Myanmar: A riding trip to Kawthaung...

"Perseverance is not a long race. It is many short races one after another..." - Walter Elliot

(Arriving in Myanmar)

It was our solo riding trip into Myanmar through Ranong in Thailand.

Kawthaung or formerly known as Victoria Point is a southern most town of Myanmar. It can be accessible from Ranong, Thailand through Koh Son island of Myanmar by ferry. The small town is surrounded on all sides by turquoise water and thick forested hills. Golden pagodas sparkle on nearby hills. There is a bustling market place selling liquor, cigarettes, cheap electronics gadgets and local souvenirs. 

(Boat operators ferrying tourists to nearby islands)

At the Myomar Jetty one will encounter with dark-skinned fishermen smoking hand-rolled cigarettes or the many young men in sarongs who spend their days lounging around the jetty and offering themselves as tour guides. There are pretty young girls with powdered cheeks selling tid-bits to visitors.

(The temple complex)

Kawthaung is a mixture of countless ethnic groups of Myanmars, Thais, Muslim Malays, bangladeshi and Chinese. Myanmar's ethnic diversity is matched by diversity in religious beliefs. Kawthaung has two mosques, two churches, two Chinese temples and dozens of Buddhist pagodas.

(The King Bayint Naung Memorial)

Standout among these is the Aungdawmu Pagoda, a golden spire that sits atop of a hill a few kilometers upriver from the waterfront district.The road to the Aungdawmu Pagoda winds along the headland, past colonial manors, thatched-palm villages and the Shwezinyah Quarter and stilt-houses. The road twists and turns past the striking Pyi Taw Aye Pagoda and Reclining Buddha, and end at the base of 120 steps to the top of the Aungdawmu Pagoda.. 

The Bayint Naung Point is where the King Bayint Naung Memorial is situated. One can view the five-star Andaman Club Resort and Casino on Koh Son island.

My Overseas Travel Blog: Solo ride to Ranong

(20 - 24 Dec, 2013)