yanmar is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. Among its many attractions is the world-famous Star Ferry, one of the most affordable and convenient ways for people to experience Yangon's beautiful water and cityscapes. For travelers visiting Yangon, taking the Star Ferry is a must-do activity. In this blog post, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about this iconic mode of transportation in Myanmar.
What is Star Ferry?
Star Ferry is a transport hub developed and operated by Star City Thanlyin that links the serene and picturesque Star City to the bustling and exciting Downtown Yangon. Star City is a haven of natural beauty, encompassing vast verdant gardens and landscapes, complemented by modern amenities, facilities and residential buildings. It is located on the Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Road, Thanlyin Township, Yangon.
The Star Ferry Jetty in Star City with its strategic location facing the river to the west offers commuters mesmerizing views of stunning sunsets over Bago River. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to the city, the Star Ferry experience is a unique and unforgettable way to connect with the beauty of life in Yangon.
How much does the Star Ferry cost?
Star Ferry is a popular mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike in Yangon. Departing from both the StarCity Thanlyin Terminal and the Pansodan Terminal (Yangon Innovation Center), this ferry service offers an efficient and affordable way to travel across the Bago River. With frequent departures every 30 minutes, you never have to wait long to catch a ride. Buying tickets is easy and can be done at the ticket station, located at the respective terminals. Although the ticket price is 3,000 MMK for a one-way trip, the experience of riding on the Star Ferry is well worth the cost. It's important to note that tickets can be purchased with cash only, so don't forget to bring some along.
How to get to the Star Ferry terminal?
The terminal for the Star Ferry is located in the downtown area of Yangon, at Pansodan Jetty (Yangon Innovation Center). You can get to the terminal using public transportation such as taxis or buses. If you're traveling from a nearby hotel, your hotel may also offer a shuttle service to the terminal.
When is the best time to go?
The Star Ferry service runs from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm, so there's really no bad time to go. However, the best time to ride is just before sunset. This way, you can catch the stunning view of the city skyline against the fiery glow of the setting sun.
Star Ferry always updates its boat schedules one week in advance on its Viber Community, making it convenient for commuters to plan their journeys in advance. What's more, the community highlights in red when boat trips will be canceled due to low tide. So make sure to check the schedule before you go.
What can you see from the ferry?
As you cross the river, you'll see the bustling cityscape of Yangon on one side, and the peaceful countryside of Dala on the other. The ferry journey offers splendid views of the city's towering skyscrapers, historic pagodas such as Botahtaung Pagoda and bridges, and the busy river traffic.
What should you bring to the Star Ferry?
Make sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning city views and some cash for the ferry fare. The ferry ride takes around 30 minutes, so you won't need much else other than comfortable shoes for roaming around Star City when you arrive.
What to do when you disembark?
Once you reach the jetty on the other side, you can explore Star City on foot, by bike or by bus. Star Ferry caters to its clients' convenience by providing routing shuttle buses. These buses assist passengers by picking them up and dropping them off at various points including the Hangar Bus Terminal, Roundabout C, Yoma Bank Head Office, and the Jetty terminal. To ensure maximum efficiency, the shuttle timings are carefully arranged to match the ferry schedules. So, travelers can be expected to relax and enjoy a hassle-free experience when commuting to and from the city.
Star City also provides free bike services to all visitors and its residents. In the Star City compound, it has a wide range of activities, including golfing, swimming, spa, grocery shopping, restaurants, and so much more. You can also take a stroll through the lush green park and enjoy the contemporary and modern buildings. Star City is a delight to the eyes and mind, and you will find something delightful regardless of your interests.
One of the things that stand out in Star City is its 9-hole golf course. It’s the go-to destination for golf enthusiasts and people who are traveling to Yangon. The course is designed to suit both beginners and seasoned players alike. The greens are well-manicured, and the fairways are stunning, making this a beautiful course to play. Whether you’re starting or you've been playing for years, you’re sure to have a great time at the Star City golf course.
Star City has some of the best restaurants you can find in the city such as YKKO and Gravity Bar. You can savor Myanmar cuisine, Chinese food, and Western cuisine at any of the restaurants located across it. The meals are delicious, and the restaurants offer a wide variety of tasty options to choose from. You can eat at international restaurants or choose to indulge in local cuisine, but no matter your choice, you will find your taste.
Author’s Note
Before embarking on your scenic journey across the Bago River, it is important to check the ferry's schedule as some Star Ferry boat trips are canceled due to low tide. Please keep in mind that the ferry won't wait for you if you arrive late. However, if you've already purchased your ferry ticket, there's no need to be panic if you find yourself running a few minutes behind schedule. With your ticket in hand, you have the flexibility to catch the next available ferry, which departs every thirty minutes and the ticket is valid for the entire day. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views and some cash for the ticket and any necessary purchases. Most importantly, bring a sense of wonder as you embark on this adventure - who knows what sights await you along the way on the Bago river.
Riding on the Star Ferry in Myanmar is a unique experience that offers a glimpse of the Yangon's hidden beautiful scenery. With our guide, you now have complete access to all the information you need to have a seamless Star Ferry experience. We hope you have a very great time there…..
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