To the south of Myanmar through Border
Visitors come in through Ranong to Kawthoung by long
tail boat. A boat ride takes about 20 minutes. After finish the office
work at the checkpoint, entry to Kawthaung and sight seeing around in
Kawthaung. Kawthaung is located at very southern end of Myanmar. It
is a border town. After two hours flying from Yangon, we will arrive
Kawthaung, which is one of the Border entrances to Myanmar, and out to
Thailand. It is very beautiful seaside scenery. When looking out into the
Andaman Sea, you can make out ThaHtayKyun (the Boss Island) towards the
horizon. Due directly east is the town of Ranong in Thailand territory. It
is a busy fishing port where the seafood caught are almost all exported
directly. Honey Bear Hotel in Kawthaung is facing to sea, close to the
Harbour. Location is nice, service and rooms are comfortable.
And Express boat to Myeik about seven hours from Kawthaung. Very
interesting trip to south of Myanmar. We can fly to Myeik also. In
Myeik, most of the nice and two storey wooden houses are near the Market
in down town. Really nice walking around in there. Most Famous Bird
nest is very efficient to make traditional medicine. Actually, those
kind of small birds make the nest on very high rocky place. It is very
difficult to find and very dangerous to get the nest. So very expensive.
But many birds come and stay in a house in Myeik. It is too strange.
Luckily, only one place in Myeik. This house is only for the precious
birds. The family stay another house.
Take about 1hour drive by boat from Myeik to the island and excursion to
small village their ways of life the people. And visit to natural beach
and picnic place for native people. And excursion to home Industry of
cashew nut, from raw to final roasted stage.They transport to
whole country. When we drive out of town, will find a natural swimming
pool after through the wood.
Accommodation in Myeik, Dolphin Guest House which is clean and good
service.
Continue toTavoy from Myeik by express boat about four hours.
Accommodation in Tavoy, Pale A Kari Guesthouse is colonial
building. Double storey building.
Visit to MoungMakhan Beach. And enjoy it. Fly from
Tavoy to Yangon. Overnight in there and next morning, drive to Golden
Rock (KyaikHtiYo Pagoda). The Kyaikhtiyo pagoda is one of the most
religious sites in Myanmar. It is certainly one of the most spectacular
locations of any pagodas in south East Asia. Kyaikhtiyo pagoda rests on
top of a precariously balanced boulder overhanging a cliff atop a ridge
more than 3500 feet above sea level. A place of pilgrimage to the
enshrinement of hairs from Buddha. The pagoda (golden Rock) is separated
from the compound area by a deep cleft that accentuates the precarious
location of the pagoda on the edge of the cliff. A small bridge crosses
the gap to allow visitors. Men and monks only on to the cliff face. Dawn &
Sunset are the most auspicious times. From Yangon to base camp of
KyaikHtiyo, take about four and half hours drive. We have two ways to go
up from base camp. One is one-hour drive by open truck with tiny bench.
And about one hour walk up to the Pagoda. Second is long walk up to the
Pagoda about five hours. When we walk up the top, there are many rest
stops where vendors sell food & drink. Many lovely sitting places are
almost every step of the way.
Ideal time to visit the Kyaikhtiyo (The pagoda on a Rock) Pagoda is during
October to March. Sleep one night on the top.
KyaikHto Hotel is good accommodation on the top. Really nice view
to pagoda from there and good service.
And proceed to Mawlamyaing it is capital of Mon State. Situated
beside Thanlwin River. Shampoo Island (GaungSayKyun) is Religious Island
in Thanlwin River. About 15 minutes by small engine boat to this Island
from Mawlamyaing. But it is Isolated. Very quiet & peaceful walk around
in there. Nice place for Meditation. Many religious statues are created
by chief monk. Monasteries & nunneries are in there also. In Mawlamyaing,
Sein Don who is queen of king MINDON. She stayed her last time in that
pretty small palace decorated in gold inside. Interesting to see inside.
Overlooking to Mawlamyaing Thanlwin River & Sunset is fascinating view
from viewpoint. Take about 45 minutes drive by small engine boat with
local people; we reach Bilu Island, which consists 64 villages. From the
harbor of this Island, we use by Horse cart and visit around some
villages and home industries. Handicrafts from coconut tree & wood are
amazing. They transport to the whole country. Really artistic. And ways
of life Mon Race. Good Myanmar cuisine is famous from Mawlamyaing. Many
nice colonial Building is still in Mawlamyaing. Attran Hotel (Bungalow
type) facing to Thanlwin River. It is nice view. Ngwe Moe Hotel is room
type. It is nice room.
From Mawlamyaing to Mudon take about one& half hour by car. On
the way, can see the best quality of Pomelo, Durian, Mangostein & other
fresh fruit. And the biggest reclining Buddha in Myanmar is located in
Mudon. Inside the reclining Buddha have four stories. Interesting to
look around the religious museum by statues inside. It is
underconstruction. KyaikKhami pagoda is located in the Sea. Can walk to
Pagoda by two levels of walkway. Men &Women pay homage the Buddha
separate place. Seaweed salad is very special from this area. And
KyaikMayaw, Big Buddha Image is very special posture. It is looks like
sitting on the chair. Only one posture in Myanmar. Back to Mawlamyaing.
Next day, take the public boat to Pha-an about 3 hours. Really
nice scenery along the boat trip. In Hpa-an, Zwekabin Mountain is their
significant. At the foot of Zwekhabin, many seated Buddha images are in
the huge compound. About one hour by open small engine boat to the
village, after pass the village, we will see the many tiny Buddha
statues are stick on the wall of the cave. It is Amazing. This is we
called Kawgun cave. Hpa-an is capital of Kayin state. One of the Race
called Kayin stay in this state. Can visit to their houses & life style.
And drive back to Yangon.
Tiger Hotel is the good accommodation in Hpa-an.
