Mawlamyine

Mawlamyine (also spelled also spelled Mawlamyaing) or Moulmein (Burmese မော်လမြိုင်မြို့) is the capital of Mon State in Southeastern Myanmar.

Mawlamyine is the fourth biggest city in Myanmar (population about 326,000) and famous for its nearby sights and attractions, especially the largest reclining Buddha in Myanmar 18 km south and the golden rock 20 km north of the city. The first stop for many coming from Thailand, and it is a good starting point for the rest of Myanmar.

Many of Mawlamyine's famous sights are outside of the city, but visiting all sights in the city (including the markets and restaurants) can take a day.

• Kyaik Tan Lan Pagoda. Up on the hill and famous for its nice views and a great sunset point is this pagoda on the hill in the north(east)ern part of the city.
• Mahamuni Paya. Pagoda which contains a century-old replica of the Buddha in Mahamuni Paya in Mandalay (famous for the early morning face washing). Here you can get a nicer view of the Buddha, woman are allowed to get closer and way less tourists compared to Mandalay but without the washing ceremony. However, the gold cover of the Buddha is not nearly as thick as in Mandalay.
• Ogre Island. An island across the river from Mawlamyine, known for cottage industries such as weaving, chalkboards, pipes, hats and rubber bands. A guide is necessary as the island is spread out over an area the size of Singapore. You can arrange a tour from Breeze Inn Guesthouse (18,000 kyat per person) or simply arrive on shore and ask around for an English speaking moto driver. High tide in the mornings means disembarking into watery mud, so it is best to wear sandals. 600 kyat ferry ride.

• Gaung Say Kyun / Shampoo Island with the Sandawshin Pagoda. Small island with its own pagoda and nice river view. 3,000 kyat for the boat, but cheaper if you wait for more people.
• Than Phyu Zayat / Death Railway Museum.
• Than Phyu Zayat / War Cemetery.
• Churches: St Patrick's (1829); St Matthew's (1887), abandoned & locked; First Baptist (1827); Holy Family (1954)

• Nwa-La-Boh Pagoda. The main attraction of this pagoda is a golden rock formation, similar to Kyaiktiyo, but on a smaller scale. However, due its shape and balance (3 stones on top of each other) this golden rock is equally impressive. If you go in low season and on a work day, there is a fair chance that you will be the only person there.
  To go there you can get pick-ups from the roundabout south of the bridge. Locals pay about 500 kyat one-way, but tourist may be charged 1,000 kyat. Taxis offer you the same trip for 8,000 kyat return, but you can get them down to 5,000 kyat.
  Near Kyaun Ka Village exactly 19.7 km north from the roundabout take the concrete track. to the right up and by the temple. The distance to the pagoda is 6.7 km not accounting for the elevation. You hike up and down, at least 1.5-2.5 hr each way, but bring enough water, good shoes and sun block as the heat and humidity are high. Alternatively or you can try to get a work truck (2,000 kyat per person return) but higher in the low season if they available at all. Going back from the main road is easy, just hail for a pick-up or any car that passes by. 500 kyat camera fee.

Nwa-La-Boh Pagoda. The main attraction of this pagoda is a golden rock formation, similar to [[Kyaiktiyo]], but on a smaller scale. However, due its shape and balance (3 stones on top of each other) this golden rock is equally impressive. If you go in low season and on a work day, there is a fair chance that you will be the only person there.
To go there you can get pick-ups from the roundabout south of the bridge. Locals pay about 500 kyat one-way, but tourist may be charged 1,000 kyat. Taxis offer you the same trip for 8,000 kyat return, but you can get them down to 5,000 kyat.
Near Kyaun Ka Village exactly 19.7 km north from the roundabout take the concrete track. to the right up and by the temple. The distance to the pagoda is 6.7 km not accounting for the elevation. You hike up and down, at least 1.5-2.5 hr each way, but bring enough water, good shoes and sun block as the heat and humidity are high. Alternatively or you can try to get a work truck (2,000 kyat per person return) but higher in the low season if they available at all. Going back from the main road is easy, just hail for a pick-up or any car that passes by. 500 kyat camera fee.

