The South Tour

• Transfer
• By vehicle from Yangon to Kyaikhtiyo with sightseeing at Bago
From Yangon, head west towards BAGO, a historic city originally founded in 573 AD by Thamala and Wimala, two Mon brothers of noble birth. Visit a typical LOCAL MONASTERY to observe the daily lives of the monks, then continue the lifelike SHWETHALYAUNG RECLINING BUDDHA; the highly venerated SHWEMAWDAW PAYA, which has housed hair relics of the Buddha for over 1000 years. Highlights also include the KYAIK PUN PAYA, with four giant Buddas seated back to back against a square pillar, and the MAHA KALYANI SIMA, or 'Sacred Hall or Ordination'. Afterwards, continue to Kyaitkhtiyo.
• Overnight in Kyaikhtiyo.

• Visit Kyaikhtiyo (the Golden Rock)
KYAIKHTIYO: One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Myanmar, the shrine at the top of Mt. Kyaikto seems to defy gravity. Perched on the edge of a sheer cliff is a giant golden boulder topped with a gleaming stupa. Particularly stunning at sunset and sunrise, when a magical atmosphere suffuses the shrine.
• By vehicle from Kyaikhtiyo to Mawlawmyine with sightseeing at Hpa-an
Set out from Kyaikhtiyo, travelling southwards and stopping to visit BAYING NYI NAUNG GU, a natural limestone cave with hot springs reputed to have healing powers. The springs are divided into three pools, one for monks, one for men and one for women. Afterwards, continue to HPA-AN, the capital of Kayin State and a busy commerce centre, inhabited mainly by Kayin people. Farmers from all around the region come to town in horsecards or trishaws with baskets of produce to see in the market. Stroll through the market and along the riverfront, visit SHWE YIN MYAW PAYA, and finish at the town hall for the best views of the distinctively shaped MOUNT ZWEKABIN in the background.
• Overnight in Mawlamyine.  

• Sightseeing in Mawlamyine
An attractive, leafy, tropical town with a ridge of stupa-capped hills on one side and the sea on the other, Mawlamyine served as capital of British Burma from 1827 to 1852. Visit some of the major pagodas, including MAHAMUNI PAYA and KYAIKTHANLAN PAYA. Located on a hill with panoramic views overlooking the Thanlwin River, this is an especially beautiful spot for sunset or sunrise.
• Excursion by boat and vehicle to Bilu Kyun
Travel by local ferry for approximately one hour to BILU KYUN, or OGRE ISLAND. Continue to the local villages and visit home industries making pipes, ballpoint pens, rubber bands, coconut-fiber ropes and other items for everyday life. Time permitting, stop at one of the local tea shops for refreshment.
• Overnight in Mawlamyine.

• Excursion by boat to Gaungse Kyun (Shampoo Island)
GAUNGSE KYUN (SHAMPOO ISLAND): this picturesque island off Mawlamyaing's north-western end is so named because during the Ava period the annual royal hairwashing ceremony customarily used water taken from a spring on the island.
• Excursion to Mudon, Setse, Kyaikkami and Thanbyuzayat
From Mawlamyine, head southwards towards Thanbyuzat, stopping en route at the peaceful village KYAIKMAYAW, home to the largest RECLINING BUDDHA in the world; and MUDON, an area famous for its weaving villages. After arriving in THANBYUZAT, immerse yourself in World War II history. This was formerly the endpoint of the infamous "Death Railway" that crossed the River Kwai into Thailand. Today all that remains is one old locomotive and memorial plaque. Afterwards continue to the JAPANESE and the ALLIED WAR CEMETERIES. Return to Mawlamyine, stopping on the way to visit the beaches at SETSE and then at KYAIKKAMI to visit YE LE PAGODA, a simple pagoda built out into the ocean, with beautiful views over the water.
• Overnight in Mawlamyine.

• By vehicle from Mawlamyine to Yangon with sightseeing at Thaton
Journey north along Highway 8 past Thaton.
THATON: long before the rise of Bagan, Thaton was an important centre for a Mon kingdom that stretched from the Ayeyarwady River delta to similar deltas in Thailand. The town's core is a leafy place, lining each side of the highway are colonial mansions and thatched-roof homes, and a few older stupas on hillsides surrounding the town.