An interesting excursion is across the river to Thanlyin and on to an interesting pagoda at Kyauktan. The port city of Thanlyin is situated on the other side of Yangon River. Thanlyin was known as a major port and trading center during the time of the Portuguese, who sided with the Mon. in their struggle against the Burmese Kings. Thanlyin continues as a busy port. A short day trip to Thanlyin can be done from Yangon Jetty by a ferryboat, or by crossing the bridge over the Yangon River. In Thanlyin, a bus ride out of town will take you to the large, Golden Kyaik-khauk Pagoda rising on a hillock to the right of the road. Just before this pagoda are the tombs of two famous Myanmar Poets Laureate -- Natshinaung and Padethayaza. There are many places of interest in Thanlyin worth visiting including the ruins of an old Portuguese Church built during 18th Century, the Sacred Heart Church built in 1870 by French Missionary. There is Ye Le Paya which literally means "the pagoda at the centre of the river" at Kyauktan. It's appropriately named since the complex is perched on a tiny island in the middle of the river. In the temple there are pictures of other famous pagodas all over Myanmar and even further afield. The longest bridge in Myanmar lies between Yangon and Thanlyin. It takes only an hour-drive to reach Thanlyin. 

PAKOKKU:

Situated on the Ayeyarwaddy River near Bagan, yet still untouched by tourism, Pakokku supports a colorful weaving industry and some of the biggest monasteries of Myanmar.

 
SALAY:

It is famous for Paya Thonezu, Three brick Shrines Nan Paya, Hnee Paya, an antique lacquerware Buddha image, Yokesone Kyaung and wooden Monastery which has 100 years old sculptures.

KALAW:

Kalaw, is a former British hill station that is renowned for its cool climate and many churches. Kalaw market is made very colorful by the many tribes in ethnic costumes, which come from near and far. For the adventurous, a foot-walk of 2 hours (short way) or 4 hours leads to a village of Palaung tribe where they cultivate cheroot, tea, damson, and mangoes on the slopes of the mountains. The track crosses the valley floor before climbing up very steeply again to the Palaung village, which thrones atop the mountain. The village has a very interesting long house for 8 families. Observe tribal village life and how the Palaungs dry cheroot on a specially designed oven. Formerly animists, the Palaungs have mostly converted themselves to Buddhism.

INLE LAKE:

Located in the Shan State and nestled amidst hazy blue mountains is the beautiful Inle Lake. This 14km long waterway is home to the renowned legrowers. Here, villages are built on stilts over the lake waters and boats are the sole means of transport. Local products are grown in unique floating gardens and then peddled by villagers at the spectacular floating market. The cooler climate of Inle Lake makes it a highly popular summer resort. Nearby Taunggyi is the capital of the Southern Shan State. It is home to some of Myanmar’s finest cheroot factories and boasts an impressive local market.

KYAIK-TIYO (GOLDEN ROCK PAGODA):

Home of the incredible balancing pagoda of Kyaik-Tiyo. This pagoda is built atop an enormous gold-leafed boulder that is delicately balanced on the very edge of a massive cliff face. Legend suggests that the boulder maintains its balance due to a precisely placed Buddha hair within the pagoda. The pagoda is a place of particular religious significance for local Buddhists who undertake regular pilgrimages during the winter months. The site is closed during the rainy season when access roads become impassable under the heavy rain. Drive through seemingly endless paddy fields to the small city of Kyaik-tiyo, outside of which is the base camp of Kinpun from where one can reach the Golden Rock in approximately 4 ½ hours by foot. The path (10km) climbs about 1,000m in altitude and along the way, there are various rest halls and shrines, which relate the story of the temple’s legendary creation. (Possibility also exists to board a truck at the base camp and be driven to the upper camp from where one can ascend a very steep path leading to the mountain top in about 1 hour. People not willing to walk at all, can hire at the upper camp a foursome of porters who offer rides in sedan chairs). Arrive at the legendary Golden Rock and take in the magnificent view over the surrounding scenery, make friends with locals and loose yourself in the magic of this typical Burmese pilgrimage site.

MAWLAMYING (MOULMEIN):

This attractive tropical town with a ridge of hills on one side and the sea on the other is the third largest city in Myanmar. Here the citizen carry on their daily activities as they have for centuries, little affected by the modern influence that has so dramatically altered lifestyles in other parts of Southeast Asia. Made famous by Rudyard Kipling’s Mandalay: "by the old Moulmein Pagoda, looking lazy at the sea...."

 
NGAPALI BEACH (SANDOWAY):

The sandy, coconut fringed beaches and sapphire blue seas of Ngapali Beach stretch over 3km. Still largely undeveloped, this seaside retreat offers both sun and solitude. Open only during the winter months, Ngapali provides hot days but refreshingly cool evenings.

CHAUNGTHA BEACH:

Newly opened beach resorts, one of the unspoiled, clean, sandy spots and shaded with coconut trees, is located on the south of Ngapali Beach, edging to the Bay of Bengal. An overnight steamer trip from Yangon along Twante canal up to Pathein and one hour thirty minutes by coach to Chaung Tha Beach is an interesting trip.

LASHIO:

It is the capital of the northern Shan State where various national races reside. It is a beautiful town on the hill. One can observe traditional culture, customs, style of dresses of the various national group. To get to Lashio, passengers will have to go from Yangon to Mandalay and then continue the journey to Lashio by train or car. Since the section between Mandalay and Lashio lies on the hill terrain the train has to climb up the hill by using zigzag reversing lines. En-route the train passes through the Pyin-Oo-Lwin (Maymyo), a famous hill station. Along the journey, enjoy beautiful scenery including world-famous Gohtaik Viaduct.