This itinerary volition encompass the Hsipaw, Inle Lake, Kyaiktiyo, Hpa-An & dorsum to Yangon over xi days, in addition to is the 2nd in addition to terminal business office of my Myanmar backpacking trip. To encounter the previous itinerary, banking company fit out my 8 24-hour interval itinerary for Yangon, Bagan in addition to Mandalay
Trip Summary
Trip length in addition to when did I go? 11 days inwards Jan 2016
Day 1 - Mandalay to Hsipaw. Depart Mandalay yesteryear prepare to Hsipaw, stopping at Pyin Oo Lwin in addition to crossing the famous Gokteik viaduct span on the way. Upon arrival inwards Hsipaw, I stayed at Red Dragon Hotel. In the afternoon, I rented a cycle in addition to cycled to Sunset Hill to picket the sunset. Overnight inwards Hsipaw.
Day 2 - Hsipaw. Full 24-hour interval trek but about the Hsipaw countryside, visiting Naloy hamlet in addition to some Shan villages nearby in addition to Nam Hu Nwe waterfall. Overnight inwards Hsipaw
Day 3 - Hsipaw to Inle Lake. Cycling tour but about Hsipaw town, visiting Hsipaw Central Market, Shan Palace, Little Bagan & Bamboo Buddha monastery. Check out from the hotel in addition to took the overnight motorbus from Hsipaw to Nyaung Shwe (Inle Lake)
Day 4- Inle Lake. Upon arrival, I checked inwards to Song of Travel Hostel inwards Nyaung Shwe. Went on the 24-hour interval trip yesteryear boat but about Inle lake, visiting the diverse villages but about the lake such every bit Ywama, Hpaung Daw U, Nampan, Inn Paw Khone in addition to Thaung Tho. Overnight inwards Nyaung Shwe.
Day 5- Inle Lake. Cycling tour but about Inle lake. Cycled to Khaung Daing, so took a boat across the lake to Maing Thauk. Stopped at Red Mountain Estate Vineyard for sunset on the means back. Overnight inwards Nyaung Shwe.
Day 6 - Inle Lake to Bago. Cycling tour but about Nyaung Shwe, visiting Mingalar marketplace in addition to Yadana Man Aung Paya, alongside few others. Check-out from the hostel inwards the afternoon, in addition to took an overnight motorbus from Nyaung Shwe to Bago.
Day 7 - Bago to Kyaiktiyo to Hpa-An. Upon arrival inwards Bago, I took a minibus to Kyaiktiyo. From Kyaiktiyo, I went on to Kinpun, so onwards to Golden Rock to pass one-half a day. Back inwards Kyaiktiyo, I took some other motorbus to Hpa-An, where I stayed the nighttime inwards Hintha Guesthouse. Overnight inwards Hpa-An.
Day 8 - Hpa-An. Day trip but about Hpa-An yesteryear thoun bein, visiting Yathaypyan & Kawgun caves, Kyauk Kalap monastery in addition to Lumbini Garden. In the afternoon, I visited Saddan cave earlier ending the 24-hour interval with a see to Kawt Ka Taung cave. Overnight inwards Hpa-An.
Day 9 - Hpa-An to Yangon. Half-day trip to Hpan Pu mountain. Check out from the guesthouse but about noon in addition to took a motorbus dorsum to Yangon. Upon arrival there, I stayed at Myanmar Backpackers Hostel. Overnight inwards Yangon.
Day 10 - Yangon. Half-day urban substance tour yesteryear circular train, with a halt inwards Insein. Spent my afternoon inwards Kandawgyi lake in addition to so onward to Shwedagon pagoda for sunset. Had dinner at 19th Street earlier returning to the hostel. Overnight inwards Yangon.
Day 11 - Yangon. Last infinitesimal shopping inwards Bogyoke Market, earlier heading to the drome for my flying home.
Itinerary Map (click to view POIs in addition to routes)
4.00 am - Depart Mandalay for Hsipaw yesteryear train
8.00 am - Stopover at Pyin Oo Lwin. Got off the prepare to purchase some breakfast from the peddlers inwards the station - Shan noodles (500 kyat) & java (300 kyat)
10.45 am - Another stopover at Naung Hkio, but earlier Gokteik
11.30 am - Crossed the Gokteik viaduct, the highest span inwards Myanmar in addition to the world's largest railway trestle. The crossing took nigh 10 minutes from terminate to end, so there's plenty of fourth dimension to accept photos in addition to bask the sights
1.45 pm - Yet some other stopover, this fourth dimension inwards Kyaukme. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 few locals from Hsipaw boarded the prepare to transcend but about brochures in addition to volition inquire if you lot desire to rest at their guesthouses. I took upwards an offering from Red Dragon Hotel, who also provided costless carry from the Hsipaw prepare station to their hotel
Sunrise on the prepare journey
Getting upwards in addition to going to the loo is proving to go quite a challenge
Stopping inwards Pyin Oo Lwin
Pyin Oo Lwin makes for a prissy stopover betwixt Mandalay in addition to Hsipaw, provided you lot get got plenty of days to spare
If there's i thing you lot can't give-up the ghost from on this prepare journey, it's hunger. There's but so much nutrient at the stations on the means to Hsipaw
Crossing the Gokteik viaduct after hours of killing anticipation
Spectacular views of the ridge we're crossing over
Lining upwards this perfect shot when suddenly, le wild caput appears
The vast in addition to beautiful countryside seen on the way
More countryside closer to Hsipaw
Arrival inwards Hsipaw
3.20 pm - Arrival inwards Hsipaw (hopped off at Hsipaw prepare station). Rode the costless carry (provided yesteryear hotel) from the prepare station to Red Dragon Hotel (under v minutes)
Checked inwards to Red Dragon Hotel - $6.50 per night. Staying for 2 nights (total cost -$13). This was i of the cheapest places I've stayed inwards Myanmar in addition to is cracking value for money. Got a genuinely prissy room in addition to costless breakfast. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 downside to this hotel was that it had no elevator despite beingness a few storeys high. Had to climb lots of stairs but to larn to the breakfast room which was on the top floor
