WORLDCLASS DRIVES MYANMAR

Transcription

1 WORLDCLASS DRIVES MYANMAR Aunglan Mindon Magway R0 a kilometers k h i n e50 Oke Shit Pin R A Shwedaung ung B A ein th O Pa G Darka A Shawpya Ah Thoke M dy E Shwethaungyan Chaung Tar Pathein O rw a d N A Ngathaingchaung Pyuntasa Hpaung Taw Thi Letpadan Hinthada Tharrawaddy Okekan Zalun Yangon Yegyi 2 KyonDanubyu pyaw Kyaunggon Nyaungdon Einme Ay ey arwa d d y Shwe Laung 2 Bago Taik Gyi Intagwa Pantanaw Maubin Nyaung Lay Pin Hpa Do Minhla Lemyethna Kyaukkyi Penwegon Natthankwin Okpo Monyo Ingapu Gwa Ngwesaung Mon eya I M Tugyi Ma Za Li Kone Satthwa Magyizin 1 Phyu Ay H O Kyeintali (VYTO) Paungde Nattalin Kyangin Zigon Myanaung Gyobingauk Bet Ye Than Daung Gyi Htantabin Oktwin Zayatkyi Kywebwe Bago Thegon 2 3 Y K Akauk Taung UNESCO Pyu Ancient City Sri Ksetra (PRU) 4 Taungoo Paung- Paukkhaung dale Tonbo Y Gyeiktaw Kyun Kone Sitta Section start Sightseeing locations Suggested drive routes Alternative route/side trip Sealed road/highway Naw Bu Baw Prayer Mountain 1 Kamma Pyay Sinma Thar Ga Ya Shwebandaw N 1 Pho Kyar Elephant Camp Ywathit Hmawbi Hlegu Hlawga N.P Hlaing Tharya 1 Shwezigon Daik-U Moe Yun Gyi Wildlife Snct. Hpar Yar Gyi Waw Thanatpin Ka Ma Se Bago Archaeological Zone Ohn Hne Dabein 1 Thet Ka La Insein Ledaunggan Khayan (RGN) Yangon Thanlyin Dala Twantay Pyawbwe Thongwa Kyauktan Yangon Bago, Taungoo, Pyay & Hinthada Highlights From Yangon, the drive visits the historical cities of Bago and Taungoo in the Sittaung Valley. After a side trip high into the hills to the east, the drive strikes west across the forested Bago Yoma, following a scenic route to the old river trading city of Pyay, passing Sri Ksetra, the UNESCO Pyu Ancient City world heritage site en route. From Pyay, the shorter, direct return route to Yangon on Highway 2 is a fast alternative to a more varied route taking less busy roads through the upper delta region via Hinthada west of the Ayeyarwaddy.

2 About this Guide This guide is designed to make self-drive touring in Myanmar easier and must be used together with an online navigation application we recommend Google Maps. This guide uses Google Maps spelling conventions for place names and distances, but actual distances from those shown in this guide may vary (±) by 2.5kms depending on starting point. Tip: Google Maps is not always as up-to-date as their satellite imagery. Revert to the satellite view for road networks when such is missing from maps. Use printed or online media (such as Lonely Planet s Myanmar guide or Travelfish.org) for detailed information. This guide lists sights and a few suggestions for restaurants and upscale (USD75+) and mid-range hotels (USD30 60+) in overnight paragraphs. Before You Arrive & Drive Valid Driver s License To legally drive in Myanmar, you must have a valid international driver s permit or ASEAN driver s license. Smart Phone and Navigation Application Your smart phone should be preloaded with Google Maps or other navigation applications. Myanmar Sim Card Getting a Myanmar sim card on arrival (essential for Google Maps ) is recommended wifi in mid-range hotels is often inoperable. MPT coverage is good. Removable Device Holder Bring a detachable holder suitable to attach your device to the windscreen or dashboard for driver s ease of vision and minimal distraction from the road. Contents/Planning Your Drive Average journey speeds are often far less than 50 kph do not plan on more than kms/day to ensure arrival at destination before dark! Section 1: Yangon Int. Airport Bago & overnight Section 2: Bago Taungoo & overnight; Around Taungoo Tandaung Gyi Section 3: Taungoo Pyay & overnight; Around Pyay Sri Ksetra, Akauk Taung Section 4: Pyay Yangon via Highway 2, via Hinthada & overnight Page Distances ( ± 2.5 kms) between main destinations: Yangon International Airport Bago: ± 75 kms Bago Taungoo: ± 205 kms Taungoo Pyay ± 235 kms Pyay Yangon via Highway 2 ± 275 kms Pyay Yangon via Hinthada ± 365 kms Suggested Itinerary (6 Days, 5 Nights): Day 1: Yangon Bago Day 2: Bago Taungoo Day 3: Taungoo Tandaung Gyi Taungoo Day 4: Taungoo Pyay Day 5: Pyay Akauk Taung Hinthada Day 6: Hinthada Yangon Driving in Myanmar All Yoma Fleet rental vehicles are left-hand drive (right -hand gear shift) for driving on the right in Myanmar. Traffic Speeds are relatively slow. Myanmar drivers are usually polite and often give way, especially outside of major cities like Yangon and Mandalay. Due to old policy, more than 80 percent of vehicles are right-hand drive vehicles. This may contribute to uncertainty and greater caution. Approach intersections and circles cautiously and you will get through. Lane discipline approaching intersections is strict. Drivers do not enter empty left-turn lanes and then cut back in they may pass on the inside (right side)! Sealed main roads are generally good, but beware of uneven surfaces and abrupt gradient changes do not drive faster than the speed limit of 100 kph! Narrow one-lane provincial highways require extra care; drivers must slow and put offside wheels on the unsealed hard shoulder to pass oncoming traffic! Tolls are common on Myanmar s roads and usually vary from MMK Keep plenty of small notes of Myanmar currency to hand in your vehicle. Night Driving should be avoided since unlit vehicles and other hazards raise the accident risk factor. Gas Stations: Please only top up your tank at new gas stations near large towns. These are less likely to serve contaminated fuel from old storage tanks that can lead to a breakdown of your vehicle! Hotline (09 YOMAFLEET) Contact: aung@yomafleet.com Further information: yomacarshare.com 2

3 Section 1 Yangon Int. Airport Bago (± 75 kms) From Yangon International Airport, follow the divided Yangon Mandalay Highway north. After ± 26 kms, choose whether to go directly to Taungoo (± 252 kms) via the Yangon Mandalay Expressway and skipping Bago or taking the Yangon-Mandalay Highway (± 290 kms to Taungoo). There are two convenient links to the Yangon Mandalay Expressway (YME) from the old highway north of Bago. The expressway is straightforward, much quicker and has less traffic. But it is dull to drive. Heavy trucks use the more interesting old Mandalay Road, which passes through Bago, Nyaung Lay Pin and other small towns. Traffic tends to be dispersed in rural areas but can back up at intersections and railway crossings in the towns. ± 22 kms: Taukkyan War Cemetery (Htauk Kyant) commemorates 6374 burials of servicemen of the Western Alliance who died in battles against the Japanese in the Second World War; a memorial lists the names of 27,000 servicemen who died in other campaigns in the country (a cemetery plan can be downloaded from cwgc.org). ± 22 kms: Yangon-Pyay Road fork junction: Hlawga National Park: Follow the Pyay Road for 1200m and turn left (west) for Hlawga National Park (± 2 kms to ticket office for the walk-in & drive-in zones). The drive-in entrance (one-way) is 300m west of the ticketing area and walking zone. Hundreds of macaques wandering free in the drive-in zone will be only too happy to climb over your vehicle to feed on peanuts sold by vendors inside the park. Deer, lizards and peacocks should also be visible. ± 26 kms: Ah Myan Lan The Yangon Mandalay Expressway via Naypyitaw starts here. Take this road for a fast route to Taungoo if wishing to bypass Bago and the Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary (see Section 2). ± 27 kms: Hlegu Tollgate This is the first of several tollgates on this drive. Have MMK 1,000 bill or smaller notes handy! ± 31 kms: Hlegu Town ± 61 kms: Han Thar Gardens Hotel & Restaurant Resort & Golf Course on the west side of highway ± 73 kms: Kyaik Pun Pagoda (Bago) Turn west to the southernmost of the main historical sites in Bago. Four colossal Buddha images seated back-to-back face the cardinal directions. Tip: Foreigners must pay an inclusive MMK 10,000 fee to visit any of Bago s archaeological and religious sites per day. To avoid a repeat payment, see all sites in one day. ± 75 kms: Shwe Thar Lyaung Pagoda Rd. (Bago) This road goes west to several historical Buddhist sites including the Maha Kalyani Labhasima, where King Dammazedi (r ) placed 10 stone inscriptions, the huge Shwe Thar Lyaung reclining Buddha image and the Mahazedi Pagoda. Bago The main sights not to miss east of the river (see above for places west of the river) are the Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace (09 16:30hrs) and the Bee Throne Hall in the palace grounds. These two magnificent reconstructions leave no doubt as to how the builders thought one of Myanmar s great kings (Bayint Naung r ) perceived his majesty. The contemporary Archaeological Museum is also in the palace grounds. Three blocks north of the palace is the Shwemawdaw Pagoda. At more than 114m in height it is the highest paya in Myanmar (according to the Guide to Bago, a small printed guide on sale for MMK 5,000 in the Bee Throne Hall and elsewhere). To its east is the Hintha Gon Paya. Overnight in Bago To eat, try the Kyaw Swa Restaurant, Dagon Restaurant & Bar & BBQ (Ngwe Taung), the Shwe Li or the Hanthawaddy Restaurant. For mid-range rooms fairly close to town, try the Kanbawza Hinthar Hotel. The Supreme, the Aurora Gold and the Bago Star (which has a swimming pool) are in the same area. Tip: If you find a restaurant you like with an English-Myanmar bilingual menu, photograph it so that you can use it to help you order common dishes at restaurants that do not have English menus. ± 58 kms: Shwe Pyi Resort (& Restaurant) A lakeside resort ±17 kms south of Bago 3

