14 Days Southern Myanmar

Day 01 YANGON / Arrival

Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport: welcome by our local tour guide and transfer to Rose Garden Hotel. Rest of the day free to spend at your leisure. Overnight stay at Rose Garden Hotel in Yangon.

Day 02 YANGON – KYAIKHTIYO (Golden Rock) (B, D)

Early morning travel to Bago (approx. 1½ hours). In Bago, visit Kyaik Pun Pagoda, with its giant Four Seated Buddha shrine, and the city’s interesting market, selling various types of vegetables, flowers and other goods. Then travel on to Kyaikhtiyo (approx. 3½ hours). At Kinpun base camp you change from the car to a special open truck which takes you further to the Yet Thet middle station (ca. 45 minutes). The newly opened cable car gives you a wonderful view across the valley. From the cable car station, it is just a short walk (approx. 10 minutes) to the Golden Rock. At the shrine, there is a small stupa tower on top of a massive granite boulder known as the Golden Rock. Covered in golden leaves, it is precariously balanced on the edge of a cliff, and is reputedly “held in place by a single strand of Buddha’s hair”. In the late afternoon, you will enjoy the activities around the shrine, before returning to Mountain Top Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Tag 03 KYAIKHTIYO – THATON – HPA-AN (B)

After breakfast, travel to Thaton. Thaton, which is surrounded by rice fields and orchards, is characterised by pretty wooden colonial villas, its bustling market and an expansive temple compound where you can find numerous pagodas, pavilions and monasteries. This is a perfect place to experience provincial Burmese everyday life. From here, you continue to the Bayin Nyi caves. A steep rock with a monastery located at its feet, juts out from the plain. There are thermal springs and it’s possible to bathe there. 3 km before reaching Hpa-an, near the village of Kawgun, you visit the Kawgun cave. This is a natural, 61 metres wide and 91 metres long limestone cave. The rock surface is richly decorated with different types of clay Buddha figures and commemorative plaques. There are not very many of these caves in southern Myanmar. According to their style, the Buddha statues date from the 15th century, the Hanthawaddy period. Upon arrival in Hpa-an, transfer to My Hpa-an Residence by Amata for check-in and overnight stay.

Day 04 HPA-AN (B)

Hpa-an, the capital of Kayin State, lies at the foot of the striking Zwekabin Hill. Roam through the narrow streets and visit the lively market. Then you drive to the Kayin settlement, Kokamae. From here, you walk north over a footbridge (approx. 20-30 minutes) through the next, exceptionally atmospheric Kayin village, Lakan. Behind the village school you turn left and reach another footbridge 100m away. After crossing it, there’s only a little further to go before you reach the Kaw Ka Thaung Cave. Three caves immediately beckon you to explore this enormous rocky complex. From here, you travel by car to Eindu, a small village known for its cotton weaving mill, and to the Saddan Cave (approx. 34 km further on from Hpa-an), one of the most impressive caves in Myanmar. For approx. 15 minutes, walk through the narrowing and widening parts of the cave, passing roof openings, until you reach the exit, which leads out onto a beautiful pond covered in hibiscus flowers. Here boats will be waiting, ready to take you to the other side through an opening under the rocks. From here, you stroll through the fields and rocky landscape, taking about 20 minutes to return to the cave entrance. Next, travel on to Lumbini Park, with its 2,980 Buddha statues located at the foot of Zwekabin Mountain. In the late afternoon, watch the sunset at Kyauk Ka Lat, also known as ‘James Bond Rock’, due to its unusual shape. The setting is idyllic and the views stunning. Overnight stay at My Hpa-an Residence by Amata in Hpa-an.

Day 05 HPA-AN – MAWLAMYINE (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the jetty for your private boat trip along the Thanlwin River to Mawlamyine (approx. 5 hours), passing endless rice fields, with bizarre isolated rocks along the way. Upon arrival, transfer to Ngwe Moe Hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, make your way up to Kyaik Thanlan Pagoda, which offers splendid panoramic views, visit Mahamuni Pagoda, constructed in typical Mon style, and U Zina Pagoda at the southern tip of the mountain range, with its four life-size statues depicting the legendary major events in Buddha’s life. Overnight stay at Ngwe Moe Hotel in Mawlamyine.

