Thanlyin and Kyauktan Ye Le Pagoda

Thanlyin, a former Portuguese and Mon port town in Thanlyin Township, lies about 25-45 km south-east of Yangon across the Bago River, and pairs naturally with Kyauktan Ye Le Pagoda further south. The trip takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours each way. Local buses and share-taxis from Yangon to Thanlyin cost about 1,000-2,000 MMK (around $0.25-0.45) and run frequently, while a taxi or ride-hail for the half-day costs about 50,000-80,000 MMK (roughly $12-19) and is the simplest way to reach Kyauktan. In Thanlyin the main sight is the hilltop Kyaik Khauk Pagoda, which offers views over the surrounding countryside, along with the Thanlyin Bridge over the Bago River and riverside markets in town. Kyauktan Ye Le Pagoda sits on a small rocky islet in the river and is reached by a short boat ride for a small fee; its shrine and riverside setting make it a popular pilgrimage stop. A straightforward itinerary is to spend the morning at Thanlyin, eat lunch at a local rice shop, take the boat to Ye Le Pagoda in the afternoon, and return to Yangon by about 17:00. Food stops are simple Burmese rice-and-curry shops and tea houses in Thanlyin town, with snack stalls near the Kyauktan jetty. Cost is about 10,000-25,000 MMK (roughly $2.30-5.80) per person plus transport. The dry season from November to February is the most comfortable period, since the hilltop steps and islet courtyards are exposed to sun and rain. Dress modestly at both pagodas, with shoulders and knees covered and shoes removed. At Ye Le, women should not touch monks and may be asked to stay on designated parts of the islet, so visitors should follow signs and local guidance.