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Although you may be discourage from stepping off the usual tourist routes, however do keep in mind that a little resourcefulness and sense of adventure could bring rewards. Here are some of unique spots. Pathein (Bassein) Just 190 kilometers west of Yangon on the Ayeyarwady delta lies Pathein - a premier port city that is noted for its pottery and hand-painted umbrellas. There is also the Shwemokhtaw Pagoda that was built by the three lovers of a Muslim princess. Each full-moon period in May, a major festival will be held at the pagoda. To join in the fun is not as easy as it looks. For a start, you can't fly to Pathein and a train trip is too laborious. The best move is to take an 18-hour overnight ferry trip from Yangon through the Twante Canal and finally through the delta waterways. Thaton There used to be a Mon Kingdom thriving at Thaton long before the existence of Bagan. They trade far and wide, all the way to Cambodia. However, little of that ancient city remains today. There are only some traces of the massive city walls and some interesting pagodas for viewing. At the core of the town is a mix of colonial mansions and thatched-roof homes. There's also a picturesque canal network that irrigates rice fields and fruit orchards. Thaton is located on the main road and rail line between Bago and Mawlamyine. Located nearby is the Taikkala where you'll find ruined fort walls and another ancient pagoda. Mawlamyine (Moulmein) To have a feel of what Yangon and Mandalay used to look like, then come to Mawlamyine. The ambience and feel of the post-colonial decay is still evident. It used to be a major teak port. But now, it is now known for its beautiful scenic surroundings, elephant labor and beautiful pagodas. Just 60 kilometers to the south lies Thanbyuzayat. It is also here that you'll find the Allied cemetery for prisoners who died while building the infamous "death railway" during World War II. Mawlamyine is also the place where famed author, Rudyard Kipling (author of Road to Mandalay) actually visited. Pyay (Prome) Ride along for two days south of Bagan by riverboat and you'll reach the town of Pyay. It is close to the few remaining ruins of the ancient Pyu capital of Thayekhittaya (Sri Kshetra). This remote site is the most intensive archaeological center in Myanmar with its many pagodas, ruined walls, quaint railway station and small museum. You can also see other Pyu cities at Halin and Beikthano. Other point of interests at Pyay includes the hilltop Shwesandaw Pagoda and the enormous seated Buddha. Another unique point is the nearby Gautama Hill with its niche Buddha images. It is a pleasant boat ride to each Bagan, but it is advisable to bring your own food and water supply. Mrauk U (Myohaung) Close to the Bangladesh border and hidden in the jungle lies Mrauk U. The place is accessible only by riverboat. It is definitely well off the beaten track! Mrauk U is worth visiting for its unique Arakanese art, architecture and Buddhist temple ruins. One of the most notable ruins is the 80,000 Pagoda (named because there are 80,000 Buddha images found there) and an ordination hall. You can reach Mrauk U through Sittwe in Western Myanmar. Kengtung (Kyaingtong) Kengtung, the sleepy historic center for the state's Khün culture is located in a far Eastern corner of the Shan State. Kengtung is dotted with aging Buddhist temples and ruined British colonial architecture. This is one of the most remote inhabited mountain valleys in Myanmar. Its opening to foreigners in 1993 came as a surprise to many as access to the place is tough and is restricted to flights from Myanmar's interior or a land trip from Tachilek. The water buffalo market is an interesting place to visit and is located on the western outskirts of the town. It is like your general used-car lot with peddlers shouting out the "goodness" of their animals while buyers bargaining and pointing out their flaws. When a price is agreed upon, the new owner will pay up and walk their new "prize possession" home by the nose.
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