7D DAWEI BEACHES & MYEIK ISLAND EXTENSION

Upon arrival to Dawei airport meet and greet by our representative and transfer to Myanmar Paradise Beach Bungalows. We drive along main road running north-south through Dewei peninsula for approx. 2 hours. En route we can do occasional stops to take a closer look at local agriculture industries like rubber and cashew or betel nut plantations. Upon reaching a small village of local fishermen we can hike up the hill for half an hour to a local replica of the famed Golden Rock Pagoda. The panoramic view opening from the top is simply breathtaking, one of the best in the whole Myanmar's South - marvel at the huge Grandfather/Wemakai beach perspective opening below, with layers of hills, lagoon and white sand beaches. Lunch can be served in a traditional and clean restaurant in a village by the foot of a hill.

In the early afternoon a short drive further south followed by another twenty minutes across the jungle covered hill and we finally arrive at Sat San Aww Beach where Myanmar Paradise Beach Bungalows is located. Spend the rest of the day enjoying white sand beach, swimming in azure waters of the beautiful bay.

Leisure time. Unwind by the beach or explore the best beaches of the Dawei Peninsula (depending on the weather conditions).

After breakfast we can drive to a small fishing village Nyaung Pyin to learn about daily life of the fishermen. Further ten minutes up and down the hills is the northern tip of the huge Grandfather beach - spanning a few kilometers in length it is the most impressive beach on the peninsula and arguably of the whole mainland Taninhtaryi region. Spend some time here walking along the coast and swimming.

In the afternoon we can drive south to another beautiful beach by the Horse Shoe Bay. Continue along the coastal cliff road towards Shin Maw Pagoda surrounded by lush evergreen forest to watch magnificent sunset from the viewpoint at the southernmost tip of peninsula. Before the sun settles completely, return to your bungalow for overnight.

After breakfast and a last swim, the driver will transfer you back to Dawei. Upon arrival and check-in to your hotel, we start town sightseeing. Dawei (formerly known as Tavoy) is the capital of Tanintharyi, the southernmost region of Myanmar. Along with other major towns of old Burma' south, it was one of the first places where the British settled after the conquest of the 1st Anglo-Burmese war in 1826. Many beautiful teakwood mansions from the colonial era are still standing, adding to a charm of this provincial center. During the day the guide will show you around to get a picture of Dawei’s daily life and famous sights. Until present day Dawei has laid back old age merchant town feel; there are not many high rises here yet but things are changing swiftly.

Time permitting we go for a stroll along Dawei’s colorful and busy riverfront. Fishing industry is a major source of income for the locals. On the market you can find anything from fresh day's catch to dried fish as well as local delicacies - smelly fish and shrimp paste much loved by Myanmar people. Overnight in Dawei.

After early breakfast we leave for Myeik along the improved highway road. Until very recently this overland way was closed to foreigners for over a long time. In past even locals needed a permit to pass through due to complicated political situation, with airplane and ferry boats being the only feasible ways of getting around. En route we pass small towns and villages where we can stop, should you wish, to see daily lives of local rural communities. Arrive in Myeik in the early afternoon.

After some brief rest, we begin our exploration of the town. During most of it's long 400 years history Myeik had played a role of an important marine port and imperial trading hub where the good from overseas would be unloaded and sent up further to the old capital of Siam Ayutthaya. In present days most of Myeik (or Beik as local call it) former glory has faded but it is still an important regional fishing port.

We learn about local fishing industry by visiting local crab and lobster farm; stop at a wooden ship building yard where they still build the boats like in the old days. We take a stroll through the old colonial quarter visiting the Royal Pearl trading shop which has been owned by the same family for over 150 years. In the evening enjoy a fabulous sunset over the Mergui bay from the Thein Daw Gyi pagoda grounds. Overnight in Myeik.

In the morning we pick you at the hotel and transfer to Myeik jetty. After 45 minutes on the boat trip we first stop at a local owned grouper fish farm. Local people call them stone fish as the fish can be found around stones only. Fishermen catch them when they are babies. The farms keep them up to 10 years. The fish can reach up to one meter and weighs about 40 kilograms or more at the end.

Then continue to Marcus Island. It is time now to unwind and relax. Enjoy your own time on the beach. You may choose to for a snorkel or just read a book. Around noon we serve fresh cooked lunch - fresh seafood and vegetarian options will be available. Afterwards there is time for a nap or swimming again. We leave you alone for some time before we set off again.

We leave Marcus behind us and cruise over to Thamee Hla Island. Take some more time for relaxing or have a look at the underwater world. A freshwater stream (seasonal) can be used for a shower before we return to town. We arrive back in Myeik in the late afternoon.

We make an early start from Myeik’s Seik Nge Jetty. It's a one and a half hour cruise to Dome Island. Feel the fresh sea breeze as we pass beautiful mangrove forests. Here and there tiny villages line the shore. People who live here catch fish, crabs, mussels and oysters.

Our first stop will be by the Dome waterfall, which cascades down from high above right into the ocean. You are able to climb up and a have a refreshing bath. Please be careful walking around on the slippery rocks and respect the fishing boat, which might refill their freshwater supplies.

Later on we arrive to Dome Nyaung Mine Village. The fishermen share their place with sea gypsies, which are called Moken in the local language. Their lifestyle reminds of a simpler time before bank accounts and life insurance. Many spend their life permanently at sea during the dry season, only seeking the shelter of land when the heavy rains come. We will have seafood and vegetarian lunch in the authentic village.

After lunch we cruise on to Smart Island for swimming and snorkeling in pristine waters. The shapes of the island with one long beach and three smaller one is one of its kin. The long and the small beaches are within 5~10 minutes walking distance. Enjoy you afternoon relaxing, swimming, playing, sunbathing and whatever else you would like to do. With the last rays of sunshine we return to Myeik.

Depending on the time of your onward departure we can bring you to couple more places around Myeik for the last glimpses of this sleeping town. Then transfer to airport for departure flight.