The best way to explore the surrounding and especially southern area and sights is by scooter or motorbike. In the order of distance from Mawlamyine are these destinations:

• Shwe Nat Taung Pagoda. On top of a hill offering picturesque views ideal for pictures.
• Pa-Auk Tawya Monastery. An enormous, tranquil meditation centre with friendly people. Arrive by 10:00 to walk to the eating hall for an 11:00 meal with hundreds of monks and a few foreigners studying meditation.
• Hindu Temple.
• Kyauk Ta Tone. This hill offers a great view of the surrounding area and even a sneak peak of the famous Buddha. It is great for sunsets. There are two tops, only one is allowed for women. There is an old, open shed on top where you can even stay overnight, although a mosquito net, mattress and sleeping bag are recommended. It takes about 20-30 min to climb.

• The worlds largest reclining Buddha. Besides the golden rock in Kyaiktiyo this is probably the most famous sight in the Mon State. Whilst no longer the largest in the world, it is still the largest reclining Buddha in Myanmar. Dozens of monk statues escort the track from the main road towards the reclining Buddha. Arriving at the sight the sheer size of the Buddha (more than 100 m) is quite impressive. Opposite lies another but older one. Due to its size you will have to walk around to find a good spot for taking pictures.

A one-way pick-up to the Buddha should be around 500 kyat, at least for locals. A taxi is about 4000 kyat one way or 7000 kyat return.

• Kan Gyi Lake & Pagoda. A rumour is that nobody knows how deep this lake is, but don't feel tempted to find out. Women are not allowed to swim as otherwise, it is believed, something terrible will happen. The lake can be easily circumnavigated by foot.

Shwe Nat Taung Pagoda. On top of a hill offering picturesque views ideal for pictures.

Pa-Auk Tawya Monastery. An enormous, tranquil meditation centre with friendly people. Arrive by 10:00 to walk to the eating hall for an 11:00 meal with hundreds of monks and a few foreigners studying meditation.

Hindu Temple.

Kyauk Ta Tone. This hill offers a great view of the surrounding area and even a sneak peak of the famous Buddha. It is great for sunsets. There are two tops, only one is allowed for women. There is an old, open shed on top where you can even stay overnight, although a mosquito net, mattress and sleeping bag are recommended. It takes about 20-30 min to climb.

The worlds largest reclining Buddha. Besides the golden rock in [[Kyaiktiyo]] this is probably the most famous sight in the Mon State. Whilst no longer the largest in the world, it is still the largest reclining Buddha in Myanmar. Dozens of monk statues escort the track from the main road towards the reclining Buddha. Arriving at the sight the sheer size of the Buddha (more than 100 m) is quite impressive. Opposite lies another but older one. Due to its size you will have to walk around to find a good spot for taking pictures.

Kan Gyi Lake & Pagoda. A rumour is that nobody knows how deep this lake is, but don't feel tempted to find out. Women are not allowed to swim as otherwise, it is believed, something terrible will happen. The lake can be easily circumnavigated by foot.

Kyaik Tan Lan Pagoda. Up on the hill and famous for its nice views and a great sunset point is this pagoda on the hill in the north(east)ern part of the city.

Mahamuni Paya. Pagoda which contains a century-old replica of the Buddha in Mahamuni Paya in Mandalay (famous for the early morning face washing). Here you can get a nicer view of the Buddha, woman are allowed to get closer and way less tourists compared to Mandalay but without the washing ceremony. However, the gold cover of the Buddha is not nearly as thick as in Mandalay.

Ogre Island. An island across the river from Mawlamyine, known for cottage industries such as weaving, chalkboards, pipes, hats and rubber bands. A guide is necessary as the island is spread out over an area the size of Singapore. You can arrange a tour from Breeze Inn Guesthouse (18,000 kyat per person) or simply arrive on shore and ask around for an English speaking moto driver. High tide in the mornings means disembarking into watery mud, so it is best to wear sandals. 600 kyat ferry ride.

Gaung Say Kyun / Shampoo Island with the Sandawshin Pagoda. Small island with its own pagoda and nice river view. 3,000 kyat for the boat, but cheaper if you wait for more people.

Than Phyu Zayat / Death Railway Museum.

Than Phyu Zayat / War Cemetery.

Churches: St Patrick's (1829); St Matthew's (1887), abandoned & locked; First Baptist (1827); Holy Family (1954)

• Rent a scooter or motorbike and explore the surrounding area, especially south.
• Take a boat up or down the river.