4 Section 2 Bago Taungoo (± 205 kms via Yangon-Mandalay Highway) The Yangon-Mandalay Highway follows a less direct route north between towns in the Sittaung Valley than the YME. North of Bago, convenient roads west to the YME are from Hpa Yar Gyi and Daik-U. North of Daik-U, diverting west to the YME is probably less worthwhile. ± 18 kms (from Bago): Hpa Yar Gyi Intersection Highway 8 goes east to Kyaikto, Thaton and Mawlamyine (See Yoma Fleet s East to the Mon Heartland WorldClass Drive in Myanmar ); the Phayagyi Segment goes west to the YME (± 8.5 kms). Many local restaurants serve Myanmar food at this intersection, and there is a food center at the end of the Phayagyi Segment by the YME. ± 32 kms: Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary Turn east onto an unsealed lane the Wildlife Sanctuary Office and car park is ± 1300m. A 250m boardwalk leads to the Moeyungyi Wetlands Resort. Its restaurant is a relaxing stop for a meal (8 a.m. 5 p.m. for non-residents) on the way to Taungoo, especially after a morning s sightseeing in Bago. To see the birds an overnight stay in the mid-range resort and an early morning boat trip are necessary boat engine noise may be a disturbance to the birds, however. ± 59 kms: Daik-U At the north end of this town, turn west on Oke Shit Kone St for the best link to the YME (± 24 kms) north of Moeyungyi. ± 69 kms: Pyuntasa: railway crossing ± 79 kms: Nyaung Lay Pin: railway crossing Consider staying in the better rooms at the Sann Htay Motel on Bogyoke Street if night is approaching. ± 105 kms & 110kms: Kyauktada: railway crossings ± 116 kms & 117+kms: Penwegon: railway crossings ± 154 kms: Phyu ± 198 kms: Railway crossing on Taungoo s outskirts ± 205 kms: Taungoo Taungoo Like Mandalay, Amarapura and Shwebo, Taungoo is an old historical capital within a large square moat. Its origins go back at least to the 14th century when it became a sanctuary in a position easily fortified against Karen raids from the hills to the east. It subsequently gained strength when Bamar (or Mranma) people sought refuge there to escape fighting in the contested regions around Ava in the north and Martaban to the south. After the fall of Ava (Inwa) to Shans from Mohnyin in 1527, Taungoo grew to so strong that Tabinshweti, the second king of the Taungoo Dynasty, was able to subdue the whole of the Mon kingdom to the south and take its capital, Hanthawaddy (now Bago), as his own. It was from there that the dynasty s greatest king as measured by military conquest (Bayint Naung) subdued much of what now constitutes modern Myanmar and Thailand in the 16th century. Taungoo remained a provincial center when Myanmar s modern rulers bypassed it and built Naypyitaw more than 100 kilometers to the north, inaugurating it as their new capital in Taungoo today is a pleasant old rural town with only low-rise buildings within the moat. The newer part of the city stretches along the Yangon-Mandalay Road just east of the moat bordering the old city. Apart from the quaint, crowded streets during market hours on the east side of the old city, places to go within the moat include the splendid Shwesandaw Pagoda and the park by the lake. Overnight in Taungoo Three beer-station style restaurants in the old city have English menus Stellar, Grace Star and Moe Kaung Kin. Like Restaurant serves Myanmar food in an open-sided hall, but some say the small, downmarket Win Myanmar Food has better food. For upscale accommodation, go to the Royal Kaytumadi Hotel, but for modern and comfortable rooms as well as a good restaurant, the mid-range Pathi Hotel is recommended. The mid-range Myanmar Beauty Hotel (II) offers dark-wood décor and gargantuan breakfasts next to open paddy land to the east (apparently good for walking tours east to the Myat Saw Nyi Naung Pagoda), and the Mother s House Hotel has bungalow-type rooms and a reportedly good restaurant by the highway. 4

