Dala and the Yangon River

Dala is a rural township on the south bank of the Yangon River, in Yangon Region, only about 1 km from downtown Yangon as the crow flies yet a world apart in pace. The crossing takes 15 to 25 minutes on the ferry from Pansodan Jetty, which runs roughly every 15 to 30 minutes from about 06:00 to 19:00. Foreigners are usually charged about 5,000 MMK (around $1.15), while locals pay a few hundred kyat, and the fare should be verified at the jetty. The crossing itself is part of the appeal, with views back to the Yangon skyline, river barges and small boats. On the Dala side, the standard way to see the township is by trishaw or bicycle along village lanes past paddy fields, stilted wooden houses, small pagodas and tea shops, with a stop at the Dala market. Two hours by trishaw typically costs about 6,000-10,000 MMK (roughly $1.40-2.30), and the price and route should be agreed before leaving the jetty. A relaxed itinerary is to take the 09:00 ferry, spend two to three hours on the trishaw circuit, eat lunch at a local tea shop or noodle stall in Dala, and return to downtown by about 14:00, which leaves the hot afternoon free. Because the trip is short, Dala also combines easily with Twante for a longer day. Food in Dala is simple: mohinga, tea leaf salad, fried snacks and sweet tea at roadside stalls. The dry season from November to February is the best time, as village lanes become muddy in the monsoon and are very hot in March to May. Modest dress is advisable when entering small pagodas, where shoes are removed. Total cost per person is about 10,000-20,000 MMK including trishaw and snacks, making this one of the cheapest and easiest day trips from Yangon.