The Zeigyi (Central) Market. and the New Market. can be found in the north part of the city near the river.

The Zeigyi (Central) Market. and the New Market. can be found in the north part of the city near the river.

The Zeigyi (Central) Market. and the New Market. can be found in the north part of the city near the river.

• Night market & food stalls, Strand Rd (Just north of YKKO restaurant. This place offers a great opportunity to mix with the locals. You can choose from several food stalls, some of which have English menus. However, it is best to watch and choose from the dishes they prepare. Sometimes they will not even be on the menu.p. It offers barbecue (100-200 kyat per piece), cheap seafood, vegetarian, rice and soup dishes. 1,000-2,500 kyat.
• Chan Thar. Chinese restaurant with extensive menu in English. More an amusement arcade/gambling hall than restaurant. 1,000/2,000/2,500 kyat (vegetarian/meat/seafood), 1,500 kyat for a bottle of Myanmar beer.
• Yunnan / Yuu Nan Pan Tay Restaurant, Strand Rd. Thai food. Friendly and clean. Fried rice or soups 1,500 kyat. Meals with prawn 2,200 kyat..
• Myo Ma River View Restaurant, Strand Rd (Near Myo Ma Jetty. Situated in a mall-like building and may look expensive, but is not. Large menu, attentive and friendly staff. Restaurant doubles as a small art gallery. 2,000+ kyat, crab with rice 3,000 kyat.
• YKKO Restaurant. Chinese and Thai dishes in a professional setup.
• Shwe Nandaw, Lower Main Rd (600 m north of Aurora Guest House. Opens early morning. Nice local teashop with terrace, fresh bakery, including vegan/vegetarian options, Chinese specialities (fried & steamed), spicy milk tea, friendly shop owner.
• Daw Yi, Uze Na Pagoda Street, corner of Strand Rd (4th Jetty from Breeze Inn Guesthouse, 20min walk. Local restaurant that serves a wide variety of Mon curries. Inclusive tea, soup and salad. Two plates and 1 rice for 3,000 kyat.
• Deli France Bakery, Strand Rd (South of Breeze Inn Guesthouse. Western cuisine, nice decor, air-con. Popular with local couples. 2,000+ kyat for food, 500 kyat for cakes, 1,200 kyat coffee shakes, 1,700 kyat cocktails.
• Help Grandmother and Grandfather. Breakfast to late dinner. Chinese and vegetarian standard food with good sized portions. New building, big English sign, notably more expensive than in its former incarnation. Nonetheless, a popular spot for locals due to the riverside location and prices. They say the profits help the elderly in Mawlamyine. 1,500 kyat (vegetarian), 2,000-2,500 kyat (meat), free tea.
• Ruby Restaurant. Chinese restaurant with menu in English.

Night market & food stalls, Strand Rd (Just north of YKKO restaurant. This place offers a great opportunity to mix with the locals. You can choose from several food stalls, some of which have English menus. However, it is best to watch and choose from the dishes they prepare. Sometimes they will not even be on the menu.p. It offers barbecue (100-200 kyat per piece), cheap seafood, vegetarian, rice and soup dishes. 1,000-2,500 kyat.

Chan Thar. Chinese restaurant with extensive menu in English. More an amusement arcade/gambling hall than restaurant. 1,000/2,000/2,500 kyat (vegetarian/meat/seafood), 1,500 kyat for a bottle of Myanmar beer.

Yunnan / Yuu Nan Pan Tay Restaurant, Strand Rd. Thai food. Friendly and clean. Fried rice or soups 1,500 kyat. Meals with prawn 2,200 kyat..

Myo Ma River View Restaurant, Strand Rd (Near Myo Ma Jetty. Situated in a mall-like building and may look expensive, but is not. Large menu, attentive and friendly staff. Restaurant doubles as a small art gallery. 2,000+ kyat, crab with rice 3,000 kyat.

YKKO Restaurant. Chinese and Thai dishes in a professional setup.

Shwe Nandaw, Lower Main Rd (600 m north of Aurora Guest House. Opens early morning. Nice local teashop with terrace, fresh bakery, including vegan/vegetarian options, Chinese specialities (fried & steamed), spicy milk tea, friendly shop owner.

