The next destination is the capital of Myanmar, Naypyidaw. We leave shortly after the French truck and overtake them after a short time. We descend the mountains and go back to the main highway. After months, we can finally speed up to 120km / h. We arrive as first in Naypyidaw, where we are welcomed by the staff of a chic hotel with a drink. We set up our tent in the small garden in front of the hotel. Then we go to the room booked by the tour guide, to take a shower before everyone else arrives. Naypyidaw is the capital city since 2005 and looks very artificial. There also doesn’t seem to be a centre. Nice are the big shopping centres, where we like to walk around in even though we are not real shoppers.
That evening the tour guide comes to us with a suggestion. We have two choices: or we go to Yangong for two days, or we go one day to Kyaiktiyo and one day to Hpa-An. The first option means we have to drive 450km on the last day, arriving very late at the border, making it impossible to cross the same day. The second option means that the last two days are short trips. We fancy the last option hoping to reach the border with Thailand earlier and cross it the same day. It’s not that we are fed up with Myanmar or with the group in any way, but Kevin’s parents are in Bangkok for the moment, with only four days left. Crossing the border a day earlier means that we are able to be together for two days, instead of one. Fortunately, the majority of the group thinks the same, mainly because most of them don’t want to drive at night. The road to Kyaiktiyo is mainly on the highway, but once we are back on the roads, we are again surrounded by beautiful nature. Kyaiktiyo is known for a temple on a golden rock, but we can see it from the road and we are not interested in paying for it, as is most of the group. Most people take the time to work on their blog or leave earlier for the next destination, Hpa-An. Hpa-An in itself is nothing special but is located in a beautiful area, surrounded by limestone cliffs.

The Limestone Cliffs of Hpa-An

Our last evening between the overlanders is a little weird. Normally everyone comes together immediately after arrival, but now everyone was sitting at their tent or truck, like they needed a moment alone. Luckily later in the evening most come together so we get a chance to say goodbye to our friends.

Our last Night with the Group

In our tent we set our alarm clock to 5am. We want to leave early in the morning hoping to reach Bangkok the same day. With 650km to drive and a border crossing in between, this will be a challenge.

The Last Pictures of Myanmar

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