5 Around Taungoo Rural landscape begins more or less at the moat on the west side of the old city, so it is a simple matter of following lanes to the southwest if wanting to drive out though the paddy landscape to visit local villages nearby. Pho Kyar Elephant Ecotourism Camp (± 60 kms from Taungoo) Local guidance is required to visit elephant camps in the hills to the east, but it is relatively straightforward to drive northwest to the Pho Kyar Elephant Eco-tourism Camp (± 62 kms via the direct road west on the north of the moat to the YME, or ± 58 kms via Kyun Kone; the latter route passes the Southern Star Golf Club). Take the Thagayar exit and keep to the west of the MYE, following the narrow sealed road that initially parallels the YME north before diverging west. After ± 7 kms from the YME, the road passes the elephant camp and a couple of local restaurants in a planted teak forest more than 100 years old. For walk-in clients without prior arrangement, the 15-acre campsite seems best geared up for offering 20 USD/head elephant rides. It will require Burmese speakers to negotiate in advance for more involved elephant experiences at the camp, which is run by the Myanmar Timber Enterprise, a nationwide operation involved in protecting and caring for elephants. Myat Saw Nyi Naung Pagoda (± 13 kms) For Myanmar people, pagodas are destinations for an outing and this one in its park-like surrounds is no exception. A long (more than 500m) covered walkway goes from the main pagoda to a second pagoda to the northwest. Guests at the Myanmar Beauty can walk cross-country from the resort to this pagoda. Tandaung Gyi (± 43 kms from Taungoo) Be prepared to switch off and enjoy the sights around you! suggests a brochure called Discover Thandaunggyi An idyllic Kayin hillside retreat : this after advising that internet access and mobile coverage is still limited in the area. Best known today for its Naw Bu Baw Prayer Mountain and largely populated by ethnic Kayin and Karen, the settlement straddling a ridge below the peak of the Prayer Mountain (± 1465m) seems almost unique as a Christian pilgrimage site in Myanmar. Opened to tourists only in 2012 after decades of inaccessibility due to conflict between Myanmar s military and armed ethnic groups, Tandaung Gyi origins go back to when the British annexed lower Myanmar at the end of the second Anglo-Burmese War in Some time after that year, the British first opened it up as a hill station, building a fort the remnants of which may be seen today. The views over the surrounding countryside alone make the journey up there worthwhile. Starting where a cascade has become a recreational area, around 10 kilometers of the route where most of the climbing is done follows two roads in an unusual one-way system that intersects at one point. One of the pleasures of going there for English speakers is the ability to talk with fluent English-speaking Karen elders. Stop off at Star of the East (Tel: ) to chat with U Saw Bo Thar, who single-handedly acts as an information center, if not stay in his guesthouse. Overnight in Tandaung Gyi: Though visiting Tandaung Gyi on a day trip is quite manageable, stay overnight to appreciate the dawn and sunset and enjoy guided hiking in the area warm clothing is a must in the cold season. At present, visitors should not expect facilities on a par with those in the lowlands of Myanmar, whether for restaurants or accommodation, but rather anticipate experiencing the local life of friendly hill folk. Expect rooms to have little furniture, to be separated by thin partitions, have mattresses on floors and basic if not shared bathrooms. Possibilities to stay in rooms with bathrooms attached are offered by Grace for Grace (Tel: ), I Wish (Tel: ) and Kaing s Villa (Tel: ) among others. Warning: On the way up, just before a small checkpoint about three kilometers from the top, do not take a right at a road junction marked by an arrow on a red background pointing to a sealed lane descending to the right. This road goes through a military camp that may not allow foreigners to pass through. On the slightly wider downward leg of the one-way road system, drivers should beware of possible oncoming traffic (especially motorcycles) despite the supposed one-way routing. 5

