South East Asian Trips

Thanlyin was formerly known as Syriam. Myanmar usually pronounce as "Tanyin". It is a city in Yangon Division in Myanmar. It is located on the bank of Yangon River, and is a major port,

History

In the late 1500's, Thanlyin was the base of the Portuguese adventurer, Philip De Brito. Officially a trade representative from Rakhine, he established himself as a local warlord from his base at Thanlyin, and hired his forces on occasion to the Mon in their battles against the Bamar. However, in 1599 he unleased his army against Bago, which he sacked. Captured by the Burmese in 1613, he was executed by impalement, a punishment reserved for defilers of Buddhist temples. Thanlyin continued to be a major port until it was destroyed by King Alaungpaya in 1756 during the Mon revolt.

The main tourist attraction in Thanlyin is Kyaikkhauk Pagoda and Yeylel Pagoda. There is also the National Races village across the river.