Mawlamyine

Mawlamyine banner Reclining Buddha - Win Sein Taw Ya.jpg|1280px

Mawlamyine Halal Explorer

MawlamyaingMoghulShahMosque - Old mosque in Mawlamyine

Mawlamyine is the fourth largest city in Myanmar (population about 326,000) and famous for its nearby sights and attractions, especially the largest reclining Buddha in Myanmar 18 kilometers south and the golden rock 20 kilometers north of the city. The first stop for many coming from Thailand, and it is a good starting point for the rest of Myanmar.

Travel to Mawlamyine

Coming in from Yangon, Naypyidaw, Mandalay or Bagan with any of the following transports, don't miss out on Bago (Myanmar) | 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 and the "base camp".

Bus

The main bus station GPS 16.47838,97.6327 is on Maung Road which bypass the city to the east. Most buses will stop (and start from) here, such as:

• Hpa-An – From the clock tower the bus takes 2 h for 1,000 kyat.
• Myawaddy – The bus is about 5,000 kyat and takes 3-5 h.
• Yangon – From Aung Mingular Bus Station northwest of Yangon several buses a day leave between 07:30 and 21:00, which takes around 5:30-7 h, for about 6,000-8,000 kyat.
• Naypyidaw – A Scania bus leaves from the Bawgathiri Highway Station east of Naypyidaw at 19:00 and arrives at 05:00 for about 11,000 kyat.
• Mandalay – A quite luxurious (Swedish) overnight bus (company: Shwe Mandalar) leaves at 18:00 from the Highway Bus Station south of Mandalay. It includes a towel, pillow, blanket toothbrushes and water, and arrives in Mawlamyine at 05:00, 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 primary street will drop off their passengers at the main junction GPS 16.452799,97.635395 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 train station GPS 16.471454,97.635101 has up to three (bumpy) trains a day coming in from Yangon, Bago (Myanmar) | Bago and Kyaikto, arriving at 04:00, 06:00 and 16:30. 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 kilometers 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, still this price as of January 2022). Nevertheless and they provide a scenic trip up/down the river. Elegant Myanmar sell tickets on their 08:30 sailing from their office next to Ykko, south of the night market. Alternatively ask at your own guest house, or at Breeze Inn Guesthouse who may still operate a boat. Journey times are listed as 4 hours, but a recent trip in the dry season took just a little over 2 hours (journey took 5 hours in January 2022 including a mandatory stop at a small village to visit a monastery + temple).

How to get around in Mawlamyine

Walking around can be an option in the centre, but Mawlamyine stretches over 5.5 kilometers 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, which 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 downtown (motorbike/trishaw). Tuk-tuk drivers might ask up to 3,000 kyat for the two mile ride, which is too much.

What to see in Mawlamyine

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.

Mawlamyine 212 - Kyaik Tan Lan Pagoda at night

• Kyaik Tan Lan Pagoda 1 6.489293, 97.628441 - 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.

• Mahamuni Paya 1 6.492459, 97.627778 Right next (north) of Kyaik Tan Lan Pagoda that overlooks Mawlamyine Opening Hours: - 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 and the Gold cover of the Buddha is not nearly as thick as in Mandalay.

• Ogre Island - Bilu Island - 16.472735, 97.603003 Small ferry boats leave every 10 minutes from the Jetty next to Help Grandmother restaurant - 600 kyat ferry ride 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.

ShampooIsland - Shampoo Island

• Gaung Say Kyun / Shampoo Island with the Sandawshin Pagoda 1 6.507310, 97.621937At the river, 50 m to the right of the bridge - 3,000 kyat for the boat, but cheaper if you wait for more people Small island with its own pagoda and nice river view.

