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The Undiscovered South

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The Undiscovered South
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  • Holidays in Myanmar
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  • Guide to Myanmar
    • Why choose Myanmar
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    • Yangon
    • Lake Inle
    • Mandalay
    • Bagan
    • Ngapali Beach
    • Kalaw
    • Pyin Oo Lwin
    • Bago
    • Mawlamyine
    • Sittwe
    • Kengtung
    • Mount Popa
    • Hsipaw
    • Lashio
    • Hpa An
    • Loikaw
    • Putao
    • Mergui Archipelago
    • Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo)
    • Mount Victoria
Experience Travel Group

The Undiscovered South

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Explore Myanmar veering south of Yangon to take in a variety of diverse natural and cultural sites.

Discover the precarious Golden Rock of Kyaiktiyo, incredible birdlife in the Moeyungyi Wetlands and the sleepy river-side villages of the Salween River before heading to the beautiful Mergui Archipelago where you’ll find paradise on Macleod Island.

This itinerary, or something close, would make for a fantastic holiday for second-time visitors to Myanmar or can be combined with visits to Bagan, Mandalay and Lake Inle for first-timers. 

 Highlights Include

  • Enjoy a 3-day river cruise along the remote Salween (Thanlwin) between Hpa-An and Mawlamyine
  • Explore Bago’s glittering temples, palace and markets by bicycle.
  • Relax in on Macleod Island in the beautiful and remote Mergui Archipelago
  • Take in panoramic views from the summit of Zwekabin Mountain nr Hpa An

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

Day 1 Depart The UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Yangon

Day 2-3 Yangon  Signature City Tour

On arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel and the first evening will be free to relax. You’ll then have a full day in Yangon to explore with your guide on our signature tour, designed to get you under the skin of the city. You’ll visit landmarks, explore markets and see the contrasts of local life. Enjoy a street food dinner with refreshing local beer before heading back to your hotel in the evening.

Day 4 & 5  Bago and The Wetlands  Temples and Birdlife

Your guide and driver will transfer you to nearby Bago where you’ll explore variety of golden temples and giant Buddha statues. There will be plenty of time to discover the area by bicycle with your private guide taking in the ancient palace and the local markets. Bago is also well located for a visit to the Moeyungyi Wetlands known for their terrific birdwatching opportunities. Take a morning cruise around the Wetlands and your guide will help you to spot a myriad of species.

Day 6  Mount Kyaiktiyo    Climb to the Golden Rock 

Leaving Bago, your journey will continue to the famous “Golden Rock”. The climb to the top takes about an hour, and en route, you’ll no doubt encounter local people making the pilgrimage to the summit. Weather permitting, the view from the top is incredible. You’ll stay overnight near the rock itself.

Day 7 Hpa An  Caves and Views

Today you travel onwards to Hpa An where there will be time to take in an elevated view of the surrounding lake, and if feeling energetic, you could choose to either make the two-hour trek up Zwekabin Mountain or explore some of Hpa-An’s famous caves.

Day 8- 10 Hpa and to Mawlamyine via the Salween River

Board the RV Yandabo in Hpa-An for a journey along the lower, navigable reaches of the Salween (Thandlwin) River towards Mawlamyine. The RV Yandabo is a fantastic way to get a sense of the remoteness and beauty of this area of Myanmar. Your accommodation will be one of 15 cabins on two decks.

Over 3 days, you will cruise south watching the jungle scenery unfold from the comfort of the boat promenade. You’ll stop to explore villages en route such as small, historic Mottama for an afternoon walk and travelling downstream towards the mouth of the river including a visit to Bilugyun (Ogre) Island where you’ll moor up for sunset.

There will be time to disembark and tour Ogre Island, where the local Mon people craft coconut fibre doormats, rubber bands and walking sticks before leaving the cruise in Mawlamyine.

Day 11  Mawlamyine  The first capital of British Burma

Spend a day exploring Mawlamyine, the fourth largest city in Myanmar and the capital of Mon state at the mouth of the Salween (Thanlwin) River.

Day 12 Dawei   the Sleepy, tropical south

After breakfast, you’ll begin the drive south to the tropical town of Dawei (Tavoy). The area was closed to tourists until early 2013, so it is mostly undeveloped and unexplored and makes for a very authentic and rewarding experience. Today is a fairly long journey so there will be stops en route and on arrival, you may wish to explore the town itself or nearby Shinmokhti Paya, dating back to 1438 and one of four shrines in the country housing a Sinhalese Buddha image supposedly made with a composite piece of the sacred Bodhi Tree.

