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Mawlamyine (Moulmein/Moulmien) is the capital of Mon State in Southeastern Myanmar.

Understand

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. For many travellers coming from Thailand this will be the first stop, and it is a good starting point for the rest of Myanmar.

Get in

Coming in from Yangon, Naypyidaw, Mandalay or Bagan with any of the following transports, don't miss out on Bago and/or the Golden Rock in Kyaiktiyo. An overnight stop resting with thousands of other pilgrims on top of the mountain is a great opportunity, but bring ear plugs and a warm sleeping bag. Alternatively, just stay in a guesthouse in Kinpun, the "base camp".

Bus

1 The main bus station is on Maung Rd which bypass the city to the east. Most buses will stop and start from here, such as:

  • From the clock tower in Hpa-An the bus takes 2 h for 1,000 kyat
  • The bus from Myawaddy is about 5,000 kyat and takes 3-5 h.
  • From Aung Mingular Bus Station in Yangon several buses a day leave between 7:30 a.m. and 9 p.m., taking about 5:30-7 h, for about 6,000-8,000 kyat.
  • A Scania bus leaves from the Bawgathiri Highway Station east of Naypyidaw at 7 p.m. and arrives at 5 a.m. for about 11,000 kyat.
  • A quite luxurious (Swedish) overnight bus (company: Shwe Mandalar) leaves at 6 p.m. from the Highway Bus Station south of Mandalay. It includes a towel, pillow, blanket toothbrushes and water, and arrives in Mawlamyine at 5 a.m., with at least two stops on the way. It does most of its way on the new highway between Mandalay and Yangon. Up to 15,000 kyat.

Pick-up

Most non-bus transportation into Mawlamyine coming from the northeastern main road will drop off their passengers at 2 the main junction from where also most traffic travels further south.

The trip from Myawaddy is about 10,000 kyat (shared taxi) and a very bumpy ride, taking somewhere between 3-5 h. A big part of the distance is gravel road.

Train

The 3 train station has up to three (bumpy) trains a day coming in from Yangon, Bago and Kyaikto, arriving at 4 a.m., 6 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and starting in Yangon and Bago about 9 h or 7 h earlier, respectively. The price for upper class is only 4,250 kyat for the full distance of 281 km from Yangon. Tickets go on sale 3 days before departure at the downtown ticket office.

Ferry

There are boats travelling between Hpa-An and Mawlamyine, but their price is beyond that of the bus and train – 70,000 kyat (private charter) or 10,000 kyat per person (shared). Nevertheless, they provide a scenic trip up/down the river. For tickets, ask at your own guest house or Breeze Inn Guesthouse.

Get around

Walking around can be an option down town, but Mawlamyine stretches over 5.5 km along the river.

Motorbike-taxis, trishaws, pick-ups are available all over town, especially at the central market. Just "appear" to be lost and someone will offer you a ride. They should cost no more than 350 kyat in town.

Do not pay more than 700 kyat for the transport from the bus station, train station or the main junction to the city centre (motorbike/trishaw). Tuk-tuk drivers might ask up to 3,000 kyat for the two mile ride - don't be tempted, it's far too much.

See

Many of Mawlamyine's famous sights are outside of the city (listed later), but visiting all sights in the city (including the markets and restaurants) can already fill up a full day.

  • 1 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.
  • 2 Mahamuni Paya (Right next (north) of Kyaik Tan Lan Pagoda that overlooks Mawlamyine). 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.
  • 3 Ogre Island (Bilu Island) (Small ferry boats leave every 10 minutes from the Jetty next to Help Grandmother restaurant). 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 incredibly spread out and is the size of Singapore. You can arrange a tour from Breeze Inn Guesthouse (18,000 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.
  • 4 Gaung Say Kyun / Shampoo Island with the Sandawshin Pagoda (At the river, 50 m to the right of the bridge). Worth a visit and the boat ride is this small island including 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)

North

  • 5 Nwa Le 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 4 concrete track to the right up and by the temple. The distance to the pagoda is 6.7 km not accounting for the height. You can either hike up and down – at least 1.5-2.5 hr each way; bring enough water, good shoes and sun blocker as the heat and humidity are killers – or you can try to get a work truck (2,000 kyat per person return). In low season, the work truck can be more expensive if they even run! Going back from the main road is easy, just hail for a pick-up or any car that passes by.
    500 kyat camera fee.

