From Yangon: Full-Day Tour To Explore To Syriam, Thanlyin

Pick up from your hotel and drive across Thanlyin Bridge (a double-deck rail-cum-road bridge completed in 1993 and linking the city of Yangon and Syriam). This bridge today is the gateway to one of Yangon’s biggest ports (Thilawa). Syriam (Thanlyin) is a former European settlement known to have the first Catholic Church in Myanmar (Portuguese) between 1749-1750.

Thanlyin continued to be a major port until it was destroyed by King Alaungpaya in 1756 during the Mon revolt and the church was destroyed at this time. Unfortunately, it is not well kept up although the walls seem to be in good shape. Drive (approximately 50 minutes) towards Syriam (Thanlyin) a sleepy village outside the capital Yangon.

Explore a hidden and ruin Portuguese Church where this is a 18th century old Portuguese church that was destroyed by the Burmese Kings after they captured Thanlyin. The ruins of a historical building located just across the Bago river near the entrance of Thanlyin. It is situated in the compound of oil refinery.

Visit the hilltop pagoda at Kyaik Khauk, which is four kilometres outside of the town centre and offers fabulous views of Shwedagon Pagoda in the distance. And continue to Kyauk Tan village which is believed to be more than 2000 years old. Walk through the village market to the jetty and if you wish a stop at tea shop to taste local tea.

Then visit Ye Le Paya (Midstream Pagoda), set on a tiny island in the river. Access to the Pagoda is by boat – the journey takes roughly 5 minutes. You will need to take your shoes off and be informed that the path can be slippery. A huge golden Buddha was located in the centre room, there are various wood carvings environing around stupa as well as the glittering of golden top on a multi-tiered roof.

Then walk from the jetty to the riverside market and stop at a local restaurant for an early lunch.

Continue to visit the beautiful Pelikan Hindu Temple which is believed to be very powerful temple to make as wish. If time permits, on the way back to Yangon, visit Kyaik Khauk Pagoda and its surroundings.