With the southern states of Myanmar often getting overlooked, we took a trip to the Mon State. Here’s a list of the top things to do in Mawlamyine.
1. Win Sein Taw Ya – The World’s Largest Reclining Buddha
Easily top of the things to do in Mawlamyine list!
Laying at 180 meters in length, and standing at 30 meters high, Win Sein Taw Ya is the largest reclining Buddha in the world.
Located around 15 miles southwest of Mawlamyine, you can actually explore the inside of the concrete statue and tour the three (soon to be eight) floors of chambers.
From the outside, the Buddha and grounds speak for themselves. An impressively large scale buddha with a similarly impressive 100 monk statues lining the road on the way in.
From the inside, what you will find are many statues in human size, which are painted to replicate different stories in Buddhism. Some interesting, some which seem to be really cruel!
It relays scenes of history in the life of buddha and touches on heaven and hell through life-size sculptures.
Although a lot of the sculptures are still under construction, it’s a great place to visit as an introduction to Buddhism, and to have a stroll through the well kept gardens.
The monks in this place are very nice and helpful, and the locals are super friendly and eager to meet you.
2. Kyaikthanlan Pagoda
Kyaikthanlan Pagoda is the tallest Buddhist pagoda in Mawlamyine and worth a spot on your Myanmar itinerary.
Standing proudly at a height of 150 feet, it is the beating heart of the city.
Not only is it the biggest tourist attraction in Mawlamyine, but it’s also a locals favourite when choosing a spot to enjoy sunset from.
The big stupa and surrounding Buddhist buildings sit on a hilltop overlooking the city, giving a 360 degree view of Mawlamyine from above.
The best time to visit is actually just before sunset, as the floor can get extremely hot during the peak heat of the day.
Also Kyaikthanlan Pagoda is accessible to those who have limited walking capacity, as they have a lift for everyone to use.
So overall, if you’re looking for amazing views and a great spot to catch sunset, then Kyaikthanlan Pagoda is a serene place to view the city of Mawlamyine!
3. Queen Sein Don’s Monastery
Yadanarbon Myint, or ‘Very old Monastery’, is a historic Buddhist monastery that has been standing for over 120 years.
It is known also by the name Queen Sein Don Monastery, in respect to its previous habitant Queen Sein Don, wife of venerated late kingdom ruler King Mindon.
Standing proud, although slightly struggling as the timber planks seem to be rotting away, the monastery sits at the base of the Mawlamyine Taung Yoe hill.
It’s now welcome to all visitors, whilst it’s cleaned daily by resident monks that live here.
4. Mawlamyine Night Market
Located on Strand Road, Mawlamyine Night Market was one of our favourite local spots in town.
Open daily from 5:00pm until around 10:00pm, here you will find many locals hanging out, watching sports events and eating the freshly caught fish from that day.
With barbecued meats and sweets also on offer, the average price of a meal varies from around 2,500 Kyat to 3,500 Kyat per meal.
So if you’re looking for something to do in the evenings, head down to these local food stalls. Where hundreds of people crowd around the big screens, watching the latest sporting events, whilst enjoying their typical Burmese dinners.
5. Cruise The Thanlwin River
The Thanlwin River runs through Myanmar, China, Tibet and Thailand, and creates a basin 271,914 square kilometres in length.
One of the most popular modes of transport to get between Mawlamyine and Hpa An happens to cruising down the Thanlwin River in a river boat.
There are a few other options including train and bus. Or of course you can pay for a private taxi too.
However, we opted to hop on a river boat that lead us along the Thanlwin River and the journey took roughly three and a half hours in total.
This slow and steady morning boat ride was ideal for us. It was extremely relaxing, and was a great scenic switch up from all the wheels and tarmac in Myanmar.
Where To Stay In Mawlamyine
Luxury – Mawlamyaing Strand Hotel
Mawlamyaing Strand Hotel features a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden in Mawlamyine.
Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a children’s playground.
The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.
All units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk.
At the hotel each room includes a wardrobe and a private bathroom.
Mid-Budget – Rehmonnya Hotel
Rehmonnya Hotel is offering accommodation in Mawlamyine.
Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking is available at an extra charge.
At the hotel, all rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
All guest rooms at Rehmonnya Hotel feature air conditioning and a wardrobe.
Budget – Cinderella Hotel
Cinderella Hotel offers modern air conditioned rooms with free WiFi.
The hotel features a 24-hour front desk and tour desk.
Free private parking is possible on site. All rooms come with a satellite TV, refrigerator and hairdryer.
For guests’ convenience, the property has laundry and shuttle services.
Ticket service and currency exchange are also available.
For more places to stay in Mawlamyine, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Myanmar Blogs
The Perfect 2 Week Myanmar Itinerary
Arriving In Myanmar – Things To Know
The Perfect One Day In Yangon Itinerary
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda In Myanmar (Golden Rock) Guide
Trip sponsored by Myanmar Tourism
@visit.myanmar
www.myanmar.travel
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