Extraordinary Myanmar with Hpa An & Mawlamyaing 17 Days

In the morning, set off by road to Kyaikhtiyo, located 190 km south of Yangon, a journey of about 4 hours. This site is one of Myanmar’s most intriguing locations and serves as the country's largest pilgrimage destination. Here, you'll find a remarkable rock precariously balanced on a cliff. After reaching Kyaikhto (Kimpun Camp), take a 45-minute truck ride to ascend to the summit. Once you arrive, check in at your hotel and explore the site.

After breakfast, begin your descent from Golden Rock, taking the truck back to your vehicle for the journey to Hpa-An, located approximately 120 km from Kyaikhto, which takes around 2.5 hours along a scenic route heading south.

In the afternoon, explore Kawtkun Cave, renowned for its stunning beauty, where thousands of miniature clay and stone-carved Buddhas, adorned in gold and bronze, adorn the cave walls.

In the morning, ascend Mt. Zwegabin, which stands at 722 meters. From the summit, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with thousands of Buddha images scattered at the base. Next, head towards Sadan Cave, just a few kilometers from Hpa-An. This natural cave can be traversed via a 15-20 minute walk through a long, dark tunnel (with electricity) that leads to a breathtaking natural paradise. After exiting, enjoy a small canoe ride beneath the stone cave and through endless rice paddies set against a picturesque backdrop. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Karen village.

In the afternoon, explore Bat Cave, where you can witness the spectacular sight of hundreds of thousands of bats emerging at sunset. Although the cave itself is not accessible, it’s a remarkable experience to watch the bats fly off to Mawlamyine for their nightly feeding, returning every morning.

This morning, you will be transferred to the jetty for a private boat ride to Mawlamyine, which takes approximately four hours, with an expected arrival around 5 PM. Along the way, stop at U Nar Aut Village to see its beautifully decorated pagoda and visit Gaung Say Island before continuing your journey to Mawlamyine.

Note: During the rainy season, the trip from Hpa-An to Mawlamyine will be by car.

In the afternoon, visit the teak wood monastery presented by Queen Sein Done of Mandalay, followed by a trip to Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, which provides panoramic views of the city, the surrounding rivers, and the port. Conclude your day by watching the sunset from this scenic spot.

Travel for 30 minutes to Mudon, where you'll find Win Sein Tawya, home to the largest reclining Buddha, measuring 100 meters in length. Inside, you can explore this site that resembles a Buddhist museum. After a 45-minute drive, arrive at Than Phyu Zayat to visit the War Cemetery, which holds the graves of Allied soldiers who perished while constructing the railway. Next, continue your journey overland to Kyaikkhame to see Yelai Phaya, a Buddha shrine with a metal roof overlooking the sea. Following another half-hour drive, you’ll reach Setse Beach, known for its expansive brown-sand shoreline. Finally, return to Mawlamyine.

After breakfast, embark on a six-hour drive back to Yangon. Along the way, make a stop in Bago to explore the reconstructed Kambawzathadi Palace, which reflects the architecture of King Bayinnaung's 16th-century residence. Also visit the Shwethalyaung Pagoda and the Kyaik-Pun Pagoda, known for its impressive four colossal Buddha images. Arrive in Yangon by evening.

Overnight in Yangon.

This morning, head to the airport for your flight to Mandalay. Once you arrive, explore Mandalay, the last royal capital and a hub for Myanmar's culture, traditions, and arts. Start by visiting the Mahamuni Buddha Image and a gold-leaf workshop, where you can see traditional sculptures and wood carvings being created, along with puppet-making demonstrations. In the evening, tour the famous Golden Palace Monastery, the last remnant of the Royal Palace, and Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the world's largest book. Conclude your day with a sunset view from Mandalay Hill, which rises 200 meters above the city.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the jetty to board a local private boat bound for Mingun, located 7 miles north of Mandalay. As you cross the Irrawaddy River, enjoy the views of fishermen and bamboo barges along the way. Once in Mingun, stroll through the village to visit the Pahtotawgyi Temple, the world's unfinished pagoda, along with its massive bell and the Mya Thein Dan Pagoda.

