Kandawgyi Lake & Park - a body of water surrounded by lots of trees
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Kandawgyi Lake & Park

4.2
·326 reviews·Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)

A colonial-era reservoir transformed into a vibrant park, featuring the iconic Karaweik Palace and stunning pagoda views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful runs & pagoda views

CrowdLow
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Kandawgyi Lake & Park - a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Kandawgyi Lake & Park

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful runs & pagoda views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A colonial-era reservoir transformed into a vibrant park, featuring the iconic Karaweik Palace and stunning pagoda views.

4.2
(326 reviews)

"The lake is a nice spot for a morning run with great pagoda views from the northern side."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Free Access Hack

Access the lake from the northern side for free entry and great pagoda views. Avoid fees if not dining!

👟 Perfect for a Run

Popular spot for morning runs; loop with Kandawmin Park for longer routes.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Karaweik Palace

Karaweik Palace

On the lake

A majestic replica of a royal barge, offering iconic photo opportunities and a glimpse of traditional Burmese architecture.

Boardwalk Views

Boardwalk Views

Around the lake

Newly replaced wooden boardwalks provide scenic walking paths with stunning views of the lake and Shwedagon Pagoda.

Shwedagon Pagoda Vista

Shwedagon Pagoda Vista

Northern side of the park

Catch breathtaking glimpses of the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Entrance Fee

A 500 MMK entrance fee is often charged, especially if you plan to dine. However, savvy visitors can access parts of the lake via a plywood path on the west side for free, perfect for quick sightseeing. Be mindful of the path's condition and potential blockages.

Best Time for a Stroll or Run

Early mornings are ideal for a peaceful run or walk around the lake, avoiding the midday heat and crowds. Access from the northern side is often free and offers great pagoda views, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful runs & pagoda views
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour pagoda glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Running in Yangon

🚶‍♀️ Free Access Hack

Access the lake from the northern side for free entry and great pagoda views. Avoid fees if not dining! Reddit

👟 Perfect for a Run

Popular spot for morning runs; loop with Kandawmin Park for longer routes. Reddit

reddit.com

3 day trip to Yangon

📸 Iconic Photo Spot

The Double Dragon Stone Boat (Karaweik Palace) is a must-capture landmark. Reddit

🚧 Boardwalk Caution

Boardwalks are being repaired; watch for dead ends and construction. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Free Access Hack

Access the lake from the northern side for free entry and great pagoda views. Avoid fees if not dining! Reddit

👟 Perfect for a Run

Popular spot for morning runs; loop with Kandawmin Park for longer routes. Reddit

📸 Iconic Photo Spot

The Double Dragon Stone Boat (Karaweik Palace) is a must-capture landmark. Reddit

🚧 Boardwalk Caution

Boardwalks are being repaired; watch for dead ends and construction. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(326 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kandawgyi Lake offers a mixed experience, with many praising the scenic views of the Karaweik Palace and Shwedagon Pagoda, especially from the improved boardwalks. However, some visitors note ongoing construction and the entrance fee, suggesting alternative free access points for those not dining. It's a popular spot for locals for exercise and relaxation.

"If you are not going there for meal. You don't have to pay 500mmk entrance fee to the clutter of restaurants. If just for sight seeing. There is a plywood path build near the lake before the entrance. You can just take that path to see the lake. You can't walk around the lake. Is blocked and be careful of those holes on the path. Only the Double Dragon Stone Boat there for you to take pictures. Other then that nothing good to see. Those path that can be walk on is surround by building. No nature, so don't waste time coming here."

stephen francis

"There are many things to do around the lake area, including visiting a couple of public parks, a plant nursery area, going for a walk around the lake, trying the food at one of the many restaurants around the lake, sitting in the shade and enjoying live music played and sung by park revelers, jogging, hiking, eating lunch, picnicking. This is a huge public space that rarely disappoints. Highly recommended."

Georges Younes

"The lake is a nice spot for a morning run. There are various entrances to the park surrounding the lake - on the southern side some will charge an entrance fee but access from the northern side was free of charge as of January 2020.
The park on the northern side allows for some great pagoda views.
At the time of writing this a boardwalk was being erected on the southern-west side but it was not complete, yet."

