Yangon is Myanmar's largest city and former capital, a humid river port where the golden Shwedagon Pagoda rises above a downtown of colonial buildings, tea shops, markets and Buddhist temples.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Bago (Shwemawdaw Pagoda and Reclining Buddha)
The old Mon capital, with the 114-metre Shwemawdaw Pagoda (taller than Shwedagon), the 55-metre Shwethalyaung reclining Buddha and the four-faced Kyaik Pun Pagoda.
Highlights: Shwemawdaw Pagoda - Myanmar's tallest stupa · Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha - 55 m, dating to 994 CE · Kyaik Pun Pagoda - four seated Buddhas about 30 m high · Kanbawzathadi Palace site and local market
Twante Canal and Oh Bo Pottery Village
A day of village life west of the river: a working pottery village where clay is thrown and fired by hand, a historic canal and the Shwesandaw Pagoda.
Highlights: Oh Bo pottery workshops with throwing and kilns · Twante Canal built in the 1880s · Shwesandaw Pagoda, Twante · Trishaw or bike ride through Dala on the way
Dala and the Yangon River
A rural riverbank township a short ferry ride from downtown, explored by trishaw or bicycle past paddy fields, stilted huts and small pagodas.
Highlights: Ferry crossing with views of the Yangon skyline · Trishaw or bicycle tour of village lanes · Local tea shops and the Dala market
Thanlyin and Kyauktan Ye Le Pagoda
A former Portuguese and Mon port town with the hilltop Kyaik Khauk Pagoda and, further south, Kyauktan Ye Le Pagoda, a shrine on a small river islet reached by boat.
Highlights: Kyaik Khauk Pagoda hilltop views · Thanlyin Bridge over the Bago River · Kyauktan Ye Le Pagoda on its river islet · Riverside markets
Hlawga Wildlife Park
A reserve of forest, ponds and enclosures with deer, monkeys, birds and an elephant area, a green escape from Yangon's traffic.
Highlights: Walking and open-top vehicle routes · Birdlife and deer · Picnic areas by the lake
Kyaiktiyo Golden Rock Pagoda (overnight)
The gold-leafed boulder balanced on a cliff edge, one of Myanmar's most revered pilgrimage sites, reached by open truck and a final 45-minute walk.
Highlights: The Golden Rock at sunrise and sunset · Truck ride from Kinpun to Yatetaung · Pilgrim atmosphere and night vigils
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Hotel-arranged and taxi-stand day trips with a driver
- Private
- Private car with driver (about 80,000-140,000 MMK / ~$19-33 per day for Bago, Twante or Hlawga)
- Public
- YBS buses, intercity buses from Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Terminal and the Dala ferry from Pansodan Jetty
- Rental
- Self-drive rental is uncommon; hire a driver instead
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early (before 07:00) to avoid traffic and heat.
Check the road, rail and ferry situation and local security before departing.
Carry small kyat notes and bottled water.
Return before dark; some roads lack lighting.
Foreigner entry fees are typically payable in kyat; confirm amounts at the gate.