Experience the charming natural and cultural wonders of southern Myanmar. You will head to one of Myanmar’s most iconic pilgrimage sites, the Golden Rock. Then visits to multiple caves in Hpa An. Then, after visiting a charming colonial town, Mawlamyine served as the first capital of British Burma from 1826 to 1852
Upon your arrival in Yangon, welcome by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy private tour and drive through downtown to explore the city centre and its fabulous mix of architecture and sites. The streets are filled with historical buildings many of which have a faded colonial charm not seen elsewhere in Asia. Learn about the fascinating history of the city as well as get a taste for the more modern side of the city.
Then visit famous Reclining Buddha Pagoda, 70-meter long, and the feet of the statue carved with traditional symbols and often many locals gathering to pay homage and pray. In the late afternoon set off to see the sunset at the breathtaking Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most beautiful sacred sites in all of Myanmar. The exterior of the stupa is plated with 8,688 solid gold slabs, its tip set with 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies, sapphires and topaz. A huge emerald sits in the middle to catch the first and last rays of the sun. At the pagoda observe local pilgrims and monks offering their devotions and enjoy the amazing sunset view at Shwedagon pagoda.
Leaving Yangon in the morning, enjoy a scenic journey. On the way to Bago visit Allied War Memorial Cemetery. On arrival in Bago ,an ancient Mon capital city, visit to local market. Continue visit to over a thousand years old, Shwemawdaw Pagoda. Proceed to Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda, reclining Buddha, which is among one of the country’s most impressive image statue, is 180 feet long and 52 feet high.
After that drive to Golden Rock. Late morning, arrive at Golden Rock base camp and transfer to transit junction with one of the small open trucks in a one hour ride. Once at the pagoda, you can enjoy a spectacular view, which is particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset. The whole site has a magical feeling. Overnight in Golden Rock.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will take the truck down to base camp and drive to Hpa An (about 2 hrs). Along the way, we’ll visit Bayin Nyi cave. There is a beautiful monastery here set in front of a sheer rock wall and surrounded by a large natural spring. It’s not uncommon to see young monks going for a swim, still clothed in full monk attire.
We will arrive in Hpa An in the afternoon. As we approach the city, the mountains surrounding Hpa An will slowly come into view. Then heading into town to visit Shwe Yin Myaw pagoda. This pagoda is the perfect spot to watch the sun set across the Thanlwin River.
After breakfast guide will meet you at the hotel. Today’s first stop will be Sadan Cave. Sadan starts off as a typical Myanmar cave, full of Buddha images and even a reclining Buddha. As we make our way to the back of the cave, a natural tunnel comes into view. Follow the row of lights through the tunnel for about 15 minutes to get to the other side. As we reach the end, a magnificent view of a hidden lake and meadow come into sight.
From here, you’ll hire one of the local boat men to take us on a tour around the lake and through another cave accessible only by boat. After that you’ll head toward Lumbini Gardens, where you’ll see thousands (1150 to be exact) of identical Buddha statues before going to Kyauk Ka Lat. This natural rock sculpture, surrounded by a manmade lake, offers spectacular views of Mt Zwekabin and the surrounding area.
The next stop on our tour will be Kawgun cave. Every conceivable inch of this cave is covered in Buddha images, many dating back to the 7th century. There is also an option to climb to the top of a large rock formation for great views.
After breakfast drive an hour to Mawlmayine. The city was the British capital of Burma. The British influence can be seen in the buildings, churches, and the beautiful Strand road along the river. Along the way, we’ll stop at Kawdoe Kawnat village to visit Kawnat Monastery. This magnificent monastery with beautiful woodcarving was built a century ago by a villager named U Nar Ouat, who was famed in those days for his wealth and generosity. It was because of his donation that this religious site was built nearby his village.
From here, it is a short drive to Mawlamyine. We’ll start our tour at Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda, the city’s landmark. Built in 875 AD. From up here one can enjoy panoramic views over the city and harbor. It is also thought to be the site where Rudyard Kipling wrote his famous poem, Mandalay.
After breakfast drive to Win Sein Taw Ya, he world’s largest reclining Buddha. Inside the reclining Buddha, you’ll see images and smaller statues of other historically important monks.
Then we will back to the city to explore around the diverse culture. Mawlamlyine is very diverse city where Muslim, Christian and Buddhist live peacefully side by side. Visit St Matthew church built in 1800s, an abandoned church in Mawlamyine – also known as “little England”. In the late afternoon you will have a chance to stroll down the beautiful Strand road as the sun sets along the river. Tonight, you can try to eat at one of the many restaurants along the river. The Burmese consider Mawlamyine the foodie capital of Myanmar.
After breakfast drive back to Yangon (about 6-7 hours).
This private tour can be arranged for single traveler, couple, family and group tour. Prices vary according to hotel standard, when you travel, how many people you travel with, the level of private guiding required and the overall arrangements. We can easily customize the itinerary based on your budget, interests and schedule. Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements
