Finally the Christmas season has arrived. But if that invokes panic at the thought of manically searching for gifts to buy, then relax and read our ideas of where’s good for festive shopping in Yangon. Whether you’re buying socks, sweaters, perfumes or cooking a dinner at home, we have got some suggestions for you:
- Christmas Trees, Lights & Ornaments
It’s the first picture to spring to mind when mulling the festive season: a beautiful Christmas tree adorned with lights and ornaments.
For these purchases as well as Xmas headbands, Santa suits and the like, visit Marketplace by Citymart – where you can find them all in one place. There’s total of five branches in Yangon, below are the addresses:
6.5 Mile, Pyay Road Branch – No 69, 6.5 Mile, Pyay Road, Hlaing Tsp
Junction City Branch – Junction City (level 4), corner of Bogyoke Aung San Road and Shwe
Dagon Pagoda Road, Pabedan Tsp
Sule Square Branch – Sule Square Center, No 221/A, Corner of Sule Pagoda Road and Anawrahta Road, Kyauktada Tsp
Golden Valley Branch – No 403/A, Dhamazedi Road & Golden Valley Road, Bahan Tsp
Myanmar Plaza Branch – Myanmar Plaza Shopping Center, No 192, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Tsp
2. Socks, scarves, night suits, shoes or jumpers
Junction City, Myanmar Plaza, Junction Square, Citymall St. John and Taw Win Centre are all great for Christmas fashion goods (we’re talking dodgy scarves, garish jumpers, questionable pyjamas etc). They all have branded outlets, reasonably priced shops and small merchandise places. But for online shopping here are some recommendations:
3. Cosmetics or perfumes
Cosmetics and perfumes (brands like MAC, Shiseido, NARS, Chanel) can be found at the above places as well. As an alternative, you can go to Citymarts or Beauty Diary Myanmar outlets for a small shopping.
Facebook: beautydiarymyanmar
4. Books
Although millions of books have been uploaded to the web, some, like me, still enjoy turning the page, carrying the book, even catching its smell. Books are perfect companions for staying in with a cup of coffee. They are also perfect presents. Here’s where to buy them in Yangon:
Innwa Books & Cafe – 206(D), 2nd Floor, Myanmar Plaza, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Bahan Tsp
Yangon Book Plaza – 5th Floor, Than Market, Lanmadaw Tsp
TAB Book Centres – Taw Win Centre, Myanmar Culture Valley and Hledan Center
Monument Books Store – 150, Dhamazedi Rd, Corner of Link Rd, Bahan Tsp
Myanmar Book Centre – Corner of Baho Rd & Ahlone Rd, Ahlone Tsp
Bookworm Books – 229, Pansodan Street (Upper Block), Kyauktada Tsp
- Pets
A dog is for life, not just for Christmas. But if you truly abide by that and want a dog, here are some of the most famous pet shops in Yangon:
The Pet House – Rose Garden 4, Pin Lone Housing, North Dagon Tsp, Ph: 09 44447 8259
Golden Triangle Pet Shop – 22A Shukhinthar Mayopat Road, Corner of Myoma Street.16, Thaketa Tsp, Ph: 09 42801 1455
- Cook a Dinner
Are you preparing a Christmas feast at your place? Check out your local market or (again) visit your local Citymart, since it is likely to have all the ingredients you need.
7. Wine Bottles
Want a festive tipple or 12? Wine is the Christmas toast that will warm your toes and, well, get you drunk. Some wine shops:
Avenue Wine Bar – 138C, New University Avenue Road, Bahan Tsp, Ph: 01 400842
APEX Gourmet – 18-2, Inya Road, Kamayut Tsp, Ph: 09 781 503645
The Warehouse Myanmar – 150 Dhammazedi Road, Corner or Link Lane, Bahan Tsp, Ph: 01 537805-06
- Cookies & Cakes
Finally, every Christmas feast should finish on a sweet note. Gourmet shops from Park Royal, Sule Shangri La, Chatrium, Sedona Yangon and Novotel Yangon Max offer special discounts on packages. You can also go to Season Bakeries at City Mart or check out these popular Yangon bakeries:
Yangon Bakehouse – Block C, Ground Floor, Pearl Condo, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Tsp
Acacia Tea Salon – Saya San Road, Bahan Tsp
Angel Phoo’s Bakery – 39 Khatter Street, Sanchaung Tsp
Paradise Bakery – 16 Tharaphy Street, Ahlone Tsp
Kudos Bakery – Ahnawyahtar Road between 49th and 50th Streets, Pazundaung Tsp
Hope ya’ll find out what you want to give and Happy Christmas to ya’ll.
