8-Day Burma Backdoor Explorer to Yangon from Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

Travel over 516 miles (832km) from the bustling city of Bangkok to Yangon, Myanmar (Burma). With accommodation, some meals and various modes of transportation included, this small group, 8 day tour, takes you through stunning untouched countryside and across the Thai – Burmese border.
Whilst there is no overall tour guide traveling with you, each leg of this spectacular journey is hosted by 'station guides' . These wonderful characters look after you until its time to hand you to the next 'station guide' as you move through your itinerary.

Itinerary:
Day 1: Bangkok – Mae Sot
Meet your station guide at 8pm at New Road Guesthouse. Then set off to Bangkok’s Northern bus terminal. Settle in for your overnight journey to Mae Sot.

Day 2: Mae Sot – Hpa An, Myanmar (B)
5am arrival and after a quick fresh up and a bite to eat, you will be escorted to the Thailand-Myanmar border. On the other side at 8:30am, your driver takes you to Hpa An.
Check in to your hotel then wander Hpa An’s small streets at your leisure. Stop for the local curries and the colorful fruit in stock.

Day 3: Hpa An (B)
A spectacular day kayaking through the rice fields with limestone mountains as the backdrop. You will meet local villagers and converse with the Kayin tribesman guide. Although no English, you are sure to feel welcomed by his huge smile. Make a very personal visit to another welcoming local villager's home for fresh fruit.

Next is Saddar Cave, the size of a football stadium, decorated with hundreds of Buddha figures, is a magnificent sight with pagodas and clay wall carvings.

Day 4: Hpa An – Mawlamyine (B)
Cruise along the Thanlwin river, stopping at the U Na Auk village. With your station guide, you will be greeted by dozens of children, curious to learn more of the foreign guest in their village.

Day 5: Mawlamyine (B)
Free day to roam at your leisure and own expense.

Day 6: Mawlamyine – Kyaiktiyo – Kinpun (B)
Board the train to Kyaiktiyo and take advantage of the time available to interact with friendly locals. Upon arrival into Kyaiktiyo hire a Tuk Tuk to Kinpun, where you will overnight.

Day 7: Kinpun - Yangon (B)
Visit to The Golden Rock, hanging on its tip, high above the plains. Take the afternoon bus from Kinpun to Yangon.

Day 8: Yangon (B)
At your leisure. After check out, continue your journey according to your own plans.

Important:
Day 1: Please confirm meeting time 24 hours prior.
Day 2: Approx. 7hrs driving. There is a 30 minute time difference between Thailand and Burma.
Day 3: Kayaking may change if low water levels.
Day 4: Self-transfer: Mawlamyine jetty to hotel at own expense. Tuk Tuk approx. 3000 Kyat.
Day 6: Self-transfer: Mawlamyine hotel to train station and Kyaiktiyo train station to hotel in Kinpun.
Tuk Tuk’ approx. 3000 Kyat each journey.
Day 7: Self-transfer: Kinpun to Yatetaung terminal. Truck approx. 8000 Kyat. No fixed times. Depart when full. Sunrise to sunset only. The last 45-60 minutes from Yatetaung terminal to Golden Rock and back, on foot. Very steep at points.
Accessibility concerns: chairs carried by porters approx. 12.000 Kyat.
Self-Transfer: Yangon bus station to hotel. Taxi approx. 10,000 Kyat.
Golden Rock: Entrance fee not included. Approx. USD6 per person. USD2 own camera use.
Possible Denied Entry: Men if wearing shorts. Women if wearing trousers, miniskirt or a small top.
Women are not permitted close to the Golden Rock (inner platform). Men only.

Costs of self-transfers and entrance fees above, for your guideline only. May change without notice.