Yangon is Myanmar’s largest city and commercial capital. Although there is plenty to see and do for visitors, it is nice to take a day away from the city to escape the traffic and congestion. There are several interesting sites on Yangon’s outskirts that make for interesting, alternative excursions.
If you have an extra day on your Myanmar holiday or are interested in seeing something different, here are our suggestions for alternative Yangon day trips.
DALA & TWANTE- Just across the river from the buzz of downtown Yangon lies Dala, a quieter town with no high-rises and relatively little traffic. Travel by ferry boat across the Yangon River, an adventure in and of itself, then continue by trishaw through the vibrant neighborhoods of Dala. You’ll see fresh markets, locals passing by on bicycle, rice paddy fields and other scenic sites along the way. After exploring Dala, hop in a taxi to Twante. The 30-minute drive takes you deeper in the Myanmar’s Ayeyarwaddy Delta and you will see more palm trees and rice paddies along the way. Twante is a pottery village so in addition to enjoying the rural views, you can also visit a traditional workshop to see how the craftsmen make clay pots and more.
THANLYIN- Thanlyin, also known as Syriam, is located around 1-hour drive from Yangon. From the 14th to 17th centuries, the town was a bustling port city thanks to its prime location on the Bago River. But these days it feels more like a sleepy village and is a pleasant change from the hustle and bustle of Yangon. A visit Ye Le Paya is a must do on this Yangon day trip- the pagoda is located on a tiny river island and only accessible by boat. Other highlights in Thanlyin include the Portuguese Church, built in the mid-18th century when the Portuguese occupied the region, and the fresh market which is filled with colorful produce.
SWISS-MYANMAR ORCHARDS- Near the town of Bago (1.5 hours from Yangon), Swiss-Myanmar Orchards is a stunning place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the countryside. There are lots of activities available including horseback riding, boat trips, kayaking, bicycle riding and more. The onsite restaurant serves up delicious local food or you can rent a barbeque station and grill your own lunch. Plus, for those with an extra day on their Myanmar vacation, you can stay overnight in one of their lovely bungalows or opt for more rustic camping.
HENRY’S VILLAGE HOME- This green oasis is located north of Yangon, not far off the main highway road. The friendly hosts offer a variety of excursions including trekking, swimming, cooking and just relaxing in the beautiful natural surroundings. It is a great place for group trips or staff outings or an active couple’s getaway. Please note that advance booking is required as Henry’s accepts only a limited number of guests per day.
If you are ready to plan your Myanmar holiday or a Yangon day trip, get in touch with our team of travel experts! Send an email (info@odysseymyanmar.com) or give us a call on 09 269869090.