6 Section 3 Taungoo Pyay (± 235 kms) The drive to Pyay from Taungoo will take an entire day begin early as travel speeds are slow in the Bago Yoma, especially if hoping to visit a few sites in Sri Ksetra the same day on the way into Pyay. Initially following a two-lane rural road west from Oktwin, the road to Pyay west of the MYE underpass becomes a sealed single-lane road with hard shoulders for passing oncoming traffic. This narrow road (sealed throughout) snakes across the forested Bago Yoma on a route that twists and turns as it climbs and descends over hills not much higher than 300m, occasionally offering views over distant forest landscapes. Average speed will be low for this part (± 140 kilometers) of the route. Villages occur about every 10 kilometers. Fill your tank in Taungoo (no fuel in the Bago Yoma) and then drive south on the Yangon-Mandalay Highway. ± 13 kms (from Taungoo): Oktwin: turn west. ± 20 kms: YME underpass Warning: Four-wheel traffic is very light in the hilly Bago Yoma, but local motorcycle traffic is more frequent. Approach blind corners with caution and be prepared to veer onto the hard shoulder at a moment s notice! Drive with care and you should encounter no problems help will take time to reach you should you need it in this relatively remote area! ± 32 kms: Small village: An unsealed track right goes to a small landing on a reservoir. A sign nearby designates that you are entering an Elephant Sanctuary Project, Pyaing Chaung. More signs for this project are further along the route. ± kms: viewpoints to the west ± 44 kms: Sto Taung Ngu Elephant Hospital 7 miles south on unsealed track of uncertain condition (7-mile Elephant Hospital 4WD only; do not enter this track without a local guide/authorisation). Tip: Many of the villages have local shops where you can sit and have an instant coffee or a (fairly) cold drink ice may not be available. Such stops will offer interesting opportunities to meet with friendly local people who may not have met with many foreigners before. While driving, some good listening may help enliven this part of the route. ± 66 & 93 kms: Villages ± 103 kms: Bridge in village Kabaung Wildlife Area ± 111 kms: Bridge in small village ± 126, 127 & 129 kms: Villages ± 137 kms: Bridge in small village ± 151 kms: Village group in valley ± 154 kms: lowlands and wider, faster road ± 175 kms: Sign for Pyi (Pyu) iron furnace: Archaeological remains are an unspecified distance south but cannot be directly accessed by this dirt road according to local folk. ± 180 kms: Paukkhaung junction Turn left (southwest). The road right leads to a large dam. ± 200 kms: Paungdale ± 229 kms: Phaya Mar Pagoda (±500m): Take the unsealed track north to one of the three similarly large brick paya (stupa) that are among the main archaeological remains in Sri Ksetra. The other payas are Phaya Gyi and Bawbawgyi. ± 230 kms: Take the sealed lane south for Sri Ksetra Tharaykhittaya (Sri Ksetra) Archaeological Museum (± 2500m from the highway). ± 232 kms: Highway 2: junction north to Magway, southwest to Pyay ± 233 kms: Phaya Gyi: (south side) The second of the large brick paya in the Sri Ksetra group ± 238 kms: Pyay Pyay Like Taungoo, Pyay (or Pyi) is an old settlement that was historically the seat of lords who paid fealty and would often be related by marriage to whichever ruling dynasty dominated central Myanmar, whether in Hanthawaddy (Bago) to the south or Bagan, Ava and Mandalay to the north. Unlike Taungoo, Pyay was never the founding seat of a dynasty, though through alliances its rulers could exert strong influence on political affairs, especially given its commanding position on the main transportation route of historical Myanmar. 6

7 Located where the Ayeyarwaddy narrows as it flows between bluffs on opposing banks (now joined by a road bridge), the city has long been seen as marking the boundary between upper and lower Myanmar. Pyay gives the impression of being pleasant to wander around and is worth at least two nights, especially if part of the intervening day is spent visiting sites around Pyay. The city s signature pagoda, the Shwesandaw Paya, is to the south of Highway 2, but most of the city s commercial district is to the north. Extensive suburbs extend to the east and encroach in one part within the archaeological remains of the old walls of Sri Ksetra. Overnight in Pyay Highway 2 enters the city and turns south at the traffic circle with the statue of Gen Aung San astride a horse. Convenient accommodation and restaurants are near this location. For dining, the Wish River View gets good reviews but by the same rubric the Yokohama to the north should also be worth trying. At night, a market closes the Old Post Office Road to traffic and offers lots of street food. To go to the Valley Restaurant south of town will require driving, however. The city