UNDISCOVERED BURMA'S SOUTH - STRAND MOULMEIN

Depart Yangon early this morning for a journey by road to Kinpun.

Along the way, we’ll visit Htaukkyant Allied War Cemetetry. This beautifully-landscaped, peaceful area is the final resting place for more than 27,000 Allied soldiers who perished during the World War II campaign in Myanmar.

We will arrive in Kinpun in the afternoon. As we approach the town, the mountains surrounding the area will slowly come into view. This is where the famous Golden Rock is located. It is a huge boulder covered by gold leaf and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff, Golden Rock is one of Myanmar's most important pilgrimage sites. Visit the pagoda here which is said to hold a hair of the Buddha, and Buddhists from across the country come here to pay homage.

Continue the journey to Mawlamyine.

Overnight in Mawlamyine, lunch included.

After breakfast, head south to Thanbyuzayat to visit Thanbyuzayat Cemetery, where more than 3,000 allied service men are buried. Take a look at the western terminus of the Thailand-Burma Railway linking up with the pre-war coastal railway between Ye and Yangon.

Then, return to Mawlamyine and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch we’ll begin our tour of the city of Mawlamyine (Moulmein). Before it was established in Rangoon, Mawlamyine was the British capital of Burma. The British influence can be seen in the buildings, churches, and the beautiful Strand road along the river.

We’ll start our tour at Kyaik Than Lan 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.

On our last stop, we’ll visit some of the building remaining from Mawlamyine’s Colonial period. Included will be a stop at Holy Family Cathedral. Built during the colonial era, this church has a beautiful interior rarely seen by tourists. We’ll also stop at nearby Judson’s Church, built in 1827 by Dr. Judson who translated the Bible into Burmese.

Overnight in Mawlamyine, breakfast and lunch included.

Our guide will meet you at our hotel after breakfast for the drive north to Hpa An.

The first 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. Lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, you’ll head toward Lumbini Gardens, were 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.

Then, 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.

This morning you’ll head to the morning market. Today’s next 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). Lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch there is time to head back to the hotel and relax after a busy few days of sightseeing, or stay with the guide and driver to explore more of Hpa An’s natural and cultural secrets.

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.

Overnight in Hpa An, breakfast and lunch included.

Drive to Bago after breakfast. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

The afternoon visit in Bago begins at a local market for a short walk amongst the colourful stalls selling flowers, produce, and spices. Then visit Shwethalyaung Temple, which houses a beautiful 55-meter long reclining Buddha, and the Mon-style Shwemawdaw Pagoda. Shwemawdaw is one of the most venerated pagodas in Myanmar. At 114 meters tall, it’s even taller than Shwedagon Pagoda. Afterwards, visit a local Mon village nearby for a short walk through this quiet, typical rural village that was once famous for its silk weaving.

Continue the journey to Yangon.

Overnight in Yangon, breakfast and lunch included.

This morning transfer to the airport or, transfer to the Pandaw ship for your cruise.

Breakfast included.