Best of Southern Myanmar - 7 Days

Highlights

• Visit the historical “Death Railway” in Thanbyuzayat
• Tour British colonial-era architecture in Dawei
• Travel the Dawei to Myeik road, only recently opened for foreigners
• Unwind on beautiful and isolated beaches
• Go snorkeling off the islands of the pristine Mergui Archipelago

Overview

The narrow southern regions of Myanmar are flanked by the Andaman Sea on one side and Thailand on the other, with farmland and mountains spread throughout. This tour takes you to some of the major towns of the area, full of colonial history, pristine beaches and the remote Mergui Archipelago. You'll get a chance to learn about the important industries of this region--fishing, rubber and betel nut--as well as relax on uncrowded beaches and snorkel off near-deserted islands. A lot of variety is packed into seven days, and you'll be introduced to a side to Burma that you probably hadn't imagined.

You'll get a chance to learn about the important industries of this region — fishing, rubber, and betel nut — as well as relax on uncrowded beaches and snorkel off near-deserted islands. A lot of variety is packed into seven days, and you'll be introduced to a side to Myanmar that you probably hadn't imagined.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Mawlamyine – Ye (93 miles/150 km.; 3.5 hours)

From Mawlamyine, southeast of Yangon, depart for Thanbyuzayat. Along the way, you'll pass many villages that give an insight into rural life in Myanmar. Thanbyuzayet was the starting point of the “Death Railway”, constructed by the Japanese during WWII to connect Myanmar and Thailand over the River Kwai. Tens of thousands of POWs were used in its construction, and a large number of these died. Make a short stop to see the historically important remains of the station on the Burmese side of the border.

Continuing towards Ye, stop at “Banana Mountain”, an elevated point with a tower at the top, that offers views over the Ye Valley. After arriving in Ye, take a tour of the city, keeping an eye out for signs of the betel nut, rubber, and fishery production that is central to the local economy. You'll get the chance to learn more about these while in Dawei, after a couple of days.

Day 2: Ye – Dawei (99 miles/160 km.; 4 hours)

Today you'll be driving through the stunning mountain range that divides the Tanintharyi Region and Mon State, on the skinny southern end of Myanmar.

Your next destination is Dawei, one of the first cities settled by the British after the First Anglo-Burmese War in 1826. As a result of its history, Dawei has some picturesque colonial-era buildings to check out. Take a walk along the riverfront to watch scenes of daily life, such as water collection from the public well. End the day by visiting Dawei’s Phaya Gyi Museum, which displays local artifacts, and the Shwe Taung Sar Pagoda.

Day 3: Dawei and Maung Ma Gan Beach (12 miles/20 km.; 45 min.)

Spend today exploring Dawei and its surroundings. Start by visiting a family-owned cashew nut business and see the labor-intensive process of gathering and peeling cashew nuts. You may understand why the nuts can be so expensive after seeing how only one nut grows per apple-sized fruit.

Afterward, head to the colonial neighborhood to learn more about the history of the colonial-era buildings. After lunch, head to the gorgeous, uncrowded Maung Ma Gan Beach, which is less than an hour's drive away. It's the perfect place to relax for the afternoon, before finding a spot to watch the magical sunset and enjoying a delicious meal of fresh seafood. 

Day 4: Dawei and beaches

Today, head to nearby San Maria Beach, a secluded, uncharted place. Along the road through the countryside, you'll see numerous rubber trees. Rubber is one of the main products of the region, as well as fish and betel nuts, and you'll get to learn more about the important industries by visiting some factories.

Spend a couple of hours relaxing at this uncrowded beach: swim in the clear waters, go for a walk or just lie in the sun. Nobody will bother you here!

Day 5: Dawei – Myeik (142 miles/230 km.)

The road from Dawei to Myeik was closed to foreigners until recently, so today's long drive will be a particularly exciting one. Along the way, you'll get the chance to make several stops at villages where the locals will likely be very surprised to see you.

Myeik is located on an island in the Andaman Sea, just off the coast, so to get there, board a small local ferry. The city was once an important trade hub, as the East India Trading Company established a large port here in the early 17th century. From here, the items were transported overland to Thailand. The area is still known as a smuggling hub between Myanmar and Thailand. Enjoy a relaxing evening at a slower pace.

Day 6: Day cruise around Myeik

In the morning, set out to explore the Mergui Archipelago. In total, the archipelago comprises over 800 islands, inhabited by a sea-going people, and you'll experience a small part of this today.

Leave from Meik's Seik Nge Jetty and make a stop at a small fishing village. After cruising in pristine waters, reach a remote, uninhabited beach where you'll get the chance to enjoy some snorkeling. Explore the underwater world, lay on the beach or walk around the small island. A picnic lunch full of tropical fruits and refreshing coconuts will be served to you on the beach.

Day 7: Around Myeik and departure

Before your flight back to Yangon, you will have time to visit the docks in this important fishing town and see how traditional wooden boats are made. The boat builders are very skilled and continue to use traditional techniques.

Depart for Yangon later in the day.