Top Souvenirs to Buy Home from Yangon, Myanmar

Exploring Yangon’s bustling markets is more than just shopping—it’s discovering the traditions and artistry of Myanmar. From handcrafted pieces to daily essentials with cultural meaning, here are the best souvenirs to bring home.

1. Sand Paintings

Sand paintings are artworks made by sprinkling colored sand onto cloth, creating images of temples, monks, or village scenes. They’re detailed yet delicate, often sold near Shwedagon Pagoda or Bogyoke Market. Because they’re light and easy to pack, they’re one of the most popular choices for travelers looking for something artistic but practical.



2. Longyi (Traditional Burmese Skirt)

The longyi is Myanmar’s national dress—a long piece of fabric wrapped around the waist, worn by both men (paso) and women (htamein). You’ll see almost everyone in Yangon wearing one, from office workers to market vendors. Longyis range from simple cotton for daily life to beautiful silks for weddings and ceremonies. It’s a wearable souvenir that lets you carry a piece of Burmese culture into your everyday life.



3. Thanaka (Natural Cosmetic Paste)

Thanaka is the pale yellow paste you’ll notice on the cheeks of locals, especially women and children. It’s made by grinding bark on a stone slab with water, then applied as a natural sunscreen and skincare product. Thanaka has a cool, refreshing scent and has been used for more than 2,000 years in Myanmar. Buying a small set of Thanaka wood and a grinder lets you take home one of the country’s oldest beauty secrets.



4. Lacquerware

Lacquerware is one of Myanmar’s finest traditional crafts. Artisans coat bamboo or wood with layers of resin, polish it, and then paint or engrave intricate designs. The result is glossy bowls, trays, jewelry boxes, or even vases that can be both decorative and functional. While Bagan is most famous for lacquerware, you’ll find excellent pieces in Yangon markets too.



5. Marionettes (Yoke Thé)

Myanmar has a long tradition of marionette theater, called Yoke Thé. Puppeteers once used these hand-carved wooden dolls to tell stories about kings, spirits, and legends. Today, they’re sold as colorful souvenirs in the form of characters like dancers, animals, or noblemen. More than toys, these puppets are a piece of performance history that bring Burmese storytelling into your home.



6. Pathein Umbrellas

These traditional umbrellas are made from bamboo frames and cotton or silk canopies, hand-painted with floral or geometric patterns. They originated in the town of Pathein but are now widely available in Yangon. Once symbols of status for monks and royalty, today they’re cherished as decorative items or stylish parasols. They come in all sizes, from small table umbrellas to full-size shades.