René Schüler

What People Like

Scenic pagoda views
Iconic Karaweik Palace
Improved boardwalks

What People Dislike

Entrance fee
Ongoing construction
Rubbish in parts

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kandawgyi Lake is accessible by taxi or Grab from most parts of Yangon. While there isn't direct public transport to the park's main entrances, taxis are plentiful and affordable. Some visitors mention accessing it from the northern side for free, which might be easier to reach by a short taxi ride.

Parking availability can be inconsistent, especially on weekends or during peak hours. It's often easier and more convenient to use ride-sharing services like Grab or a local taxi to reach the lake.

Walking to Kandawgyi Lake from downtown Yangon is possible but can be a long trek, especially in Yangon's heat. It's generally recommended to take a taxi or Grab for a more comfortable journey.

Yes, there are multiple entrances. The southern side often has an entrance fee, particularly if you plan to dine. Access from the northern side is frequently mentioned as being free and offering good pagoda views. Reddit

For most visitors, using ride-sharing apps like Grab is the most convenient and reliable way to get around Yangon and reach Kandawgyi Lake. Taxis are also readily available.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

An entrance fee of 500 MMK is typically charged, especially if you intend to visit the restaurants. However, some visitors have found ways to access parts of the lake and park for free, particularly from the northern side or by using alternative paths. Reddit

No, tickets are usually purchased on-site at the entrance. If you plan to avoid the fee, you won't need a ticket. Reddit

The park is generally open from early morning until late evening. Specific hours can vary, but it's a popular spot for morning exercise and evening strolls.

Yes, visitors have reported accessing parts of the lake and park for free, especially from the northern side or by utilizing a plywood path on the western side before the main entrance. Reddit

Refund policies are not typically advertised, and it's unlikely you'd receive one. It's best to explore a bit before committing to the fee if you're unsure about staying. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Kandawgyi Lake offers a pleasant park environment with walking paths, the iconic Karaweik Palace barge, and views of the Shwedagon Pagoda. You can enjoy a stroll, jog, or simply relax by the water. Many restaurants are also located around the lake. Reddit

The boardwalk has undergone recent repairs and replacements, offering a nice way to walk around the lake. However, some sections might still be under construction or lead to dead ends, so be prepared for potential detours. Reddit

While the intention is to have a complete loop, parts of the boardwalk have been under repair, meaning you might encounter sections that are blocked or incomplete. It's still possible to cover significant portions of the lake's perimeter. Reddit

The Karaweik Palace barge is a prime photo opportunity. Additionally, the northern side of the park offers excellent vantage points for capturing the Shwedagon Pagoda, especially during sunrise or sunset. Reddit

Absolutely! Kandawgyi Lake is a popular spot for morning runs. The paths around the lake provide a scenic route, and some runners combine it with Kandawmin Park for longer distances. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Kandawgyi Lake is surrounded by numerous restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to more upscale dining options. Many offer views of the lake and the Karaweik Palace. Reddit

You can find a variety of cuisines, with a strong emphasis on Burmese and Asian dishes. Some restaurants also offer international options. Reddit

Prices can vary significantly. While some restaurants are quite affordable, others, especially those with prime lake views or associated with hotels, can be more expensive. Reddit

Picnicking is a popular activity at Kandawgyi Park, with many visitors enjoying meals in the green spaces. It's a great way to experience the park like a local. Reddit

While the main attractions are the restaurants, you might find some smaller vendors selling snacks or drinks, especially on busier days. However, it's not as prevalent as in some other public spaces. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the Shwedagon Pagoda's glow. Late afternoons and evenings provide beautiful golden hour light and sunset views over the lake and pagoda. Reddit

The Karaweik Palace barge is a standout subject. The newly renovated boardwalks offer great perspectives of the lake, and the northern park areas provide stunning, unobstructed views of the Shwedagon Pagoda. Reddit

Drone usage in public parks and around significant landmarks in Yangon is generally restricted. It's advisable to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone. Reddit

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both the wide lake views and details of the Karaweik Palace. A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is excellent for the pagoda shots. A tripod can be useful for low-light photography in the evening. Reddit

