Kyaikhtiyo
This mystical pagoda stands on a gold gilded boulder, precariously perched
on the edge of the hill over 1100 m above sea-level. Kyaikhto, the town at
the foot of the hill, is about 160 km from Yangon. It is an 11 kilometer
up-hill climb for the hikers from Kinpun base camp. There is also a steep
winding road for 4-wheel drive cars from the base to the nearest point of
the pagoda. There are many legends about the Pagoda and the "nats" or
"spirits".
Pyay (Prome)
Pyay is located about 285 km north of Yangon, on the eastern bank of the
Ayeyarwaddy. It is easily accessible by road or by rail which takes about
5 hours. A few kilometers northeast of th town is Thayekhittaya (Sri
Ksetra), an archaeological site of the ancient Pyu capital (5th to 9th
Century). Shwesandaw Pagoda, Hsehtakyi Pagoda, Shwe phone Pwint Museum,
Bawbawgyi Pagoda, Bebegyi Pagoda, Payagyi and Payama Stupas are other
places of interest in and around Pyay.
Mrauk U
This 15th century ancient city of Rakhine Kingdom is known for its old
temples with wall paintings of Indian cultural influence. A regular
passenger boat takes hours from Sittwe (Akyab) to Mrauk U. Specil speed
boat with 20 seats takes only 2 hours 30 minutes. It is also accessible by
road from Sittwe via Ponnakyun and Kyauktaw. The Mahamuni shrine, one of
the famous Pagodas in Myanmar, is situated 30 km from Mrauk U. There is a
24 room bungalow type hotel for tourists. Regular flights from Yangon to
Sittwe takes about one hour 30 minutes. Shitthaung Pagoda, Dukkanthein
Pagoda and Andawthin Shrine are some of the sites to see in Mrauk U.
Mawlamyine (Moulmein)
Mawlamyine, a charming town, is the capital of Mon State, situated at the
mouth of the Thanlwin River (Salween River). It is easily accessible by
road and rail from Yangon. Sites to see in Mawlamyine are Kyaikthanlan
Pagoda, Uzena Pagoda, Caves of Kawgoon and Payon, famous for its countless
Buddha images, stalagmites and stalactites.
Kyaikkhami Pagoda, perched on the rocks by the sea and joined to the land
by a covered causeway, is the main attraction.
About 34 km from Mawlamyine is Thanbyuzayat, an Alliend War Memorial
Cemetery for the prisoners of war who lost their lives in the building of
the famous Death Railway across the River Kwai.
Myeik Archipelago
The Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago located in southernmost point of Myanmar;
comprises of over 500 gorgeous islands. The Sea Gypsies live on boats
during the dry season and remain on land during the rainy season. Their
ways of life and customs are so characteristic and unique that a Salone
traditional festival will be launched with an aim to attact interntional
tourists as well as to promote marine eco-tourism around the islands in
the Myeik Archipelago. A visit to their village offers a glimpse into a
unique culture. Salone Traditional Festival was held at Ma Kyone Galet
Village on the Bocho Island, near the Lampi Island. Lumpi can be reached
from Myeik, about 90 nautical miles southwest, 30 miles west from Bokpyin
and 60 miles northwest from Kawthaung. This beautiful island of Lumpi is
totally untouched; with a rich history of maritime trade and mysticism.
The modern day, Mergui Archipelago, is as it was days gone by. The
archipelago is virtually isolated but you will find the islands and
surrounding seas alive with amazing diversity of wildlife, flora and
fauna. Parrots, hornbills, sea eagles Brahming kites and herons fill the
skies. On land, the animal population includes monkeys, wild cattle,
elephants, deer, wild pigs, crocodiles, tigers and rhinoceros.
Lashio
It is trading town in Northern Shan State, accessible by road from
Mandalay. From Lashio, the famous Burma Road, built by the British before
the War, intersects with Ledo Road leading into the Yunnan Province.
Pharkant
Pharkant is located in Myitkyina District, Kachin State. It is about 960
km from north of Yangon. Pharkant is on the west side of Uru river, a
tributary of the Chindwin river. A massive Jade stone (3940 tons) was
found at Nanthamaw jade quarry in Pharkant Township, Kachin State. With
special permission, Pharkant is accessible by road from Myitkyina.
Mong Hsu
Mong Hsu is located north of Myanmar and it is now famous as the "the Mong
Hsu Gems Land". It used to be a small town but the rubies found in Mong
Hsu are now well known in the world's gem market as "Red Diamonds". With
special permission Mong Hsu is accessible.
