The most popular sport in Burma is Football (soccer). Another popular sport is volleyball. Most western sports like golf, eg, are played throughout the country however it does have a low participation rate.

Chinlon, an indigenous sport uses a rattan ball, and is played using mainly the feet and the knees but the head and also the arms may be used except the hands.

Burmese kickboxing called Lethwei is popular and tournaments may be seen at a pagoda festival. A form of Burmese martial arts derived from the Shan called Thaing, divided into Bando (unarmed combat) and Banshay (armed combat) rather similar to Chinese Kung Fu, is also practiced.

Of the twelve monthly seasonal festivals, Regattas are held in the month of Tawthalin (August/September), and equestrian events were held by the royal army in the time of the Burmese kings in the month of Pyatho (December/January).

Yangon has 5 major 18 hole International golf courses with beautiful panoramic views. There are health clubs in most of the major hotels for those who will like to exercise or just go for a swim. These are chargeable unless you are a guest in the hotel. Most health clubs are equipped with tennis court, sauna, Jacuzzi, swimming pool and a gym. (There are some health clubs that have massage services)

Yangon has three major recreation clubs, American Club; British Club; and Australian Club, that has major events happening all year round. These clubs are mostly for members only but there are a lot of people coming in to join the activities that are offered. Activities that are seasonal are the Rangoon International Softball League, Volleyball, and Football League and the Interclub Darts competition.

On the Inya Lake, there is a Sailing Club that has boat races on weekends. People of all ages can come and sail the boats. There are instructors provided to sail with you if you are a beginner.

About 20 minutes outside Yangon, there is a Horse Riding club for those who love to ride horses. The horses are kept and well maintained by the Yangon Equestrian Club. There are trainers available to help you if you are a beginner.

Yangon Zoological Gardens and Kandawgyi Gardens are popular recreational places for families to enjoy in Yangon.