Did my laundry at the hotel -2,500 kyat
Arriving inwards Hsipaw
Took the costless ride to town, courtesy of Red Dragon Hotel
My room inwards Red Dragon Hotel
In & Around Hsipaw
Rented a cycle from the hotel -500 kyat (bargained downward from 1,000 kyat, every bit I was only going to utilization it for a brace of hours)
4.30 pm - Cycled from the hotel to Sunset Hill (under xv minutes). Upon arriving at the base of operations of the hill, it was some other xv minutes on human foot to the top. The route leading upwards to the top of the loma was quite steep, so I had to larn downward in addition to force the bike
5.00 pm - 6.00 pm - Sunset viewing at the top of Sunset Hill earlier heading downward again
6.05 pm - Cycled dorsum to the hotel (under xv minutes)
Had dinner at La Wun Aung eating spot nearby the hotel I stayed - Pickled tea leafage rice (1,700 kyat)
8.30 pm - Return to the hotel
The not-so-busy Hsipaw township
Crossing the span over the Myitnge river that courses through Hsipaw
Full 24-hour interval trek to the Hsipaw countryside
7.30 am - Wake up
Breakfast at the hotel - Shan noodles with eggs, toast & java (included inwards the room rate)
9.00 am - Begin trek to the Hsipaw countryside. Didn't purchase whatever tours in addition to decided to practice the trek myself
Walked from Hsipaw to the surrounding countryside (under xv minutes). There's a shortcut you lot tin give the sack accept from the town into the surrounding countryside, it's located at the large receiving tower, close the prepare tracks
9.30 am - 10.00 am - Walked the trail that runs across the rice fields from Hsipaw to Naloy, a pocket-size Shan hamlet nearby. You volition know it's Naloy if you lot tin give the sack encounter a brace of cemeteries in addition to a monastery there
Had a lite snack at a roadside stall at that spot - Barbequed spiced tofu (400 kyat)
11.00 am - 12.00 pm - Visited the hot outflow nearby the village. It wasn't genuinely much, but a dammed upwards spot on the side of the river, but it was quite pop with the locals
Began my trek to the countryside at the crevice of dawn
Taking the shortcut to the Hsipaw countryside
Going on the path less traveled... okay I admit, I got lost
Scenery on the means from Hsipaw to Naloy, a Shan hamlet nearby
Just farmers going nigh their draw of piece of occupation concern inwards Naloy village
Having spiced tofu at this roadside stall hither inwards Naloy. Language was a fleck of barrier, but somehow nosotros got on pretty well
Taking a dip inwards the hotspring close Naloy village, which every bit you lot tin give the sack see, is quite pop with the locals
Full 24-hour interval trek to the Hsipaw countryside (continued)
12.30 pm - 2.30 pm - After the hotspring, I backtracked to Naloy hamlet in addition to walked upwards the path going uphill, heading inwards the management of Pankam hamlet (didn't larn all the means every bit it's supposedly quite far away, nigh 4-5 hours inwards either direction). Halfway upwards the path, at that spot are some genuinely prissy views of the surrounding countryside. Continued on this path until I came to some other Shan hamlet inwards the hills earlier turning dorsum again
3.00 pm - Back inwards Naloy hamlet yet again. Crossed the cemetery in addition to walked to Nam Hu Nwe waterfall (under xl minutes). It's non that hard to find, you lot tin give the sack pretty much spot the waterfall from afar i time you're yesteryear the cemetery area
4.00 pm - 5.00 pm - Chilled but about at Nam Hu Nwe waterfall earlier heading dorsum to Hsipaw
Continuing my trek upwards this road, that supposedly leads to Pankam village
View of the Hsipaw countryside upwards the road, shame nigh the atmospheric condition though
Some Shan hamlet houses I passed on the way
Passing the cemetery on the means to Nam Hu Nwe waterfall
View of the countryside beyond the loma yesteryear the cemetery. You could almost spot the waterfall from over here
Almost xxx minutes of walking in addition to we're almost at the waterfall. There's nevertheless a fleck of a climb earlier you lot accomplish it though
Spotted some pocket-size cascading falls on the means to the waterfall
Nam Hu Nwe waterfall inwards its total glory
All the H2O from Nam Hu Nwe trickles downward into this pool
Back inwards Hsipaw
6.00 pm - Back inwards Hsipaw. Had some refreshments at Yuan Yuan Mr. Shake stall - Yogurt fruit milkshake (1,000 kyat). Highly reviewed on Tripadvisor in addition to therefore, a really pop hangout spot for backpackers
Dinner at San Restaurant - Chicken barbeque (3,000 kyat), french fries (1,500 kyat) & milk tea (500 kyat)
8.30 pm - Return to hotel. Went to reception in addition to booked my ticket for the 4.30pm motorbus (Golden Shuttle) departing the side yesteryear side 24-hour interval for Nyaung Shwe (Inle Lake) -$13
Breakfast at the hotel - Shan noodles with eggs, toast & java (included inwards the room rate)
Rented a cycle from the hotel - 1,000 kyat (for one-half 24-hour interval use)
9.00 am - Cycled to Hsipaw Central Market to practice some sightseeing in addition to shopping
11.00 am - 2.00 pm - Cycling tour of Hsipaw. Visited the next points of involvement but about Hsipaw:
Shan Palace. Just external viewing every bit it was closed on that 24-hour interval unfortunately
Little Bagan. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 pocket-size expanse with several Bagan-like stupas
Bamboo Buddha monastery. Located but contrary Little Bagan, housing a aureate Buddha prototype made out of bamboo
2.30 pm - Back at the hostel. Rested a piece earlier packing upwards in addition to check-out from the hostel.
