The story of Shin Mwaynun and Min Nandar
 
Once upon a time there was a kingdom called Syriam on the site of present-day Thanlyin, just across the river from Yangon. The queen of this kingdom died while she was pregnant and her baby girl was delivered just before the queen’s funeral pyre was lit at the cemetery on the bank of the river.

Thanlyin: Across the river and a world away from Yangon

Touring around Yangon
 
I headed straight for the top level, which provides the best views of life in the river, as well as the sunset. Ii ordered some food and a drink, then settled back and enjoyed the river breeze on my face. Ah, fresh air! On one side of the river, colonial buildings, modern high-rises
and golden pagodas emerging from the lush greenery, while the opposite bank was even more green, with small docks and village houses hidden among the palm trees and other vegetation.