After decades of isolation, Yangon (formerly Rangoon), the largest city in Myanmar, is finally coming into its own as Southeast Asia’s unspoiled wonder. A trip to Yangon feels like stepping back in time, with British colonial buildings scattered throughout the city, most dating back to the 1950s and 1960s. Book a flight to Yangon with Qatar Airways and revel in its golden pagodas and ancient temples and unique character.

A few lofty, glass-and-steel structures have also started to spring up in Yangon, as Myanmar (also known as Burma) gradually embraces modernity. The city is a heady mix of Chinese, Thai, British and Indian influences, which have all left their mark on its amazingly varied architecture. From Mongol invaders to modern high-rise office blocks, Yangon is a city of contrasts.

Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is the major civil and commercial airport serving Spain’s capital. It’s the largest and busiest airport in the country, and one of the key departure points in Europe, making it of international importance.

Ultra-modern and incredibly efficient, it is nevertheless a very friendly and welcoming airport, where professional staff go out of their way to make the start of your journey as pleasant as possible. Passengers flying from Madrid with Qatar Airways will find that connections to the rest of Europe and South America in particular are well served.

Transportation and parking

Madrid-Barajas Airport is located within the city boundary of Madrid and is just over five and a half miles from the financial centre, making it particularly popular with business travellers. RENFE trains operate along between Terminal 4 and Prínicipe Pio station in the city centre, with a journey time of around 40 minutes.

Madrid Metro has stations at Terminals 2 and 4, and the line 8 connects the airport with Nuevos Ministerios in the heart of the city’s financial district. Municipal buses run regularly and journey times range from 30-40 minutes, while fleets of taxis are also available both to and from the airport. Official taxis are white in colour with a red stripe – ensure that the metre is turned on at the beginning of the journey.

Parking is available at six public parking areas. Short-term options include the outdoor P1 car park in front of the terminal building and the indoor P2 car park (which has direct access to terminals T2 and T3.

Long-term parking is available at a remote car park with 1,655 spaces. A free shuttle is available to the terminals. VIP car parks are located near each of the airport’s terminals.

Arriving at Madrid

Passengers flying from Madrid with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal 4. Note that flights outside the European Shengen EU zone may depart from the satellite building, Terminal 4S. The airport is very large, so it’s important to ensure that you arrive at the correct terminal. Allow at least two hours before your flight is due to board to check in and to pass through the airport’s very strict security checks.

Facilities and amenities

The award-winning Terminal 4 is one of the largest airport terminals in the world. It has its own nursery and play area for children, as well as a large selection of retail outlets selling luxury and designer goods, accessories and essentials.

There are plenty of spacious lounge areas, including VIP and exclusive lounges for first and business class travellers. T4 also has a full-service business centre, and there are various business meeting rooms available for hire throughout the airport.

Food and drink is plentiful and range from fast food outlets, snack and drinks vendors to excellent restaurant meals for something a little more substantial.

Formerly known as Rangoon, this bustling, busy city was the capital of Myanmar until it was superseded by Naypyidaw in 2005. Today, it has a population of more than five million, and is the principle economic and financial city in the country. It is also becoming popular with travellers looking for a destination that’s a little off the beaten track, and those willing to travel to Yangon will discover a city that has a fascinating juxtaposition between ancient and modern.

Book a flight to Yangon with Qatar Airways and you’ll arrive in style in a city that welcomes visitors with open arms. From ancient temples to modern business, this is a city built on a foundation of tradition that has its sights firmly set on the future.

Tourist attractions

The Shwedagon Pagoda or Paya is the most important building in the country and a huge draw for tourists who want to learn more about the culture and traditions of Mayanmar. History records a pagoda at the site since the 6th Century, although as the site has been restored and rebuilt many times the current incarnation is no more than a couple of hundred years old. Its gilded spires are a dazzling sight, especially when they are lit up by multi-coloured lights at night. A must see on any trip to Myanmar.

Although it is currently a traffic island in the middle of the busiest intersection of the city, the Sule Paya (Sule Pagoda) is an incredibly important monument and a chance to escape the noise outside. Sule Paya is a 46m octagonal-shaped stupa that, according to legend, was built 2000 years ago to house a strand of Buddha's hair.

Yangon has plenty of open spaces, and one of the parks is the Mahabandoola Garden, which is best known for its fabulous display of roses that scents the air in the spring and summer.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Yangon with Qatar Airways land at Yangon International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Yangon please check the visa and passport requirements.