MRAUK U & NGAPALI BEACH

Morning pick up from your hotel in Yangon and transfer to Yangon domestic airport for flight to Sittwe. Afternoon arrival to to SITTWE, a former seaside capital of colonial Burma where the Rivers Kaledan and Lemro meet the grand Bay of Bengal. After enjoying a late lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the highlights of the town.

Early breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Sittwe jetty for the boat journey to Mrauk U. The 70km cruise upstream the Kaledan River travels though farming region and small riverside communities. The travel time varies between 4-7 hours depending on boat size and river conditions. Simple packed lunches are provided on the boat. On arrival to the Mrauk U Pier half a mile south of the town’s central market, we transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, we embark on a journey to the ruins of the lost city of Mrauk U and explore all the main sights.

After breakfast, we visit the central MRAUK U MARKET to see the typical Rakhine foods and products sold, then drive 30min/14km to the ruins of the Wethali. The ANCIENT CITY OF WETHALI (VESALI) was a thriving dynasty from the 4th to 9th centuries, though little but overgrown bushes remain. At the GREAT WETHALI PAYAGYI, we admire the 17ft-high seated Buddha crafted from a single slab of sandstone, set amidst a panoramic view of quaint villages and farmland. We return to Mrauk U for lunch and later in the afternoon, visit the serene PHARAOUK TEMPLE, built in late 1500s and with a solid stupa featuring 29 life-sized Buddha’s seated radially in its wall. Continuing to KOTHAUNG TEMPLE, we visit the most colossal temple of Mrauk U, named for the 90,000 statues it originally housed. If weather permits, we climb to the SHWEGUDAUNG PAYA, the highest pagoda of Mrauk U to enjoy the captivating views of temples winking under the setting sun.

Early breakfast at the hotel followed by a boat ride to Sittwe. If time permits, we visit enroute a MRO ETHNIC MINORITY VILLAGE, known for intricate designs of the Khami traditional dress hand woven by the local weavers. Lunch is served on board the boat. Upon arrival to Sittwe, we transfer to the airport for the afternoon flight to Thandwe (8km from Ngapali Beach). Upon arrival to THANDWE airport, you will be welcomed by your hotel transfer rep and transferred to your hotel.

Breakfast at your hotel, Rest of the day is for enjoying pristine beaches of Ngapali, relaxing in the shade of palm trees by the sea. Active visitors can choose from visiting the colourful local market in Thandwe (Sandoway), biking along the coast to surrounding villages, or hiring a boat to go fishing or sailing against the coastal backdrop of the Rakhine hills.

Breakfast at your hotel, Rest of the day is for enjoying pristine beaches of Ngapali, relaxing in the shade of palm trees by the sea.

Breakfast at your hotel. Free at leisure until transfer to Thandwe airport for your flight to Yangon. Discovery DMC guide will welcome you at Yangon domestic airport and transfer to your hotel in Yangon or for your connecting flight departing from new international airport.