Daw Yi, Uze Na Pagoda Street, corner of Strand Rd (4th Jetty from Breeze Inn Guesthouse, 20min walk. Local restaurant that serves a wide variety of Mon curries. Inclusive tea, soup and salad. Two plates and 1 rice for 3,000 kyat.

Deli France Bakery, Strand Rd (South of Breeze Inn Guesthouse. Western cuisine, nice decor, air-con. Popular with local couples. 2,000+ kyat for food, 500 kyat for cakes, 1,200 kyat coffee shakes, 1,700 kyat cocktails.

Help Grandmother and Grandfather. Breakfast to late dinner. Chinese and vegetarian standard food with good sized portions. New building, big English sign, notably more expensive than in its former incarnation. Nonetheless, a popular spot for locals due to the riverside location and prices. They say the profits help the elderly in Mawlamyine. 1,500 kyat (vegetarian), 2,000-2,500 kyat (meat), free tea.

Ruby Restaurant. Chinese restaurant with menu in English.

Faluda, a drink made of ice cream, jelly, syrup, basil seeds and pudding. Found at the night marked or Deli France Bakery.

• OK Hotel. Famous with foreigners. Food is little more expensive, but the drinks are OK.
• Strand View Restaurant, Strand Rd, (North end of Strand Rd. Outdoor garden in a cosy surrounding. Cocktail 3-4,000 kyat, spirits from 25,000 kyat a bottle.
• Mya Nan Thida. Milk shakes, ice cream, faluda and kulfi. 1,000 kyat for faluda.

OK Hotel. Famous with foreigners. Food is little more expensive, but the drinks are OK.

Strand View Restaurant, Strand Rd, (North end of Strand Rd. Outdoor garden in a cosy surrounding. Cocktail 3-4,000 kyat, spirits from 25,000 kyat a bottle.

Mya Nan Thida. Milk shakes, ice cream, faluda and kulfi. 1,000 kyat for faluda.

When going to the bus station by taxi ask whether you will be dropped off at the bus station or at the bus ticket counter. (the former/old bus station) in the city along Anauk Tart Myei Rd, which offers free shuttles or so called "ferries" to the main bus station, at least for buses to Hpa-an. Pay accordingly or simply walk to the bus ticket counter.

• Hpa-An – Famous for its caves and green landscape. Old, no air-con bus, several a day, 1,000 kyat, 2 h. There is also a boat available (70,000 kyat private or 8,000 kyat shared per person, 5 h)
• Myawaddy – For Mae Sot (Thailand), bus (5,000 kyat) or shared taxi (10,000 kyat), 3-5 h. Most departures are in the morning.
• Kyaiktiyo – Famous for the golden rock, the most famous sight of the Mon State. 07:30 & 09:30, 7,000 kyat, 3-4 h. There are direct buses to Kinpun, the "base camp".
• Bago – Famous for the highest pagoda in the world, the Shwemawdaw Pagoda. Bus 07:00/08:00/09:00 and 12:30, 5-10,000 kyat.
• Mandalay – Famous for the U Bein Bridge, the Buddha face washing, as well as the nearby mountains and train. Quite luxurious (Swedish) overnight bus (company: Shwe Mandalar). Up to 15,000 kyat. Includes a towel, pillow, blanket, toothbrushes and water.
• Yangon – Famous for the Shwedagon Pagoda and the city itself. Several buses a day.
• Ye – Bus 06:30/09:15/11:45 & 15:30, 4-5 h, 6,000 kyat. Minibus 4,000 kyat.
• Dawei – Famous for its authentic and underdeveloped experience, large Buddha and remote beaches (Maungmagan). Bus 05:00 13:00/14:00/16:00, 8-10 h, 12,000 kyat.

The train for Yangon leaves at 08:00, 19:30 and 20:55. passing by Kyaikto near Kyaiktiyo and Bago, arriving 9 h later. The trip to Yangon is 2,150/5,500 kyat (ordinary/upper class). For more details see Seat61.com, or book at the train station.

The train for Dawei Port leaves at 04:00 and arrives 15 h later.

When going to the bus station by taxi ask whether you will be dropped off at the bus station or at the bus ticket counter. (the former/old bus station) in the city along Anauk Tart Myei Rd, which offers free shuttles or so called "ferries" to the main bus station, at least for buses to Hpa-an. Pay accordingly or simply walk to the bus ticket counter.