Left my backpack at reception in addition to went for dejeuner at the row of shops nearby. Had some steamed dumplings (1,100 kyat) for dejeuner in addition to some other fruit milkshake (1,000 kyat) at Yuan Yuan
Doing some shopping in addition to sightseeing inwards Hsipaw Central Market
Crossing this span to larn to the northern business office of town
Little Bagan, Hsipaw
Bamboo Buddha monastery, located direct contrary of Little Bagan
The Bamboo Buddha prototype housed within the monastery
Bumped into some kids returning habitation after school
Having some steamed dumplings for lunch. The lady became really fascinated when I told her where I was from. I gauge she doesn't encounter too many Malaysians but about hither that often
Hsipaw to Inle Lake
4.00 pm - Walked from the hotel to RC motorbus station, located along the Lashio-Mandalay route (under xv minutes)
4.30 pm - Board the motorbus (Golden Shuttle) jump for Nyaung Shwe (Inle Lake). Was given a toiletry set in addition to drinking water. The seats were quite cramped, fortunately at that spot were plenty of empty seats on the bus, which I eventually switched over to
5.30 pm - Dinner halt at Kyaukme. Had mixed rice for dinner (2,500 kyat)
The Lashio-Mandalay road
RC motorbus station inwards Hsipaw, non genuinely certain what RC stands for
3.30 am - Short stopover inwards Kalaw to drib some passengers off. This is where most travelers commonly set out their Kalaw-Inle trek. While it was my intention to practice the trek initially, I dropped the thought dorsum inwards Hsipaw when I flora out that the atmospheric condition over the side yesteryear side few days wasn't going to go really favorable
5.15 am - Arrival inwards Shwenyaung (dropped off at the junction nigh 10km going into Nyaung Shwe). Started fearing the worst every bit I get got heard accounts of travelers beingness stranded hither in addition to beingness forced to accept an expensive taxi for the residuum of the way. Fortunately, this wasn't the instance when a few locals ushered me to some other spot on the route where I rode some other pickup to Nyaung Shwe (free of charge)
There's a ticket checkpoint halfway to Nyaung Shwe, fortunately since I could almost transcend for a local in addition to the fact that I was seated inwards the far dorsum of the pickup, I wasn't asked to pay the Inle Lake zone fee ($10) :D
5.45 am - Arrival inwards Nyaung Shwe (dropped off at Mingalar Market). Walked from the marketplace to my accommodation inwards Inle Lake (under xx minutes)
6.05 am - Checked-in to Song of Travel Hostel - $11 per night. Staying for 2 nights (total cost - $22). Highly recommended, this is bar none the best hostel I've stayed inwards Myanmar. I flora it to go really social, making it really slow to shape groups for daytrips, in addition to fifty-fifty if you lot couldn't uncovering friends, the hostel helps adapt boat trips to Inle lake daily. This in addition to the hostel's other offerings, including sleeping pods for added privacy, costless menstruum java & tea in addition to costless cycle rentals, to a greater extent than than makes upwards for the lack of wifi inwards the hostel
6.30 am - 7.30 am - Since it was nevertheless early, I went upwards to the hostel's rooftop to picket the beautiful sunrise
Arriving inwards Nyaung Shwe early on inwards the morning
Song of Travel Hostel inwards Nyaung Shwe
Admiring the bright sunrise from the hostel's rooftop
Day trip to Inle Lake yesteryear boat
As my room wasn't prepare yet, I decided to go out my backpack at the reception, in addition to larn on a total 24-hour interval trip to Inle Lake yesteryear boat (arranged yesteryear the hostel) -6,000 kyat (includes costless pickup yesteryear tuk tuk to the jetty)
9.00 am - 2.00 pm - Begin tour but about Inle Lake, visiting the next places yesteryear boat:
Ywama. The get-go hamlet nosotros visited, really famous for argent in addition to Au smithing
Hpaung Daw U pagoda. The largest temple inwards Inle Lake, that is worth a brace of minutes of your time. There's also a photographic idiot box camera fee (1,000 kyat) in addition to a apparel code to go inwards but non that strictly enforced. Other than that, there's also a marketplace hither where you lot tin give the sack store in addition to contend to your heart's content
Nampan. The 2nd hamlet nosotros visited, where nosotros taken but about to see diverse stilt houses of unlike shapes in addition to sizes inwards the area. Also famous for boat making in addition to cheroot cigar making
Inn Paw Khone. Third hamlet nosotros visited, really famous for lotus silk weaving
Lunch at a floating eating spot nearby Inn Paw Khone (not certain what the refer was) - Seafood fried rice (4,000 kyat) & java (1,000 kyat)
Short briefing earlier heading out for our Inle lake trip
A brusk trip yesteryear tuk tuk to the jetty, in addition to off nosotros go!
Streaks of god rays fill upwards the landscape
Just an Inle lake fisherman doing his thing
Silversmiths hard at operate inwards Ywama, the get-go hamlet nosotros visited
Foxtails, foxtails everywhere
The principal canal nosotros navigated to larn to Hpaung Daw U
Approaching Hpaung Daw U, the largest temple inwards Inle lake
Inside Hpaung Daw U temple
One of many stilt houses inwards Nampan
A karaweik edifice dock inwards Nampan
Cheroot cigar making inwards Nampan
The lady is showing how to extract lotus silk, which is what Inn Paw Khone is famous for
The extracted lotus silk are so woven into fine fabrics, which cost a bomb. 100 over dollars for a scarf, are you lot kidding me?!
