Southern Myanmar – Roadtrip to the Nature 7 Days

Prepare yourself for a lengthy journey to Hpa An, a lively and welcoming town located along the banks of the Thanlwin River. As you travel, take in the serene rural lifestyle of the locals set against the stunning backdrop of the Myanmar landscape. En route, we will stop at the Bayin Nyi Cave, a picturesque monastery nestled at the base of a towering rock wall and surrounded by a large natural spring. You may even spot young monks taking a swim, still clad in their traditional monk robes. As we near our destination, we’ll visit the Kawgun Cave, known for its extraordinary decorations, where every inch of the cave walls is adorned with Buddha images. From the summit of the rock above this cave, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. If time allows, we will conclude the day by watching the sunset at Bat Cave, immersing ourselves in the romantic atmosphere of the location. Upon arriving in Hpa An, check in at your hotel and then venture into town to explore the Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda. Overnight stay in Hpa An.

Get ready for a hike to Mount Zwekabin and Lumbani Garden, the tallest limestone mountains surrounding Hpa An. Though it’s a long trek, reaching the summit will reward you with breathtaking views of the Kayin countryside. After lunch (at your own expense), we’ll resume our journey to our next stop, Mawlamyine, the former British capital of Burma. The architectural influence of the British is evident in the buildings, churches, and the picturesque Strand Road that runs along the river. On the way, we’ll visit a remarkable monastery known for its exquisite wood carvings, built by a local villager named U Nar Ouat, celebrated for his wealth and generosity. Once we arrive in Mawlamyine, we’ll explore Mawlamyine Market to experience local products and specialties before heading to Kyauktalone and Kyaik Thanlan Pagoda to catch the sunset over the beautiful landscape that captures the charm and nostalgia of this historic capital. Take a moment to stroll along the scenic Strand Road and enjoy dinner at one of the many riverside restaurants. Mawlamyine is often regarded as the culinary capital of Myanmar, with an old Burmese saying stating, “Mandalay is for eloquence, Mawlamyine is for food, and Yangon is for boasting.” Overnight stay in Mawlamyine.

Enjoy a half-hour drive to the nearby Bili Island, known for its artisanal industries. Here, you can observe traditional craftsmanship, including the famous Ywa Loot pipes and the production of rubber bands. After lunch (at your own expense), we’ll continue our sightseeing in Mawlamyine. As we pass by the remaining colonial buildings, we’ll stop at the Holy Family Cathedral to admire its unique and stunning interior. We’ll also visit Judson’s Church, dedicated to the missionary who translated the Bible into Burmese. Our tour will conclude with a visit to Yada Bonmyint Monastery (Queen Sein Don Monastery), where we’ll explore the origins of its architecture, woodcarving, and the Burmese handicrafts that adorn its interior. Overnight stay in Mawlamyine.

Embark on your journey to Golden Rock, a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage destination located in Mon State. The drive to Kyaiktiyo Base Camp will take approximately 3.5 hours. From the base camp, you'll continue your journey by local open-air truck along a winding road. At your destination, you’ll encounter a massive boulder adorned with gold leaf, precariously balanced on the edge of a cliff. Golden Rock is considered one of Myanmar's most significant pilgrimage sites. You can participate in local customs by offering gold leaf at the shrine. Once you arrive at Golden Rock, you’ll check in to your hotel. Take this opportunity to rest and recuperate after the long journey, or explore the sacred area to find inspiration for your upcoming adventures. Overnight stay in Golden Rock.

Prepare for your journey to Bago, the historical capital of the Mon Kingdom, located 80 km northeast of Yangon. We will wander through the streets of Bago, exploring religious landmarks and the remnants of the ancient palace, while gaining insight into the rich history of this spiritual city. Our visit includes one of Myanmar's largest monasteries, Kya Khat Wai Monastery, where we can observe the daily life of Buddhist monks, as well as the impressive Shwe Maw Daw temple, which is over 2,000 years old. After lunch, we’ll head to see the 55-meter-long Shwe Tha Lyaung Buddha, also known as the Reclining Buddha, which dates back to 994 AD. On our way back to Yangon, we will stop in Htaukkyan township to visit the Allied War Cemetery, a tranquil site that serves as the final resting place for more than 27,000 Allied soldiers who lost their lives in Myanmar during World War II. Overnight stay in Yangon.

Depending on your flight timetable, take advantage of your final moments in Yangon by exploring the local shops. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport to proceed with your travel plans.