The Royal Kandawgyi lake and nature park lies east of the Shwedagon Pagoda. The lake is surrounded by the 110-acre Kandawgyi Nature Park and Yangon Zoological Gardens, Originally developed by the British, the site consists of a zoo, aquarium and amusement park.

Along the eastern side of the lake is a glittering mythical bird called the Karaweik. This is the frontage of a floating restaurant that replicates the royal barge used by King Alongsithu of the 12th century Bagan dynasty. A cultural performance takes place every night at 6pm - 8.30pm.