Mawlamyine Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Mawlamyine with this comprehensive travel guide, including top places to visit, must-try dishes, and transportation options.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Mawlamyine

Mawlamyine is a city located in southeastern Myanmar, known for its riverside setting, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Plan your trip to Mawlamyine with this comprehensive travel guide, including top places to visit, must-try dishes, and transportation options.

Introduction to Mawlamyine

Mawlamyine, formerly known as Moulmein, is the capital of the Mon State in Myanmar. It sits on the banks of the Thanlwin River, offering picturesque views of the river and the surrounding mountains. Mawlamyine is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural attractions, and friendly locals.

List of Places to Visit in Mawlamyine

1. Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kyaikthanlan Pagoda: This pagoda is one of the most famous landmarks of Mawlamyine, featured in a poem by Rudyard Kipling. The pagoda offers breathtaking views of the city and the river.
  • Mawlamyine Strand: This colonial-era building was once a hotel and a favorite spot for writers such as George Orwell and Somerset Maugham. Today, the building houses government offices.
  • Bilu Island: This small island is known for its skilled artisans who create traditional handicrafts such as pottery, woodcarving, and weaving. A half-day trip to the island is a must to experience the local culture.
  • Mawlamyine War Cemetery: This cemetery is a somber reminder of the lives lost during World War II. It houses the graves of soldiers from Commonwealth countries, who died during the Burma Campaign.
  • Win Sein Taw Ya Reclining Buddha: This is the world’s largest reclining Buddha, measuring at 180 meters long and 30 meters high. The Buddha is located in a complex that houses other statues and a museum.

2. Natural Attractions of Mawlamyine: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Thiri Mingalar Hill: This hill offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills. A trek to the top of the hill takes around an hour.
  • Kabyar Wa Waterfall: This waterfall is located in a lush green forest, around 26 kilometers away from Mawlamyine. A visit to the falls is a great way to cool off on a hot day and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mawlamyine

  • Mawlamyine to Hpa An biking route - This 84 kilometers long biking route will take you through scenic countryside roads and through caves along the Thanlwin River.
  • Mount Zwekabin hiking trail - This trail will take you to the summit of the 725-meter tall mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

Best Things to Do in Mawlamyine: Activities and Tours

  • Thanlwin River Boat Tour: This boat tour takes you along the river, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding hills. You’ll also get to see local fishermen in action.
  • Sunset at Kyaikthanlan Pagoda: Watching the sunset from the top of Kyaikthanlan Pagoda is an experience you won’t forget. The golden hour light reflects off the river and the pagoda itself, offering a stunning photo opportunity.
  • Explore the Local Market: The local market is a great place to experience the local culture and buy souvenirs. You’ll find fresh produce, traditional clothes, and handicrafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mawlamyine

Day Activity
1 Visit Kyaikthanlan Pagoda and Mawlamyine Strand
2 Explore Bilu Island
3 Trek Thiri Mingalar Hill
4 Visit Win Sein Taw Ya Reclining Buddha and Mawlamyine War Cemetery
5 Hike Mount Zwekabin
6 Visit Kabyar Wa Waterfall
7 Take a boat tour along Thanlwin River and catch the sunset from Kyaikthanlan Pagoda

Food and Drink Scene of Mawlamyine

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mohinga: This is the national dish of Myanmar, and a breakfast staple in Mawlamyine. It’s a rice noodle soup with fish broth and flavored with lemongrass, ginger, and other herbs.
  • Mont Di: It’s a Mawlamyine-style version of the Myanmar dessert, Mont Lone Yay Paw. Made with coconut milk, rice flour, and topped with various fillings like jaggery, coconut flakes, and peanuts.

Local Beverages

  • Myanmar Beer: This beer is widely available throughout Myanmar, and it’s a great way to cool off after a day of sightseeing.
  • Laphet Yay: A popular Myanmar tea-leaf salad. It’s made with fermented tea leaves mixed with tomatoes, roasted peanuts, and other ingredients.

Where to Stay in Mawlamyine: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Cinderella Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel located in the city center.
  • Creek Guest House: Located about 2.5 kilometers from the city center, this guesthouse offers a peaceful retreat near the river.
  • Attran Hotel: Located in the heart of Mawlamyine, this hotel offers luxurious amenities and a stunning view of the city.

What to Buy in Mawlamyine: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Wood Carvings: You can find traditional wood-carved items like puppets, bowls, and other decorative pieces at the local market.
  • Pottery: Bilu Island is famous for its skilled artisans who create beautiful pottery pieces such as cups, bowls, and vases.

Local Culture and Customs of Mawlamyine

Mawlamyine is a predominantly Buddhist city, so dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites. Remove your shoes before entering temples, and do not touch or climb on the Buddha statues.

Best Time to Visit Mawlamyine

The best time to visit Mawlamyine is from November to February when the weather is dry and comfortable. March to May is hot and humid, and June to October is the monsoon season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mawlamyine

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Bargain at the markets and shops.

Don’t:

  • Buy or consume drugs.
  • Disrespect the Buddha statues or religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mawlamyine

Mawlamyine is generally safe for travelers, but be aware of pickpockets and scams targeting tourists. Do not leave your belongings unattended, especially in crowded areas.

Health in Mawlamyine

Make sure to drink bottled or purified water to avoid water-borne diseases. Malaria and dengue fever are a concern in rural areas, so take precautions such as using mosquito repellent and long-sleeved clothing.

Getting to Mawlamyine: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mawlamyine

The nearest airport to Mawlamyine is in Yangon, and flights operate daily from major international cities.

Bus Stations Near Mawlamyine

Buses are the most common mode of transportation to Mawlamyine, and numerous bus companies operate daily from major cities like Yangon and Dawei.

Other Options

Trains also operate from Yangon to Mawlamyine, but the journey can be long and uncomfortable.

How to Get Around in Mawlamyine

Taxis and motorbikes are available for hire in Mawlamyine, but the city is small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle.

Where to Go Next from Mawlamyine: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Yangon: The largest city in Myanmar is located about 300 kilometers north of Mawlamyine and is accessible by bus or plane.
  • Golden Rock: A famous pilgrimage site located about 100 kilometers from Mawlamyine.

Conclusion

Mawlamyine is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of cultural attractions, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures. Plan your trip to this beautiful city with this comprehensive travel guide, and explore all that Mawlamyine has to offer.

Old mosque in Mawlamyine Old mosque in Mawlamyine On the train between Mawlamyine and Dawei On the train between Mawlamyine and Dawei Kyaik Tan Lan Pagoda at night Kyaik Tan Lan Pagoda at night Shampoo Island Shampoo Island Face of the reclining Buddha Face of the reclining Buddha