This Myanmar tour would take you to the more remote areas of Mon State and Kayin State are undiscovered areas of Myanmar offering spectacular nature and intriguing tribal culture dating back for many, many centuries in the history of South East Asia.

The Mon are believed to be one of the first civilisations in this part of the world. Although their kingdom was lost to the Bagan king in the 11th century, their rich culture can be still be seen in daily life with their specific sarongs, traditional food, language and music instruments. The Kayin are one of the indigenous tribes of the jungle known for their traditional boxing skill and their state offer beautiful natural scenes with traditional villages and waterways surrounded by spectacular lime stone mountains.

HIDDEN WONDERS IN MON-KAYIN REGION –I

Day 1: Yangon – Bago – Kyaikhtiyo

Depart Yangon this morning for the scenic drive to Bago, the capital of the 6^th century Mon kingdom.

Your visit in Bago begins at Shwethalyaung Temple which houses a beautiful 55-meter long reclining Buddha. Continue to the Mon-style Shwemawdaw Pagoda, one of the most venerated in Myanmar and whose 114 meter spire is taller than the one at Shwedagon Pagoda. Before departing Bago, visit the well-restored former palace, Kambozathadi, which was the marvel of Asia when it was originally built in the 16^th century.

This afternoon, arrive at Kyaikhtiyo base camp. Travel by local, open-air truck along a winding road (45 minutes) where you be dropped off at the junction camp to travel the final distance to Golden Rock on foot. The uphill trek is along a paved trekking path and offers great views of the surrounding area. For an easier alternative, four porters can carry you uphill in a specially-made sedan chair allowing you to enjoy the views without all of the hard work! (extra cost not included)

After about one hour of trekking, reach the Golden Rock. A huge boulder covered by gold leaf and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff, Golden Rock is one of Myanmar's main pilgrimage sites. The pagoda here is said to hold a hair of the Buddha and Buddhist from across the country come here to pay homage.

(NOTE: depending on your selected accommodation, you may either do the walk this evening or tomorrow morning. Guests staying near the Junction will walk in the morning, whilst those staying on the mountain top will do the walk this evening.)

Overnight near Golden Rock.

Day 2: Kyaikhtiyo – Hpa An (B)

After breakfast, (for those staying near the Junction) embark on the one hour trek to the Golden Rock. For those staying at the mountain top, you may wish to walk the short distance from your hotel to the Rock to see it in the early morning sunlight.

Return down to base camp by the same route on foot and by open-air truck.

This afternoon, continue by road to Hpa An. Hpa An is a small town surrounded by beautiful limestone rock formations and is the capital of the Karen state.

Overnight in Hpa An.

Day 3: Hpa An – Moulmein (B)

This morning, spend time walking around the small town Hpa An and visit the town’s market. Stop for photos of Zwe Kapin, one of many bizarre limestone formations in the area, before departing for Mawlamyine. Along the way, stops will be made to visit some of the region’s many caves.

Arrive this afternoon in the Mon State capital of Mawlamyine, formerly known as Moulmein. Situated near the mouth of the Thanlwin River, this attractive town is surrounded by leafy, tropical areas and has a hilly ridge serving as a backdrop. The town was also the capital of British Burma between 1827 and 1852 and it retains some of the atmosphere of the colonial times.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Moulmein.

Day 4: Moulmein (B)

Spend today touring the sites of Moulmein. Visit Mahamuni Pagoda, built in traditional Mon-style, and Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, the city's tallest and most visible stupa. Continue to the beautiful Seindon Mibaya, a wooden monastery over 100 years old. Walk along the town’s Strand Road for a glimpse of the impressive Kaladan Mosque which was built during the colonial era when many Indians came to work for the British in Moulmein.

Overnight in Moulmein.

Day 5: Moulmein – Yangon (B)

After breakfast, depart Moulmein and for the drive to Yangon. Arrive in the city late this afternoon.

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