CHIN STATE
In the western of Myanmar are several small towns still not easily
accessible for general tourism. For the adventurous, however, such
destination as Hakha, the capital of the Chin's built on mountain
terraces and surrounded by magnificent pine forests or Tongzan, the
cultural center of Chin tribes as well; 2704 meter high Mt.Kennedy
near Teedeim may soon become accessible to traveler.
There is six days-five nights trekking adventure in Chin State to
Mt.Victoria; not only to climb a 3,000 meter high mountain, but also
to visit an area where people are still embracing with nature and
tradition. Meet the ladies with a face full of tattoos which is a
sign of beauty! Experience a way of life which has to be seen to be
believed as it is totally different from everyday Myanmar life.
Myanmar Tourism authorities control the influx of tourists so that
this area will remain unspoiled and the people and tribes in this
region can continue to live in their natural habitat.
MOGOKE
Roughly 200km north of Mandalay, was mainly occupied by the British
to extract the world famous pigeon blood rubies during the Colonial
period. Hand scratching, water pumping, tunnel mines are the
activities of this small 1000 meter around town. You will be
hassled, bustled by the broker to select their worthy ruby at the Mogoke Opened Air Market.
SITTWAY
Sittway, the capital of Rakhine State situated at south West of
Myanmar on the Rakhine Coast. It has a long coasting bordering on
the Bay of Bengal sharing with Bangladesh. There is a view point to
have fresh air breathing, and enjoy the sunset. The Cultural and
traditional heritages of colorful Rakhine races are kept at Museum.
It is also the gate way to Mauk U, an ancient city of Rakhine Kings
almost contemporary to Bagan period twelve centaury.
TACHILEK
The small border town in the eastern part of Myanmar is one of the
most importants for Myanmar people to day return working in Mae Sai
(Northern Thailand). For the clients having border pass visa who
have not enough time to visit main land of Myanmar should come to
Tachileik from Thailand and explore the ethnic minorities such as
Shan, Kachin, and Wa tribals.
KYAINGTON (KENGTONG)
Kyaington (formally Keng tong) is one of the most scenic towns in
Shan state, special place for Hill tribe lovers. You can fly from
Heho or Yangon as well as border-pass from Maisai (Thainland). You
will explore many tribal people, and ethnic minorities at their
local market or at the village. Tribal people nearby villages are
Akha, Akhi, Lahu, Wa, Ann, Lahu, Lisu living with traditional and
cultural style.
LASHIO
The mountainous regions around Lashio, an important trading center,
can be reached by train or road from Mandalay. Just imagine a
train-ride on shaking Goeteik Viaduct without any support pile in
the middle connecting the two tops of mountains. Attractions here
include beautiful scenery and hot springs, as well as the local
market where you will study the daily life of the people nearby.
KYAUKME-THIBAW(HSIBAW)
On the road to Lashio, Kyaukme and Hispaw are neighboring towns in
the Northeren Shan State. Taking train from Mandalay or Pyinoolwin
will have to pass over the shaking Gonteik Viaduct, Picturesque and
unique styles of Shan and Burmese architecture. The Bawgyo Pagoda,
Aungzedhi Monastery, Old villa of Prince Hsipaw and the town markets
are popular sites to visit. Trekking to Palaung(Golden Paluang), and
Shan Villages attract the Nature and Culture lovers.
PHAAN
The capital of the Karen state surrounded by beautiful limestone
rock formations with cave entrances in which Buddha Images are
adorned on the wall. Some of those cave are said to have been there
for over thousands years. Day trekking to many traditional Karen
villages and boat trip for 1 or 2 hours along Thanlwin (Salween)
river is the most fascinating experience.
