Mawlamyine Travel Guide

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Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the Mon region of Myanmar (Burma), Mawlamyine is a captivating city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As the third-largest city in the country, Mawlamyine has a rich colonial past and is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and stunning natural landscapes.

One of the highlights of Mawlamyine is its architectural heritage. The city boasts an impressive collection of colonial-era buildings, showcasing a mix of Burmese, British, and Indian influences. The most iconic structure is the Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, which overlooks the city and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Another must-visit is the Strand Road, lined with beautiful colonial buildings that have been converted into charming cafes and boutique shops.

Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the bustling markets of Mawlamyine. The Zeigyi Market is a vibrant hub where locals gather to buy and sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and clothing. Here, you can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of everyday life in Myanmar. Don't miss the chance to try some delicious local street food, such as mohinga (a traditional fish noodle soup) or laphet thoke (fermented tea leaf salad).

Nature enthusiasts will find Mawlamyine to be a paradise. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including lush green hills, serene rivers, and pristine beaches. Take a boat trip along the Thanlwin River, where you can witness the beauty of the surrounding countryside and visit nearby attractions like the Kyauktalon Taung pagoda, perched on a hilltop overlooking the river.

For a truly unique experience, venture outside of Mawlamyine to explore the nearby Bilu Island. Known for its traditional craftsmanship, the island is home to skilled artisans who produce beautiful handmade items such as pottery, cane furniture, and woven textiles. Explore the island by bicycle or motorbike, stopping at local workshops to witness the craftsmanship firsthand.

Local name: မော်လမြိုင် Population: 438.9 thous.Elevation: 56 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 16°29'7"N, 97°37'15"E

Location

MonMyanmar (Burma)

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Mawlamyine Top Attractions

Mawlamyine Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mawlamyine offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, Uzina Pagoda, Mottama, Bogyoke Aung San bridge. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Observation decks and towers • Sacred and religious sites • Pagoda
Kyaikthanlan Pagoda
The Kyaikthanlan Pagoda is the tallest Buddhist pagoda in Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar, standing at a height of 150 feet. Built in 875 AD during the reign of Mon King Mutpi Raja, the pagoda was raised from its original height of 56 feet to the present 150 feet by successive kings including Wareru, founder of the Hanthawaddy Kingdom.
Temple • Buddhist architecture
Uzina Pagoda
The Uzina Pagoda, also known as the U Zina Pagaoda, is a Buddhist temple in Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar. Built in the 19th century, the temple contains hairs allegedly from the Buddha, and contains several sculptures symbolizing scene's from the Buddha's life. The temple itself is often associated with gemstones and wish fulfillment.
Area
Mottama
Mottama is a small town in the Thaton district of Mon State, Myanmar. Located on the west bank of the Thanlwin river, on the opposite side of Mawlamyaing, Mottama was the capital of the Martaban Kingdom from 1287 to 1364, and an entrepôt of international repute until the mid-16th century.

Bridge
Bogyoke Aung San bridge
The Bogyoke Aung San bridge is a bridge crossing over the Thanlwin River in Mawlamyine, Myanmar and connects Mawlamyine to Chaungzon. The bridge is also known as the Bilu Kyun Bridge. It was officially opened to the public on May 9, 2017.
Temple • Buddhist architecture
Yadanabonmyint Monastery
Yadanabonmyint Monastery, also known as the Queen Seindon Monastery, is a historic Buddhist monastery in Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar.
Bridge
Thanlwin Bridge
Thanlwin Bridge was the longest bridge in Myanmar before the construction of Pakouku Bridge and connects the city of Mawlamyaing with Mottama.
Universities and schools
Mawlamyine University
Mawlamyine University, located in Mawlamyine, is the largest university in Mon State, Myanmar. Being established in 1953, Mawlamyine University is the third oldest Arts and Science university in the country after Yangon University and Mandalay University.
Universities and schools
Technological University
Technological University, Mawlamyine is a technological and engineering university located in Mawlamyine, Mon State, Burma. Technological University is teaching a total number of 2203 students in the Academic year 2015–2016.
Universities and schools
Government Technical Institute
The Government Technical Institute, Mawlamyine is an Institute of technology and engineering located in Mawlamyine, Mon State, Burma. It can graduate only Diploma of Technical.
Island
Bilu Island
Bilu Island is a Deltaic island of Salween River in Chaungzon Township, Mon State, located west of Mawlamyine. The island is roughly the size of Singapore, and inhabited by 200,000 people.

Day trips

Mawlamyine – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mawlamyine, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery (Thanbyuzayat), Mount Zwegabin (Hpa-an), Kangyi Pagoda.

36 milesS
Cemetery
Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Thanbyuzayat
The Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery is a prisoner of war cemetery for victims of Japanese imprisonment who died building the Death Railway in Burma. It is at the Burmese end of the Second World War railway construction, in Thanbyuzayat, 65 kilometres south of Mawlamyine.
24 milesN
Natural attraction, Hiking trail, Park
Mount Zwegabin, Hpa-an
Mount Zwegabin is a mountain in Myanmar. It is located in the region of Karen, in the southern part of the country, around 450 km south of the capital Naypyidaw. The top of Zwegabin is 722 metres above sea level. The terrain around Mount Zwegabin is flat to the north-west, but hilly to the south-east.
18 milesSE
Temple
Kangyi Pagoda
Kangyi Pagoda lies on the hill west of the vast lake east of Mudon. It was built to enshrine a Buddha's hair relic granted by Buddha as he and five hundred arahantas were going on sojourn this way on completion of eight vasas to a hermit named Maung staying there.
37 milesS
15°57'21"N • 97°43'46"E
The Death Railway Museum, Thanbyuzayat
Museum
20 milesNW
Pagoda
Zinkyaik Pagoda
Zinkyaik Pagoda is a Buddha Hair Relic Pagoda on top of Zinkyaik Mountain in Mon State, Myanmar.

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Best Time To Visit Mawlamyine

Learn when is the best time to travel to Mawlamyine weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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April is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and July.

Average temperatures in °F

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The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January. Most of it rains in July and August.

Length of day in hours

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The length of the day varies only slightly throughout the year. The difference between the longest and the shortest day is 1 hr and 57 min.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Mawlamyine?

The top attractions to visit in Mawlamyine are:

What is the best time to visit Mawlamyine?

April is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and July. The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.