Day 06 MAWLAMYINE (B)

After breakfast, visit of the city centre and the central market specialized in dry goods, the new market with many fresh fruits, vegetables and meats and the Mon Cultural Museum (closed on Monday) with a collection of ceramic objects, silver betel boxes, royal funerary urns, musical instruments of the Mon, and wooden Buddha altars. In the afternoon, drive to Bilu Island (approx. 45 minutes). The people here make their living from rice farming and fishing. You can also see the ancient production of colourful rubber bands, wooden pens or walking sticks in several small family-run farms. In the late afternoon, return to Mawlamyine. Overnight stay at Ngwe Moe Hotel in Mawlamyine.

Tag 07 MAWLAMYINE – YE (B)

After breakfast, leave for Thanbyuzayat, around 34 km from Mawlamyaing and the starting point of the Death Railway connecting Myanmar (Thanbyuzayat Station) and Thailand (Ban Pong Station) with the bridge over the River Kwai and constructed by the Japanese during WWII. Work on the Death Railway was started in May 1943 and the line was officially opened on 25th October 1943. More than 20,000 prisoners of war died during its construction. The recently opened Railway Museum is well worth a visit. 16 km before Ye, stop off to visit the Banana Mountain from where you can overlook the whole Ye Valley. The translation “Banana Mountain” comes from the Mon language. The tower at the top, with its nine levels and nine different decorations, are well worth the climb. Upon arrival in Ye transfer to your hotel. If time permitted we visit the local gold market (closed on Sundays). Gold was the currency, which kept is value in Myanmar, so people rather would put their savings into gold and not leave it at home under their pillow. We will enjoy sunset from the railway bridge, which was only completed in 2003 in order to have a safe supply for the Southern Part of Myanmar without using the non-existing highway back in the days. Overnight stay at Shwe Taung Gyar Hotel in Ye.

Day 08 YE – DAWEI (B, L)

After breakfast we will start our journey over a stunning mountain range, which divides the Tanintharyi Division and the Mon State. The drive is winding up a narrow mountain road and offers stunning views into the valley. On the way stop at Kale Aung Bailey Bridge to stretch our legs and have a great photo opportunity. The old bridges been named after the engineer Mr. Bailey and had the purpose to assemble them wherever needed. You will arrive Dawei around noon time and check into your hotel. Take the time and have lunch and relax a bit before we continue with our program. Dawei is the capital of Tanintharyi division in the south of the Myanmar, formerly known as Tavoy. Dawei was one of the first cities, where the English settled after the 1st Anglo-Burmese in 1826. As a result the town has a long lasting history and picturesque buildings from the colonial times. Have a look at the beautiful Karen Education School, later used as Dawei University. Other colonial residences build with fine craftsmanship are also worth visiting in Dawei’s city. The Tanintharyi Museum displays local handicraft of the Southern Myanmar people. A small section is dedicated to the Sea Gypsies (Moken people) and explains their hard daily life. (Closed Sundays and public holidays). Alternatively take a stroll along Dawei’s busy riverfront and venture through the local night market. You will stay overnight at Hotel Dawei.

Day 09 DAWEI (B)

After breakfast, go off and explore the town to get an idea of everyday life in Dawei and see its famous sights. A family-owned cashew nut business with its ever-smiling workers will show you just how much work goes into peeling one nut. Another famous product from Dawei are fish crackers (nga moe), which are made nearly without assistance of modern machinery. The fish loafs are been cut in thin slices so people can fry them up at home and get the delicious taste anytime they want. You will find the answer to how people can make their living in Dawei on the route to San Maria Beach. Among others one of the most planation are Beetle nut trees can also be found all over Tanintharyi Division. Beetle nuts are even exported from here to India. Afterwards go for a swim or simple stroll along San Maria Beach. Be not surprised if you are the only one for the day at the beach as mass tourism is still far away.

Please note: Currently there are no facilities for changing and showering in case you like to have a swim.

Later on we visit the local hot springs, which waters have be known for healing powers over centuries. Feel free to wash of your salt water. In the late afternoon you will reach the well-known Maung Ma Gan Beach. Enjoy the relaxed and uncrowded beach atmosphere with a sun downer and a delicious seafood dinner. Return to your hotel after a fabulous sunset. Overnight stay at Hotel Dawei.

