kyat ($3.80-$7.20)	Traditional beauty product/sunscreen. Get the grinding stone too!
Tea Leaf Salad Sets	City Mart (Junction City)	15,000-25,000 kyat ($7.20-$12)	Vacuum-sealed sets make great gifts and are perfectly legal to import.
Shan Bags	Pomelo (Merchant Street)	12,000-30,000 kyat ($5.70-$14.30)	Colorful, durable cotton bags in various sizes. I use mine daily.
Burmese Puppets	Nay Toe Puppet Shop (Bogyoke Market)	15,000-120,000 kyat ($7.20-$57)	Traditional marionettes. The cheaper ones are purely decorative.
Gems/Jewelry	Bogyoke Market (certified shops only)	From 100,000 kyat (From $48)	Be extremely cautious. Only buy from government-certified vendors.

During my last visit, I discovered the newly opened Pomelo on Merchant Street, which offers fixed-price ethical crafts with transparent pricing that explains how much goes to artisans. Their curated collection saves time while ensuring quality—perfect if you’re short on shopping days.

Sustainability in Shopping

Myanmar faces significant environmental challenges, and conscientious shopping can make a difference. In 2025, several initiatives have emerged that allow for both sustainable and economical purchases:

Chu Chu Yangon: This innovative workshop in Dala (across the river) transforms plastic waste into colorful, durable products. Their tote bags (28,000 kyat/$13.40) last forever and support waste management programs.
Yangon Heritage Trust Shop: Located near Pansodan, this store sells upcycled products made from salvaged materials from historical renovations. I treasure my notebook covered in reclaimed teak (45,000 kyat/$21.50).
Refill Stations: New in 2024, several zero-waste shops in Yangon allow you to refill toiletries and essentials in your own containers. I saved nearly 60,000 kyat ($29) on my three-week trip by refilling shampoo and soap rather than buying packaged products.

Navigating Shopping Challenges in Yangon

Shipping & Luggage Considerations

One of my costliest mistakes was buying too much without a shipping plan. In 2023, I had to purchase an extra suitcase (90,000 kyat/$43) and still paid excess baggage fees. Now I’m more strategic:

Myanmar Post Office: Reliable for documents and flat items, less so for fragile goods. Surface mail takes 2-3 months but costs 60% less than air service.
DHL/FedEx: Available at Junction City and Myanmar Plaza. Expensive but reliable—shipping a 2kg package to the US costs around 200,000 kyat ($95).
Collapsible Duffel: I now pack a lightweight foldable duffel for extra purchases.

My most successful approach has been using vacuum compression bags to shrink textiles and clothing purchases to a fraction of their original size. A full-sized longyi compresses to the size of a paperback book!

Authenticity Concerns

Counterfeit goods—particularly jade and gems—remain problematic in 2025. My unfortunate “genuine ruby” purchase in 2019 (which turned out to be colored glass) taught me to be cautious.

For jewelry and gems:

Only purchase from government-licensed vendors (look for the official certificate)
Visit the Myanmar Gems Museum first to educate yourself on appearance
Be suspicious of extraordinary bargains
Request certification for significant purchases

I’ve also encountered well-made “antiques” that were actually created last week. If authenticity matters, shop at established galleries like Augustine on Merchant Street, where provenance is documented (though prices reflect this assurance).

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Yangon Shopping Experience

Shopping in Yangon offers a window into Myanmar’s culture, craftsmanship, and changing identity. From the sensory overload of traditional markets to the air-conditioned comfort of modern malls, the city provides diverse experiences for every type of shopper.

Your 5-Step Yangon Shopping Action Plan

Prepare your currency strategy: Get crisp USD for exchange, download KBZPay, and notify your credit card company about Myanmar transactions.
Start with observation: Spend your first day visiting markets without buying to understand price ranges and products.
Learn three basic phrases: “How much?” (“beh lau leh?“), “Too expensive” (“zay gyi deh“), and “Thank you” (“kyay zu tin ba deh“).
Balance your shopping venues: Mix traditional markets (morning) with air-conditioned malls (afternoon) to avoid exhaustion.
Support ethical businesses: Allocate at least 30% of your shopping budget to social enterprises like Hla Day, Pomelo, or Chu Chu to ensure positive impact.

My final piece of advice comes from experience: leave room—both in your suitcase and your itinerary—for unexpected discoveries. Some of my most treasured souvenirs were found in nameless shops down random streets, and the stories behind these spontaneous purchases have become my favorite memories of Yangon.

The city’s retail landscape continues to evolve rapidly in 2025, balancing tradition with innovation. As you navigate the markets and malls, remember that shopping here isn’t just about the transaction—it’s about connection, culture, and contributing positively to a country still finding its footing in the global economy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping in Yangon

Is bargaining expected everywhere in Yangon?

No. While bargaining is expected and necessary in traditional markets and with street vendors, it’s not appropriate in department stores, malls, or shops with clearly marked prices. Social enterprises like Hla Day and Pomelo also use fixed pricing to ensure fair compensation for artisans.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Yangon in 2025?

Credit card acceptance has improved significantly but remains limited to upscale establishments, hotels, and major malls. Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted. Always carry cash for markets, local restaurants, and smaller shops. The mobile payment platforms KBZPay and Wave Money have become increasingly popular alternatives.

What are the best days to shop in Yangon?

Tuesday through Thursday typically offer the best shopping experience with fewer crowds. Many markets are closed or have limited vendors on Monday. Weekends (especially Sunday afternoons) bring local families to malls, creating crowded conditions. Be aware that many traditional shops close on full moon days for Buddhist observances.

How can I ship purchases home from Yangon?

International shipping options include DHL and FedEx (offices in Junction City Mall and Myanmar Plaza), though costs are high. Myanmar Post offers more economical rates but limited tracking and longer delivery times. For valuable items like artwork or antiques, check export regulations—some items require permits.

Are fake goods a problem in Yangon markets?

Yes, particularly with gems, antiques, and brand-name products. For gems and jewelry, only purchase from licensed dealers with proper certification. For antiques, significant pieces should have documentation. Counterfeit electronics and luxury brands are common in markets like Yuzana Plaza—purchase these only if you understand you’re buying replicas.

What shopping areas should I avoid in Yangon?

While most shopping areas are generally safe, the areas around the central railway station become less secure after dark. Exercise caution at Theingyi Zay Market where narrow, crowded aisles can attract pickpockets. In 2025, the area around Sule Pagoda has seen increased tourist-targeted scams involving “exclusive” shopping opportunities.

How much should I tip shop assistants or helpers?

Tipping is not customary or expected in retail establishments in Myanmar. However, if someone provides exceptional assistance, like carrying heavy packages across multiple shops or helping with translation for an extended period, a tip of 2,000-5,000 kyat ($1-2.40) is appreciated.

Can I buy alcohol and tobacco products in Yangon?

Yes. Supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty shops sell alcohol and tobacco. In 2025, regulations require these items to be sold in dedicated sections. Myanmar-produced spirits and beer are significantly less expensive than imported brands. City Mart in Junction City offers the best selection of imported alcohol, though at premium prices (often 2-3x international costs).