We Went Together

Myanmar · 8–12 September 2025

Yangon

In just five days, we experienced so many acts of kindness and such genuine friendliness that Myanmar still stands out for us.

Yangon · 9 September

The Local Train

We began with a ride on the Yangon Circular Railway. When I asked for change to buy our tickets, a local simply paid for them and refused to take any money. It was our first taste of the kindness we would experience throughout the trip.

After we changed carriages, a railway guard tracked us down to return an umbrella we had left behind—another unexpected act of kindness.

Sophie seated inside a Yangon train carriage with pillows, bolsters and bedding behind her
Pillows, bolsters and bedding for sale behind Sophie on the train.

9 September

Lunch in the Downpour

We got off at the wrong stop and were completely lost when the rain started pouring. We took shelter at the first food stall we found and stayed for lunch.

When we were ready to leave, we could not find a taxi. The stallholder noticed, found a taxi driver taking a break nearby and asked him to take us back to the hotel. They even walked Vanessa and the children to the car under umbrellas.

It was the third act of kindness we had experienced in only a few hours.

The family eating at a roadside food stall while heavy rain falls outside
People from a food stall sheltering Vanessa and Claire with umbrellas as they walk to a taxi

At the hotel

Back at the Hotel

Between the wet streets and the next outing, the hotel became the place where everyone could slow down and reset.

Sophie, George and Claire together in the hotel pool
Sophie and Claire sharing a drink at the hotel

Central Yangon · 10 September

The Strand

Opened in 1901, The Strand is one of Yangon’s best-known colonial-era hotels. The children were more interested in its deep sofas and a chance to rest before walking again.

Sophie, George and Claire resting together on a sofa inside The Strand Yangon

10 September

Bogyoke Aung San Market

Bogyoke Aung San Market was interesting, and the kids picked out some souvenirs.

Sophie standing in a Yangon street
Sophie on a Yangon street.
The family walking through the covered hall at Bogyoke Aung San Market
Sophie showing a jade bracelet and George holding a small souvenir at a jewellery stall
Sophie with her jade bracelet; George with his jade turtle.

11 September

Shwedagon Pagoda

Shwedagon’s gilded stupa rises above Yangon and is Myanmar’s most revered Buddhist site. Along the covered approach, the children stopped and sat down to watch a craftsman carve wooden figurines before we continued to the main platform.

The three children seated beside a craftsman carving wooden figurines on the covered approach to Shwedagon Pagoda
The Ngiau family standing together in front of Shwedagon Pagoda

The final evening

The Claw Machine

On our last evening, Sophie tried repeatedly to win a prize from the claw machine, but could not. The attendant noticed her struggling, moved the toy closer to the chute and gave her some extra tokens for free. She left carrying the first prize she had ever won from a claw machine, and it made her so happy.

There were more moments like this during our five days in Yangon. It is the kindness and friendliness of the people that made Myanmar stand out. Thank you, Myanmar.

Sophie holding the soft toy she won from a claw machine in Yangon
Sophie, George and Claire playing an arcade racing game together

Singapore · 12 September

Home

5 days · 4 nights · approximately 3,920 kilometres travelled