Myanmar Golden Rock

Myanmar Golden Rock

Yangon – Mawlamyine – Hpa – An – Kyaikthiyo – Yangon

08 Days – 07 Nights

Day – (1)  Arrival Yangon & Yangon Sightseeing  (-)

Welcome to Yangon, a city filled with British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian influences. Despite being a city, here it is common to see locals walking down the street barefoot with natural sunblock from the Thanaka tree rubbed on their faces. There is plenty to do in this bustling city from food tours, local markets, lakes and pagodas.

The largest and most beautiful pagoda is the Shwedagon Pagoda and it is the most religion site in Myanmar. It was originally built in the 6th century AD and has been rebuilt and developed over time to become the sprawling, golden site of today. It is also a meeting point for locals. Children play, monks chat and women gossip while it is possible to pick up some souvenirs from the shops outside the site.

Stay overnight at hotel in Yangon.

Day – (2)    Yangon – Mawlamyine   (B)

We leave Yangon early this morning, travelling first on the railway tracks which used to be used for Yangon’s circular train. The train passes local villages as it heads out of the city. We travel through the Mon State towards Mawlamyine and pass Suvannabhumi. The city used to be the last capital of the Mon State and excavation has only just begun to find its exact location. We will also pass Thaton which was the capital of the Thaton Kingdom between the 9th and 11th centuries. The town is famous for the durian fruit with its distinctive smell and betel nut. Just before reaching Mawlamyine, we will cross a long bridge over the Thanlwin River. Formerly Moulmein, Mawlamyine was the first capital of British Burma.Stay overnight at hotel in Mawlamyine.

Day – (3)     Mawlamyine Full Day Sightseeing     (B)

After breakfast the following day, we take a tuk-tuk tour of the city where we can admire some of the old colonial architecture. We visit the Seindon Mibaya Monastery steeped in a fascinating history. When the last king of Myanmar came to the throne in Mandalay, he killed many of his rival heirs in order to secure his place as king. Queen Seindon escaped and moved to Mawlamyine, becoming a Buddhist nun until her death. She built the monastery in Mawlamyine with its fine architecture, woodcarvings and decorations. It is also a historical example of the old, pre-colonial Myanmar.

Continuing on, we visit Ni Paya and admire the views over the city and see the first Baptist Church in the country. It is here that Orwell and Kipling were inspired. We continue to the Mon Museum where there are interesting displays on the history and culture of the state.

Stay overnight at hotel in Mawlamyine.

Day – (4)   Mawlamyine – Cruise to Hpa – An   (B)

Early this morning we will be picked up by tuk-tuk from the hotel and taken to the jetty where we will board a motorboat for a cruise along the Thanlwin River. After an hour, we reach U Na Auk village where we will learn about Mr Na Auk, a local businessman who improved the lives of local people by offering them cheap loans, allowing them to buy land and build their own livelihoods. Here we will jump into tuk-tuks to head for an Ordination Hall, donated to the village by Mr Na Auk. His story is taught in local schools and he is a well-known figure in Burmese history. We also visit a local temple and while entry is free, a donation is greatly appreciated by the monks who reside there.

The community uses the money to keep the buildings in good shape. Returning to the boat, we continue down the river, enjoying spectacular sights of Zwekabin, huge limestone mountains that tower over flat rice paddy fields. On board, we will enjoy a simple lunch while admiring the views. Arriving in Hpa an in the early afternoon, we take back to the hotel where you will have the afternoon to relax or explore at your own leisure.

Stay overnight at hotel in Hpa – An.

Day – (5)   Hpa – an Full Day Sightseeing  (B)

After moring breakfast, you will start to visit Kha Yon Cave, a beautiful natural cave where locals come to worship and say 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 built 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.

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.

Stay overnight at hotel in Hpa – An.

Day – (6)  Hpa – An – Kyaikhtiyo    (B)

After breakfast, we will take a public bus from Hpa An to Kyaikto where we will drop off our luggage at the hotel. One of the most important pilgrimage sites in Myanmar for Buddhists, and maybe one of the most unbelievable sites for foreigners, the Golden Rock or Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is perched on the edge of a cliff top. A small pagoda is built on top of it and the whole rock looks as though it could tumble down into the ravine below at any moment. It is believed that some hairs from Buddha himself were placed at the pagoda, holding the rock in place and preventing it from falling.

Monks and devoted followers of Buddhism have, over the years, placed gold leaves over every inch of the rock, giving it its distinctive golden color. We will reach the site by taking a short one-and-a-half-hour hike to the pagoda however there is another 6-hour route. Legend has it that should you take this long route three times in a year, it will bring good luck. Once reaching the pagoda, you can admire its golden glow, visit Kyaukthanban Pagoda or boat stupa and visit the many local teashops and monasteries surrounding the pagoda.

Stay overnight at hotel at Golden Rock Pagoda.

Day – (7)   Kyaikhtiyo – Yangon   (B)

Today we depart Kyaikto for Yangon, returning to the bustling city for a final time. This afternoon you may have a chance to grab some last-minute souvenirs or do some sightseeing.

Stay overnight at hotel in Yangon.

Day – (8)   Yangon International Departure    (B)

Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.