This Myanmar tour would take you to the more remote areas of Mon State and Kayin State are undiscovered areas of Myanmar offering spectacular nature and intriguing tribal culture dating back for many, many centuries in the history of South East Asia.
The Mon are believed to be one of the first civilisations in this part of the world.
Although their kingdom was lost to the Bagan king in the 11th century, their rich culture can be still be seen in daily life with their specific sarongs, traditional food, language and music instruments.
The Kayin are one of the indigenous tribes of the jungle known for their traditional boxing skill and their state offer beautiful natural scenes with traditional villages and waterways surrounded by spectacular lime stone mountains.
HIDDEN
WONDERS IN MON-KAYIN REGION - II
Day 1: Yangon - Mawlamein
After an early breakfast, your
day will begin with a scenic journey to Mawlamein by car (7 hour drive). Along
the way you will stop in the town of Bago to visit the Shwethalyaung Buddha.
This reclining Buddha is 55 m
long and 16 m
high, making it one of the largest in the world.
Then, resume your journey
stopping in Kyaikhto for lunch at a local restaurant (own account).
Continue after lunch to
Mawlamein. The drive takes you through the country side passing many typical
rural Burmese villages.
Upon arrival, transfer to your
hotel for check in. Mawlamein is the capital of the Mon State and although it
is Myanmar’s third largest city it retains a quiet charm of a sleepy fishing
village. The town is located on the Gulf of Mottama at the mouth of the
Thanlwin River. There is time this afternoon to stroll along Strand Road where
colonial buildings overlook the river.
Overnight in Mawlamein.
Day 2: Mawlamein (B)
Start today with a morning visit to the
bustling colorful Zeigyi (central market). Wander through the dozens of stalls
where local vendors come to buy and sell their wares.
You will continue your sightseeing with a
visit to the Kyaik Thanlan Pagoda, the city’s landmark. Built in 875 AD, it
enshrines the Tripitaka Buddhist manuscripts as well as a hair relic from the
Buddha. The 40 meter
high stupa is located on a hill surrounded by 34 smaller Zediyan pagodas. 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.
Next you will visit the ancient Queen Sein
Don Monastery (locally known as Yada Bonmyint Monastery). This Monastery is
more as 100 years old and is famous for its intricate woodcarving and Burmese
crafts inside. It was founded by Queen Sein Tone who had to flee Mandalay at
the time that Myanmar’s last monarch, King Thibaw Min, took power. She became
home sick and asked the local carpenters to build a monastery in the replica
style of her former palace.
The last stop this morning is at
Holy Family Cathedral. Built during the colonial era, this church has a
beautiful interior rarely seen by tourists. Nearby is Judson’s Church which was built
in 1827 by Dr. A. Judson who translated the Bible into Burmese.
Enjoy the lunch at a local
restaurant (Own Account)
After lunch, take a short boat trip across
the Thanlwin River to Gaungse Kyun (Shampoo Island). The island got its
nickname during the Hantharwaddy period when Kings would come over to the
Island to have their hair washed with the pure water from the Islands Spring.
You’ll walk around the island, visiting the Buddhist meditation center and
Sandashwin Pagoda.
As today draws to a close, proceed to the
View Point (near U Zina Pagoda) to enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Overnight in Mawlamein.
Day 3: Mawlamein – Hpa An (B)
After an early breakfast, you will start your
scenic drive to Hpa An. On the way you will have a chance to visit several
fascinating sites.
Just outside of the city stop at Kha Yon Cave, a beautiful natural cave where locals
do come to worship and say their prayers to ask for good health and prosperity.
In addition to viewing the many Buddha statues you will also see many beautiful
stalagmites and stalactites which have formed natural over the centuries.
Your next stop will be Kadoe Kawnat village
where you will 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 build nearby his village.
Upon arrival at Hpa An, you will first visit
Kyauk Kalat, a pagoda which is built on layers of natural rock formations.
Flanked by a Lake, the scenery guarantees a great photo opportunity.
Proceed to the foot hill of the 722 m high Mt. Zwe Kabin.
This sacred mountain has several thousand identical Buddha statues lined up at
its base. Continue with a short walk to the waterfalls where you will enjoy
lunch at a local restaurant. (own account)
After lunch, continue your sightseeing with a
visit to Kaw Gun Cave also known as the ‘Cave of the Ten Thousand Buddhas’. As
you walk through the cave, you will see more than 2000 votive tablets of Lord
Buddha and Mon inscriptions. One inscription is so ancient that, to this day,
no scholar has been able to interpret it.
You’ll then check-in to your Hpa An hotel and
take a stroll through this charming town.
Overnight in Hpa An.
Day 4: Hpa An – Yangon -
Departure (B)
Transfer to the local jetty this morning for
a boat ride on the Than Lwin River. You will cruise along the river for around
1 hour to the Dhamma Vizaya Pagoda and a hill locally known as Linnoh Gu (Bat
Cave). Nowadays this cave has been sealed off by a door to avoid unwanted
visitors who come to collect the very fertile compost produced by the large bat
community. Stop to visit both the pagoda and the area around the cave, enjoying
the peaceful atmosphere and wonderful views.
Return to the jetty and continue by road back
to Yangon. Stop en route for lunch at a local restaurant near Zoke Thoke Village (own account)
***End of services***
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