Southern Myanmar

This short Southern Myanmar tour is an ideal add on from Yangon for those looking to discover a region a little more off the beaten tack than the main route through Burma.

This 5-day private tour of the south of Burma begins and ends in Yangon and can be added on to a River Cruise or incorporated into a longer tour of Burma.

The itinerary is quite comprehensive and includes Bago, the Golden Rock, Hpa An and Mawlamyine and covers a mix of sights, scenery and cultural attractions.

All of our Myanmar Tours are completely tailor-made and can be adjusted to suit your interests or budget so just let us know how we can help you create your perfect tour of Burma.

Day 1: Yangon - Golden Rock

You will be collected from your hotel in Yangon (or met at the airport) and transferred by private car to Kyaikhto (for the Golden Rock) with sightseeing in Bago on the way.

First of all visit Htauk Kyan Allied War Cemetery on the outskirts of Yangon.

Explore the main market and a typical local monastery in Bago to observe the daily lives of the monks, and then continue to the highly venerated Shwemawdaw Paya, which has housed hair relics of the Buddha for well over 1000 years.

Continue to Shwethalyaung Buddha, a huge reclining Buddha with a sign on the platform in front of the image giving the measurements of each body part.

It is reputed to be one of the most lifelike of all reclining Buddhas.

The Burmese say the image represents Buddha resting after attaining nirvana.

Overnight Kyaikhto. Breakfast included.

Day 2: Golden Rock

Visit the Golden Rock.

One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Myanmar, the shrine at the top of Mt. Kyaikto seems to defy gravity.

Perched on the edge of a sheer cliff is a giant golden boulder topped with a gleaming golden stupa.

Particularly stunning at sunset and sunrise, when a magical atmosphere surrounds the shrine.

You will be driven with your guide to Hpa-an with sightseeing at Kawgun Cave.

Kawgun Cave is located near Kawgun Village, 2 miles outside Hpa-An town.

It is a natural limestone cave 61 metres high and 91 metres long.

The rock face near the entrance is intricately adorned with different kinds of clay Buddha images that date back to the 15th century A.D. during the Hanthawaddy period.

From here, drive to Eindu, a small village home to many cottage industries specializing in traditional weaving.

Not far away is Saddan Cave, a breathtaking stadium-sized cave with just one way in and one way out.

The entrance is dominated by dozens of Buddha statues and a couple of pagodas.

Explore the atmospheric cave to see the spectacular stalactites and to listen to the fruit bats high up in the roof.

The locals believe that the Lord Buddha, during one of his many lives, lived in this cave in the form of a white elephant.

On the far side of the cave is a picturesque secret lake. Board a boat for a relaxing and tranquil cruise along the still waters with the spectacular limestone backdrop.

Also visit Lumbini Garden at the base of Mount Zwekabin. The gardens contain row upon row of Buddha images flanked by Gantgaw trees.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our tours are private tailor made itineraries, customised for you - we can amend things to entirely suit you.

You will have your own private car, driver and guide on excursions.

What are the departure dates?

Let us know your preferred dates of travel and we will find the best and most suitable flights to fit your itinerary.

As this is a private tour, there are no set departure dates.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all the major airlines flying to this part of the world.

Typically for Burma, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines and Emirates would be airlines we would often use.

However, just let us know your preferred airline if you have one. We can organise flights from any regional destination in the UK.

There are no direct flights from the UK to Myanmar currently.

Which Hotels do you use?

We're careful with our choice of hotels, but we're guided by our customers also. If you have some preferred hotels, just let us know.

We specialise in boutique hotels and so we will often suggest some of our favourite smaller hotels where we think these will be suitable.

We keep on top of hotel developments in Burma from our office in South East Asia and regularly inspect the hotels we use.