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Capital of Mon State, Myanmar
Photo: Doron, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mawlamyine (also spelled also spelled Mawlamyaing) or Moulmein (Burmese မော်လမြိုင်မြို့) is the capital of Mon State in Southeastern Myanmar.
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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.
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. Women are allowed to get closer and there are fewer tourists compared to Mandalay but without the washing ceremony. However, the gold cover of the Buddha is not nearly as thick as in Mandalay.
Bilu 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.
Small island with its own pagoda and nice river view.
This 2-mile long bridge was built in 2005 and is the second longest in Myanmar.
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 pagoda, 6.7 km away not accounting for the elevation. You hike up and down, at least 1.5-2.5 hr each way; bring enough water, good shoes and sunblock 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.
On top of a hill offering picturesque views ideal for pictures.
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.
This hill offers a great view of the surrounding area and even a sneak peek 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.
Win Sein Taw Ya
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.
Rumour is, nobody knows how deep is this lake. Don't feel tempted to find out. Women are not allowed to swim: otherwise, it is believed, something terrible will happen. The lake can be easily circumnavigated by foot.
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. It offers barbecue (100-200 kyat per piece), cheap seafood, vegetarian, rice and soup dishes.
Thai food. Friendly and clean.
Chinese and Thai dishes in a professional setup.
Nice local teashop with terrace, fresh bakery, including vegan/vegetarian options, Chinese specialities (fried & steamed), spicy milk tea, friendly shop owner.
Local restaurant that serves a wide variety of Mon curries. Inclusive tea, soup and salad.
Famous with foreigners.
Outdoor garden in a cosy surrounding.
Milk shakes, ice cream, faluda and kulfi.
Brand new guesthouse, a little far from the centre but is good value.
Wi-Fi. No breakfast. Same prices as Breeze Inn Guesthouse but much nicer rooms. Owner seems grumpy at first, but is 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.
Lay Hnyin Tha
Well-known guesthouse with friendly staff. Mr Anthony is an old man and full of stories including useful advice, and he likes to talk. The place is 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 little extra cost, especially the beautiful colonial era style room for about US$40. Breakfast is included (coffee or tea, toast, butter and jam, boiled egg, banana) and served at the terrace with river view. WiFi in the common.
Beautifully decorated and clean, price includes a large breakfast, TV in room, Wi-Fi, air-con. Has a couple of dorm rooms alongside the large guest rooms. The restaurant serves delicious meals. The staff are very accommodating and helpful. Receive very good online ratings. If you cannot afford to stay you can still enjoy a delicious breakfast for 3,500 kyat. They also have a bunkbed room for backpackers.
Opened in 2016 in a quiet area. All rooms feature a private bathroom with hot water, satellite TV, fridge/minibar, kettle, hardwood floors. Free Asian buffet breakfast focussing on Mon state specialities. On-site dining optional. Garden. Free Wifi. Free shuttle service to/from the airport. Friendly family run business. Transportation booking facilities (without extra fee on top on the ticket price). Bicycles & motorbikes rental.
24 rooms including AC and bathroom.
Relatively new hotel as of 2018, fully tiled and clean, incredibly friendly staff, price includes breakfast, TV in the room and Wi-Fi in the lobby. Drying rack and umbrella can be borrowed. Only two standard rooms are available, which are hard to get, so call ahead.
Very nice and quiet, very fast Wi-Fi and 24-hr ATM. Very helpful staff. Transportation is not run by Motel. Taxi is very expensive but tuk tuk is recommended. Tidy rooms with nice breakfast and Sue's Kitchen.
By bus
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:
By pick-up/shared taxi
Most non-bus transportation into Mawlamyine coming from the northeastern main road will drop off their passengers at the main junction from where also most traffic travels further south.
By train
The train station has up to three (bumpy) trains a day coming in from Yangon, Bago and Kyaikto, arriving at 04:00, 06:00 and 16:30.
By boat
There are boats travelling between Hpa-An and Mawlamyine, but they're more expensive than bus or train: 70,000 kyat (private charter) or 10,000 kyat per person (shared, still this price as of Feb…
By motorbike
Motorbike-taxis, trishaws, pick-ups are available all over town, especially at the central market.
By tour
You can also take a tour with a tuktuk around the area for 25.000 Kyat (3-4 hr)—but half of that is probably more reasonable. You can tell the driver which places you want to visit.
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