Day 25: St. Mary’s Cathedral and Lucky Seven Tea Shop in Yangon

Day 25: St. Mary’s Cathedral and Lucky Seven Tea Shop in Yangon

Discover tips for baby-friendly travel and authentic dining in Myanmar. Explore Yangon’s highlights with a visit

Table of Contents

  1. Main Journey
  2. Events
  3. Tips for Traveling with a Baby
  4. Local Travel Tips
  5. Travel Reflections

Main Journey in Yangon

After recharging at our hotel, we set out for an evening of exploration and good food. Highlights included a visit to the stunning St. Mary’s Cathedral and a satisfying dinner at the local favorite, Lucky Seven Tea Shop.


Events

St. Mary’s Cathedral

  • Built between 1895 and 1899, St. Mary’s Cathedral is the largest church in Myanmar, showcasing Gothic-style architecture with a distinctively tropical twist.
  • The interior was peaceful, with sunlight streaming through the western-facing stained-glass windows, creating a soft, colorful glow.
  • While the atmosphere wasn’t as grand as European cathedrals, the unique materials and design gave it a charm all its own.

Sweetie, refreshed from her nap, was back to her energetic self, chasing pigeons on the church grounds and creating her own adventure.

Lucky Seven Tea Shop

  • A TripAdvisor-recommended spot, Lucky Seven Tea Shop didn’t disappoint. Despite arriving close to closing time, the staff kindly accommodated us.
  • The menu didn’t list prices, but the food was inexpensive and delicious. We enjoyed:
    • Samosas
    • Lucky Seven Tea (Chai)—a rich, flavorful tea I couldn’t get enough of, ordering three cups at just 400 kyat each.
  • This tea shop perfectly captured Myanmar’s culinary fusion of Indian and British influences.

The Challenge of Booking a Bus

As the day wound down, we realized we hadn’t booked our bus tickets to Bagan for the next day. With many routes fully booked, we scrambled between bus operators before finally securing seats. The process was chaotic but successful, thanks to the sheer number of bus companies available.


Tips for Traveling with a Baby

1. Stay Flexible with Food Stops

  • Restaurants in Yangon often close earlier than expected, so plan meals ahead of time to avoid surprises.

2. Bring a Baby Carrier

  • The evening walk to St. Mary’s Cathedral was manageable with a baby carrier, especially as Sweetie quickly tired in the heat.

3. Hydration and Snacks are Key

  • Yangon’s heat can be draining. Keep your baby hydrated and carry snacks to maintain energy levels during long walks.

Local Travel Tips

  • St. Mary’s Cathedral: Visit in the late afternoon to catch the best light filtering through the stained-glass windows.
  • Lucky Seven Tea Shop: Arrive well before 5 p.m. closing time to fully enjoy the experience.
  • Bus Travel: Book bus tickets in advance, especially for popular routes like Yangon to Bagan. Many companies offer online booking, but local terminals can also provide last-minute options.

Travel Reflections in Yangon

Though we didn’t cover as much ground as planned, today was filled with small, memorable moments. From Sweetie’s pigeon-chasing antics at the cathedral to sipping chai at Lucky Seven, the day reminded us to appreciate the simple joys of travel.

Yangon’s vibrant streets and the warmth of its people continue to leave a lasting impression. Despite the heat and occasional hiccups, the city’s charm lies in its unique blend of history, culture, and kindness. As we prepare for our next adventure to Bagan, we’re carrying these moments—and smiles—with us.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *