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Capital of Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar
Photo: Go-Myanmar, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Pathein or Bassein (Burmese ပုသိမ်မြို့) is a city (pop. 315,600 as of 2004) and the capital of Ayeyarwady Division in Myanmar.
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The main sight of Pathein is this Buddhist temple founded (according to local legend) by King Asoka of India in 305 BCE. Bagan's King Alaungsithu raised the height of the stupa to 11 m in 1115 CE, and King Samodogossa raised it to 40 m in 1263. The stupa is now 46.6 m tall, with the topmost layer made of 6.3 kg of solid gold, the middle tier of pure silver, and the third tier of bronze, with some 829 diamonds, 843 rubies and 1,588 semi-precious stones.
The cathedral was built in 1872 and sits in a Catholic educational compound.
Go to the harbour and watch the hustle and bustle of stevedores loading ferries and passengers transiting from the ferry terminals. Many of the town's historic buildings are also located along the waterfront.
The small museum houses and displays local handicrafts along with artefacts of the region.
A day trip is possible to Myaungmya (pronounced meouw miah), a busy, clean river town with the local pagoda overlooking the river. The town also boasts a church and mosque. You may also take a motorcycle taxi one-way for about 7,000 kyat.
Try some authentic Burmese food here.
Ayeyarwady
After sunset, the night market pops up. Grab a snack and people watch. Food stands are alongside the river, there are also street vendors/push carts with BBQ in the hotel area.
Provides decent breakfast and delicious drinks.
Famous for serving beer and the terrace.
This is popular with locals and an excellent start to your morning.
Golden Diamond
Free WiFi, in lobby (low signal). Basic accommodation, fan, shared toilet.
First two storeys not very comfortable with shared bathroom, but 3 and 4 have bigger rooms with private bathroom. The friendly and English speaking Algun will help you with your travel and in case you have questions. A good budget choice.
Strong Wi-Fi signal. Not the best value for money, but very good travel advice.
Has 20 inexpensive and comfortable rooms. It is away from any main road and therefore can be expected to be more quite than Pammawaddy and Sein Pyae Wi Yan around the corner.
Has ups and downs, but acceptable for this price. Four-storey building with AC. WiFi & BBC TV.
Sometimes misspelled "Hyike". 26 very clean rooms for a good price. The owner will help organize bus tickets for you - of course he will. Including breakfast on the roof. Free WiFi. Quiet air-con. Only a few minutes to the night market. Helpful and friendly staff. Free bicycles. Hot shower.
Includes all services needed, AC, WiFi, phone, TV, clean bathroom, minibar. The good thing is that it is in a rather quiet part of the city not (yet) along one of the main roads. Staff is friendly and speaks English.
The large CB Bank will change money from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 15:00, and has an ATM available. Credit card service can be unavailable, so ask your hotel when is the right time to go.
A standard small-town market in Myanmar. You can buy food, fabric, baskets, etc.
Good place to buy hand made parasols and umbrellas. Small umbrellas are priced at 8,000 kyat each, and 20,000 for medium sized umbrellas. A discount of 1,000 kyat is offered if you ask. If you are willing to walk away to another workshop a larger discount could be offered.
By bus
g. north or to the beaches.
By train
The train to Pathein starts from either Kyankin (100 km from Pyay) or Hinthada. Hence, coming from Pyay, you first have to take a local transport or a boat to one of the two cities.
By boat
As the roads have improved, there is no longer a ferry service to Pathein from Yangon.
The town is small enough that you can see much of the town on foot. Motorbike taxis are also readily available and the standard fare for a trip is 1,000 kyat (which however seems a little excessive).
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Yangon · International · RGN
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