Popularly known as “One of the Granaries of the World”, it is topographically the lower part of Myanmar assuming the great flatness of agricultural trough and deltaic region with a complicate network of water-ways.
Practically, the lower part of Majestic Ayerwaddy River pursues it water-ways southward to the Bay of Bengal forming a real vast flatness of its delta just below Pyay (Prome formerly). In the delta area, the fertile soil composed by rich alluvial sediments throughout the history deposits an area of some 13,000 square miles of fertile land shaping the rice bowl of Myanmar and branches out into eight major tributaries; such as Pathein River, Thetketaung River, Pyanmalaut River, Bogalay River and so on.
Apart from the innumerable creeks rippling through the great flat land, the Delta form a vast expanse of serene landscape of rice paddies dotted with attap houses, the occasional rice mill and a small pagoda or two rising from a hillock amid the fields.
Pathein (formerly Bassein) seems to be the oldest settlement site and a historic sea-port in olden days is the capital of the region now with some other major towns: just like Myaungmya, Bogalay, Hinthada, Danubyu and so on.
It is the hub of the region and largest port then worth a visit having a few outstanding features such as handsome wooden colonial buildings. Colored a sombre black, pagodas, churches and traditional industries, while the harbor area in a crescent shape is packed with shop-houses, godowns and others then normally rather busy by passenger-boats and cargoes with activities.
This is the most important pagoda of the vicinity and a white washed pagoda at the center surrounded by all aglitter with glass mosaic, satellite stupas, wooden buildings and shrines. Close to the market and river, it will share some curious events on daily life.
If time permitted, there are two more pagodas respectively named as Tazaung and Thayaunggyi.
It is a century old building and reds white by brick together with pointed arches.
It is the glory of the town and historic profession handed down from generation to generation. In a ward named Tawya Kyaung not so far from the city center, that cottage industry still survives and exhibits a variety of colorful parasol with hand-printed designs, together with processing in hand made.
It is a typical delta town with a crowded harbor fronted by godowns and numerous shops filled with sacks and baskets of rice. Somewhere a bit far off the town, ancient city walls still visible and in such an immense structure.
In conjunction with the Anglo-Myanmar War, it is noted as the major defensive fort on Ayewaddy River. Now, the fort is a major visiting site of the town.
It is largely venerated pagoda of the region and having some century old wooden buildings become a photo point.
The town itself is small and beautiful with some black wooden buildings while outside the town is a real country side seems to be covered by soaked paddy fields full of young rice seedlings or a lustre carpet of thriving green stalks in rainy season.
It is one of the major towns in the respective Ayewaddy Division and located just on the western bank of the river known as Henzada in colonial period. Based on traditional careers of agriculture, fishing and trade, it is just a typical community center of Myanmar but not so much popular.
It was the largest of its kind in Myanmar but is now the third largest reclining Buddha all over the country.
Located just at the town center, it is more popular than other pagodas of the town. More than that, some monastic buildings nearby are erected in colonial architecture.
The monument for national hero is somehow curious in octagonal ground plan assuming the storm lantern and local market should also be visited.
Here, the food is much more tasty than any other beach though the beach is short.
It is more natural and close to local market resulting personal choice of fishes and vegetables and self-catering in your hotel compound. Scuba-diving and studies on marine life can be performed at Thephyu island nearby. It is only one hour boat-drive from the beach.
It is the newest and longest one in Myanmar measuring about 9 mile length.
A number of resort hotels will share the guest’s privacy and tranquility. Blue water and silver-white sandy shore are of impressive scarcity.
