Khao San Road in Bangkok, Street 51 in Phnom Penh, Bui Vien in Ho Chi Minh City; every major city has its party strip.
Arguably Yangon’s was 19th Street in Chinatown, a row of joints dedicated to separating tourists from their kyat with overpriced barbecue and beer.
But gradually a new nightlife hub has emerged, winning over everyone from lager-guzzling football fans to twirly-stached hipsters.
Sanchaung Street is lined with bars, restaurants, street vendors, tea shops, fashion outlets, and even book stores for those who enjoy punctuating their night with reading breaks.
The street took its name from the township, which was named after a sanchaung, or ‘stream’ in English, that runs through Myaung Mya Street. Long ago, villagers used sand from its banks to build a pagoda.
Though not as debauched as somewhere like Bue Vien, a night on the street may quickly turn into a morning on the street, in which case there are plenty of places to get breakfast and groceries.
Make the most of your visit to this energizing street with the following tips.
Street food
The street food is not that good. But the best is found outside Ice Berry bakery at a little cluster of stalls where you can buy mohinga, tempura and mont di for 500-1,500 kyats.
Date place
Speaking of Ice Berry, why not bring your Tinder date here? They serve the popular noodle dish kyah oh, seafood spaghetti, tom yum, and desserts such as faluda, all for 500-4,000 kyats.
Another good option is TeaCode, which has on its fun menu milk tea, cheese foam green tea, and peanut butter toast (1,500-3,500 kyats). And if the date goes seriously wrong (or right) there are numerous watering holes nearby.
Live music
Corner Bar is the best place for live music (Wednesday and Friday evenings) and conveniently they serve delicious buffalo chicken wings. Open until 1am, the establishment also does delivery and dishes cost 2,000-5,000 kyats.
Terminal 5 has unplugged nights on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, as well as a robust strategy to tempt people into drinking on weekdays. Monday is buy two beers get one free, Tuesday is discounts for stamps, and Thursday is a free beer for office dress. The bar opens from 4pm-12am daily and drinks cost 2,000-5,000 kyats.
Meeting place
The legendary beer station Win Star is the place to catch up with old pals and make new friends. It has a range of grilled fish, meats and vegetables (2,500-6,000 kyats) that is best washed down with a cold Myanmar Beer.
Late night
Step inside the dimly lit Secret Bistro Bar, a three-storey building with a narrow bar and cool décor. Knock back glass after glass while listening to R&B and, unfortunately for some, EDM. Wednesdays are ladies’ night meaning free shisha (which is harmful to your health, like any other type of smoking). Drinks cost 2,500-6,500 kyats.
Shopping
If you’re looking for affordable clothes, DI has all sorts of threads including trousers, shirts, long coats, and scarves. Next to the shop is another boutique selling Burmese traditional wear in case you want to try some out. Visit the many stalls scattered around for vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
Watch out for…
With so many people on it, Sanchaung Street is a bit dirty. Sometimes the bins overflow onto the street. Also beware of scamming taxi drivers who often overcharge people here. The best thing to do is book a Grab or another ride-hailing app and make sure your location is 100 percent correct!