Day trip to Inle Lake yesteryear boat (continued)
3.00 pm - 6.00 pm - Continue tour but about Inle Lake, visiting to a greater extent than places on the way:
Thaung Tho. The terminal hamlet nosotros visited earlier returning to Nyaung Shwe. As it's located farther downward S of the lake, it took a lot longer to larn hither than most villages. Therefore, due to fourth dimension constraints, nosotros chose this over Indein every bit it was the to the lowest degree touristy of the two. Fortunately, at that spot were plenty to encounter inwards Thaung Tho, I climbed upwards the pagoda on the loma to larn a skillful view of the surrounding plains
Floating gardens. Stopped yesteryear this incredibly picturesque expanse surrounded yesteryear floating vegetation on the means back. Stayed but about until sunset earlier finally heading dorsum to Nyaung Shwe
Beautiful views from Thaung Tho
Heading over to the floating gardens
The sunset gave the floating gardens a heavenly glow
An Inle lake fisherman casts his terminal cyberspace every bit the Sun sets over the horizon
Back inwards Nyaung Shwe
6.30 pm - Back inwards Nyaung Shwe. Took the costless tuktuk pickup (included inwards the tour) going dorsum to the hostel in addition to hopped off midway at Mingalar market
Breakfast at the hostel - Eggs, toast & java (included inwards the room rate)
7.30 am - 8.30 am - Since it was nevertheless early on inwards the day, I went to picket a pocket-size alms-giving procession inwards the neighborhood nearby the hostel
Alms-giving procession inwards the neighborhood nearby
Cycling tour but about Inle Lake
Rented a cycle from the hostel (free of charge). Went cycling with the same grouping every bit yesterday, so nosotros waited but about inwards the foyer until everyone was prepare to move
10.00 am - 2.30 pm - Begin cycling from the hostel heading to Khaung Daing, located roughly 12km southwest of Nyaung Shwe. Cycling but about isn't too hard every bit the terrain is fairly flat. Visited the next points of involvement along the way:
Ywa Thit monastery. The get-go identify nosotros stopped at. During that time, at that spot was an interesting ceremony going on, so nosotros stayed on to picket the ceremony until its decision earlier continuing on again
Paung Pine pagoda. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 pocket-size pagoda located on a hill, at the intersection of roads connecting Nyaung Shwe in addition to Khaung Daing. You get got to climb a fleck of stairs to larn to the top (under 10 minutes), but you'll go rewarded with amazing views of the countryside
Khaung Daing hotsprings. Didn't go inwards every bit it costs $10 per entry. However, there's a viewpoint nearby the hotsprings with incredible views of Inle Lake from the top. There are some stairs you lot tin give the sack climb to larn to the top, it's non a really long climb (under 10 minutes) in addition to entrance is free
Lunch at Shwe Inn Thu eating spot (next to Khaung Daing hotsprings) - Sweet & sour pork with rice (3,500 kyat)
Cycling through the town of Nyaung Shwe
The get-go few kilometers of route on the means to Khaung Daing is flanked on both sides yesteryear trees, which makes for first-class shade against the sun
Candid shot of the western mount range
Ywa Thit monastery, close Nyaung Shwe
Initially planned for a brusk stopover at Ywa Thit, in addition to ended upwards spending almost an hr hither watching the local ceremony that was going on
Climbing the stairs to Paung Pine pagoda, which is located at the top of a pocket-size hill, but off the route at the turn-in towards Khaung Daing
Stopped for some afternoon tea with the locals hither at Paung Pine pagoda
Jaw-dropping views of the countryside from Paung Pine pagoda
A few to a greater extent than kilometers downward the route from Paung Pine is some other viewpoint, located direct contrary Khaung Daing hotsprings, accessible yesteryear the stairs pictured above
Amazing views of Inle lake in addition to the surrounding countryside from the viewpoint close Khaung Daing hotsprings
Cycling tour but about Inle Lake (continued)
3.00 pm - Continued on to Khaung Daing (under 10 minutes). On the way, at that spot volition go a few locals who volition moving ridge you lot down, in addition to inquire if you lot desire to charter a boat across the lake to Maing Thauk. Have been quoted anywhere from 9,000to 10,000 kyat per boat, but fortunately you lot tin give the sack uncovering improve bargains farther downward the road
From there, nosotros chartered a boat to accept us from Khaung Daing across the lake to Maing Thauk (under xx minutes) for 7,000 kyat. Shared the cost with three other people, so each only had to pay 1,750 kyat
3.30 pm - 4.30 pm - Arrive inwards Maing Thauk. Spent some fourth dimension walking but about in addition to photographing the identify every bit the scenery hither was amazing!
The render journeying from Maing Thauk dorsum to Nyaung Shwe is only nigh 10km, but nosotros decided to stopover at Red Mountain Estate vineyard to picket the sunset in addition to so caput over to Bamboo Hut eating spot for dinner
4.40 pm - Continue cycling from Maing Thauk to Red Mountain Estate vineyard (under xl minutes)
5.30 pm - 6.30 pm - Arrival in addition to sunset viewing inwards Red Mountain Estate vineyard. There's no entrance fee, in addition to you're costless to walk but about the vineyards. However, upon entering the alfresco dining area, you're expected to pay for a vino sampling set inwards guild to go seated
Dinner at Bamboo Hut eating spot nearby for dinner - Water cress with chili fish (2,500 kyat) & Myanmar beer (2,500 kyat)
7.45 pm - Cycled dorsum to the hostel (under xx minutes)
Back at the hostel, I booked my ticket for the 5.30pm motorbus (Golden Shuttle) departing for Bago the side yesteryear side 24-hour interval -$11(inclusive of pickup to the motorbus station)
At Khaung Daing village, where we're waiting for the boatman to convey a boat but about to ferry us across the lake to Maing Thauk
Crossing the lake to Maing Thauk
Passed yesteryear some beautiful floating gardens on the means to Maing Thauk
Arriving inwards Maing Thauk. The scenery but about was incredibly dreamlike due to the perfect atmospheric condition nosotros were having that day
Walking along the long wooden span that connects parts of Maing Thauk to the mainland
4.15 am - Arrive inwards Bago (dropped off inwards town, close San Francisco Guesthouse in addition to the prepare station). It was pouring at the time, so I waited out the pelting at a java store nearby
Breakfast at the java store - Samosa & tea (500 kyat)
Some locals approached me inwards the java store in addition to asked if I wanted to purchase motorbus tickets to Kyaiktiyo in addition to Hpa-An. Was quoted 7,000 kyat for the motorbus to Kyaiktiyo/Kinpun in addition to 10,000 kyat to Hpa-An. Have to acknowledge I was really skeptical of the pricing, in addition to I knew I could larn slightly improve prices at the Bago motorbus station (located nigh xv minutes walk away from where I was). However, since it was raining heavily at the time, I decided to haggle the cost every bit best every bit I could
Purchased a ticket for the 6am minibus departing from Bago to Kyaiktiyo -5,000 kyat (the pickup volition go from the java store I had my breakfast at, so I didn't get got to walk all the means to the motorbus station)
Bago to Kyaiktiyo to Kinpun
6.20 am - Pickup yesteryear minibus from Bago to Kyaiktiyo
8.50 am - Arrival inwards Kyaiktiyo (dropped off at the motorbus halt contrary Kyaiktiyo market). Went to a store side yesteryear side to the motorbus halt in addition to purchased a ticket for the motorbus to Hpa-An afterward at 2pm -3,000 kyat
To larn to Golden Rock from Kyaiktiyo, I needed to larn to Kinpun first. Spotted a few pickups parked on the roadside close Kyaiktiyo market, heading to Kinpun. They only go out when full, but fortunately at that spot was one that was almost prepare to leave
9.10 am - Ride i of the pickups from Kyaiktiyo to Kinpun - 500 kyat
Arriving inwards the town of Kyaiktiyo
The 'Welcome to Kyaiktiyo' arch upon arriving inwards Kinpun
You tin give the sack accept pickups from Kyaiktiyo to Kinpun in addition to vice versa for only 500 kyats each way
Arrival inwards Kinpun & Getting to Golden Rock
9.30 am - Arrive inwards Kinpun (dropped off inwards front end of Sea Sar restaurant). Walked to the truck station nearby (under v minutes)
9.45 am - Ride a shared truck to Golden Rock, located at the top of Mount Kyaiktiyo -2,500 kyat (one way). The truck ride navigates a steep in addition to windy route on the means to the mountaintop, in addition to tin give the sack go both an exhilarating in addition to terrifying sense at the same time
Kinpun village, in addition to base of operations military camp for Mount Kyaiktiyo
Walking to the truck halt inwards Kinpun where you lot tin give the sack accept a shared truck to the top of Mount Kyaiktiyo in addition to Golden Rock
Waiting to go assigned a spot on i of the shared trucks going upwards Mount Kyaiktiyo
The ride to the top of Mount Kyaiktiyo is not for the faint of heart. Tight corners, steep slopes, in addition to I could've sworn that the driver was but purposely trying to throw us off the truck with his driving
That aspect of fright inwards the boy's eyes every bit the truck ascended Mount Kyaiktiyo says it all. The lady inwards the moving painting genuinely vomited inwards the truck a few times
In & Around Golden Rock
10.15 am - Arrive at the top of Mount Kyaiktiyo (dropped off at the finally truck stop). Walked from the truck halt to Golden Rock (under xv minutes). Paid the entrance fee -6,000 kyat
10.30 am - 12.15 pm - Sightseeing in addition to photograph ops but about Golden Rock. There's quite a fair fleck to encounter hither likewise the Golden Rock every bit there's a large plaza but about it with plenty of eateries, shops in addition to accommodation
Once at the top of Mount Kyaiktiyo, it's a brusk walk from the truck halt to Golden Rock
The plaza expanse but about Golden Rock
Golden Rock from a distance. The atmospheric condition was fine inwards this shot, but started to pelting heavily afterwards
Golden Rock upclose
Kinpun to Kyaiktiyo to Hpa-An
12.15 pm - Walked dorsum to the truck halt (under xv minutes). Ride some other shared truck dorsum downward to Kinpun - 2,500 kyat (one way)
1.00 pm - Back inwards Kinpun. Quick dejeuner at Sea Sar Restaurant - Chicken curry & rice (1,800 kyat)
1.30 pm - Ride a pickup dorsum to Kyaiktiyo -500 kyat
1.50 pm - Back inwards Kyaiktiyo (dropped off at the motorbus halt contrary Kyaiktiyo market). Was told yesteryear the motorbus companionship that my motorbus to Hpa-An volition go belatedly yesteryear an hour, so I did some sightseeing but about Kyaiktiyo inwards the meantime
3.00 pm - Board the motorbus heading to Hpa-An
Back inwards Kyaiktiyo, in addition to taking the motorbus onwards to Hpa-An
Do every bit the locals practice they said, it'll go fun they said. Hope they didn't hateful non getting a spot on a really packed bus
Arrival inwards Hpa-An
6.00 pm - Arrival inwards Hpa-An (dropped off close the clock tower)
Walked but about town inwards search for a identify to stay. Tried bespeak at Soe Brothers Guesthouse (seemingly the most pop choice inwards town), but it was fully booked for the nighttime unfortunately, in addition to so were many of the skillful options inwards Hpa-An. Not surprising every bit I arrived belatedly inwards the eventide in addition to I couldn't mass beforehand, many of them are non listed online in addition to it doesn't affair if you lot seek to mass yesteryear phone, they only entertain walk-in customers
Settled for Hintha Guesthouse nearby -6,000 kyat per night. Stayed for 1 nighttime but to fossil oil it out. The guesthouse was kinda terrible, it's really rundown in addition to there's only i bath in addition to no hot shower or wifi. Fortunately for me, the room I got was kinda decent
Went to the nearby Soe Brothers Guesthouse to sign upwards for a 24-hour interval tour but about Hpa-An the side yesteryear side 24-hour interval -6,000 kyat (shared the cost of a thoun bein with iv other people). Alternatively, if you lot know your means but about in addition to desire to practice the tour yourself, there's a store nearby Soe Brothers that rents out motorcycles for 6,000 kyat per day
8.00 pm - Dinner at Lucky 1 Restaurant nearby - Steamed rice with chicken (2,000 kyat)
9.00 pm - 10.00 pm - Walked but about town for a bit, earlier returning to the guesthouse. The town is pretty much 'dead' after 10pm or so
Arriving inwards Hpa-An
Hintha Guesthouse, the only guesthouse inwards Hpa-An that nobody wants to rest inwards unless they genuinely had no choice
The guesthouse was the worst I've stayed throughout my entire trip but fortunately, the room I got was almost decent, almost!
