Southeastern Myanmar Travel Guide

This tour guide covers the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety tips, transportation, and nearby destinations in Southeastern Myanmar.


Introduction to Southeastern Myanmar

Southeastern Myanmar, also known as the Mon State, is a region located in the southern part of Myanmar. This coastal region boasts beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, delicious food, and warm hospitality. Some of the major cities in the region include Mawlamyine, Mudon, Thaton, and Kyaiktiyo.

List of Places to Visit in Southeastern Myanmar

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

When it comes to cultural attractions in Southeastern Myanmar, there’s plenty to see and explore. These are some of the most popular places to visit:

  • Kyaikthanlan Pagoda
  • Win Sein Taw Ya Buddha
  • The Mon Cultural Museum
  • The War Cemetery
  • The Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery
  • The Maha Myat Muni Pagoda
  • The Shampoo Island

Natural Attractions of Southeastern Myanmar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you love outdoor adventures and stunning natural scenery, then Southeastern Myanmar won’t disappoint. Here are some of the best places to visit:

  • Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock)
  • Mawlamyine Hill
  • Setse Beach
  • Bilu Island
  • Win Sein Taw Ya Forest
  • Kyone Ka Latt Pagoda
  • The Thanlwin River

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southeastern Myanmar

Southeastern Myanmar offers a great opportunity for hiking and biking enthusiasts to explore the beautiful landscapes. Here are some of the popular hiking/biking routes in the region:

  • Mudon to Mae Khong Kha Hpa
  • Mawlamyine to Taung Wine Mountain
  • Mawlamyine to Thanbyuzayat

Best Things to Do in Southeastern Myanmar: Activities and Tours

Apart from sightseeing, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Southeastern Myanmar. These are some of the best activities and tours:

  • Boat Tour to Setse Beach
  • Kayaking on the Thanlwin River
  • Visit Win Sein Taw Ya, the largest reclining Buddha statue in the world
  • Take a cooking class and learn how to make local dishes
  • Attend a traditional Mon dance performance

Week-Long Itinerary for Southeastern Myanmar

If you plan to explore Southeastern Myanmar for a week, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Place to Visit
1 Mawlamyine Hill
2 Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock)
3 The Mon Cultural Museum
4 Mudon to Mae Khong Kha Hpa hiking route
5 Win Sein Taw Ya Forest
6 Setse Beach
7 Bilu Island

Food and Drink Scene of Southeastern Myanmar

When it comes to food and drink, Southeastern Myanmar boasts a rich culinary tradition. These are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mohinga (rice noodle soup with fish and lemongrass)
  • Tohu Kyaw (fried tofu)
  • Mont Lone Yay Paw (sticky rice with banana)
  • Athote (sweet soup with sago, palm sugar, and coconut milk)

Local Beverages

  • Beerlao
  • Shan Traditional Rice Wine
  • Myanmar Tea

Where to Stay in Southeastern Myanmar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southeastern Myanmar offers a range of accommodation options for all budgets. These are some of the best places to stay in the region:

  • Cinderella Hotel, Mawlamyine
  • Strand Hotel, Mawlamyine
  • NM Treasure Hotel, Kyaiktiyo
  • Mawlamyine Strand, Mawlamyine

What to Buy in Southeastern Myanmar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs and local products to bring home, these are some of the best options:

  • Mon traditional handmade textiles and crafts
  • Thanaka (traditional Burmese cosmetic)
  • Shan shoulder bag
  • Baskets made of bamboo and rattan

Local Culture and Customs of Southeastern Myanmar

The local culture in Southeastern Myanmar is heavily influenced by the Mon people. They have their own language, customs, and traditions. Some of the customs and traditions to keep in mind while visiting the region include:

  • Dress modestly when visiting Buddhist temples and other religious sites
  • Take off your shoes before entering someone’s home
  • Greet people with a smile and a traditional “mingalabar” greeting

Best Time to Visit Southeastern Myanmar

The best time to visit Southeastern Myanmar is from November to February when the weather is cool and dry.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southeastern Myanmar

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Be mindful of your attire when visiting religious sites
  • Learn a few words of the local language

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local culture and customs
  • Take pictures of people without their permission
  • Touch someone’s head, as it is considered disrespectful

Safety and Health

Safety in Southeastern Myanmar

Southeastern Myanmar is generally safe for visitors. However, it’s recommended to take usual safety precautions while traveling, such as avoiding deserted areas at night and keeping your valuables secure.

Health in Southeastern Myanmar

It’s important to take the necessary precautions to stay healthy while traveling in Southeastern Myanmar. This includes drinking bottled or filtered water, avoiding street food, and getting up-to-date vaccinations.

Getting to Southeastern Myanmar: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several transportation options to get to Southeastern Myanmar, including:

Airports Near Southeastern Myanmar

  • Yangon International Airport
  • Mandalay International Airport

Bus Stations Near Southeastern Myanmar

  • Yangon Bus Station
  • Mandalay Bus Station

Other Options

  • Private car hire
  • Train

How to Get Around in Southeastern Myanmar

Getting around Southeastern Myanmar is relatively easy, with several transportation options available, including:

  • Taxi
  • Motorbike
  • Bicycle

Where to Go Next from Southeastern Myanmar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to explore more of Myanmar, there are several nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Bago
  • Inle Lake
  • Mandalay
  • Yangon

Conclusion

Southeastern Myanmar offers a unique travel experience for visitors, with its rich culture, beautiful natural scenery, and delicious cuisine. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in this region of Myanmar. So, when planning your next trip to Myanmar, be sure to include Southeastern Myanmar on your itinerary.



    Bokepyin
    Hpa-an
    Kyaiktiyo
    Mawlamyine
    Myawaddy
    Payathonzu
    Thanbyuzayat