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Kandawgyi Lake

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tourist-attraction
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Kandawgyi Lake (Myanmar (Burma))

Weather…

Kandawgyi Lake, also known as the Royal Lake, is an artificial reservoir located in Yangon, created during the British colonial administration to provide a clean water supply to the city. Situated just east of the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, it is fed by water from Inya Lake through a system of pipes. The lake is most famous for the Karaweik Hall, a concrete replica of a royal Burmese barge that sits on the eastern shore and functions as a cultural venue and restaurant. The lake's perimeter is lined with a vast park and a signature wooden boardwalk that provides panoramic views of the Shwedagon Pagoda reflecting in the water, particularly at sunset. Geographically, the lake covers an area of about 150 acres and serves as a vital ecological and recreational space within the dense urban environment of Yangon. Historically, the area transitioned from a leisure spot for the British elite to a beloved public park following Myanmar's independence. Today, Kandawgyi Lake is a symbol of Yangon's scenic beauty, blending colonial engineering with traditional aesthetic elements to create a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252830333128282727282725
Rain mm811624127225280247164118207

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The large artificial lake and its surrounding recreational park can be freely explored on foot. Visitors can walk along the extensive wooden boardwalks and enjoy the peaceful environment away from the city noise.
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Typical hours
The park areas around the lake are generally accessible from early morning until late evening, making it handy for sunrise or sunset visits. Specific attractions and restaurants within the park may have their own operating hours.
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Photography
The wooden boardwalks offer fantastic vantage points for photographing the calm waters and the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda reflecting in the lake. The golden hour in the late afternoon provides the most impressive, warm lighting for your shots.
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Time needed
Allow about one to two hours to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake's perimeter and take in the natural surroundings. If you plan to dine at one of the lakeside restaurants, reserve additional time for a relaxed meal.
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Combine with
The lake is conveniently located close to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, making it a first-rate spot to relax after visiting the temple. You can also easily pair this with a visit to the nearby Bogyoke Aung San Park or the Yangon Zoological Gardens.
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Getting there
The lake is situated centrally in Yangon and can be easily reached by taxi or ride-hailing apps from most parts of the city. There are multiple entrances around the park, with the main ones located near the primary thoroughfares.
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Insider tip
Some sections of the wooden boardwalk may occasionally be closed for maintenance, so step carefully and watch out for uneven planks. Bring insect repellent if you are staying past dusk, as mosquitoes become active near the water.

Geography

Coordinates
16.79440, 96.16440

Facts

  • Artificial lake built for colonial-era water supply.
  • Fed by water transported from the nearby Inya Lake.
  • Home to the iconic Karaweik Hall royal barge replica.
  • The lake covers a total area of approximately 150 acres.
  • Renowned for its sunset views of Shwedagon Pagoda.
  • The Karaweik Hall structure was completed in 1974.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Karaweik PalaceKaraweik Palace<1 km · NExplore →
Inya LakeInya Lake2 km · SExplore →
Taukkyan War CemeteryTaukkyan War Cemetery4 km · SWExplore →
Hlawga National ParkHlawga National Park7 km · SWExplore →
Thilawa Special Economic ZoneThilawa Special Economic Zone11 km · NExplore →
Bago YomaBago Yoma21 km · WExplore →
Naypyidaw Water Fountain ParkNaypyidaw Water Fountain Park35 km · WExplore →
NaypyidawNaypyidaw35 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kandawgyi Lake (5)

Reptile House📍 landmark

Part of the local zoo exhibits, this attraction houses a diverse collection of regional snakes, lizards, and other scaled creatures.

Tiger Exhibit📍 landmark

Designed to mimic a jungle environment, this large enclosure allows visitors to observe powerful tigers up close in a secure setting.

Natural History Museum🏛 museum

This educational museum exhibits preserved zoological specimens and botanical collections native to the diverse ecosystems of Myanmar.

ဦးကတုံး စက်ဘီးပြင်ဆိုင်⛪ religious

Though intriguingly named, this local neighborhood site functions as an informal spiritual spot and small community gathering space.

Arakan Mosque📍 landmark

Built with distinct regional architectural influences, this mosque serves as a central place of worship for the local Muslim community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can you do at the lake?
Walk, enjoy nature, and view the Karaweik Palace.
Is there an entrance fee for the lake?
Yes, a fee is charged for the park area around the lake.
Is the lake clean?
It is an artificial lake and very pleasant for a walk.
When is the best time to visit?
Sunset features a great view.
Is the lake suitable for children?
Yes, there are many paths and open spaces to play.
Kandawgyi Lake: where is it located?
Kandawgyi Lake is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Kandawgyi Lake: what is there to see?
Highlights include Reptile House, Tiger Exhibit, Natural History Museum.
Kandawgyi Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Kandawgyi Lake: why is it worth visiting?
Kandawgyi Lake, also known as the Royal Lake, is an artificial reservoir located in Yangon, created during the British colonial administration to provide a clean water supply to the city.
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Nearby cities

Yangon — Kandawgyi Lake (Myanmar (Burma))
Yangon
The largest city in Myanmar and its former economic and cultural center.

History & landmarks

Karaweik Palace — Kandawgyi Lake (Myanmar (Burma))
Karaweik Palace
A distinctive concrete structure in the shape of two mythological birds on Kandawgyi Lake, serving as a venue.

Nature

Inya Lake — Kandawgyi Lake (Myanmar (Burma))
Inya Lake
The largest artificial lake in Yangon, a popular recreation area surrounded by parks and villas.

More places

Chaukhtatgyi Buddha — Kandawgyi Lake (Myanmar (Burma))
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha
A temple in Yangon known for its huge and intricately decorated reclining Buddha statue.
Kandawgyi Park — Kandawgyi Lake (Myanmar (Burma))
Kandawgyi Park
A picturesque park around Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon, offering a peaceful retreat with lush gardens and views of the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Yangon Inner Port — Kandawgyi Lake (Myanmar (Burma))
Yangon Inner Port
The country's historic and main river port on the Yangon River, handling a large portion of Myanmar's maritime trade despite draft limita…
Independence Monument — Kandawgyi Lake (Myanmar (Burma))
Independence Monument
A tall, white obelisk in Yangon commemorating Myanmar's independence from British rule in 1948.
Maha Bandula Park — Kandawgyi Lake (Myanmar (Burma))
Maha Bandula Park
A public park in central Yangon, surrounded by colonial buildings and named after a famous Burmese general.
Sule Pagoda — Kandawgyi Lake (Myanmar (Burma))
Sule Pagoda
A historical stupa located in the heart of downtown Yangon, which served as the center of British colonial urban planning.
Botahtaung Pagoda — Kandawgyi Lake (Myanmar (Burma))
Botahtaung Pagoda
A historic pagoda on the riverbank of Yangon, which unlike most stupas, is hollow inside and can be walked through.
Yangon Zoological Gardens — Kandawgyi Lake (Myanmar (Burma))
Yangon Zoological Gardens
The oldest and second-largest zoo in Myanmar, home to a variety of Asian and African animal species.