Extended rest at Hintha guesthouse (+1 nighttime for 6,000 kyat)
Breakfast at a pocket-size store nearby (opposite Parami Hotel) - Fried noodles with egg & java (1,800 kyat)
8.00 am - Went to Soe Brothers Guesthouse to bring together the 24-hour interval tour but about Hpa-An. While waiting, I purchased a ticket for the 1pm motorbus departing for Yangon the side yesteryear side 24-hour interval -5,300 kyat
Morning inwards Hpa-An
Getting prepare to larn on our 24-hour interval trip but about Hpa-An, arranged yesteryear Soe Brothers
Tour but about Hpa-An
8.30 am - 1.00 pm - Begin total 24-hour interval tour but about Hpa-An. Visited the next points of involvement but about Hpa-An:
Yathaypyan cave. The get-go identify nosotros visited, really beautiful cave with lots of Buddha images. The cave is quite large, in addition to you lot tin give the sack walk all the way (under 10 minutes) to the other terminate of the cave, where there's a viewpoint opening out to the countryside. Entrance is free
Kawgun cave. Next halt after Yathaypyan Cave. It wasn't genuinely a cave, to a greater extent than similar a grotto with beautiful carvings on the walls in addition to ceilings that are said to go millennia old. There's also some stairs close the entrance, where you lot tin give the sack climb (under xv minutes) to a viewpoint with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. There's an entrance fee of 3,000 kyat to enter
Kyauk Kalap monastery. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 monastery perched on a tall, finger-shaped rock, in addition to is i of the principal landmarks of Hpa-An
Lumbini Garden. The principal depict to this identify are the hundreds of Buddha images set out inwards the garden. Moreover, this identify is also i of ii starting points if you lot intend to climb Mount Zwegabin
1.10 pm - Lunch at a eating spot nearby - Fried rice & soft drinkable (2,000 kyat). There's a natural outflow nearby the eating spot where you lot tin give the sack larn for a swim if you lot wish.
Yathaypyan cave, the get-go identify nosotros visited on our 24-hour interval trip but about Hpa-An
Daylight shines through an opening inwards the cave ceiling, illuminating the shrine within Yathaypyan
The opening on the other terminate of the Yathaypyan cave
Kawgun Cave, Hpa-An
Ornate wall in addition to ceiling carvings over a millennia former at Kawgun Cave, Hpa-An
Climbing to the viewpoint close Kawgun cave
Sweeping views of the countryside from the viewpoint at Kawgun cave
Kyauk Kalap monastery, with Mount Zwegabin inwards the backdrop
An afternoon with hundreds of Buddha images inwards Lumbini Garden
Tour but about Hpa-An (continued)
2.00 pm - 6.00 pm - After lunch, nosotros continued the total 24-hour interval tour but about Hpa-An. Visited to a greater extent than points of involvement but about Hpa-An:
Saddan cave. Our side yesteryear side halt after lunch, in addition to the largest cave inwards Hpa-An. There's an entrance fee of 1,000 kyat to enter. Walked through the beautifully lit cave, all the means to the other terminate (takes nigh 20-30 minutes), where there's a picturesque lake surrounded yesteryear cliffs on many sides. Took a boat dorsum to the entrancefor 6,000 kyat (shared the cost with three other people, so each had to pay only 1,500 kyat). On the way back, nosotros passed yesteryear a really beautiful countryside, so there's an added incentive inwards choosing the boat route instead of retracing your steps through the cave again
Kawt Ka Taung cave. The finally halt of our tour, in addition to was the to the lowest degree interesting cave inwards my opinion. There's a genuinely prissy viewpoint nearby where you lot tin give the sack climb to the top (under xx minutes) for some impressive views of the surrounding area
Our thoun bein got stuck inwards the mud on the means to Saddan Cave
Saddan Cave from afar
Exploring the caverns of Saddan cave. As with the other caves inwards Hpa-An, you're non allowed to apparel footwear within the cave, so picket out for bat poo
A huge, beautiful cavern at the terminate of Saddan cave
The picturesque lake at the other terminate of Saddan cave. From hither dorsum to the entrance, you lot get got ii choices, walk dorsum using the same means you lot came or accept a boat ride back. Here's a tip, practice the boat ride
The boat ride navigates the narrow waterways that provides irrigation to the surrounding rice fields
So glad I chose the boat ride, it's so beautiful out here
This beautiful sunset on the means out of Saddan cave
My favorite minute inwards Hpa-An. Stopped at this beautiful rice patch close Ein Du hamlet on the means to Kawt Ka Taung cave
The almost homely interiors of Kawt Ka Taung cave
Stairs to the viewpoint close Kawt Ka Taung cave
Kawt Ka Taung was a fleck of an anti-climatic terminate to our 24-hour interval trip, but fortunately it was but icing on the cake
Back inwards Hpa-An
6.30 pm - Back inwards Hpa-An (dropped off at Soe Brothers Guesthouse)
8.00 pm - Dinner at San Ma Tau eating spot with the same grouping I went on tour today - Chicken with murphy (1,500 kyat) & rice (500 kyat) & soft drinkable (700 kyat)
10.00 pm - Hung but about at the eating spot for a fleck earlier returning to the guesthouse
7.30 am - Walked from the guesthouse to Shwe Yin Myaw pagoda (under xv minutes). There's a pocket-size jetty side yesteryear side to it, where you lot tin give the sack accept a pocket-size boat across the river to Hpan Pu village. These pocket-size boats ferry locals across frequently, but they only go out when full. Just inquire but about to know which i is going to Hpan Pu in addition to larn on
