Myanmar is a country steeped in Theravada Buddhism, and the Pa-Auk Forest Monastery in the hills to the east of Mawlamyine is one of the most highly respected places to study. A school that teaches both Samana (tranquility) and Vipassana (insight) techniques of meditation, you will stay at the monastery for a five day course and, if you wish, extend your stay to some of the most sacred sites in Myanmar.
Tour Overview
Start:
Finish:
Length:
Transport:
Accommodation:
Deluxe Hotel Supplement:
US$14 per day
US$1,0901
US$1091
Arrive in Yangon, check into your hotel, and then visit some of the revered Buddhist sites in this bustling city, including the central Sule Pagoda, the hollowed-out Botataung Pagoda and then head for sunset to the huge and dazzling Shwedagon Pagoda.
In the morning take the 5-hour drive to Mawlamyine, the tropical capital of Mon state and one-time administrative centre of British Burma. This quiet city has many colonial buildings lining its streets and the hilltop Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda offers wonderful views of the surrounding area – it was a short visit here that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write his famous poem Mandalay.
Practice Samasa and Vipassana meditation at the Pa Auk Forest Monastery. The monastery is situated in the lush Taung Nyo mountain range to the east of Mawlamyine, where the environment is considered perfect for long-term and intensive meditation.
The monastery caters for foreigners and lessons are provided for those who are new to meditation. The Abbott and principal teacher at the monastery is the Venerable Pa Auk Tawya Sayadaw; he speaks English fluently and has been teaching foreign meditators at the monastery since the early 1990s.
Drive to Mount Kyaiktiyo, one of the three most sacred sites in Myanmar. Climbing the mountain is an act of merit to Theravada Buddhists, and the golden rock at its summit is said to cover a hair of the Buddha, appearing to defy gravity by delicately balancing on the edge of the 1,100m peak.
There are platforms at the top where you can practice meditation under the shadow of the pagoda and you will stay at a hotel at its summit, offering magnificent views of the area.
At the end of second day, return to Yangon by car.
Breakfast at the hotel and then prepare for departure.
Would you like to extend your tour to the thousands of temples on the plains of Bagan or the haunting ancient capital of Mrauk U? Our travel advisors will be able to arrange this for you, along with any other travel, accommodation or activity requirements you may have. Just fill out the ‘Any further queries’ box after you have clicked on the ‘Book Tour’ button.
Our Service Include:
Our Service Do Not Include:
Important Notes:
The above itinerary is indicative and some details may change according to conditions and availability; you will always be informed of such changes.
There may be changes to estimated prices depending on air fuel cost, domestic airfares, US$ exchange rates and festive season surcharge. All supplemental cost to be advised.
[1] Price per person based on two person tour (twin hotel room sharing basis). Larger groups will pay less per person, single person purchase will mean a higher price.