Day 13 -16 The Mergui Archipelago  Relax in paradise

From Dawei its a short hop by plane to Kawthaung the gateway for the Mergui Archipelago. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to the jetty for the boat transfer to Macleod Island. Here you’ll check-in at the Andaman Resort for your secluded island getaway. Spend an additional three days relaxing in this unspoilt paradise setting, the diving and snorkelling are superb, and the beaches are untouched.

Day 17  Yangon  The Shwedagon Pagoda

Today you return to Yangon for the final night of your holiday. On arrival you’ll transfer to your hotel before enjoying a late afternoon visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s most famous landmarks - this is a fantastic place to watch your final sunset in Myanmar.

Day 18 Fly Home

Today you depart Yangon for the flight back to the UK.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week tip-inclusive holidays start from roughly £4,000 per adult. We offer substantial child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Golden Rock Hotel

Golden Rock Hotel , Golden Rock (Mt Kyaiktiyo)

Keen hiking enthusiasts will love this simple, clean, spacious and friendly hotel perched on Mount Kyaiktiyo.

Han Thar Gardens

Han Thar Gardens, Bago

Nestled in the countryside, Han Thar Gardens is a charming colonial hotel surrounded by lush gardens.

Hotel Zwekabin

Hotel Zwekabin , Hpa An

Well-maintained property with unbeatable mountain views. A great base for an overnight stay.

Mawlamyaing Strand

Mawlamyaing Strand , Mawlamyine

The Strand offers travellers clean and spacious rooms and basic facilities in Mawlamyine.

Myanmar Andaman Resort

Myanmar Andaman Resort , Macleod Island

The journey to get to this unspoilt paradise is worth it. Myanmar Andaman Resort is secluded, eco-friendly and luxurious.

The Loft

The Loft , Yangon

Modern, clean, spacious and hip hotel in central Yangon, the Loft is an excellent choice.

River Cruises Included

RV Yandabo

RV Yandabo, The Salween (Thanlwin) River

Something a little different! A three day cruise on the Salween River between Hpa-An and Mawlamyine.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Bago By Bike (or on foot)

Bago By Bike (or on foot), Bago

Explore the town and its glittering pagodas on a guided tour, either by bicycle or by foot.

Climb to the summit

Climb to the summit, Golden Rock (Mt Kyaiktiyo)

Stunning mountain scenery and a gilded boulder that appears to defy physics

Hpa An Caves

Hpa An Caves , Hpa An

Explore the intriguing caves in the countryside surrounding Hpa An.

Mawlamyine City Tour

Mawlamyine City Tour , Mawlamyine

Explore Mawlamyine (formerly Moulmein), a city that inspired both Orwell and Kipling.

Spot rare birds at the Moeyungyi Wetlands

Spot rare birds at the Moeyungyi Wetlands, Bago

Home to many rare water and shore bird species both native and migratory.

The Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

The Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Yangon

Myanmar's most important Buddhist pagoda, located in central Yangon.

The Yangon Circle Train

The Yangon Circle Train, Yangon

Departing from Yangon central, this commuter train is a great way to see another side of Myanmar.

Visit Ogre (Bilu) Island

Visit Ogre (Bilu) Island, Mawlamyine

Discover the remote and tranquil island passing paddy fields, vegetable plantations and rural villages.

Walking Tour of Bustling Chinatown

Walking Tour of Bustling Chinatown, Yangon

Wander the narrow streets lined with shops overflowing with produce and old houses with wooden shutters.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'The Undiscovered South '

Ready to enquire about this holiday?

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

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Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Myanmar
    • Classic Holidays
    • Myanmar with a River Journey
    • Multi-Country Holidays
    • Family Holidays
  • Guide to Myanmar
    • Why choose Myanmar
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • River Cruises
      • Short Journeys (3-5 days)
      • Longer Journeys (7-10 days)
      • Epic Journeys (11 days plus)
      • Sea Journeys
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Info on Myanmar
    • Travelling around Myanmar
      • Overview
      • Flying to Myanmar
      • Flights in Myanmar
      • Boat Travel In Myanmar
      • Hot Air Balloons in Myanmar
      • Train Travel in Myanmar
      • Road Travel in Myanmar
      • Border Crossings
  • Regions of Myanmar
    • Overview
    • Yangon
    • Lake Inle
    • Mandalay
    • Bagan
    • Ngapali Beach
    • Kalaw
    • Pyin Oo Lwin
    • Bago
    • Mawlamyine
    • Sittwe
    • Kengtung
    • Mount Popa
    • Hsipaw
    • Lashio
    • Hpa An
    • Loikaw
    • Putao
    • Mergui Archipelago
    • Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo)
    • Mount Victoria
  • About us
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    • How much does it cost?
    • Trip planning process
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
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