8.15 am - Took a boat across the river to Hpan Pu hamlet (under v minutes) -500 kyat
Upon arrival inwards the village, I walked but about to seek in addition to uncovering out if at that spot were whatever paths that could Pb me to the top of Hpan Pu mountain. There's a staircase leading upwards to the top but it's non straight off accessible from this side (facing the village), so you lot demand to walk but about the other side of the mount (under xx minutes) to larn to the staircase (the i with a pocket-size white arch, you'll know it when you lot encounter it)
8.35 am - Begin ascending to the top of Hpan Pu mount (under 25 minutes). Not too hard, in addition to fortunately non that long of a climb either
9.00 am - 9.30 am - Photo halt at the top of Hpan Pu mountain. This was the highest betoken I could reach, in addition to piece it's possible to climb all the means to the really top, I don't think it's really condom in addition to shouldn't go attempted if you're alone
9.30 am - Begin descending downward the mount in addition to walked dorsum to the hamlet (under xxx minutes)
10.00 am - Back inwards the village. Took some other boat across the river dorsum to Hpa-An -500 kyat
Shwe Yin Myaw pagoda, Hpa-An
The pocket-size jetty close Shwe Yin Myaw pagoda, where you lot tin give the sack accept a boat across the river to Hpan Pu
Playing enshroud in addition to seek with a local daughter to transcend the fourth dimension on the boat
Some kids playing close the river over at Hpan Pu
The towering Hpan Pu mount tin give the sack go seen wherever you lot larn but about here
After locating the staircase to the top of Hpan Pu mountain, it was some other slow 20-30 minutes climb to the top
The highest betoken of Hpan Pu mount that I could reach. While it's possible to climb the finally hundred meters or so to the really top, the path doesn't seem really condom in addition to I decided non to gamble it
Views of Hpa-An town in addition to Mount Zwegabin from Hpan Pu's summit
Views of the Thanlyin river in addition to the surrounding countryside on the contrary end
Hpa-An to Yangon
10.10 am - Back inwards Hpa-An. Did a fleck of sightseeing but about Hpa-An marketplace in addition to town expanse on the means dorsum to the guesthouse
Lunch at Shwe Htone Maung cafe nearby the clock tower - Thai chicken rice & tea (1,800 kyat)
12.00 pm - Return to the guesthouse to pack upwards in addition to check-out
12.30 pm - Walked from the guesthouse to the motorbus halt close the clock tower (under v minutes)
Had java at New Day cafe piece waiting for the motorbus - Cafe latte & dark wood cake (1,900 kyat)
1.30 pm - Board the motorbus departing for Yangon
Back inwards Hpa-An town. Golden Sky guesthouse seen hither is quite a skillful alternative to Soe Brothers
Wandering but about Hpa-An market
A row of thoun beins parked along the route at Hpa-An
Taking the motorbus dorsum to Yangon. Farewell Hpa-An, I've had a skillful time!
Took a taxi from Aung Mingalar motorbus station to downtown Yangon for 8,000 kyat. Shared the cost with three other people, so each had to pay only 2,000 kyat. Alternatively, it's also possible to accept the local motorbus to downtown Yangon every bit they're nevertheless running at this hour, but may non go worth the hassle when you lot think nigh it
9.30 pm - Arrive inwards downtown Yangon (dropped off close Sule pagoda). Walked from the downtown expanse to my accommodation inwards Yangon (under 10 minutes)
Check-in to Backpacker Myanmar Hostel - $10 per night. Staying for 2 nights (total cost -$20). Decent plenty hostel for a nighttime or two, kinda similar it for its sleeping pods in addition to its unopen proximity to the prepare station
10.30 pm - Walked downward to roadside stalls along Pansodan street nearby to get got supper - Mixed rice with fried chicken & egg (1,600 kyat)
11.15 pm - Return to hostel
Back inwards Yangon after ii weeks of exploring Myanmar
Stayed at Backpacker Myanmar Hostel for my finally few days inwards Myanmar
Having supper at a roadside stall inwards Pansodan street, nearby the hostel I stayed
9.30 am - Walked from the hostel to Yangon Central Railway Station (under 10 minutes)
9.45 am - Board a circular prepare going inwards the clockwise management -300 kyat for the newer, air-conditioned trains, in addition to 200 kyat for non-AC trains. Keep your ticket with you lot every bit it volition go checked from fourth dimension to time. Curiously, I noticed that you lot tin give the sack hop on in addition to off at unlike stations in addition to nevertheless utilization the same ticket, pregnant you lot don't demand to pay for an additional ticket to larn on some other train
10.25 am - Hopped off at Insein station. From here, it's nigh a 10 infinitesimal walk to Insein market
10.35 am - 12.00 pm - Walking tour of Insein market, with a photograph halt at Insein Prison, the largest prison theatre inwards Myanmar (only external viewing every bit tourists aren't allowed in)
12.15 pm - Walked from the marketplace dorsum to Insein station (under 10 minutes)
12.30 pm - Board some other circular prepare (non-AC) going inwards the clockwise direction
Enroute from here, the scenery shifts dramatically from an urban landscape to the suburbs in addition to countryside. All inwards all, I felt Danyingon station was the most interesting halt along the circular prepare route, every bit it passes through a bustling marketplace in addition to the sight of locals boarding in addition to loading every inch of the prepare with goods in addition to fresh make is i non to go missed
