Mawlamyine

Understand

thumb|right|350px|Old mosque in Mawlamyine 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.

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".

See

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.

thumb|right|350px|Kyaik Tan Lan Pagoda at night thumb|right|350px|Shampoo Island Churches: St Patrick's (1829); St Matthew's (1887), abandoned & locked; First Baptist (1827); Holy Family (1954)

Do

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

Buy

The and the are in the north part of the city, near the river.

Drink

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

Sleep

There are plenty of places to rest in Mawlamyine.

Go next

When going to the bus station by taxi ask whether you will be dropped off at the bus station or at the (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 hr. There is also a boat available (70,000 kyat private or 8,000 kyat shared per person, 5 hr) Myawaddy – For Mae Sot (Thailand), bus (5,000 kyat) or shared taxi (10,000 kyat), 3-5 hr. 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 hr. 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 hr, 6,000 kyat. Minibus 4,000 kyat. Dawei – Famous for its authentic and underdeveloped experience, large Buddha and remote beaches …