Dominating the skyline from its hilltop perch, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a must-see in Yangon. As one of the most significant Buddhist sites globally, it remains a vital part of daily life in the city. The pagoda is adorned with nearly 80,000 precious stones, including 5,448 diamonds, 2,317 rubies, and a stunning 76-carat diamond atop its golden crown. Open from dawn, it draws worshippers from early morning until late evening, making it a truly dynamic and sacred space. As a living, practising religious site, visitors should observe certain customs when visiting. Shoes and socks must be removed, and respectful attire, such as no shorts, is required. When exploring the pagoda, remember to walk clockwise, beginning from the left. This is a common practice at all Buddhist sites and shows respect for the tradition. While at the pagoda, be mindful of how you sit—avoid pointing your feet towards any Buddha images, and instead, tuck them underneath you. Observe how the locals sit, often cross-legged, and follow their lead. In addition, try to minimise disruptions while taking photos, as the people around you are engaged in worship and may prefer not to be photographed. A gentle approach ensures a respectful visit to this sacred site.

The entrance to the park is a short walk along Castle Street, to the left of the castle. The gardens have their own walled parapet that features incredibly life-like stone animals including a bear, lion, hyena, monkeys and a pelican. The park runs alongside the River Taff and has great views of the castle and its moat – it even has a miniature Stonehenge!

The Latin America Memorial is a cultural centre designed by Oscar Niemeyer dedicated to Latin American folk art especially sculptures and paintings. Visit its website to see what’s on while you’re in town as it often hosts festivals, expositions, and food fairs.

Brisbane’s Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art are the largest, modern and contemporary art galleries in Australia. The complex is situated at the Kurilpa Point on the Brisbane River.