South

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:

  • 6 Shwe Nat Taung Pagoda (4.8 km from the main junction). This pagoda on top of a hill is not famous, but it and its staircase offer a picturesque scenery ideal for pictures.
  • 7 Pa-Auk Tawya Monastery (Take a local pick-up 10 km south from the main junction). An enormous, tranquil meditation centre with friendly people. Arrive by 10 a.m. to walk to the eating hall for an 11 a.m. meal with hundreds of monks (and a few foreigners studying meditation).
  • 8 Hindu Temple (The hill east of the main road, right before Laung Taw Mu Pha Ya).
  • 9 Kyauk Ta Tone (The hill west of the main road, right before Laung Taw Mu Pha Ya). 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, given that you brought a mosquito net, mattress and sleeping bag. It takes about 20-30 min to climb.
  • 10 Laung Taw Mu Pha Ya / The worlds largest reclining Buddha (7.8 km south of the Pa-Auk Tawya Monastery along the main road). Besides the golden rock in Kyaiktiyo this is probably the most famous sight in the Mon State. 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.

  • 11 Kan Gyi Lake & Pagoda (26 km south of Mawlamyine and just south of Mudon). The rumour is that nobody knows how deep this lake really is, but don't feel tempted to find it out. Unfortunately, women are not allowed to swim here; otherwise, it is believed that something terrible will happen. The lake can be easily circled by foot.

Do

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

Buy

The 1 Zeigyi (Central) Market and the 2 New Market can be found in the north part of the city near the river.

Eat

  • 1 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. Just choose the one that looks the most delicious. It offers barbecue (100-200 kyat per piece), cheap seafood, vegetarian, rice and soup dishes. 1,000-2,500 kyat.
  • 2 Chan Thar (Next to Sandalwood Hotel). 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.
  • 3 Yunnan / Yuu Nan Pan Tay Restaurant, Strand Rd. Thai food, Chicken with basil leaves. Friendly and clean. Try the low sugar avocado shakes. Fried rice or soups 1,500 kyat. Meals with prawn 2,200 kyat..
  • 4 Myo Ma River View Restaurant, Strand Rd (Near Myo Ma Jetty). This great and newly opened restaurant is situated in a mall-like building and will look expensive in backpacker's eyes. However, it is not! It will take some time to go through the menu as it consists of several pages in English. Enjoy crab, squid, prawn, chicken, pork... in masala, Thai style, ... Attentive and friendly staff. Even takes care of your umbrella. Restaurant doubles as a small art gallery. 2,000+ kyat, crab with rice 3,000 kyat.
  • 5 YKKO Restaurant. Chinese and Thai dishes in a professional setup.
  • 6 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 great variety of Mon curry. Choose among 10 or more of them. Tea, soup and salad complementary. 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, and popular with local couples. Try the mojitos! 2,000+ kyat for food, 500 kyat for cakes, 1,200 kyat coffee shakes, 1,700 kyat cocktails.
  • Help Grandmother and Grandfather (Along Strand Rd, next to Breeze Inn Guesthouse). Breakfast to late dinner. Chinese and vegetarian standard food but decent portions. New building, big English sign, notably more expensive than in its former incarnation as a budget eatery! Nonetheless, a popular spot for locals due to the riverside location and prices. They say, the profits help the elderly in Mawlamyine. Tripadvisor comments report cases of food poisoning - please verify. 1,500 kyat (vegetarian), 2,000-2,500 kyat (meat), free tea.
  • Ruby Restaurant (One block north of Aurora Guest House). Chinese restaurant with menu in English.