MAWLAMYAINE
The Capital of Mon State scramble with old and new houses, viewing
with beautiful scene the hill top is the last destination of Myanmar
Railway. It is located on the bank of Thanlwin (Salween) River 270
Km south east of Yangon. Taking ferry boat for an hour from Moattama
will be pleasant voyage for visitors. A hilly ridge above the city
offers panoramic views over the harbor and the beautiful
countryside. The ridge is topped with monasteries and shrines. Walk
along Strand Road for a glimpse of the impressive Kaladan Mosque,
built during the colonial era where the old Indians settle to work
for the British in Mawlamyine(formally Moulmein). It was the capital
of British Burma, after the first Anglo-Burmese War 1287 AD.
BILU ISLAND (Ogre Island)
A visit to one of the little home industries producing pipes for
smoking should not be missed and maybe you meet a fisherman who can
dive for a long, long time under water - it is said that they have
fins...You will arrive at the south of the island at Ywa Lut and
cross the island by pick-up truck, departing at the north of the
island in Chaungsone. Unfortunately there's not enough time to see
all the 64 villages on that island!
KYAIKMAYAW
Picturesquely located at the river bank of the Ataran River, this
small town is easily reached because of its quite good road
condition-the roads are sealed! Flanked by toddy palms and rubber
plantations, the road passes through eight villages before ending in
Kyaikmayaw, Built by Queen Shinsawbu in 1455.
Marco polo described "one of the finest sights in the world" now
visitors to Myanmar can view the unique and enchanting view of the
11th century ruin as it has never been seen before. Imagine floating
over thousands year old pagodas and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, as
the sun sinks slowly behind distant mountains. Stroll around the
charming town with its simple Myanmar wooden houses, some covered
with palm leaves, others with metal.
MUDONE
Mudone, a small town noted for its hand weaving cottage industry is
on the way to Mawlamyaing and Thanbyuzayat. The surroundings fraught
with green and fresh Rubber tress are a place to study the
traditions of Mon people. The gigantic reclining Buddha Image under
construction will be known as the world largest reclining Buddha
Image.
THANPHYUZAYAT
ThanbyuZayat, 35km south of Mawlamyaing was the base camp of
thousands of Allied Asians and Local prisoners never returned to
their home for the construction of in-completed Western terminus of
Burma-Siam Railway (The Death Railway) in 1945 AD. There is a
War-Commentary with the thousands of graves of which is the memory
of allied soldiers who scarified their life during the World War II.
KYAIKKHAMI
Famous for its Ye-Le-Pha-Ya (Island Pagoda) situated in the sea not
far from the coast. This pagoda is always filled with local
pilgrims, and short bumpy drive from Thanbyuzayat. You will not
forget the long walk on un-seeing pagoda platform flooded with water
under the long roof during the tide up time.
Marco polo described "one of the finest sights in the world" now
visitors to Myanmar can view the unique and enchanting view of the
11th century ruin as it has never been seen before. Imagine floating
over thousands year old pagodas and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, as
the sun sinks slowly behind distant mountains.
SETSE
Un-touched beach line up with coconut trees is a short drive from
Kyaikkhami. Snorkeling and breathing fresh air, lying down on the
silvery sand watching the life of the fisherman along the sea coach.
MYEIK(MERGUI)
The Myeik (Formally Mergui) situated on the southern part of Myanmar
surrounded by over 804 islands nearby is the gate way for
archipelago. Many valuable tin mines, oil palm plantations, rubber
plantations and evergreen forest make it environ marvelous. The
Pearl breading and fishing sites grab the eyes of visitors. Pearl
Island is the source of high quality pearls, and fishing is the
traditional business along the coastal line of Adman Sea.
KAWTHAUNG
Victoria Point in the far-south of the Country, the border pass to
Ranaung (Thailand) is the gate way for Both Courtiers Myanmar and
Thailand. A bustling little harbor with a rather special atmosphere
is always busy with big, and small boats. Visit the Local market,
and try the Burmese beer and cigars is unforgetable. A beautiful
pagoda and a Buddhist monastery is on the hill, just outside town.