Day 10 DAWEI – MYEIK (B)

After breakfast, travel to Myeik. This 230 km of road has been closed to foreigners for a long time. In the past, even locals needed a permit to use the road; plane and ferry boat were the only mode of transport. Just a few miles from Dawei, stop off at Shin Mok Hti Pagoda, which can be dated back to 1438 and which houses original pieces of the Bodhi Tree. Your journey will take you through tiny villages. Stop off every now and then to discover the daily lives of the rural community.
In Palaw you can stretch your legs and walk up to the view point pagoda, offering a panoramic 360 degree view over this beautiful town as well as the river winding its way to the ocean.
You will arrive Myeik in the afternoon. Back in the early 17th Century, the East Indian Trading Company used to unload its ships at the ports of Myeik. Most of the goods were transported inland, and from there up to Tanintharyi and on to the old capital of Siam Ayutthaya. Upon arrival in Myeik, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day free to spend at your leisure. Overnight stay at Regent Hotel in Myeik.

Tag 11 MYEIK (B, L)

After breakfast, explore Myeik, one of the biggest fishing towns in Myanmar, and learn more about its fascinating history. Back in the early 17th Century, the East Indian Trading Company used to unload its ships at the ports of Myeik. Most of the goods were transported inland, and from there up to Tanintharyi and on to the old capital of Siam Ayutthaya. “Beik”, as the locals call their hometown, produces everything that is needed for the fishing industry. Have you ever wondered where all the seafood comes from? You will visit a soft-shell crab and lobster farm to get an insight into the fishing industry. For lunch we take you to a traditional fried rice noodle shop, where Myeiks all-time favorite food Kyi Kite is made.
Another industry widely used industry in Myeik is the harvesting of bird nest. We take you to one of the bird hotels and let you know what it is good for. As many nations came together the local cuisine became a mix of Burmese, Thai, Malaysian and Indian. We can have a taste of it at the local snack market of the specialties. After a stroll through the old Colonial quarter, visit the Royal Pearl trading shop, which has been owned by the same family for over 150 years. You will also have a chance to learn about the pearl industry and how difficult it is to cultivate pearls. After a long day and many impressions it is time to spend a quite sunset with a 180 panoramic view over Myeik and the islands either from the Thein Daw Gyi Pagoda or a roof top bar. We leave this decision up to you. You will stay overnight at Regent Hotel in Myeik.

Optional:
Taste of Myeik – A culinary local experience with an English interpreter
He will pick you up at 7:00 PM from your hotel and take you to our favorite restaurant, which serves dishes like tapas we share all together. We will introduce you to a 100-year fruit, BBQ – Sting ray, Jungle spinach, dry fish salad and many more. We top it up with a favorite coconut pancake for dessert. Vegetarian friendly.
Duration: 2 hours
Including: Food, water and transport Excludes: other beverages and special food (e.g. lobster)
Supplement: US$ 20,-- per person

Day 12 MYEIK (B, L)

After breakfast, embark on your tour of discovery of the Mergui Archipelago. The boat leaves from Seik Nge Jetty (main jetty) in Myeik. Observe the daily life of the local fishermen during a short visit to one of the villages along the way. After an around 2-hour cruise along crystal clear waters, you will reach an inhabited beach, with the possibility to go snorkelling. Now it’s time to kick back and relax! Go for a snorkel in the clear waters or simply lie back and relax in the shade on the beach or float in the ocean, or just play on the beach. A packed lunch will be served on the beach together with fresh fruit and cold drinks. Make the most of your time on the beach to forget all about the outside world. You will return to Myeik in the afternoon for an overnight stay at Regent Hotel.

Day 13 MYEIK – YANGON (B)

Free time to spend at your leisure until transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, visit Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda (a huge reclining Buddha), Karaweik Hall, a Royal floating barge on the Royal Lake for a photo stop and late in the afternoon, Shwedagon Pagoda, described by Somerset Maugham as: “The Shwedagon rose superb, glistening with its gold, like a sudden hope in the dark night of the soul of which the mystics write, glistening against the fog and smoke of the thriving city.” This massive bell-shaped stupa rises nearly 100 metres above its hill-top surroundings. Wander through this magnificent structure and its courtyards, stupas, bells, temples and Buddha images and see religious and secular visitors from all over the globe. Shwedagon has become the symbol of Myanmar. Enjoy the fabulous sunset over the pagoda. You will stay overnight at Rose Garden Hotel in Yangon.

Day 14 YANGON / Departure (B)

After breakfast visit the Sule Pagoda, dating back over 2000 years, the Mahabandoola Park with it's Independence Monument and walk around the downtown area and the sprawling Bogyoke Market. Wide streets, orderly town planning and neglected public buildings revive visions of British rule, while busy streets scenes and shimmering pagodas, bursting through a leafy canopy, hint at the rich local culture. Afternoon free at your own leisure, till transfer to Yangon International Airport for your departure flight.