• Than Phyu Zayat / Death Railway Museum
• Than Phyu Zayat / War Cemetery
• Churches: Street Patrick's (1829); Street Matthew's (1887), abandoned & locked; First Baptist (1827); Holy Family (1954)

North

• Nwa-La-Boh Pagoda - 500 kyat camera fee The major tourist 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 and 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 kilometers north from the roundabout take the concrete track GPS 16.607135,97.511183 to the right up and by the temple. The distance to the pagoda is 6.7 kilometers not accounting for the elevation. You hike up and down, at least 1.5-2.5 hours each way, but bring enough water, good shoes and sun block 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 primary street is easy, just hail for a pick-up or any vehicle that passes by.

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:

• Shwe Nat Taung Pagoda 1 6.415175, 97.655744 4.8 kilometers from #Get in|the main junction - On top of a hill offering picturesque views ideal for pictures.

• Pa-Auk Tawya Monastery - Take a local pick-up 10 kilometers south from #Get in|the main junction - 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.

• Hindu Temple 1 6.321564, 97.709466 The hill east of the primary street, before Laung Taw Mu Pha Ya

• Kyauk Ta Tone 1 6.317198, 97.705818 The hill west of the primary street, 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, although a mosquito net, mattress and sleeping bag are recommended. It takes about 20-30 min to climb.

Reclining Buddha (World's Largest) - Win Sein Taw Ya 4 - Face of the reclining Buddha

• The worlds largest reclining Buddha - Win Sein Taw Ya - 7.8 kilometers south of the Pa-Auk Tawya Monastery along the primary street - Win Sein Taw Ya - Reclining Buddha - Besides the golden rock in Kyaiktiyo this is probably the most famous sight in the Monday 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 primary street 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 local residents. A taxi is about 4000 kyat one way or 7000 kyat return.

• Kan Gyi Lake & Pagoda 1 6.246689, 97.733838 26 kilometers south of Mawlamyine and just south of Mudon - A rumour is that nobody knows how deep this lake is, but don't feel tempted to find out. Women are not allowed to swim as otherwise, it is believed, something terrible will happen. The lake can be easily circumnavigated by foot.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Mawlamyine

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

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Mawlamyine

The Zeigyi (Central) Market GPS 16.494224,97.618046 and the New Market GPS 16.495654,97.618379 can be found in the north part of the city near the river.

Halal Restaurants in Mawlamyine

• Night market & food stalls Strand Road 16.481837, 97.618558Just north of YKKO restaurant 1,000-2,500 kyat This place offers a great opportunity to mix with the local residents. 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.p. It offers barbecue (100-200 kyat per piece), affordable seafood, Vegetarian, Rice and soup dishes.

• Chan Thar - 16.485283, 97.619813 Next to Sandalwood Hotel - 1,000/2,000/2,500 kyat (vegetarian/meat/seafood), 1,500 kyat for a bottle of Myanmar organic juice Chinese restaurant with extensive menu in English. More an amusement arcade/gambling hall than restaurant.

• Yunnan / Yuu Nan Pan Tay Restaurant Strand Road 16.486238, 97.618461 - Fried Rice or soups 1,500 kyat. Meals with prawn 2,200 kyat. (Thai) food. Friendly and clean.

Muslim Friendly hotels in Mawlamyine

There are plenty of places to rest in Mawlamyine.

• Aye Chan Mya Guest House No. 680, Lower Main Road, Maungngan Quarter 16.459212, 97.625971 ☎ +95 9253433643 5/10-20,000 kyat (sgl fan shared/dbl AC ensuite) Brand new guesthouse, a little far from the centre but is good value.

• Aurora Guesthouse - 277 Lower Main Road 16.485146, 97.618986 - Around the junction from Sandalwood ☎ +95 57-22785 Fan room with shared bathroom single/double $7/14, AC room with en suite bathroom $15/25 (April 2023) WiFi. 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.

• Pann Sunday Wai Guest House No. 333/A, Lower Main Road 16.480856, 97.61958 Corner Dawei Trader Street & Lower Main Road ☎ +95 9 2525 (2) 4837, +95 9 2525 (2) 4838 13,000/26,000 kyat (sgl/dbl) Nice guesthouse with fan and air-con rooms, hot water, WiFi. En-suite showers. Not particularly luxurious but decent.

