Explore Hpa An In Southern Myanmar - Pyala-Travel.com - Travel Program

Day 1 Yangon - Mawlamyaing (Moulmein)

You drive from Yangon to the south of the country to Mon State, a trip of 6-7 hours. Just outside Yangon you can stop at the Taukkyan War Cemetary, an impressive reminder of World War II. Here lie 6734 allied soldiers who died in Burma and India in the fight with the Japanese. After a short stop, you continue driving. Along the way you pass Bago where you will visit on your way back. Then you pass Thaton, the former capital of the Mon Kingdom. Here you can stop for lunch. Then you drive on through the Mon State in the direction of Mawlamyine. The setting is reminiscent of neighboring Thailand, which lies behind the hills. Via a huge bridge you cross the Thanlwin (also known as the Salween) River and then you are in the atmospheric Mawlamyine.    

This port was formerly known as Moulmein and was once the capital of British Burma. Walking along the streets you see a diverse population, including many Indians.There are churches, mosques and Hindu temples throughout Mawlamyaing. On the street there are many trishaws and old wooden school buses. Stroll along the promenade and visit the colorful market; and the famous Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, the highest structure in Mawlamyaing that overlooks the town. This pagoda is better known as Kipling’s Pagoda due to the fact that it is thought to be the site where Rudyard Kipling wrote his famous poem “On the Road to Mandalay”. At the end of the day you can go to the hill behind Mawlamyaing with its many Buddhist temples to enjoy the sunset over the city.

Day 2 Mawlamyaing / excursion Mon State

Today you will see the Mon state. You'll visit Thanbyuzayat, about 64 kilometers south of Mawlamyaing, at the end of the Burma Railway, the "Death Railway" - construction of which cost the lives of so many. There is still the train tracks, an old steam locomotive and some old buildings. It is all quite dilapidated, and there are also almost no visitors in this remote corner of Myanmar. The nearby war cemetery makes a better impression. Here are the western victims of the Burma Railway, including many Dutch. For many Asian victims there isn't a graveyard.    

You then go to the beach Setse, a long stretch and broad sandy beach on the Gulf of Martaban. On the way you will stop in Mawlamyine Win Sein Taw Ya, which is supposed to be the largest reclining Buddha in the world. It's a wonderful sight. You return to Mawlamyine late in the afternoon.

Day 3 Mawlamyaing - Hpa'An

Today, you exchange the Mon state for Kayin. On the way from Mawlamyaing (Moulmein) to Hpa'an the landscape becomes more and more beautiful. The mountains loom behind rice fields and rivers, and it is especially beautiful at sunset. Many of the Karst Mountains harbor enormous caves. In some of these caves there are dozens, sometimes hundreds, of Buddha statues, some of which date from the 13th century. From the boulevard in Hpa'an there is a magnificent view over the river of this enchanting landscape. You can stroll along the river and watch the sun slowly sink behind the horizon. The Kayin are better known to us as the Karen. The Karen armed group is one of the ethnic armed groups signed the peace agreement with government and there are still areas where  foreigners are inaccessible, but soon more areas in this beautiful state will be open.

Day 4 Hpa'An

You have a whole day to explore the beautiful area around Hpa'an. You can visit some of the caves or climb the thousand stairs to the neighboring Mt. Zwegabin Monastery. A fantastic view is the reward.

Day 5 Hpa'An - Kyaitkhtiyo (Golden Rock)

You return to the Mon State and head off to one of the most famous sights of Myanmar, Mt. Kyaiktiyo and the famous Golden Rock Pagoda. On a large, gold-covered rock there is a small pagoda. The huge boulder teeters on the edge of the mountain and it looks like it will roll off at any minute. The pagoda is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in Myanmar and also one of the most sacred. Inside the stupa is enshrined an original hair of Lord Buddha. It is believed that due to the miracle of Buddha’s hair, the gilded rock is secure on the edge of the cliff. Numerous pilgrims and believers make the ascent to the top every day. The trip to the Golden Rock Pagoda begins at Kimpun (about three hours' drive from Hpa'an). Here begins the ascent by truck to the car station near the top of t he mountain. Upon arrival, you take a short walk to the Pagoda.
Especially at the end of the day, as the sun sinks slowly, the Golden Rock shimmers beautifully.  

Day 6 Kyaikhtiyo - Yangon via Bago

Today you travel back to Yangon, but first pay a visit to Bago. This used to be the ancient capital of the second Burmese Empire and was known as Pegu or Hantharwaddy. The ancient capital Bago is now a small country town with countless temples and pagodas. You will include a visit to the market, the pagoda Shwemawdaw (taller than the Shwedagon) and the reclining Buddha in the pagoda Shwetalyaung (one of the finest and the most life-like in Myanmar). Late in the afternoon you are back in Yangon.

Day 7 departure Yangon