Early in the morning, you’ll be transferred to Yangon’s Pansodan Jetty, located on the bustling banks of the Yangon River. This jetty sees up to 25,000 passengers a day coming and going on local ferry boats. The ferry ride across the mighty Yangon River to the rural village of Dala takes around 20 minutes.

Upon arriving in Dala, hop on a trishaw, the quintessential mode of local transportation for village tours. Your expert trishaw driver will navigate the rural lanes of the village, and the first stop is the bustling Dala morning market, where you’ll find an array of colorful and exotic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, as well as meats and locally caught fish. It’s a feast for the senses!

Next up is Dala’s most prominent landmark, the Shwesayan Pagoda. This temple is home to a fascinating relic – a mummified monk who passed away around 150 years ago and is now encased in a glass enclosure. The locals believe that the mummified monk has magical powers, and according to legend, he even opened one eye a few years ago to warn the villagers of an upcoming cyclone in Thailand. It’s a mystical experience that you won’t want to miss.

After that, you’ll visit several local workshops, where you can witness the art of crafting spring roll leaves, candles, and recycled plastic souvenirs at Chu Chu. It’s a rare opportunity to see these traditional crafts up close and to gain insight into the local way of life. And before heading back to the jetty, take a break at a local tea shop for some refreshments and snacks. It’s the perfect way to recharge your batteries and soak up the local atmosphere.

Finally, it’s time to head back to the ferry and return to Yangon’s Pansodan Ferry Terminal, leaving Dala with a heart full of memories and a newfound appreciation for the beauty and simplicity of rural life in Myanmar.