While specific tours for Kandawgyi Lake might be rare, many general Yangon photography tours will include this location due to its iconic landmarks. It's worth inquiring with local tour operators. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kandawgyi Lake and its surrounding park offer a pleasant outing for families. The open spaces are great for kids to run around, and the boardwalks provide a safe and engaging environment for a stroll. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the general atmosphere is family-friendly. Pack some snacks or plan for a meal at one of the many restaurants around the lake to make a day of it. Reddit

Be aware that parts of the boardwalk might still be under construction, so keep a close eye on younger children. The Karaweik Palace is also a visually interesting landmark that can capture kids' imaginations. Accessing the park from the northern side is often free and can be a good starting point for families looking to explore without an immediate fee. Reddit

🏃‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts

For runners and fitness enthusiasts, Kandawgyi Lake is a prime location in Yangon. The paths around the lake are popular for morning jogs, offering a scenic and relatively flat route. Many locals use the park for their daily exercise routines, creating a motivating atmosphere. Reddit

To extend your workout, consider linking your run with the adjacent Kandawmin Park. This combination provides a longer and more varied running or walking circuit. The park is generally accessible early in the morning, allowing for a refreshing start to the day before the heat sets in. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Kandawgyi Lake is a photographer's delight, offering a mix of architectural marvels and scenic vistas. The Karaweik Palace barge is an iconic subject, best captured during the golden hours for dramatic lighting. The Shwedagon Pagoda views from the northern park areas are exceptional, especially at sunrise and sunset, providing opportunities for stunning landscape shots. Reddit

Explore the newly renovated boardwalks for unique angles of the lake and its surroundings. Be prepared for potential construction, but the completed sections offer excellent vantage points. Early mornings are ideal for fewer crowds and softer light, while evenings offer the magic of the pagoda's glow. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Karaweik Palace

The Karaweik Palace is arguably the most recognizable feature of Kandawgyi Lake. This magnificent structure is a replica of a traditional Burmese royal barge, designed to evoke the grandeur of ancient kingdoms. Its distinctive, ornate design makes it a popular subject for photographers and a must-see for visitors. While it has historically housed a restaurant, its primary appeal remains its striking visual presence on the water. Reddit

Visitors often find themselves drawn to its intricate details and vibrant colors, especially when illuminated in the evening. The barge is strategically positioned to be a focal point, visible from various points around the lake, and serves as a constant reminder of Myanmar's rich cultural heritage. It's a landmark that truly defines the Kandawgyi Lake experience. Reddit

Exploring the Boardwalks and Park

The boardwalks surrounding Kandawgyi Lake have been a significant feature, offering a unique perspective of the water and its surroundings. Recent renovations have aimed to improve the visitor experience, creating more accessible and scenic pathways. However, as with many infrastructure projects in developing cities, there can be ongoing construction, leading to temporary blockages or detours. Reddit

Despite potential disruptions, the boardwalks provide a pleasant environment for walking, jogging, and enjoying the lake's atmosphere. The park itself is a vital green space in Yangon, offering locals a place for recreation and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the open spaces, observe local life, and appreciate the views, particularly of the Shwedagon Pagoda from the northern sections of the park. Reddit

For those interested in exercise, the lake is a popular spot for morning runs. The relatively flat terrain and scenic route make it an appealing choice. Some locals and visitors extend their runs by connecting to nearby Kandawmin Park, creating a longer and more varied circuit. Reddit

Pagoda Views and Local Life

One of the most rewarding aspects of visiting Kandawgyi Lake, especially from its northern side, is the stunning view of the Shwedagon Pagoda. This iconic landmark, visible in the distance, is particularly breathtaking during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The interplay of light on the pagoda's golden stupa creates a magical spectacle that photographers and sightseers alike cherish. Reddit

The park also offers a glimpse into local life in Yangon. You'll see residents engaging in various activities, from morning exercises and leisurely strolls to family outings and picnics. This provides an authentic cultural experience, allowing visitors to observe the daily rhythms of the city in a relaxed setting. The presence of numerous restaurants and open spaces encourages social gatherings, making the park a vibrant community hub. Reddit

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