BURMA'S UNDISCOVERED SOUTH POST TOUR - THE STRAND

This morning transfer to the Kawthaung airport for your flight to Yangon (transfer to be arranged by Pandaw River Expeditions).

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide who will accompany you as you transfer to your hotel. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a relatively quiet and charming city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia.

Overnight in Yangon, no meals included.

Distances and journey time: Yangon Airport to Yangon city centre (20 km): 30 – 60 mins

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Yangon at 7am this morning for a journey by road to Hpa An, the capital of Kayin state.

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 late afternoon. As we approach the city, the mountains surrounding Hpa An will slowly set off from view. There should be time to drop off your bags and take a break for lunch at the hotel before heading 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. Breakfast and lunch included.

Our guide will meet you at our hotel after breakfast. Today’s first stop will be Sadan Cave. This cave will bring out your inner Indiana Jones. Sadan starts off as a typical Myanmar cave, full of Buddah images and even a reclining Buddah. 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.

As an optional activity, we can stop and have tea or coffee at the tea shop at the edge of the lake. From here, you’ll hire one of the local boat men to take us on a tour around the lake (client’s sit on the bamboo floor of the boat as there are no seats) and through another cave accessible only by boat. (the boat is valid from Oct to Apr)

After returning to our car, you’ll head toward Lumbini Gardens, where you’ll see thousands (1150 to be exact) of identical Budda 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 Buddah 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.

The last stop will be a sunset visit to Bat Cave. Living up to its name, Bat Cave is home to tens of thousands of bats and located along the bank of the Thanlwin River. As the sun dips in the background, the bats come out in droves and is quite a sight.

Just before dark, head back to our hotel.

Overnight in Hpa An. Breakfast included.

Early this morning, depart Hpa An and drive to Kyaikhtiyo, the Golden Rock. In late morning, arrive at Kyaikhtiyo base camp (approximately 4 hrs) and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Travel by local, open-air truck along a winding road (45 minutes) where you will be dropped off a short 5 minutes walk from Golden Rock.

A huge boulder covered by gold leaf and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff, Golden Rock is one of Myanmar's main pilgrimage sites. The pagoda here is said to hold a hair of the Buddha and Buddhists from across the country come here to pay homage.

Overnight in Kyaikhtiyoe. Breakfast and lunch included.

Today the journey continues at 08:00. After breakfast, return to base camp by open-air truck and begin the return journey to Yangon.

Breakfast included.