s most upscale hotel is the Mingalar Garden Resort, which has bungalows and dining in a pleasant park-like location around a small lake. It is more than five kilometers east on Highway 2 (and thus the first hotel on the route from Sri Ksetra/Taungoo). The mid-range Lucky Dragon Hotel offers comfortable lodges and a pool in a good downtown location near the river. To ensure a room you should book in advance as this hotel is used by tour companies. The mid-range Hotel 3D nearby is less preferable but its better rooms also tend to be fully booked. Away from the town center to the south, the Sweet Golden Land Hotel and the Golden Dragon Hotel have reasonable rooms; the former is located within walking distance of the Valley Restaurant. Nine kilometers south of town, the Golden Guest Hotel also offers comfortable rooms in its new wing and is located on the route to the Shwe Myet Man Pagoda in Shwe Daung (see Around Pyay). Around Pyay Tharay Khittaya/Sri Ksetra (± 10 kms from Pyay) To reach the site of Sri Ksetra (± 10 kms from downtown Pyay), follow Highway 2 east, passing the Phaya Gyi paya en route, and then turn off on the Paukkhaung Road. Turn south on the sealed lane to the archaeological museum after driving 2400m east on the Paukkaung Road. Other routes from Pyay are complex and require driving on unsealed lanes. UNESCO Pyu Ancient Cities: Sri Ksetra Sri Ksetra is the southernmost of five major walled cities of the Pyu peoples in the Ayeyarwaddy and Chindwin river basins. The Pyu civilization inhabited these sites from around 200 BCE until their gradual absorption by the Bamar (Mranma) people under the rule of Bagan from the 9th century on. At that time, Sri Ksetra was located closer to the then maritime coast before the southern part of the Ayeyarwaddy delta was formed. Of the three Pyu ancient sites Beikthano, Halin and Sri Ksetra that currently form UNESCO s Pyu Ancient Cities, Sri Ksetra has the most impressive remains. These include three massive brick paya, two of which may be seen from the route between Paukkhaung and Pyay on the periphery of the old walls of the ancient city. An elliptical walled settlement roughly four kilometers in diameter at its narrowest point, the original fortified perimeter of Sri Ksetra contains several relatively well-preserved remains; these are reached on unsealed roads south from the Tharaykhittaya Archaeological Museum. Visit the museum first (closed Mondays) before going to the Palace Citadel and continuing south on the unsealed lane that passes through a gate in the southwest part of the old city perimeter near the Rahanda Temple. Follow the main unsealed lane south of the lake on an anticlockwise route that passes Bawbawgyi, the third of the large paya, and other sites before going back to the museum through a village. A few restaurants are near the museum. Tours by oxcart may be arranged from the archaeological museum these have the advantage of giving local folk employment and can pass without difficulty along narrow muddy tracks. 7

8 Shwe Myet Man Pagoda (± 14 kms from Pyay) Around 600m west of the Yangon-Pyay Road, the Shwe Myet Man Pagoda is noted for its unique bespectacled Buddha image. Like any sensible person, the image has a spare pair in a case nearby. The River View Garden (± 6.5 kms south of Pyay) offers the possibility of a sundown drink with a pleasant view over the Ayeyarwaddy. Akauk Taung/Tonbo Village (± 63 kms from Pyay) A visit to this site (see below) must either be considered as a day trip ex Pyay, or as a side trip on the way to Hinthada. Drive to the main pier at Tonbo and park; there you will be directed to buy a (return) boat ticket. The boat journey passes the site on the way to Akauk Taung Pagoda, where passengers disembark and walk up to the top of the bluff and a small pagoda that stands next to some drink shops. There are good views over the Ayeyarwaddy from this point. The return boat trip need take less than two hours. If considering including this as a side trip on the way to Yangon via Hinthada, however, it will be necessary to start early in Pyay and overnight in Hinthada to avoid driving in the dark back to Yangon. If driving south to Hinthada and planning to visit Akauk Taung en route, keep to the main road west of the Ayeyarwaddy Bridge at Pyay to save time. If planning a return day trip from Pyay and wanting to take a slightly different route, consider turning off the main road on the ramp down at the west end of the Ayeyarwaddy bridge and taking the slower, narrow rural