Myanmar (Burma)
At Kyauktan, 12 miles southeast of Thanlyin, is a sparkling temple rising from an islet adrift on a chocolate river. You can feed the massive catfish splashing about at the edge of the temple complex. To reach the islet, catch one of the launch ferries (K5000 return for the boat) from the riverbank.
In the town is a small pagoda perched on top of a hill beside the river, plus a hectic, flyblown and rather fishy market, which reaches its climax in the morning.
16.39 MILES
One of Buddhism's most sacred sites, the 326ft zedi (stupa) here is adorned with 27 metric tons of gold leaf, along with thousands of diamonds and other…
16.28 MILES
Even though the museum's collection is poorly labelled and often badly lit, the treasures that lie within this cavernous building deserve a viewing. The…
16.41 MILES
Housed in a large metal-roofed shed, this beautiful 215ft-long reclining buddha is larger than a similar and better-known image in Bago. The statue's…
14.51 MILES
After many years of being off limits, this spectacular red-brick complex, which takes up a 16-acre block and was once the British seat of government for…
16.37 MILES
One of Yangon's, if not Myanmar's, most gorgeous buddha images is this 46ft-tall one at the Ngahtatgyi Paya, sitting in calm gold-and-white repose and…
20.71 MILES
Situated next to the Nga Moe Yeik creek, this Disneyland-ish pagoda is a hoot. Larger-than-life 3D stucco depictions of the Buddha's life and practice…
15.47 MILES
Also known as Royal Lake, this artificial lake built by the British as a reservoir is most attractive at sunset, when the glittering Shwedagon Paya is…
14.81 MILES
Not many cities have a primary traffic circle occupied by a 2200-year-old golden temple. This 46m zedi (stupa), said to be older than Shwedagon Paya, is…
7.79 MILES
Around 5 miles south of Thanlyin's centre is this gilded Mon-style stupa, similar in design to Shwedagon and said to contain two Buddha hairs delivered to…
10.68 MILES
At the heart of Thanlyin is this colourful and busy daily market that's well worth a stroll.
3. Immaculate Conception Church
11.52 MILES
Also known as the old Portuguese church, these are actually the red-brick ruins of a church built by an Italian priest around 1750. Find them by following…
13.41 MILES
Traditional houses of the Kachin, Kayah, Kayin (Karen), Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan peoples are dotted around this lush, landscaped compound…
13.75 MILES
There are good views across the Yangon River towards Dalah from this jetty.
13.89 MILES
Botataung’s spacious riverfront location and lack of crowds give it a more down-to-earth spiritual feeling than Shwedagon. Its most original feature is…
7. Sri Varada Raja Perumal Temple
14.32 MILES
Dedicated to Vishnu, this lavishly decorated Hindu temple dates from 1928 and was built by the Indian businessman Dr S Ramanatha Reddiar. It has the…
14.42 MILES
From the Pali word for 'in front of one's eyes', Deitta is a nonprofit working with local and international documentary photographers, filmmakers and…