| Starts | Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma), Myanmar (Burma) |
|---|---|
| Ends | Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar (Burma), Myanmar (Burma) |
| Region | South East Asia |
| Duration | 7 days |
| Tour Operator | Peregrine |
Itinerary
Day 1
Rangoon (Yangon) - Kyaiktiyo
- Meet your tour at 11:00 am in front of the Air KBZ counter in the domestic terminal at Yangon International Airport. Please look out for our representative who will be carrying a Peregrine sign. If you are unable to locate our representative, please call the Peregrine Burma (Myanmar) contact number: +95 9 420254469.
- It is suggested that you pack an overnight bag for the one-night stop in Kyaiktiyo. The remainder of your luggage can be stored on the bus which will be waiting at the base camp while you're visiting the pagoda.
- It is approximately a 5 hour drive to the base camp at Kinponsakan, where you will transfer to an open air truck with basic wooden bench style seating, and take a bumpy drive for around 1 hour up towards the summit (1180 metres above sea level).
- The Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo Pagoda) is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. There is a small pagoda (7.3 metres high) built on a gold-gilded boulder, 25 metres in circumference, and balanced in what appears to be a very precarious position on a tabular rock, jutting out from a ridge in the Eastern Yoma Mountains. Legend has it that the boulder is held in position by a strand of Buddha's hair. Spending a night in Kyaiktiyo is one of Burma's most spiritual experiences.
- Please be aware that the accommodation in Kyaiktiyo is much more basic than in other destinations on our trip and that due to this being a very popular place of pilgrimage hotels can often be overbooked and the site very crowded. At times we may not be able to secure our preferred accommodation at the summit and may stay back in the town at the base. Travel times will also vary and in the wet season the journey can be quite arduous. A large dose of patience will go a long way towards enjoying your experience here!
Day 2
Pegu (Bago) - Rangoon (Yangon)
- We spend the morning walking around Kyaiktiyo. After descending from the summit, we return to Yangon, retracing our path from yesterday.
- Along the way we stop at Bago (approx 2 hours from Kyauktiyo), an ancient centre of the Mon kingdom in the 13th century. Here we visit the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which is even larger than the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, and the Shwethalyaung Buddha, one of the largest Reclining Buddhas in existence.
- After exploring Bago, we continue back to Yangon for the night (approx 2 hours).
Day 3
Bassein (Pathein) - Ngwesaung
- Turning our attention towards the delta region, we head west and drive for approx 5 hours to the port city of Bassein, which is famous for its colourful hand-painted umbrellas (sometimes this stop will be made on Day 6, on the way back to Yangon). You will see how these parasols are made on a visit to a local factory, before continuing on to the tropical paradise of the coast. Travel times to the beach town vary extensively due to varying road conditions and can take 6-7 hours. As with all travel times listed in this itinerary, these are approximate only and based on our travellers most recent experiences.
Day 4-5
Ngwesaung
- Burma’s little-known secret is its beautiful coastline fronting the Indian Ocean. At Ngwesaung (pronounced ‘neway-song’) lies an unspoiled white sand beach, 15 km long and bordered by tall swaying palms.
- You will have the chance to relax for a couple of days, staying in a hotel that has the lush settings of a resort.
- You will have the chance to swim in the waters of the warm, blue tropical sea, visit small fishing villages and local markets, explore the countryside by bicycle, and enjoy optional boat trips to the beautiful off-shore islands (cost not included).
- Please note that during the rainy season (May-September), many facilities may be closed and several activities may not be available due to inclement weather.
Day 6
Rangoon (Yangon)
- Today you will depart after breakfast for a full travel day back to Yangon by private vehicle (approximately 7 hours). Along the way stop in Bassein to pay homage to those who gave their lives during World War II at the Htawk Kyant Commonwealth War Cemetery.
- Depending on what time you arrive back in Yangon, you may have free time to visit Sule Pagoda, which marks the centre of town (this is an optional excursions and at your own expense).
- You can spend your last evening together enjoying a meal (optional) and wandering around town.
- **Please note for that the departure starting on the 25th October 2015 will be finishing at the Summit Parkview Hotel.**
Day 7
Rangoon (Yangon)
- The tour will come to an end today after breakfast. A transfer to the airport is not included; however, your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available.