road that follows the Ayeyarwaddy southwards via Padaung till it joins with the main route ± 24 kms from Pyay. Akauk Taung Dozens of Buddha images carved into the sandstone cliffs on a bluff overlooking the Ayeyarwaddy to the south of the village called Tonbo can only be seen from a boat. It is said that tax collectors who taxed all river trade passing between lower and upper Myanmar at this point sponsored these images. Perhaps the Buddha images were to salve their consciences; interesting to note, then, that a recent addition is dated Section 4 Pyay Yangon (via Highway 2 ± 275 kms) (via Hinthada ± 360 kms) For a fast return to Yangon, there is no alternative to Highway 2, the Yangon-Pyay Rd., which passes through low, rural areas of wet-rice cultivation and near if not through small towns regularly spaced along the route. Traffic can be expected to be relatively heavy. A more varied but longer return to Yangon can be made on the west side of the Ayeyarwady via Hinthada. The return to Yangon via this route can be driven in one day if starting early enough, but the distance to be covered is long for driving in Myanmar, thus staying overnight in Hinthada is recommended. At time of research (2017), however, only lower mid-range guesthouse accommodation was available in Hinthada. That said, staying in any Myanmar town should offer its own rewards, especially should you befriend Myanmar folk in a teashop or beer station. Whichever route is taken in this section, however, driving after dark is to be strictly avoided. There are few if any reflective road markings and unlit hazards are legion, greatly increasing the accident risk factor! Pyay - Yangon via Highway 2 (± 275 kms) Though traffic may at times be heavy on Highway 2, such will be spread out on the long stretches in rural areas. Accommodation in towns should offer adequate comfort staying overnight en route is strongly preferable to driving after dark. ± 13 kms (from Pyay): Shwe Myet Man Pagoda Left turn (600m to the pagoda) ± 40 kms: Innma ± 57 kms: Paungde ± 65 kms: Nattalin Overnight possibility: Shwe Htaketan Guesthouse. ± 78 kms: Zigon ± 90 kms: Gyobingauk ± 98 kms: railway crossing ± 105 kms: intersection with road west to Okpho 8

9 ± 123 kms: intersection with road west to Minhla ± 145 kms: intersection with road west to Letpadan Overnight possibility: Pineland ± 161 kms: Tharrawaddy Overnight possibility: Motel Kyal Sin ± 180 kms: Okekan: railway crossing Overnight possibility: Hotel Oakkan ± 209 kms: Taik Gyi ± 239 kms: Hmawbi: railway crossing ± 240 kms: T-junction with Lower Mingalardon Rd. (No. 4) Rd ± 252 kms: junction west to Hlawga National Park (see section 1) ± 253 kms: Yangon-Mandalay Highway: Taukkyan War Cemetery (Htauk Kyant see section 1) ± 275 kms: Yangon International Airport Pyay Yangon via Hinthada (± 360 kms) The route south on the west side of the Ayeyarwaddy is considerably longer than that on the east bank, but it offers greater variety of landscapes and roads and will involve far less traffic; that is until the route joins the Pathein road for the approach to Yangon. The first part of the route to the intersection at Oke Shit Pin follows a good road through low hill country alternating with flat paddy land along tributaries flowing into the Ayeyarwaddy. South of Oke Shit Pin, the road straightens, traffic lightens and for 80 kilometers the route south follows an upgraded road with light traffic, allowing rapid passage. At a road junction ± 81 kms from Pyay, the route turns inland, but a second, slower route closer to the river may be taken via towns on the Ayeyarwaddy if choosing the latter, staying overnight in Hinthada or at other towns along the route is essential to avoid driving after dark. On the inland route, progress becomes slower on older road surface further to the south and on the narrow road where the route crosses the Pathein River floodplain. South of Hinthada, the roads are good until the route joins the Pathein Road, which is scheduled for reconstruction beginning late Journey speeds are likely to be slow on the Pathein Road for the last 40 kilometers into Yangon. Staying overnight in Hinthada, a pleasant town on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy, is worth considering despite the lack of upscale accommodation (as of mid-2017) ± 500m from Pyay To cross to the west bank of the river from Pyay, first drive away from the river in order to join the road that crosses the bridge (no direct access from Highway 2, which tracks the river under the