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Yangon is charming, relatively undiscovered city in the south of Myanmar in south-east Asia. Dubbed the continent's "most exotic city", Yangon is full of religious pagodas, bustling markets, and Victorian-era colonial architecture.
Tourism has started to take off in the country's most populous city. Still off the beaten tourist track, Yangon retains a sense of mysteriousness about it. The hospitality of the Burmese is arguably the best in the region, and locals will often go out of their way to help and welcome visitors to their city. Restaurants use locally sourced ingredients to curate fresh and tasty meals and street vendors offer delicious treats for next to nothing.
As the economy grows, an expat community has steadily established itself in the city. With the influx of newcomers, infrastructure has developed at a rapid rate, making Yangon a comfortable city to live, work, or visit.
Despite its charms, there is no escaping the heat of the auspicious and vibrant city. Relief comes often during the rainy season but many months of the year remain quite warm and humid.
Rooftop bars and air conditioned restaurants are popular refuges during the sweltering summers. Recently, locals, expats, and tourists alike have been taking to the city's pools to cool off. Extravagant, quiet, and secluded, most pools in Yangon are found in luxury hotels around the city. Compared to day passes and memberships in other cities around the region, an afternoon at the pool in Yangon is great value.
Below is a look at some of the finest venues in Yangon to find some respite on a hot afternoon.
The Strand Yangon
Built in 1901, The Strand Yangon is one of the most renowned hotels on the continent. A pinnacle of luxury, The Strand's recently refurbished pool is an oasis of calm amongst the bustle of the city. Set among a tropical garden, a dip in this pool along with a cocktail is the perfect way to unwind and escape the heat.
Inya Lake Hotel
Set among 27 acres of verdant gardens overlooking the lake in the northern part of the city is Inya Lake Hotel. Inya Lake Hotel's expansive open-air pool is the ultimate destination to completely unwind after the work week or while on holiday. Said to be partly designed by former Russian Premier Nikita Khrushchev, the impressive pool is accessed with a pass or membership to the hotel's Country Club. The Country Club also includes access to tennis courts and a fully equipped fitness center. This unique pool in Yangon is a link to the city's colonial past and is a strong bet to leave you completely at ease and refreshed.
Jasmine Palace Hotel
Located in central Yangon, the Jasmine Palace Hotel is located midway between the airport and downtown. Offering incredible views of the Shwedagon Pagoda, the hotel's pool is a great spot to chill out after a day of visiting the sights. The hotel hosts large pool parties every so often and is a fun way to meet other tourists and expats.
Taking a dip in one of the city's prime swimming holes should certainly be on the list of anyone planning to visit 'Asia's most exotic city'. You might decide you never want to leave.
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