SOUTHERN MYANMAR EXPLORER

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Yangon

Stop At: Yangon (Rangoon), Yangon (Rangoon), Yangon Region
Upon arrival at Yangon international airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Freshen up before we embark on a journey to explore Yangon's highlights. Start from the colonial-style city center and one of the main landmarks, Sule Paya, built over 2,000 years ago and the focal point of numerous historical events in the city. Continue to Chauk That Gyi pagoda to view its magnificent reclining Buddha, and Karaweik Hall to marvel at the uniquely decorated “hamsa-bird-shaped” building on Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake. Visit Bogyoke (Scotts) market (Please note that the market is closed on Mondays and on public holidays) where hundreds of gemstones, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a maze of colour.
We complete the day with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda, a gold covered bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. Legends state that the sacred hairs of the Buddha are enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed. We view the sunset from here.

Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 2: Yangon – Bago – Golden Rock (Kyaikhtiyo

Stop At: Bago, Bago, Bago Region
After breakfast, we drive 1.5hrs/80km to Bago, one of richest archaeological sites in Myanmar and the ancient capital of the Mon Kingdom. Our Bago highlights include the beautiful Shwethalyaung 55m long reclining Buddha and the tallest, 114m high golden spire pagoda in Myanmar, the Shwemawdaw Pagoda. Visit the Kanbawzathardi Palace of King Bayinnaung.
We continue 3.3hrs/110km to Kin Pun base camp to change our transport to an open truck. The ride is shared with local pilgrimage makers for the next 11km to Yathaetaung base camp, located 500m below the summit ridge. A further, 1hr hike up on a steep road and paved trail lead us to the summit. The Golden Rock, or Kyaiktiyo as the Burmese call it, is a fascinating sacred boulder covered in gold leaf and balanced precariously on the edge of a cliff. Crowning the boulder is a small shrine believed to contain Buddha’s hair relics, the source of the gravity defying magic. A continual stream of pilgrims from Myanmar and elsewhere in Asia come to witness the wonder at least once in their lifetime. Enjoy the tranquil sunset, soak up the unique atmosphere and wonder with monks, nuns, and pilgrims.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 3: Golden Rock (Kyaikhtiyo) – Hpa-

Stop At: Hpa An, Hpa An, Kayin State
Wake up early for lovely sunrise views and a quiet morning stroll. Breakfast at the hotel before descending back to the Kin Pun base camp. We drive 2.5 hrs to the quaint Hpa-An, capital of Karean State. On the way we visit the Bayint Nyi cave and we continue with visits to: the picturesque Kyauk Kalat, a standalone rock islet in the middle of a small lake and the Lumbini Garden, a park housing one thousand Buddha images with the majestic Mount Zwekabin as its backdrop; and Kawgun cave, which is a natural limestone cave with rare Buddha images inside dating from the 15th century. We will enjoy the sunset at Shweyinmyaw Pagoda at the bank of the Thanlwin (Salween) River
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 4: Hpa-An

Stop At: Hpa An, Hpa An, Kayin State
After breakfast, we take a stroll through the central market to get the feel of Hpa-an's daily life, then visit the Kayin cultural museum, which exhibits the social, literary, musical and cultural heritage of the Karen (Kayin) ethnic peoples. Visit to Kaw Ka Taung cave and the Saddan cave, the most impressive limestone caves in the region, passing through an entire limestone mountain range and opening up to a small lake and fields. The cave also displays fascinating rock formations inside.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 5: Hpa-An – Mawlamyine

Stop At: Mawlamyine, Mawlamyine, Mon State
After breakfast, depart towards Mawlamyine. Our first stop will be Kadow village to visit the U Nar Auk Monastery, the shirnes at Kawhnat-Kadow village near the city of Mawlamyine which house fantastic reliefs displaying the story of Buddha's life. Then continue to Mawlamyine. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Later, visit the Kyaikthanlan Pagoda on the ridge of a hill, overlooking the town and offering a great view, and U Zena Pagoda (The old Mon name for this pagoda is Kyaikpatan), named after the white hill on which it stands.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 6: Bilu Island

Stop At: Bilugyun, Myanmar (Burma)
• Today we will have a glimpse into Myanmar's authentic rural life by catching a ferry to Bilu Island (1.5 hrs), that has been largely untouched by development. We pass through idyllic rice paddy fields, rustic villages and palm lined roads. A visit to cottage industry workshops allow us to learn about how local crafts such as walking sticks, wooden pipes and pens are made. In the afternoon, we return to Mawlamyine and enjoy a trishaw ride to visit the town’s highlights.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 7: Mawlamyine – Yangon

Stop At: Mawlamyine, Mawlamyine, Mon State
After breakfast, full day drive back to Yangon
Upon arrival in Yangon, transfer to hotel.

Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.