Golden Rock (kyeikhtiyo pagoda)
The Golden Rock is one of the most sacred religious sites in Myanmar. It is located near Kyaikhto in Mon State, on top of the Kyaikhtiyo hill, which is part of the Paung-laung ridge of the Eastern Yoma mountains. The rock sits at an elevation of about 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) above sea level.
It is about 210 km (130 miles) from Yangon and 140 km (460 ft) north of Mawlamyine, the capital of Mon State. At the base of the mountain is Kinpun village, about 16 km (9.9 miles) away.
The Journey to the Golden Rock
Near the top of the mountain, two large lions guard the entrance to the pagoda. From the last point for vehicles, known as Yatetaung, visitors must continue on foot. The paved track was built in 1999 and is about 1.2 km (0.75 mile) long. The climb is steep and takes about one hour.
For those who wish to make a full pilgrimage, the hike from Kinpun base camp to the pagoda is about 11 km (6.8 miles). Many devotees choose to do this as part of their religious practice.
There are also many other temples and pagodas on nearby hills, which can be visited by following foot tracks.
Sacred and Unforgettable
The Golden Rock is famous for its gravity-defying position. It appears to balance delicately on the edge of the cliff. Pilgrims from all over Myanmar come here to worship and to apply gold leaf to the rock. It is considered one of the three most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar, along with the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and the Mahamuni Temple in Mandalay.
Mawlamyaing (Mon State)
Mawlamyine is the fourth-largest city in Myanmar, after Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw. It is located about 300 km southeast of Yangon, at the mouth of the Thanlwin River.
During colonial times, Mawlamyine was known as "Little England" because of its large Anglo-Burmese community.
Sights and Attractions
The most prominent landmark in the city is Kyaikthanlan Pagoda. It was built in 875 AD and is said to enshrine a hair relic of the Buddha. The pagoda is also known as Kipling's Pagoda, standing 150 feet tall and offering a great view over the town center.
The Thanlwin Bridge is another major landmark. Stretching 3,333 meters across the Thanlwin River, it is the longest road and rail bridge in Myanmar.
Nearby Attractions
About 20 km south of Mawlamyine, you can find Win Sein Taw Ya, the largest reclining Buddha image in the world. It is 180 meters long and contains many rooms with dioramas illustrating the teachings of Buddhism.
About 60 km south of Mawlamyine is Thanbyuzayat, a town known for its connection to the infamous Burma–Siam Death Railway. During World War II, tens of thousands of prisoners of war and forced laborers lost their lives building this railway under Japanese occupation.
Just a few kilometers from Thanbyuzayat is Setse Beach, a peaceful spot for relaxation.
Dawei (Tavoy)
Dawei, formerly known as Tavoy during British colonial rule, is the capital of Tanintharyi Region. It is located about 614 km south of Yangon, on the Dawei River, which flows into the Andaman Sea.
The area is known for its local products, including rubber, cashew nuts, betel nuts, and durian (often called the "King of Fruits"). Dawei is also a weaving center, and the Dawei Longyi (traditional sarong) is a famous local product.
The local people speak Burmese with a strong dialect that can be difficult even for other Burmese speakers to understand.
Sights and Attractions
One of the main attractions for visitors is Maungmakan Beach, located about a 40-minute drive from Dawei. It is a clean and popular beach with beautiful natural scenery.
Dawei is also home to the largest reclining Buddha image in Myanmar, which is about a 30-minute drive from the town center.
Myeik
Myeik (pronounced "Beik") is the commercial hub of Tanintharyi Region. It is located in the far south of Myanmar, on the coast of an island in the Andaman Sea. As of 2011, the estimated population was over 209,000.
The local economy is based mainly on fishing, crab and lobster farming, rubber and coconut production, fermented shrimp paste manufacturing, edible bird's nest collection, and pearl farming.
Nearby Attractions
One of the interesting attractions near Myeik is a visit to Phahtaw and Phahte mountains. These two rocky islands rise from the sea and are only about a 20-minute boat ride from Myeik.
On these islands, you can find soft-shell crab breeding farms and lobster farming operations.
Mergui Archipelago
The Mergui Archipelago is a group of about 800 offshore islands located in the Andaman Sea, in the southernmost part of Myanmar. These islands are famous for their incredible natural beauty, which remains largely untouched.
Tourism in the area is still developing, which helps preserve the region's pristine environment. Visitors can enjoy low-impact tourism while experiencing the area's stunning landscapes and rich marine life.
The Salone People (Sea Gypsies)
The only permanent inhabitants of the archipelago are the Salone people, also known as "sea gypsies." During the rainy season, they build huts on small islands. After the rainy season ends, they return to living on their small boats.
They are also known for their skills as pearl divers.
Highlights of the Archipelago
Among the many beautiful islands, some of the most notable include:
· Lampi Island
· Great Swinton (Kyun Phila)
· Pulau Beda (Nyaung Wee Island)
· Kha Yin Khwa Kyun
These islands are covered with thick forests and offer a wide variety of plant and animal life. Many of the islands have white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs.
Snorkeling and Diving
The waters around the archipelago are crystal clear and rich with marine life. Snorkelers and divers can explore:
· Soft and hard corals
· Colorful coral reefs
· Fascinating underwater landscapes
· A wide variety of fish and other marine creatures
The Moken People
The Moken people (called Salone in Myanmar) are an ethnic minority who spend most of their lives at sea. They live in hand-made wooden boats called Kabang and are known for their expert fishing and diving skills, as well as their deep knowledge of the sea.
Geography and Environment
The Mergui Archipelago is located at the western side of the northern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Its remote location has helped protect its environment, keeping the islands and their forests largely untouched.