Across the Yangon River, the region of Twante is home to the “”Oh-Bo pottery”” community. Take a trip by local ferry and on foot to visit the artisans who create pottery using traditional methods and local materials. Feeling creative? Dive in with a hands-on lesson (literally) and learn how it’s made. Finish it all off with lunch and a spectacular view from one of Myanmar’s highest pagodas.
Your Yangon tour starts with a quick walk through the city’s streets as you head down to the riverside and jetty. There, you’ll travel like a local on a public ferry across the mighty Yangon River. The journey is only 10 minutes long, but it’ll offer up a great view of daily river life — not to mention excellent photo ops!
From here, your Yangon city tour will take you by either private taxi or ‘dyna truck’ (a pick-up truck similar to a songthaew) through the countryside as you head toward the town of Twante, where local potters work with traditional tools and local kilns and materials. Once there, you’ll visit with community artisans and not only see some of their products, but also learn how their work is produced. Fancy getting your hands dirty? Then participate in a literal hands-on lesson as you test out their traditional pottery methods.
Next up, you’re heading up — walking for about 20 minutes uphill to reach Shwesandaw Pagoda, one of the highest pagodas in Myanmar. Take in the fantastic view of the surrounding area and feel 1,000 years of history at your feet.
Finally, your Yangon tour finishes with a return ferry ride, but not before your guide has pointed out a few note-worthy sites on the ride back. Board the boat to re-cross the Yangon River, and head back into downtown Yangon.
Meeting/pick-up point: In front of Asia Plaza Hotel. 277 Bog Yoke Aung San Road, corner of 38th Street. Downtown Yangon.
Duration: 6 hours.
Start/opening time: At 9am.
End/closing time: At 3pm.
Drop-off location: Pansodan jetty.
Opening days/period: Daily.
Languages: English.
Dress code: Dress in Burma (Myanmar) is conservative, so lightweight, long-sleeved clothing is appropriate. Skirts, dresses, and shorts should be knee-length or below. Wear comfortable walking shoes and check the weather before you leave, and come equipped with sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a raincoat if necessary.
Others: Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transportation via ferry, taxi and/or dyna truck, lunch.