Discover Southern Burma

14 days from £2790 per person

Three seated Buddha statues in golden robes at Kyaikpun Pagoda in Bago

Largely undiscovered, the region to the south-east of Yangon is a veritable treasure trove of beautiful scenery, magnificent Buddhist payas and sleepy colonial towns. Predominately exploring Mon State, this overland journey commences in Yangon before visiting bustling Bago, the spectacular Golden Rock pagoda at Kyaiktiyo and charming Hpa-An, capital of neighbouring Kayin State. From Hpa-An visit the historic colonial town of Mawlamyaing, formerly the 19th century capital of British Burma, before relaxing for three nights by the beach at beautiful Ngwe Saung.

Route: Yangon – Bago – Kyaiktiyo – Hpa-an – Mawlamyaing – Yangon – Ngwe Saung – Yangon

Itinerary Highlights

Precariously perched on a hill top, the spectacular Golden Rock boulder and pagoda at Kyaiktiyo is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site and has been covered in gold leaf by devotees.

Once capital of British Burma, Mawlamyaing is one of Burma’s main ports. Nearby is the WW2 Htaukkyant War Cemetery located close to the terminus of the infamous ‘Death Railway’.

Burma’s long coastline remains largely undeveloped making it the perfect place to relax at the end of a holiday. With gold sand beaches and swaying palm trees Ngwe Saung is an ideal option.

Itinerary: Discover Southern Burma

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. (N)

Day 2 Bangkok to Yangon – by air

Arrive into Bangkok and connect directly onto Yangon where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay. In the afternoon travel into the city with your guide for a brief walk through the colonial centre and welcome cup of tea from one of the many street cafes. (N)

Accommodation in Yangon: Savoy Hotel (or similar)

Alternative option: Sule Shangri-La Hotel

Day 3 Yangon

Explore the former capital of Myanmar, that was also known as Rangoon during the British colonial rule. Visit the sacred 2,500 year old Shwedagon Pagoda, resplendent in over 60 tonnes of gold leaf. This Buddhist temple is a wonderful place view for sunset and admire the vista. Other places of interest in this colourful city include the Chaukhtatgyi, a colossal reclining Buddha, the reflective Kandawgyi Lake and Bogyoke Aung San Market full of local handcrafted items. (B)
Accommodation in Yangon: Savoy Hotel (or similar)

Alternative option: Sule Shangri-La Hotel

Day 4 Yangon to Bago – 80kms

After breakfast leave Yangon and drive 80kms to Bago where you will stay overnight. Legend has it that Bago was founded in 573 AD and today is a bustling town with home to some splendid sites including the Shwemawdaw Paya, Hintha Gon Paya and the Shwethalyaung Buddha. (B)

Accommodation in Bago: Han Thar Garden Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Bago to Kyaiktiyo – 180kms

This morning leave Bago and drive to the important pilgrimage centre of Kyaiktiyo. One of the most revered Buddhist sites in Burma, Kyaiktiyo's Golden Rock is instantly recognisable – spectacularly located balancing high on a ledge. At the summit, enjoy the views before returning to your hotel where you will stay overnight. (B)

Accommodation in Kyaiktiyo: Mountain Top Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Kyaiktiyo to Hpa-an – 90kms

Today leave your hotel and explore the area surrounding the Golden Rock. Later, return to the base camp and continue by car to Hpa-an for an overnight stay. Just before Thanlwin bridge stop at Kawtgoon Cave which is decorated with 7th century artwork and, once in Hpa-An, enjoy an evening walk in the town. (B)

Accommodation in Hpa-an: Zwekabin Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Hpa-an to Mawlamyaing – 75kms

After breakfast, start the morning with a visit to the colourful jetty and city market before continuing to the Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda, Zwekabin Hill and Kyauk Kalat—a small uniquely shaped rock hill. Later, leave Hpa-An and continue your journey to colonial Mawlamyaing stopping en-route to see the Buddha images of the Khayonegu Caves. On your arrival in Mawlamyaing continue to your hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. (B)

Accommodation in Mawlamyaing: Hotel Queen Jamadevi (or similar)

Day 8 Mawlamyaing

This morning drive south from Mawlamyaing and visit Mudon – site of the world's largest reclining Buddha image. From here continue to Thanbyuzayat and the World War Two Htaukkyant War Cemetery and finally to Kyaikkami and the Yele Paya which is home to eleven hair relics of the Buddha. Later, return to Mawlamyaing and enjoy the sunset from the Kyaikthanlan Pagoda. (B)

Accommodation in Mawlamyaing: Hotel Queen Jamadevi (or similar)

Day 9 Mawlamyaing to Yangon – 290kms

Today leave Mawlamyaing and begin your road journey back to Yangon. After lunch at a local restaurant en-route, arrive back into the city in the late afternoon and stay overnight. (B)

Accommodation in Yangon: Savoy Hotel (or similar)

Alternative option: Sule Shangri-La Hotel

Day 10 Yangon to Ngwe Saung – 300kms

After breakfast leave Yangon for the drive to Ngwe Saung arriving at the beach in the early afternoon. Ngwe Saung is less well known and less developed than its northern neighbour Ngapali, however, still offers fine beaches and comfortable accommodation. Stay for three nights in Ngwe Saung. (B)

Accommodation in Ngwe Saung: Bay of Bengal Resort (or similar)

Days 11 - 12 Ngwe Saung

At leisure to relax and enjoy Ngwe Saung. (B)

Accommodation in Ngwe Saung: Bay of Bengal Resort (or similar)

Day 13 Ngwe Saung to Yangon – 300kms

Today you will be met and driven back to Yangon where you will stay overnight. Later in the afternoon, time permitting, you will have an opportunity to visit the famous, and historic, Scott Market for some last minute shopping. (B)

Accommodation in Yangon: Savoy Hotel (or similar)

Alternative option: Sule Shangri-La Hotel

Day 14 Yangon to Bangkok – by air/ Bangkok to the UK

This morning you will be met and transferred back to Yangon Airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Bangkok. On your arrival in Bangkok connect onto the Thai Airways flight to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with an accompanying English speaking guide
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Discover Southern Burma

14 days from £2790 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Discover Southern Burma

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price