Next, you'll explore the ancient capitals of Ava, which served several Burmese kingdoms for five centuries. Take a local ferry across the river to reach Ava, where you can discover the site by horse cart, including a visit to the teakwood Bagaya Kyaung monastery and the Mai Nu Oakkyaung.

Your journey continues to Amarapura, the former capital before Mandalay, where you'll gain insights into monastic life at the Maha Gandayon Monastery. Take a walk on the U Bein Wooden Bridge or opt for a canoe ride on Taungthaman Lake to enjoy the sunset and the picturesque surroundings.

Overnight in Mandalay.

During the low season (April to September), travel by road from Mandalay to Bagan takes approximately 3.5 hours. After breakfast, embark on the journey with an optional stop at a village en route. Upon arrival in Bagan, check into your hotel and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The evening is free for leisure.

For the high season (October to March), experience the Alliance Myanmar River Cruise from Mandalay to Bagan, which spans 8 hours. Begin your day with breakfast before transferring to the jetty to board the Alliance River Cruise or RV Panorama. This full-day cruise along the Irrawaddy River provides insights into the local way of life, from its origins in the Himalayas to its journey southward towards the Indian Ocean. Along the way with RV Panorama, you'll visit a village to observe rural life. Arrive in Bagan by evening and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Bagan.

Explore Myinkabar Village, home to the renowned Myingabar Gubyaukgyi Temple adorned with intricate mural paintings, as well as Manuha and Nan Phaya temples. Later in the afternoon, discover architectural marvels such as the revered Ananda Temple, Shwe Gu Gyi, Maha Bodhi, among others. Don't miss the breathtaking sunset from Sulamani Sunset Viewing Hill, offering an unforgettable vista.

Stay overnight in Bagan.

Start your day with a visit to the vibrant Nyaung U Market followed by the historic Shwezigone Pagoda, Gubyaukgyi Temple renowned for its ancient mural paintings, and Htilominlo Temple. Explore various temples near Min Nan Thu village and then visit West Phwar-Saw village to experience the daily lives of villagers. In the late afternoon, continue your exploration with a horse cart ride to the impressive Dhammayangyi and Sulamani Temples, passing through a jungle of ancient temples.

Stay overnight in Bagan.

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Heho. From there, embark on a scenic car journey to Pindaya, passing through picturesque landscapes of verdant paddy fields. Arriving in the evening, explore the Pindaya Cave, a natural cavern housing over eight thousand Buddha images. Witness the traditional craftsmanship of Shan paper and umbrella production, followed by a visit to Pindaya Lake for an opportunity to engage with local residents.

Next, proceed to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake, renowned for its natural beauty and traditional leg-rowers and fishing techniques. Transfer to your lakeside resort in Inle Lake by boat, approximately 30 minutes, for check-in and relaxation.

Overnight stay at Inle Lake.

Today, embark on a full-day boat excursion across the picturesque lake, nestled between towering hills on either side. Explore the vibrant 5-day market, a bustling gathering where hill tribes converge to trade goods every five days. Discover the floating villages dotting the lake, witness traditional fishing methods, and admire local arts and crafts. Visit the silk and lotus weaving workshops in Inbawkhone village, observe cheroot making, and explore Ngephechaung Monastery renowned for its Buddha image collection.

Overnight stay at Inle Lake.

Depart for the airport to catch your flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore downtown Yangon, a layout designed by the British in a classic colonial grid pattern, offering shaded streets perfect for leisurely strolls. Visit the renowned Bogyoke Aung San Market, also known as Scott Market.

Overnight stay in Yangon.

Proceed to the airport for your international departure, depending on your flight schedule.