Yangon & Around - Myanmar (Burma) - page 145

(Kyaik-khauk Pagoda Rd, Thanlyin; admission K1000; 6am-8pm) A couple of miles south of
Thanlyin's centre is this gilded Mon-style stupa, similar in design to Shwedagon and said
to contain two Buddha hairs delivered to the site by the great sage himself. There are stu-
pendous views from its hilltop location.
Yele Paya BUDDHIST TEMPLE
(Kyauktan; admission $2; first/last boat 7am/4.30pm) At Kyauktan, 7.5 miles southeast of
Thanlyin, is a sparkling floating temple adrift on a chocolate river. You can feed the
massive catfish splashing about at the temple complex's edge. To reach the islet, catch
one of the launch ferries (K5000 return) reserved for foreigners from the riverbank.
Also in the town is a small pagoda perched on the top of a hill beside the river and a
hectic, flyblown and rather fishy market, which reaches its climax in the morning.
Thaketa Crocodile Farm FARM
(Thaketa Industrial Estate, Tharkyta; admission K1400; 6am-6pm) Off the main road from
Yangon to Thanlyin, at the end of a bumpy road leading into the Thaketa Industrial
Estate, is this farm that breeds crocodiles for their leather. Some of the saltwater crocs
are monsters and watching their fanged mouths snap around tossed pieces of fish will
send a chill down your spine.
Boardwalks keep you at a safe distance and lead over concrete pools and the man-
groves next to Pazundaung Creek.
National Races Village PARK
(Yandar Rd, Thaketa; admission K3000; 9am-6pm) You'll quickly understand why locals
call this quirky park the people's zoo. The lush, landscaped compound presents an ideal-
istic view of Myanmar's many different ethnicities. Traditional houses of the Kachin,
Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan are staffed by people in native cos-
tume who sell local products and crafts.
The park, just north of the Yangon side of the Thanlyin Bridge, is large so you'd be
well advised to rent a bike (K1000) to get around it.
Courses
Flavours of Myanmar Cooking School COOKING COURSE