Paddle through rice fields and Kayin villages in southern Myanmar, where culture, nature, and local life flow in harmony.
An exciting soft adventure that will give you a real insight into ethnic Kayin life. Paddle by kayak through the paddy fields and continue by foot through beautiful, forested terrain to a number of Kayin villages. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked vegetarian lunch served in a traditional Kayin house. And finish this trip exploring the Saddar Cave with stalactites and Buddhas statues.
The more remote areas of Mon State and Kayin State remain relatively quiet areas on the tourist radar of Myanmar. The region offers spectacular nature and intriguing tribal culture dating back for many centuries in the history of Southeast Asia.
The Mon are believed to be one of the first civilisations in this part of the world. The Kayin are one of the indigenous tribes of the jungle known for their traditional boxing skills. They are a tribe with separate language and traditions, whose origins are still very much unknown to scientists today.
Learn about the people, beliefs and stories through village walks and be invited for a home-cooked lunch in a local house. Cycle past different crops and limestone mountains, before kayaking down a stream flanked by paddy fields. Your journey also takes you to explore caves with thousands of intricate Buddha statues and to spectate the unforgettable sight of hundreds of thousands of bats leaving one of the caves at dusk.
From Mawlamyine, the birthplace of famous poem “Road to Mandalay” to the lakes and fields of Hpa An, Mon and Kayin state of southern Myanmar offer everything a traveler could expect including adventurous boat ride over Thanlwin river, kayaking in the flooded lakes to cultural heritages largely still unknown to outside world.
For travelers seeking a deeper connection with Myanmar’s land and people, this journey offers a rare chance to paddle, walk, and share moments with the Kayin community. Contact us at sales.myanmar@khiri.com to join this meaningful cultural experience.