bridge). Once across the bridge, follow the Pyay - Toungup Rd south unless taking the old road that follows the west bank of the Ayeyarwaddy (see Around Pyay/Akauk Taung). ± 24 kms: Junction The Pyay-Toungup Road converges with the old road via Padaung. ± 32 kms: Oke Shit Pin intersection Turn left (south). ± 58 kms: side road to Tonbo Village (± 3 kms) Departure point for boats to Akauk Taung (see Around Pyay ) ± 81 kms: Immigration checkpoint & junction Fork right (southwest) for the faster inland route to Hinthada (± 115 kms) followed by this drive. This route continues southwards through low hill country on good road for ± 30 kms. Beyond this point the road surface degenerates where it has not been upgraded. For a slower and possibly more interesting route that passes a few towns on or near the Ayeyarwaddy, consider the alternative route via Myanaung (± 132kms to Hinthada, left/southeast fork at this junction see below). This route is ± 17 kms longer than the inland route. ± 148 kms: T-junction: turn left (east) for Hinthada. The road becomes narrow as it crosses floodplain. ± 161 kms: T-junction continue south. The route via Myanaung rejoins the road to Hinthada at this junction. Alternative Route via Myanaung (± 96 kms) Kyangin & Myanaung are the largest of several towns on this longer, slower but more interesting route. ± 15 kms (from fork junction): Kyangin Overnight possibility: Golden Royal Guesthouse (continued) 9

10 ± 26 kms: Myanaung Overnight possibility: Myint Moo Oo Guesthouse ± 64 kms: Tugyi ± 74 kms: Me Za ± 86 kms: Ingapu ± 96 kms: rejoins inland route Turn left (south) at T-junction. ± 163 kms (via inland route) Bridge Expect possible delays at this single lane road-rail bridge over the Pathein River. The road widens a little east of the bridge. ± 197 kms: Hinthada Hinthada Though Hinthada has a population of more than 170,000 and has long been a trading town exporting rice grown in the surrounding fertile delta lands, it is a small town by comparison to either Pyay or Taungoo. Aside from a bustling market area surrounded by narrow streets these are interesting of themselves to walk around there is cultivable land on the river s floodplain within plain sight and walking distance. Hinthada makes a good base from which to explore both a less-visited market town and readily accessible areas of wet-rice cultivation nearby. A university town, Hinthada is likely to have people wishing to converse with foreigners and practice their English and thus the town should offer good opportunities to interact with Myanmar folk. Overnight in Hinthada For comparatively upscale dining, the Galaxy Restaurant (2400m south on the highway to Zalun) offers the best-looking possibility, but the small YGP Thai Pot & BBQ Restaurant on the road into town from Pyay has an English menu. While new construction suggests that Hinthada may shortly be graced by better accommodation, only guesthouses are available (as of mid-2017). Best in terms of room quality and parking is the AZ (Guesthouse) on the highway to Zalun in the southeastern part of town, but the Lucky Guest House has a central location (street parking only) by the market. South from From Hinthada From Hinthada to the junction with the Yangon-Pathein Road, road quality is good and driving through the delta landscape pleasant. ± 24 kms (from Hinthada): Zalun T-junction The highway goes southwest. The market and river frontage are to the east (± 900m). ± 53 kms: Danubyu The highway goes right (southwest). ± 80 kms: T-junction near Bridge Turn left (east) for Yangon. The road & rail bridge is 1000m east. ± 87 kms: T-junction with Pathein Road: Turn left (east) for Yangon. Expect traffic to be much heavier from this point on. Until the new Pathein Road is completed, progress along the old, sometimes badly broken up road can be slow. ± 95 kms: Fork-junction Go right (southeast) for Yangon, bypassing Nyaungdon on the Pathein Road. ± 100 kms: T-junction Turn left (northeast) for Yangon. ± 107 kms: T-junction Turn right (east) for Yangon. The route rejoins the Pathein Road from Nyaungdon. ± 147 kms: Traffic Circle Hlaing River Road (E), Pathein Road (SE) & Twantay Road (S) on the outskirts of Yangon. Take the Hlaing River Road for the direct route to Yangon International Airport. ± 162 kms: Yangon International Airport Happy & safe driving! Hotline (09 YOMAFLEET) Contact: aung@yomafleet.com Further information: yomacarshare.com Created by cnxoliver@gmail.com for Yoma Fleet Limited, Myanmar. All rights reserved. 10