Drink

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

  • 1 OK Hotel (At the corner of Strand Rd and Thaton Tadar St). Famous with foreigners. Food is little more expensive, but Drinks are OK.
  • 2 Strand View Restaurant, Strand Rd, (North end of Strand Rd). Outdoor garden in a gemuetlich surrounding. Cocktail 3-4,000 kyat, spirits from 25,000 kyat a bottle.
  • Mya Nan Thida (5 doors north of Aurora). Milk shakes, ice cream, faluda and kulfi. Great during noon hours. 1,000 kyat for faluda.

Sleep

There are plenty of places to rest in Mawlamyine.

Budget

  • 1 Aurora Guesthouse, 277 Lower Main Road (Around the corner from Sandalwood), 057-22785. WiFi. No breakfast. Same prices as Breeze Inn Guesthouse but much nicer rooms. Owner seems grumpy at first, but is actually very sweet and helpful if you take the time to talk to him. If you're on your own and only double rooms are available he will most likely charge you as if you stayed in a single room. Fan room with shared bathroom single/double $7/14, AC room with en suite bathroom $15/25 (April 2015).
  • 2 Breeze Inn Guesthouse (Lay Hnyin Tha), 6 Strand Rd, +95 57 21450, +855 98 701180, . Well-known guesthouse with friendly staff. Mr. Anthony is an old man and full of stories including useful advice. Likes to talk in a quiet minute. The place is definitely run down and a little unkempt. Rooms are smelly even if you have a window. Sleep in short beds with rock hard, old and lain through mattresses (really no elasticity left) in rooms with thin walls. Rooms in the back seem to be much better value for a couple of extra dollars, especially the beautiful colonial era style room for about $40. Breakfast is included and served at the terrace with river view. WiFi in the common area where it is easy to meat other travellers. $8/$14+ (sgl/dbl).
  • 3 Pann Su Wai Guest House, No. 333/A, Lower Main Road (Corner Dawei Trader St & Lower Main Rd), 09 2525(2) 4837, 09 2525(2) 4838. New guesthouse with fan and air-con rooms, hot water, WiFi. En-suite showers. Not particularly luxurious but decent. 13,000/26,000 kyat (sgl/dbl).
  • 4 OK Hotel, Strand Rd (At the corner of Strand Rd and Thaton Tadar St). Small but clean. Friendly. WiFi. $10/12.

Mid-range

  • 5 Sandalwood Hotel, 278 Myoma Bridge St, 057 27253, 057 21185, 098 702511. Check-out: 12 a.m.. Newer hotel, fully tiled and clean, incredibly friendly staff, price includes breakfast, TV in the room and WiFi in the lobby. Maybe the best value for money in Mawlamyine. Drying rack and umbrella can be borrowed. Only two standard rooms are available, which are hard to get, so call ahead. 20,000/25,000 (sgl/dbl) standard, 30,000/35,000+ (sgl/dbl) Superior.
  • 6 Cinderella Hotel, 21 Baho road (100 m from the post office), +95-57-24411, +95-57-24860, +95-9-8703610, +95-9-8703611, . Hotel, beautifully decorated and clean, price includes a large breakfast, TV in room, Wi-Fi, air-con. The restaurant serves delicious meals. The staff is very accommodating and helpful. If you cannot afford to stay in this place you can at least do yourself a favor and go there to enjoy a delicious breakfast for 2,000 kyat. $25-80.

Go next

When going to the bus station by taxi ask whether you will be dropped off at the bus station or at the 5 bus ticket counter (the former/old bus station) in town along Anauk Tart Myei Rd, which offers free shuttles or so called "ferries" to the main bus station. 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) - inquire at your own guest house or Breeze Inn Guesthouse.
  • 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. 7:30 & 9:30 a.m., 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 7/8/9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., 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 the Shwedagon Pagoda and the city itself. Several buses a day.
  • Ye – Bus 6:30/9:15/11:45 am & 3:30pm, 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 5 a.m., 1/2/4 p.m., 8-10 h, 12,000 kyat.

The train for Yangon leaves at 8 a.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:55 p.m. 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 ask directly at the train station where you also will have to buy the ticket upfront.

The train for Dawei Port leaves at 4 a.m. and arrives 15 h later.


This city travel guide to Mawlamyine is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.