The beautiful Karaweik refects on the water of Kandawgyi lake.

DAWN heralds yet another day in Yangon. The rising sun rises fast into the sky above, bringing with it another day of heat, another day of work. The former capital is still the busiest part of the country. People run around all day, trying to keep as cool as possible.

And while the centre of the city can seem clustered and intense at times, only a short distance from the middle of town the beautiful Kandawgyi garden provides an escape for people of all ages.

Daw Thander Oo is an office worker in Yangon. The daily grind of number crunching and pen pushing does little more than tire the 35-year old woman. But like many other people in Yangon, Kandawgyi Garden offers a break from it all. The lush green surrounds, the picturesque lake and the friendly faces of other park goers offers a welcome respite from the bleak office environment.

“Sitting on the bridge with the breeze blowing in my face, I can pay my respects to Shwedagon Pagoda – this is the ecstasy of life,” Daw Thander Oo said. “I like to breathe in the scent of the flowers that wafts along with the breeze. One can see the graceful pagoda and palace from the lake’s edge.” But she doesn’t only come during the week. A great place for weekend recreation, Daw Thander Oo often brings her grandmother to the park for a breath of fresh air.

But in this serene oasis of calm, all is not quiet contemplation. In the main square, children laugh as they watch a folk elephant dance, and mimic its heavy steps. A cluster of spectators, both from Myanmar and abroad, stand and cheer as they watch this dynamic dance routine.

“We are very proud to show off our traditional performance to the crowds of visitors,” said Maung Tun Kyaw, an expert staff member from Yan Myo Aung traditional elephant dance troupe, Mandalay. “We are invited to perform the elephant dance in the Kandawgyi garden and train the Kandawgyi garden staff, he added.

A place for young and old to play and relax together, On the square, the entertainment is provided by a folk elephant dance; the children are gazing at the elephant in amazement and they are mimicking. A cluster of spectators and foreigners give a rapturous ovation to the elephant dance in elegance plays.

The adventure playgrounds are the chosen spots for children and teenagers alike. Young couples swing romantically to the sky while groups of younger kids run lovingly up and down the various playground structures.

“Kandawgyi playground is a great play structure for children of all ages, better than other parks, so I like to play here with my friends in my leisure time,” said 14-year old Ma Ingyin Khin.

Wandering the vast garden, different groups enjoy their surroundings. Groups sit with ears open listening to a budding pop star singing “Casablanca” with a five-stringed guitar, the missing string not proving to be a problem. Finishing his unique interpretation, the small crowd gives generous applause.

Not far from the group an artist in his twilight can be seem painting the portrait of a young woman, posing demurely at the lake’s edge. People passing by, pause for a moment to admire his talent with the brush.

Kandawgyi Garden is a wonderful place for the people of Yangon to take their mind off things for a while. Full of restaurants, vendors selling cold beer, soft drinks and snacks, and weekly entertainment ranging from pop stars reciting their songs to the stars of Myanmar boxing having it out in front of a rowdy crowd, the park is as diverse a mix of people as can be found on the streets of the former capital.

As the sun sets across the lake, the mood of the park shifts from daytime leisure to dinner, drinks and nighttime entertainment. Whether one chooses to go home or stay, rest assured the sunset across the still water will leave you with peace of mind for the crazy world outside.

Opening Hours 4am to 10pm daily
Admission Fee K300 per person
Located on Natmauk Road and Kandawgyi Kanpat Road