Myanmar Golden Rock & Mergui Paradise

Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, picked-up and transferred to your hotel in town by our Sonasia Holiday’s guide.

Though no longer the capital, Yangon remains Myanmar’s commercial heart and also the core of its spiritual life, thanks to the glorious Shwedagon Paya (Pagoda), while its colonial-era buildings (decaying as many of them may be) give the downtown area a historical charm which new capital Nay Pyi Taw - and Mandalay for that matter - will never possess. Whether you get lost in the city’s animated markets, seek out beer and barbecue in Chinatown, visit Hindu temples or take an eye-opening ride on a commuter train, Yangon’s streets provide a vibrant and engaging introduction to the country.

Free for the rest of the day for your own exploration.

Overnight in Yangon

After breakfast, meet with the guide and head to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a 70-meter long reclining Buddha. A visit to Kyaukhtatgyi provides a great introduction to Myanmar’s unique brand of Buddhism, with murals depicting the life of Buddha, the feet of the statue carved with traditional symbols and a great many locals gather here to pray.

Continue to a local tea shop for a chance to experience an integral part of Burmese life: drinking tea! Select from an array of snacks and enjoy a coffee or tea as while sitting amongst businessmen, friends and families who gather at the tea shop to socialize or conduct business.

Next, follow the guided tour to Kandawgyi Park, one of central Yangon’s greenest spots. Here, witness the glittering Karaweik Barge, a replica of the Royal Barge, and the vast lake with views of Shwedagon Pagoda in the background. Depending on the day, Kandawgyi may be busy with local families who come on the weekends to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

From here, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, the locals believe that the original structure was built 2500 years ago and was then renovated several times before taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99-meters tall, gilded with gold leaf, and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas. Follow the guide’s lead around the massive complex and learn why this temple is so revered among locals.

Free for the rest of the afternoon to relax or enjoy your hotel swimming pool.

Overnight in Yangon.

This morning the tour starts at 08:00.

Depart Yangon for a journey by road to Kyaikhtiyo and the Golden Rock.

Late morning, arrive at Kyaikhtiyo Base Camp (approximately 5 hrs). Travel by local, open-air truck along a winding road (45 minutes) and be dropped off a short five-minute walk from the Golden Rock. A huge boulder covered by gold leaf and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff, Golden Rock is one of Myanmar's most important pilgrimage sites.  The pagoda here is said to hold a hair of the Buddha and Buddhist from across the country come here to pay homage. 

Overnight near Golden Rock.

This morning there is the option to visit the Golden Rock again to see the rising sun casting its rays upon the rock. Starting before dawn, local pilgrims gather by the rock to make offerings in the solitude of the morning. It’s a unique and memorable experience that’s not to be missed. 

Today the journey continues at 08:00.

Return down to base camp by the same route on foot and by open-air truck. Then drive to Bago, the former capital of the Mon Kingdom.

The visit in Bago begins at a local market for a short walk amongst the colourful stalls selling flowers, produce, and spices. Then visit Shwethalyaung Temple, which houses a beautiful 55-meter long reclining Buddha, and the Mon-style Shwemawdaw Pagoda. Shwemawdaw is one of the most venerated pagodas in Myanmar. At 114 meters tall, it’s even taller than Shwedagon Pagoda. Afterwards, visit a local Mon village nearby for a short walk through this quiet, typical rural village that was once famous for its silk weaving.

On the way back to Yangon, stop at the Allied War Cemetery near Htaukkyan. This beautiful, peaceful cemetery is the final resting place for over 27,000 Allied soldiers.

Overnight in Yangon.

Free before taking the flight to Kawthuang in Southern Myanmar.

On arrival in Kawthaung, transfer to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon of leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Kawthaung Myo Ma’s Jetty to take a speed boat to Nyaung Oo Phee Island (around 2 hours). Upon arrival on Nyaung Oo Phee Island, check in to your room.

Have a buffet lunch at the island’s restaurant.

In the afternoon, enjoy a snorkeling program around one of the islands, either Madame Beach, Flower Bay, or Letter Island.  In the evening, enjoy dinner on the private beach.

Board your boat and head to the nearby islands of Ahtet le Ywe and Nga Khin Nyo Gyee. 

Spend the morning snorkeling and enjoying the beach before returning to camp for lunch.

This afternoon, transfer to Pyin Sa island for some snorkeling before returning to enjoy some of the beaches on Nyaung Oo Phee island.

Dinner on Nyaung Oo Phee Island.

After breakfast at the island’s restaurant, you will have the morning at leisure. Enjoy the white sand beaches and swim in the beautiful blue waters around the island.

Check out of the island resort around noon and have lunch before heading back to Kawthaung. 

Upon arrival (around 4pm) transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight to Yangon.