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Bago Shwemawdaw pagoda Mandalay Hsinbyume Pagoda
Myanmar

South Myanmar: Extraordinary 7-day off the beaten track

Duration
7D6N
Tour Code
VIMA.07
Tour Style
Adventure, Culture

Overview

location_on Yangon - Bago - Golden Rock - Hpa An - Mawlamyine – Yangon

Experience the charming natural and cultural wonders of southern Myanmar. Leaving Yangon after watching the sun set at a sacred temple, you will head to one of Myanmar’s most iconic pilgrimage sites, the Golden Rock. Then explore multiple caves in Hpa An – a place that definitely make you gasp while admiring the hidden marvels of nature. The tour ends by visiting a charming colonial town, Mawlamyine which served as the first capital of British Burma from 1826 to 1852. Pick up the phone and call us to find out your ideal trip.

Trip highlights

  • Visit the famous Reclining Buddha Pagoda with the feet of the statue carved with traditional symbols.
  • Visit the over-a thousand-year-old Shwemawdaw pagoda.
  • Explore Bayin Nyi cave with beautiful monastery, surrounded by a large natural spring.
  • Visit Win Sein Taw Ya, the world’s largest reclining Buddha.

Use this itinerary to inspire your bespoke journey

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Say Hello to Myanmar !

Yangon formerly known as Rangoon, has been likened to a sparkling pearl in the “heart” of Myanmar. It is the capital and the largest city in the country, with many rich historical and cultural sites. The city of Yangon is also a combination of bustling traditional markets, excellent food, and countless ancient temples. Surely you will get a super memorable check-in photo when traveling to Yangon.

Upon your arrival in Yangon, process the immigration procedure (visa on arrival is available or obtained in advance via Myanmar E-visa ), you will be welcomed by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy a private tour and drive through downtown to explore the city center 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 of the more modern side of the city.

Then visit the famous Reclining Buddha pagoda, 70 meters long, with the feet of the statue carved with traditional symbols. Many locals gather 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.

Overnight in Yangon.

Meals: none.


Myanmar Yangon Reclining Buddha pagoda

Leaving Yangon in the morning, enjoy a scenic journey. On the way to Bago, visit the Allied war memorial cemetery. On arrival in Bago, an ancient Mon capital city, visit the local market. Continue your journey to the over-a thousand-year-old Shwemawdaw pagoda. Proceed to Shwe Tha Lyaung pagoda, where the reclining Buddha, which is among one of the country’s most impressive image statues, is 180 feet long and 52 feet high.

After that, drive to Golden Rock. In the late morning, arrive at Golden Rock base camp and transfer to the transit junction with one of the small open trucks for 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.

Meals: Breakfast.


Bago Allied War Memorial Cemetery

After breakfast at the hotel, we will take the truck down to base camp and drive to Hpa An (about 2 hours). 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 head into town to visit Shwe Yin Myaw pagoda. This pagoda is the perfect spot to watch the sun set across the Thanlwin River.

Overnight in Hpa An.

Meals: Breakfast.


Hpa An Bayin Nyi cave

Your guide will meet you at the hotel after breakfast. 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 comes into sight.

From here, you’ll hire one of the local boatmen 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 is in the middle of a man-made lake and has amazing views of Mt. Zwekabin and the area around it.

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.

Overnight in Hpa An.

Meals: Breakfast.


Hpa An Kawgun

After breakfast, drive an hour to Mawlmayine. The city was once 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 the Kyaik Than Lan pagoda, the city’s landmark, built in 875 AD. From up here, one can enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbor. It is also thought to be the site where Rudyard Kipling wrote his famous poem, Mandalay.

Overnight in Mawlamyine.

Meals: Breakfast.


Mawlamyine Kyaikthanlan Pagoda

After breakfast, drive to Win Sein Taw Ya, the world’s largest reclining Buddha. Inside the reclining Buddha, you’ll see images and smaller statues of other historically important monks.

Then we will go back to the city to explore the diverse culture. Mawlamlyine is a very diverse city where Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists live peacefully side by side. Visit St. Matthew Church, built in the 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 food capital of Myanmar.

Overnight in Mawlamyine.

Meals: Breakfast.


Mawlamyine St Matthew Church

After breakfast drive back to Yangon (about 6-7 hours).

Meals: Breakfast.


Yangon Sule pagoda

Useful Information

This sample itinerary was created by our travel experts as inspiration for your next trip. Ready for your customization. You pick to suit your budget, desires, and cultural experiences. The price of this trip will vary, depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and the availability of ground services. Please click on Inquire Now (above) and give us the necessary information to enable us to send you a FREE personalized quote within 48 hours if not sooner!

Our Service Include:

  • (6) Nights accommodation with daily breakfast.
  • All transfers and sightseeing are by private air-conditioned car.
  • Experienced English speaking local tour guide.
  • All entrance fees & all zone fees.
  • Water and refreshment towel during the tour.
  • Full support from your Travel Consultant before, during and after your trip.
  • Government tax & Service charges.

Our Service exclude:

  • International Flights.
  • Meals & Drinks (Lunch & Dinner).
  • Visa arrangement and services.
  • Tipping to the guides/drivers.
  • Other personal expenses.
  • Other items not mentioned.

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