Kyeik Tha Lan Pagoda – Mawlamyine

After breakfast, transfer to Yangon train station for the thrilling ride to Mawlamyine, former capital of the British colony during the 19th century, today third city of Myanmar. 

The train ride is not one of the most comfortable journeys. However, it gives a unique opportunity to experience up close the daily local lifestyle, among hawkers and commuters. 

Rural landscape and local villages can be admired through the window while on the road. Once arrived, we visit the Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, which according to local beliefs, is believed to retain some relics of the Buddha. 

We end this day at the gorgeous Seidon Mibaya Kaung Monastery built in teak wood.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets, train ticket and private transportation 

Win Sein Taw Ya

After breakfast transfer to Ogre Island, also known as Bilu Kyun. Some legends suggest that the island earned this name due to the inhabitants’ fierce inclination toward devouring raw meat with their sharpened teeth in the past. Today the island offers us a hospitable, peaceful and laid-back environment. 

After crossing the bridge over Thanlwin river, we visit some of the local villages, known for the production of pipes, wooden handicrafts, toys, walking sticks, rubber bands and blackboards for schools. 

We head to Mudon and visit the Win Sein Taw Ya, the largest reclining Buddha in the world, and at 30 meters high and 180 meters in length can be seen for miles. Inside we find a sanctuary and many rooms housing dioramas of Buddha’s teachings. 

Afterwards, we get back to Mawlamyine to visit the U Nar Out Monastery and we conclude the day strolling along Strand Road to admire the colonial buildings.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Sadan Cave – Mawlamyine

In the morning we board on a local boat for a trip to Hpa An, the picturesque capital of Kayin State surrounded by karst formations.

Upon arrival at the pier we continue by car to visit the city before reaching Sadan Cave, the largest in the area. It takes about 1 hour to cross the entire cave. We emerge at the opposite side of the cave from which we entered to find a gorgeous scenery of a natural lake surrounded by mountains.

We continue by boat along the watercourse flowing through the rice fields and reach our vehicle. 

We end the day with a romantic sunset from Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda on Thanlwin river.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Kyaut Ka Lak Pagoda – Hpa An

We start the day with the visit to the Lumpini Park, located at the base of Mount Zwekabin. 

We continue to the Kyauk Ka Lak Mountain Monastery: built on a rock surrounded by an artificial lake, it offers a stunning view as well as excellent photograph opportunities. 

Nearby we find the impressive Ya Thae Pyan limestone caves and Kawgun caves, which house thousands of Buddha images of different sizes. 

Later, we head to the Golden Rock, or Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, at approximately 1100 meters above sea level and among the most sacred places in Myanmar. Furthermore, it is a fundamental pilgrimage destination for Buddhist believers after the Schwedagon pagoda in Yangon and the Mahamuni temple in Mandalay. 

Once in Kinpun we continue to the Mountain Road to reach the Yatetaung base camp. Given the steep slope of the path, we continue by truck, which has been adapted for the transport of people, to get to the top of the mountain. 

“The sacredness of the place derives from ancient legends. The most famous is that Siddhartha Gautama personally handed over his lock of hair to a hermit who, in turn, handed it over to the king with the specific request to keep it under an enormous round rock that had the appearance of the hermit’s head. The king found a suitable rock at the bottom of the sea and had it transported to the top of the mountain. Since then, Gauthama Buddha’s lock of hair has been kept under the rock and ensures its precarious balance.“

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Golden Rock

After breakfast we walk (45 minutes) to the Golden Rock. The walk is pleasant and allows us to admire the extraordinary views and rituals of the Buddhist pilgrims. 

The most striking detail is certainly the huge granite boulder covered with thin gold leaves that clearly appears to be precariously balanced. On top of it stands the small Buddhist pagoda, which is only 7 metres high. From this spot you can enjoy an extraordinary panorama and enchanting sunsets. 

Afterwards we drive back to the base camp in our truck and head to Bago, the town formerly known as Hanthawaddy. Visit the Shwemawdaw Pagoda and the Kanbawazathardi Palace. 

We then go to the Shwetharlyaung, one of the largest images of reclining Buddha. We conclude our visit at Kyaik Pun Pagoda, particularly famous for its shrine with 4 large statues of Buddha (Kakusandha, Kassapa Konagamana and Gautama) each in a different orientation and pose. 

Afterwards transfer to Yangon and hotel check-in.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Transfer to Yangon airport for your departure flight.

Included : Breakfast and private transfer to the airport