2.20 pm - Hopped off at Ma Hlwakone station. Walked from the station to Kandawgyi lake (under xxx minutes)
Morning inwards Pansodan street, Yangon
Walking to Yangon Central Railway Station from the hostel
Waiting for the circular prepare inwards Yangon Central Railway Station. Before getting on the train, you lot demand to purchase a ticket at the ticketing counters here
Inside the circular train. This i is the newer, air-conditioned prepare which costs slightly to a greater extent than than a non-AC one
Hopped off at Insein for sightseeing
Sights in addition to sounds of Insein market
Insein prison, the largest inwards Myanmar. You can't go inwards here, I've already tried
Taking the circular prepare from Insein onwards, where that the scenery starts changing to a much to a greater extent than appreciable greenish countryside
The busy local marketplace at Danyingon, where the prepare ride genuinely gets interesting. Here, locals start piling every inch of the prepare with goods in addition to make to go transported to the side yesteryear side station
Taking the circular prepare was i of the best local experiences I've always had inwards Yangon, I highly recommend it
My terminal halt at Ma Hlwakone station
Kandawgyi Lake
2.50 pm - Arrive at Kandawgyi lake (entered via Kandawgyi Nature Park at the eastward entrance). Paid the entrance fee for the Kandawgyi Nature Park -300 kyat
3.00 pm - 4.00 pm - Photo walk but about Kandawgyi Nature Park. Wasn't that interesting to go honest, there's a few interesting sights (such every bit the Karaweik Palace), some restaurants in addition to cafes inwards the area, but non much else.
4.00 pm - 5.00 pm - Walked along the boardwalk to the due west entrance of the lake. Wasn't asked to pay the entrance fee to utilization the boardwalk (2,000 kyat). However, I did uncovering out out afterward that there's no longer an entrance fee to utilization the boardwalk
The tranquil waters of Kandawgyi lake, seen from Kandawgyi Nature Park
Walking along the boardwalk to the western entrance of Kandawgyi lake. The karaweik tin give the sack clearly go seen from here
Shwedagon Pagoda, which tin give the sack go seen from Kandawgyi lake, is where I'm headed next
Shwedagon Pagoda
5.00 pm - Walked from Kandawgyi lake's due west entrance to Shwedagon pagoda (under xx minutes)
5.20 pm - Arrive at Shwedagon Pagoda (entered hither via the S gate). Paid the admission fee to go inwards the pagoda -8,000 kyat. Despite beingness the holiest site inwards Myanmar, the enforcement of apparel code hither is rather lenient compared to Mahamuni Temple inwards Mandalay
5.30 pm - 7.30 pm - Did some sightseeing but about Shwedagon Pagoda in addition to stayed but about until after sunset. There's plenty to encounter hither other than the principal stupa, so it's advisable to set aside a few hours to encounter this identify inwards its entirety
Shwedagon pagoda is incredibly pop with tourists in addition to locals alike, it's non uncommon to encounter the whole identify beingness swamped yesteryear visitors but earlier sunset
The golden stupa of Shwedagon Pagoda, the holiest site inwards Myanmar
19th Street (Chinatown)
7.30 pm - Exit Shwedagon Pagoda (via the S gate) in addition to walked to 19th Street inwards Yangon's chinatown expanse (under 45 minutes)
Spotted a few buses going downward the route betwixt Shwedagon in addition to the downtown expanse but they didn't seem to halt for me when I tried to hail them. Anyhow, I quite enjoyed the walk, it wasn't too tiring every bit it was all downhill in addition to I larn to halt yesteryear at Nawaday street enroute, which had a vibrant cafe civilization in addition to is some other blip on Yangon's nightlife radar
8.15 pm - Arrive at 19th Street. Had dinner at Shwe Mingalar eating spot - Barbeque (various types) & Myanmar beer (6,600 kyat)
10.00 pm - Did some sightseeing but about 19th Street for a fleck earlier walking dorsum to the hostel (under xxx minutes)
Chinatown, Yangon
Nightlife, barbeque in addition to beer, you'll uncovering it all inwards 19th Street
Breakfast at the hostel - Sweet gyre & tea (included inwards the room rate)
Pack upwards in addition to check-out from the hostel. Left my backpack with the reception to practice some finally infinitesimal sightseeing but about Yangon.
11.00 am - Walked from the hostel to Bogyoke Market (under xv minutes) to practice some finally infinitesimal shopping for souvenirs
1.15 pm - Walked dorsum to the hostel to collect my backpack (under xv minutes). Rested inwards the foyer for a fleck earlier heading out again
Bogyoke market, a pop haunt for souvenir hunters inwards Yangon, is the edifice on the left inwards this picture
Inside Bogyoke market
Yangon downtown to Yangon International Airport
2.30 pm - Walked from the hostel to Maha Bandoola garden (under xx minutes)
2.55 pm - Ride motorbus #51 from the motorbus halt nearby Maha Bandoola garden (located at the intersection of Merchant route in addition to 30th street) to Ten Mile marketplace -200 kyat
4.15 pm - Hopped off at the turn-in to Yangon drome road, but earlier reaching Ten Mile market. From here, I walked to Yangon International Airport (under xv minutes)
4.30 pm - Arrive at Yangon International Airport. Changed all my remaining kyats dorsum to dollars at the currency exchange
7.00 pm - Board flying (Air Asia) dorsum to Kuala Lumpur
Saying my terminal farewells in addition to taking the local motorbus from Yangon downtown to the airport
