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Thilawa Special Economic Zone

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Industrial site
—°8
Thilawa Special Economic Zone (Myanmar (Burma))

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The Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is the first and most successful project of its kind in Myanmar, located about 25 kilometers south of Yangon. It was developed as a joint venture between the governments of Myanmar and Japan, alongside private consortia, and commenced operations in 2015. The zone spans a total area of approximately 2,400 hectares and provides modern infrastructure meeting international standards, including its own power and water supply and state-of-the-art logistics terminals. Thilawa SEZ aims to attract foreign direct investment, generate employment, and strengthen Myanmar's export sector. Numerous international companies from sectors such as automotive manufacturing, electronics, food processing, and textiles have established production facilities here. Its proximity to the Port of Thilawa provides efficient access to international shipping routes. As a flagship project for economic development, the zone plays a key role in the country's industrial transformation and integration into Southeast Asian regional supply chains.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262729313028282727282826
Rain mm811629185333429366236152267

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Thilawa Special Economic Zone is Myanmar's first operational special economic zone, housing numerous manufacturing and industrial facilities near Yangon. It plays a key role in the country's economic development.
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Visiting
The entire zone is a closed industrial area, but official tours are arranged for businesspeople and occasionally for tourists. Prior registration is required.
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Where to view it
From the bridge over the Bago River leading into the zone, the factory halls and port facilities are well visible. The nearby observation tower at Thanlyin junction also features good views.
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Local products
In the Thilawa Special Economic Zone, garments, electronic components, and other consumer goods are manufactured. In Yangon's shops, these products can often be bought, though many are for export.
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Active season
Businesses in the zone are active year-round, with a slight increase in production before major sales seasons like Christmas and Chinese New Year. Port activity is high all year.
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Nearby
A visit to the zone can be combined with exploring historic Bago or the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. The industrial development of the surrounding area also provides interesting insights.

Geography

Coordinates
16.66610, 96.26250

Facts

  • Thilawa SEZ was officially inaugurated in September 2015.
  • The project is a joint venture in which Japan holds a 49 percent stake.
  • The zone is categorized into a 'Free Zone' and a 'Promotion Zone'.
  • More than 100 companies from 20 different countries are registered here.
  • The zone operates its own 50 MW gas-fired power plant for electricity.
  • Thilawa provides Myanmar's only deep-water port capable of handling large vessels.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Botahtaung PagodaBotahtaung Pagoda10 km · SExplore →
YangonYangon12 km · SExplore →
Myanmar Industrial PortMyanmar Industrial Port14 km · SExplore →
Taukkyan War CemeteryTaukkyan War Cemetery15 km · SExplore →
Hlawga National ParkHlawga National Park18 km · SExplore →
Bago YomaBago Yoma23 km · WExplore →
BagoBago26 km · NExplore →
Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife SanctuaryMoeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary32 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Thilawa Special Economic Zone (8)

Kyaik Khauk Pagoda⛪ religious

A notable pagoda complex featuring an imposing, highly venerated golden stupa.

Kyauktan Ye Le Pagoda⛪ religious

A prominent place of worship whose historical origins date back to the 3rd century BC.

ထားမလုံဈေး🎭 culture

A traditional neighborhood marketplace bustling with local commerce.

တာဝဈေး🎭 culture

A bustling community marketplace offering a range of everyday local wares.

Phayar Gyi Market ဘုရားကြီးဈေး🎭 culture

A bustling commercial marketplace where locals gather for daily trade.

ပဒံုမာ📍 landmark

A pleasant local attraction offering an engaging experience for visitors.

စေတီ📍 landmark

A tranquil Buddhist stupa offering a serene environment for quiet reflection.

Par Da Gyi Pagoda📍 landmark

A serene Buddhist site of worship showcasing traditional religious architecture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Thilawa Special Economic Zone?
It is a modern industrial area near Yangon, specialized in investments and production.
Is it accessible to tourists?
No, the area is reserved for business purposes and industrial activities.
Where is Thilawa located?
It is located about 20 kilometers south of Yangon, on the banks of the Yangon River.
Why is it economically important?
It serves as a central hub for exports, imports, and industrial manufacturing.
Is there a visitor center?
There are information facilities for business partners, but no tourist center.
Thilawa Special Economic Zone: where is it located?
Thilawa Special Economic Zone is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Thilawa Special Economic Zone: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kyaik Khauk Pagoda, Kyauktan Ye Le Pagoda, ထားမလုံဈေး.
Thilawa Special Economic Zone: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Thilawa Special Economic Zone: why is it worth visiting?
The Thilawa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is the first and most successful project of its kind in Myanmar, located about 25 kilometers south of Yangon.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Yangon — Thilawa Special Economic Zone (Myanmar (Burma))
Yangon
The largest city in Myanmar and its former economic and cultural center.

History & landmarks

Karaweik Palace — Thilawa Special Economic Zone (Myanmar (Burma))
Karaweik Palace
A distinctive concrete structure in the shape of two mythological birds on Kandawgyi Lake, serving as a venue.

Nature

Inya Lake — Thilawa Special Economic Zone (Myanmar (Burma))
Inya Lake
The largest artificial lake in Yangon, a popular recreation area surrounded by parks and villas.

More places

Botahtaung Pagoda — Thilawa Special Economic Zone (Myanmar (Burma))
Botahtaung Pagoda
A historic pagoda on the riverbank of Yangon, which unlike most stupas, is hollow inside and can be walked through.
Yangon Inner Port — Thilawa Special Economic Zone (Myanmar (Burma))
Yangon Inner Port
The country's historic and main river port on the Yangon River, handling a large portion of Myanmar's maritime trade despite draft limita…
Kandawgyi Park — Thilawa Special Economic Zone (Myanmar (Burma))
Kandawgyi Park
A picturesque park around Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon, offering a peaceful retreat with lush gardens and views of the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Kandawgyi Lake — Thilawa Special Economic Zone (Myanmar (Burma))
Kandawgyi Lake
A large artificial lake in Yangon, created as a water reservoir during the British colonial era and now a recreational area.
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha — Thilawa Special Economic Zone (Myanmar (Burma))
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha
A temple in Yangon known for its huge and intricately decorated reclining Buddha statue.
Independence Monument — Thilawa Special Economic Zone (Myanmar (Burma))
Independence Monument
A tall, white obelisk in Yangon commemorating Myanmar's independence from British rule in 1948.
Maha Bandula Park — Thilawa Special Economic Zone (Myanmar (Burma))
Maha Bandula Park
A public park in central Yangon, surrounded by colonial buildings and named after a famous Burmese general.
Sule Pagoda — Thilawa Special Economic Zone (Myanmar (Burma))
Sule Pagoda
A historical stupa located in the heart of downtown Yangon, which served as the center of British colonial urban planning.