The Tenasserim hills and coastline of southern Myanmar have only recently opened up to foreigners, and there are still many unchartered parts of this vast tropical area, which offers hidden gems including former pirate coves and miles of empty white sand beaches – plus the vast Myeik Archipelago. Closer to Bangkok than it is to Yangon, the food here is spicier and the culture distinctly Thai.
Tour Overview
Start:
Finish:
Length:
Transport:
Accommodation:
Deluxe Hotel Supplement:
US$9 per day
US$3,4471
US$2031
Arrive in Yangon and head to the Buddhist heart of Myanmar – the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda.
Wander downtown during the balmy evening and explore the many restaurants and bars now cropping up in this increasingly cosmopolitan city.
Leave early morning for Mount Kyaiktiyo, one of the three most sacred religious sites in Myanmar; the rock at its peak seems to defy gravity by delicately balancing on the mountainside, and is said to cover a hair of the Buddha.
Drive on eastwards to Hpa An, the charming and laid back capital of Karen State. The dramatic limestone karst mountain scenery of the surrounding area offers much to explore, including lush paddy fields; pagodas that sit atop strange rock formations; natural pools; and, best of all, a number of huge caves, which hold religious significance that date back many hundreds of years.
Take a relaxing boat trip down the Salween River 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 a magnificent pagoda with views of the surrounding area – it was a short visit here that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write his famous poem Mandalay.
Take a car to Dawei, on the way stopping at the Allied War Memorial Cemetery in Thanbyuzayat, where prisoners of war who lost their lives during the building of the infamous Burma Railway (or ‘Death Railway’) are laid to rest. You can also visit the point that marks the end of the railway, commemorated with an old steam locomotive.
Dawei is a sleepy tropical town with a number of beautiful beaches in the vicinity. Maungmagan beach is the most popular in the area, host to a small number of hotels and simple restaurants serving fresh seafood. If you want some adventure, take a motorbike ride to one of the many secluded white sand beaches nearby and swim in their azure waters.
The fast boats southward to Myeik leave early, so there is plenty of time to explore this lively former pirate enclave. The busy port and quaint, winding streets lend the town a lovely atmosphere – and you can enjoy local, fresh seafood that is a delicious Thai-Myanmar fusion. Fishing boats can also be hired to take you around the nearby islands.
Fly to Kawthaung, the southernmost point of Myanmar, and a bustling trade Thai trade post with a strong Muslim influence.
After decades of being off-limits, the Myeik (or Mergui) Archipelago is a remarkable and untouched watery paradise, with over 800 islands which are home to pristine sandy beaches and clear blue water – perfect for some easy snorkelling and relaxed swimming or, for experienced scuba divers, an incredible variety of sea life and reefs (make sure to let our booking staff know whether you would prefer a regular cruise or a diving-focused trip by filling out the ‘Any further queries’ box after you have clicked on the ‘Book Tour’ button).
As you cruise around the islands, you will meet some of the local inhabitants, the Moken (also known as sea gypsies) who are the indigenous people of this vast chain of islands; the Moken are expert free divers and one of the most intriguing ethnic groups of Myanmar.
On your final day, transfer across the water from Kawthaung to Ranong in Thailand.
| Standard hotels | Deluxe hotels |
| Yangon - Clover Hotel | Yangon - Chatrium Hotel |
| Mount Kyaiktiyo - Mountain Top Hotel | Mount Kyaiktiyo - Mountain Top Hotel |
| Hpa An - Hotel Zwekabin | Hpa An - Hpa An Lodge |
| Mawlamyine - Attran Hotel | Mawlamyine - Strand Hotel |
| Dawei - Maung Ma Kan Beach Hotel | Dawei - Maung Ma Kan Beach Hotel |
| Myeik - Eain Taw Phyu Hotel | Myeik - Eain Taw Phyu Hotel |
| Kawthaung - Garden Hotel | Kawthaung - Garden Hotel |
To get prices for this tour with luxury accommodation or basic accommodation, please enter a query in the ‘Any further queries’ field when you submit your tour booking form (link below).
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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) during high season (October to April). Larger groups will pay less per person, single person purchase will mean a higher price.
