SOUTHERN MYANMAR
Hpaan is the capital of Kayin State and 150 km away from
Myawaddy, a small town on Myanmar - Thailand. It is eventually
prosperous by trading with Thailand. The town itself is small
enough to roam about on foot. You can get a taxi or public bus
to explore around Hpaan. Out of particular interests, the view
from the platform of the Zwegapin Pagoda - which itself is
located on the top of a hill - is fantastic. Plus a monastery
namely Tharmanya, 38 km away from Hpaan is the prominent site
amongst local Buddhists due to its patriarch abbot. Every
travelers get free vegetarian food and it is traditional
belief all comers to the area must avoid eating meat during
the visit. Everybody loves to go there simply to get the
blessing from the abbot.
Mawlamyaing is the capital and port of the Mon State. It lies
at the mouth of Thanlwin (Salween) river about 39 kms upstream
from the Gawdwin Lighthouse. It is situated at 270 km south
east of Yangon. Many old colonial buildings still remain along
the quiet streets. Several fine Pagodas and Monasteries up in
the hills above MAWLAMYINE give you the perfect views of the
city and its harbor.There are World War II memorial Cemeteries for both Allied
soldiers and Japanese soldiers who had sacrificed their lives
in building the infamous Death Railway at Thanbyuzayat about
34 km away from Mawlamyaing.
Myeik archipelago is dotted with more than 800 islands,
fringed with white beaches. One can go scuba diving to explore
coral reefs and aquatic life. There are the tribes of the
Salons (Mokens) inhabiting the waters of the Myeik
archipelago. The Salons are born sea divers and are also known
as sea-gypsies of Myanmar, because they live on their own
boats and often move from place to place.
Kawthong is the southernmost trip of Myanmar, 2,000 km from
the country's northernmost point near Putao and 800 km from
Yangon itself. Kawthong retains the atmosphere of a fishing
village. Kawthong is a busy fishing post, although most of
the catch is ultimately sold in Ranong where it fetches a
better price. It does a successful trade in raw rubber and
cashew nuts, both of which are cultivated inland. The town
always seems to be noisy, largely due to the constant roar
of motorbikes, which are the main means of transport - both
private and public. To go anywhere, you hop aboard one of
the bikes as a pillion rider. There are few cars, mainly
because of the lack of good roads. |
Myanmar
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