There is undoubtedly an air of electricity in Yangon. Myanmar’s largest city is in the midst of an incredible growth spurt, brought about by foreign investment from countries like China, Japan and Korea. Ever since Myanmar opened its doors to tourism in 2011 the country has experienced a huge upsurge in the number of people visiting, giving the former capital of Myanmar, a breath of new life.
I ventured to Yangon in January of 2016 to see for myself what the city looked like beneath the surface of so much change. What I found were good people, great food and a city that was ready to embrace its bright new future.

Traffic in Yangon

A typical alleyway in the big city

A group of hungry customers waiting to eat one of Yangon’s delicious street stall delicacies.

A street vendor moves his stall closer to the action.

When in doubt, eat what the locals eat.

The Yangon Circle Line goes all around Yangon, even farther out into surrounding the townships, until it finally returns.

Democracy in Myanmar is popular topic on the minds of most locals.

There’s no better place to get lost than in a market in Myanmar

Burmese women negotiating at peak hours.

A father and son stopped to say hello.

Betel leaf stacked in an intricate pattern

The smell of dried fish fills the air in the local markets.

A smaller temple, located near the Shwedagon Pagoda

I have no idea what this was, but I will never forget its overwhelming stench

Delicious snacks make for tantalizing temptations.

Intricate details outside of a small library

A Burmese student on his way to school.

A young boy gets dressed up by his family

The circle line in Yangon

A Burmese man.

Families and tourists use the trains to get around Yangon

A busy day for locals.

A genuine moment of laughter between two worlds.

The glorious Shwedagon Pagoda

Monks in Myanmar are beginning to embrace technology, in order to learn more about the world around them, and stay connected to other monasteries.

A group of young monks sitting before their teacher.