• Breeze Inn Guesthouse - Lay Hnyin Tha - 6 Strand Road 16.486463, 97.618466 ☎ +95 57 21450, +855 98 701180 $8/$14+ (sgl/dbl) 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 perioid style room for about $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.

• OK Hotel Strand Road 16.495159, 97.617849At the junction of Strand Road and Thaton Tadar Street $10/12 Small but clean. Friendly. WiFi.

• Cinderella Hotel - 21 Baho Road 16.485410, 97.621796 100 m from the post office ☎ +95-57-24411, +95-57-24860, +95-9-8703610, +95-9-8703611 $15-80 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.

• Hotel Queen Jamadevi | 127, Yarzadiriz Road, Myine Tharyar 16.455501, 97.652317 Between the downtown (3.5km from the train station) & the airport (2.5km away) & university (3km away) ☎ +95572030526 Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: 12PM noon $40 for deluxe rooms, $60 for bungalows Modern (opened in 2022). Located in a quiet area. All rooms feature a private bathroom with hot water, satellite TV, fridge/Minibar with alcohol removed, kettle, hardwood floors... Free Asian buffet breakfast 7AM Monday - 9AM (especially focusing on Monday state specialties). 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 actual ticket price). Bicycles & motorbikes rental.

• Mawlamyine Strand Hotel Strand Road, Phat Tan Quarter 16.497492, 97.618665 ☎ +95 32-22560 $36/48 (sgl/dbl) 24 rooms including AC and bathroom.

• Sandalwood Hotel - 278 Myoma Bridge Street 16.485041, 97.619288 ☎ +95 57 27253, +95 57 21185, +95 98 702511 12 a.m. 20,000/25,000 (sgl/dbl) standard, 30,000/35,000+ (sgl/dbl) Superior Relatively new hotel as of 2022, fully tiled and clean, incredibly friendly staff, price includes breakfast, TV in the room and WiFi in the lobby. Drying rack and umbrella can be borrowed. Only two standard rooms are available, which are hard to get, so call ahead.

• Pinlon Pann Motel - 22B, Myoshoung Road, Near to bus high way station near to Bus Highway station no transport required. ☎ +95 9 43116366 Check-in: 1200 noon / Check-out: 1200 noon 20 to 25 US $ Very nice and quiet location.very fast wifi in town and 24hrs ATM. Very helpful staffs. Transportation is not run by Motel. Taxi is expensive but tok tok is recommendable. Tidy rooms with nice breakfast and Sue's Kitchen

Travel Next from Mawlamyine

When going to the bus station by taxi ask whether you will be dropped off at the bus station or at the bus ticket counter GPS 16.496826,97.62158 (the former/old bus station) in the city along Anauk Tart Myei Road, 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 h. There is also a boat available (70,000 kyat private or 8,000 kyat shared per person, 5 h)
• 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 and the most famous sight of the Monday State. 07:30 & 09:30, 7,000 kyat, 3-4 h. There are direct buses to Kinpun and the "base camp".
• Bago (Myanmar) | Bago – Famous for the highest pagoda in the world and the Shwemawdaw Pagoda. Bus 07:00/08:00/09:00 and 12:30, 5-10,000 kyat.
• Mandalay – Famous for the U Bein Bridge and 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 h, 6,000 kyat. Minibus 4,000 kyat.
• Dawei – Famous for its authentic and underdeveloped experience, large Buddha and remote beaches (Maungmagan). Bus 05:00 13:00/14:00/16:00, 8-10 h, 12,000 kyat.

The train for Yangon leaves at 08:00, 19:30 and 20:55. passing by Kyaikto near Kyaiktiyo and Bago (Myanmar) | Bago, arriving 9 h later. The trip to Yangon is 2,150/5,500 kyat (ordinary/upper class).

The train for Dawei Port leaves at 04:00 and arrives 15 h later.

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