Stores, Malls or Markets in Rangoon

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Renamed after the national hero and located on the street of the same name, this attractive covered market is crowded with locals but mainly with tourists. It offers tourists a vast selection of local crafts like wood, lacquerware, longyis and prices in some case are better than those found in other places in Myanmar. You can spend a lot of time comparing prices and bargaining and it can get hot inside as it is rather crowded.
Remember though. Bargaining rules here. Prices are in kyats or happily US$

Burma/Myanmar is synomous with jade. There are of course many different types of jade and its colour may vary from what we think should be green to white or pink to reds, blacks, browns and violets. The most expensive jade is Imperial Jade which is a very dark green and looks a bit like emerald without the glitter.

You can buy Jade as a single stone, carved ornament or as part of a ring or pendant. If you are buying jade as part of an ornament the best jade is the jade which if held up to the light you can see through it. Only in the very finest jade is the colour evenly distributed.

Both nephrite and jadeite often have veins, blemishes and streaks running through them, though these may not always be regarded as flaws. On the contrary, some of these patterns are considered particularly valuable.

Every person has his or her own taste and his or her own likings with regard to colour, style and shape. In general, the value of jade is determined according to its colour and the intensity of that colour, the vivacity and texture, and its clarity and transparency. In the USA and Europe, emerald green, spinach green and apple green are regarded as particularly valuable. In the Far East, on the other hand, pure white or a fine yellow with a delicate pink undertone is highly esteemed. In the world of jewellery, the fine violet nuances of lavender jade are very popular. It is however the rare, emerald green of imperial jade, a colour of incredible depth, which fetches the highest price.

What to buy: The silver pendant was a bit difficult to find - most in a gold setting. We paid US$30 for this at the Gem Museum.

There are a number of different ethnic groups which make up Burma/Myanmar. These different groups are represented in these dolls which have been around for at least thiry years. They are not as well made as they were 30 years ago but they still are a representation of Burma.

The dolls themselves are sold throughout Burma but vary in price from US$10 to US$4. You can also buy them as small bronze figurines (in the Sedona Hotel for example for US$30) or as a pair with umbrellas. The ones we have which are over 30 years old are single figures and 5 cm tall but we never saw any similar.

What to pay: We bought our new ones as part of a "package" with other items and therefore able to bargian down to US$4.

This shop is on the first floor in Bogyoke markets- if you cross on the footbridge stay on that level and you will get to it.

The lady selling is very nice. You can buy reasonable lacquerware at a reasonable price - the more you buy the more you can bargain.

What to buy: We bought a number of small cups and some lacquerware placemats with the Buddha "footprint" on them.

What to pay: US$20 for 6 placemats

Behind the wood carving shop in the main brick building facing Bogyoke Street are a number of clothing shops.

I needed a lightweight cotton shirt with sleeves that I could wear to temples and this is what I bought. The caftan top is actually made in Thailand and I could have bought a light blue one as well. It has some sequins and a pull string if I want to make it tighter.

What to pay: It cost US$7

This shop is located on the lower floor.

It sells art work which has a fairly evocative appeal in that uses Buddhist monks as a symbol of Burma. The artwork follows a formulaic approach but it is cheap. They do roll the canvas up so you can easily carry it.

What to pay: Bargain them down to less than US$10

I suppose this is as close as you can get to a Department store in the centre of the city. If you want to buy any electronic or household goods such as a tiffin carrier this is the place.

It is in Boyoke street opposite Scotts/Boyoke Market. It has several floors and a variety of goods.

BTW it had a variety of tiffin carriers none of them made in Myanmar!!

What to buy: Tiffin carriers

What to pay: Tiffin carriers varies from US$4.00 - US$10.00

I don`t remember the address of any antique shop , but every taxi driver wiil take you to the store where you can buy everything from used condom of king Nanda Bhueng to howitzer made in U.S.S.R...
Try your chancre ! ( sorry , chance... mam...)