KYAING TONG

Kyaing Tong is one of the most scenic towns, the capital of the Golden Triangle region. It is about 163 km north of Tachileik, about 452 km from Taunggyiand .Kyaing Tong is famous for its villages of hill tribes such as Lahu, Akha, La Mone and Shan. The different ethnic tribes in colorful dresses give this place a special charm. There are regular air services from Yangon to Kyaing Tong. Visitors are allowed to cross into this border town with Border Passes. Some trekking tours can be made to nearby villages.

TACHILEIK

Tachileik, located in eastern Shan State know as the Golden Triangle Area, is the border gateway situated on Thai-Myanmar border line and opposite Mae Sai in Thailand. It is accessible by air and about 2 hours by air from Yangon to Tachileik. The Golden Triangle Paradise Resort is located on the banks of the Mekong River facing Laos and Thailand.

KAYAH STATE

Kayah State is one of the seven states of Myanmar, situated in eastern Myanmar, sharing border with Shan State in the north, Kayin State in the west and south and Thailand in the east. Its capital is Loikaw (also spelt Loi-kaw). The estimated population in 1998 was approximately 207,357, according to UNICEF. It is inhabited primarily by the Karenni ethnic group, also known as Red Karen or Kayah, Sino-Tibetan people. Ethnographers classify anywhere from seven to ten ethnic groups (not including ethnic sub-groups) as native to Kayah State. In addition, Shan, Intha, and Bamar live in the north and Pa-O in surrounding hills. Each group is also known by more than one name. Kayah State has theoretical tourist potential. The state has rugged mountains, river streams, lakes and waterfalls; however, transport and communication are difficult. At present, Kayah State is open to outsiders by permit only, which can be obtained through travel agents.

Loikaw

The capital of Kayah State, located near the State's northern tip, at an elevation of 1,200 meters. The inhabitants are mostly Kayah (Karenni). Myanmar's largest hydropower plant built by the Japanese as war reparation is located 20 km east of Loikaw at Lawpita Falls.

KYAIKHTIYO (Golden Rock)

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, over 1100 m above sea-level, is situated about 160 km (a 5 hour drive) from Yangon. It is one of the most visited places in Myanmar. This mystical pagoda stands on a gilded boulder precariously perching on the edge of the cliff and it seems to be standing against the force of gravity. According to legend this boulder was placed here in ancient times by the supernatural King of the Devas, a powerful being in Burmese mythology. Some say it is kept balanced by a delicately placed Buddha's hair inside the stone.

Pilgrims make the 11km climb up the hairpin path from the base of the mountain (Kinpun village) but you can take a one hour drive up in one of the authorised shuttle trucks to a terminus near the top. The trucks are fitted out with bench seats in the open trays, a typically Myanmar adventure. At the terminus, you commence a 45 minute hike up to the pagoda. There are numerous hotels at the foot of the mountain and one for tourists at the top, wich affords majestic views from this amazing vantage point.

KAYIN STATE
PHA-AN

Pha-an, the capital of Kayin state, is situated on the broad brown Thanlwin River, easily reachable by road from Yangon, or by ferry from Maylamyine, the Kachin state capital. This small town boasts many historical and religious sites among great natural beauty. Mt Zwekabin, (722m) is a revered landmark, offering panoramic views of the countryside. The many lofty limestone crags around the town contain caves of historical, religious and geological interest.

Springs, hidden lakes and thousand year old Buddha carvings are there for you to discover.

Pha-an is renowned for producing many venerable monks, and you can visit the famous Kyaukkat monastery and pagoda while visiting the town

MYAWADY

A bustling border town on the eastern side of the state, Myawady is the main gateway for traffic and travellers to and from Thailand. The isisthe road route into Thailand for Myanmar's valuable gemstones. The town boasts a famous pagoda, the Shweminwon, guarded by two impressive mythical lions, and a large monastery.

DAWE

Located 680 km south of Yangon, Dawe is accessible only by flight (about 55 minutes) for international travelers. It is a second largest city in Tanintharyi Division. Although not so busy as Myeik, there are many ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples and Pagodas in the city for travelers to explore.

MYEIK (Mergui)

Myeik, situated on the Thanithayi coast, about 870 km south of Yangon, offers an ideal holiday climate. An hour's flight from Yangon.brings you to the central seaport for the Mergui archipelago, the second largest city in Taninthayi Division. Its harbors are always busy with cargo ships, fishing vessels and ferry boats. Watching the view of sunset in Mergui archipelago from Myeik'sTheinDawKyi pagoda hill is an unforgettable experience.

KAWTHAUNG

Kawthaung is located near the Thai-Myanmar border. It is also the gateway to Myeik archipelago in southernmost part of Myanmar and over 800km from Yangon, a 90 minute flight. It is most important coastal city, built by the British and named Victoria Point. On the Cape of Victoria Point stands the statue of Bayintnaung, one of the best-known and ablest kings of Myanmar. Separated from Ranong in Thailand by the Perchan River, most tourists can easily reach there fby small long tail boat, a 30 minute border crossing. Entry visas on arrival, valid for 28 days, are issued in Kawthaung for international tourists who want to visit this southern part of Myanmar and spend their holidays in Mergui Archipelago. Ranong can be reached from Phuket by mini bus in about 3 hours. There are also flights from Bangkok to Ranong.

MYEIK ARCHIPELAGO

Made up of over 800 islands, the scenic beauty of the archipelago ranks with the most famous anywhere, and it is one of the world's top ten diving destinations. It is interesting for its gorgeous unspoiled scenery and many amazing unexplored dive sites.

Myeik (also known as Mergui) Archipelago is also offers kayaking, snorkelling, sport fishing and jungle trekking in the tropical rain forests on the islands. Birdwatching and wild life study are also rewarding on the islands, and visitors can experience the enchanting way of life of the Sea Gypsy (Morken) people. The caves, beautiful white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, green tropical forest and sea gypsies will make you want to stay a few days.