Mawlamyine, Myanmar
Region: Mon State
Geographic Coordinates: 16.484700, 97.625800
Temperature Range: 24.0°C to 32.0°C (75°F to 90°F)
Climate: Tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall from May to October and dry season from November to April.
Population: 253734
Language: Burmese
Mawlamyine, Also known as Moulmein, Is a city in the Mon State of Myanmar. It has a rich history dating back to the 16th century and was once an important trading center for teak and rice, As well as having a bustling port. The Kyaikthanlan Pagoda is one of the most prominent landmarks in Mawlamyine. It inspired Rudyard Kipling’s poem Mandalay and offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. The Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery commemorates over 3, 000 Allied soldiers who died during World War II. Mawlamyine’s colonial architecture adds to its charm.
The Strand Road area features beautiful buildings from this era that have been converted into shops or restaurants. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through these streets or rent bicycles to explore further. For those interested in local culture, There are several markets worth visiting while in Mawlamyine. The Zeigyi Market offers fresh produce and other goods while providing insight into daily life for locals. At nightfall visitors can head to one of several night markets where they can sample local delicacies such as mohinga (a traditional fish soup) or sip on freshly squeezed sugarcane juice.
Nature lovers will appreciate nearby attractions such as Bilu Island (also known as Ogre Island), Which offers opportunities for hiking through lush forests or exploring small villages inhabited by skilled artisans who create handmade pottery using traditional techniques passed down through generations. no visit to Mawlamyine would be complete without experiencing some of the city’s vibrant festivals such as Thingyan Water Festival which takes place in April and involves locals splashing water on each other symbolizing washing away old year’s bad luck or Mon State Day celebration taking place in February featuring traditional dance performances, Music and food.
Mawlamyine is a fascinating city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, Culture, Architecture or nature – or simply want to experience local life – this charming city should definitely be on your Myanmar itinerary.
- Kyaikthanlan Pagoda
- Mahamuni Pagoda
- Seindon Mibaya Monastery
- Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery
- Setse Beach
- Win Sein Taw Ya Reclining Buddha
- U Zina Pagoda
- Mawlamyine Strand Road
- Gaungse Kyun Island
- Kyauktalon Taung Hill & Cave Temple
- The major industries and businesses in Mawlamyine, Myanmar are diverse.
- The city is known for its fertile land and agricultural products such as rice, rubber, betel nut, and fruits.
- Additionally, it has a thriving fishing industry due to its proximity to the Andaman Sea.
- Tourism is another significant industry in Mawlamyine with several attractions like Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, Mahamuni Pagoda, and Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery that draw visitors from all over the world.
- The city also has a small manufacturing sector that produces textiles, food products, wood products, and construction materials.
- Furthermore, it serves as an important trading hub for the region with its seaport connecting it to other cities in Myanmar and neighboring countries like Thailand.
- Mawlamyine is home to several universities including the University of Computer Studies (Mawlamyine), Mon State University Technological University (Mawlamyine), and Government Technical Institute (Mawlamyine).
- Education plays a crucial role in shaping the economy of Mawlamyine by providing skilled labor for various industries.
- British colonization: Mawlamyine was the first capital of British Burma after they annexed Lower Burma in 1824.
- George Orwell: The famous British author, George Orwell, worked as a police officer in Mawlamyine from 1926 to 1927. He wrote about his experiences in his book Burmese Days.
- U Ottama: A prominent monk and political activist during Myanmar’s struggle for independence, U Ottama was born in Mawlamyine.
- Than Tun: Another prominent figure in Myanmar’s independence movement, Than Tun was also born in Mawlamyine.
- Mon State Parliament Building: The Mon State Parliament building is located in Mawlamyine and is an important symbol of Mon identity and autonomy.
- Kyaikthanlan Pagoda: This pagoda is one of the most famous landmarks of Mawlamyine and is said to have been built over 2,000 years ago by King Asoka.
- Sittang River Bridge: The Sittang River Bridge near Mawlamyine played a crucial role during World War II when it became a strategic target for Allied forces trying to prevent Japanese troops from advancing further into Burma.
- Dawei-Tavoy railway line: This railway line connecting Dawei (formerly Tavoy) to Yangon passes through Mawlamyine and was built by the British colonial government in the early 20th century.
These are just some examples of the historical events and notable people associated with Mawlmyaine that have contributed to its rich cultural heritage today.
- Kyaikthanlan Pagoda
- Mahamuni Pagoda
- Seindon Mibaya Monastery
- Bawa Thit Hall Museum
- Win Sein Taw Ya Reclining Buddha Image
- Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery
- Setse Beach
- Mudon Snake Temple
- Kyauktalon Taung and Waterfall
- Mawlamyine Strand Road Night Market
- Mawlamyine Pagoda Festival is an annual celebration of Buddhism that takes place at the Kyaikthanlan Pagoda in Mawlamyine. The festival, which lasts for several days and usually occurs in March or April, features music, dance, religious ceremonies and food.
- Mon State Day is celebrated on August 7th every year to commemorate the founding of the Mon State in Myanmar. The day includes parades, cultural performances and traditional food.
- Thadingyut Festival marks the end of Buddhist Lent (Vassa) with a three-day celebration that typically happens in October or November. The festival involves light displays, fireworks, music performances and traditional dances.
- Thingyan Water Festival is a New Year’s celebration that takes place every April where people throw water at each other as a way to cleanse themselves of their sins from the past year.
- Karen New Year Celebration occurs on December 31st every year where ethnic minority group Karen people celebrate their own New Year with traditional dances, music performances and food fairs.
- Chinlone Tournament is a traditional Burmese sport where players kick a woven ball back-and-forth without using their hands or arms during festivals like Thadingyut or Thingyan Water Festival.
- Mawlamyine Literary Talk Series brings together writers from all over Myanmar to discuss literature topics such as poetry writing techniques or book reviews with audiences who are interested in literature culture during August each year.
- Mohinga: a traditional Burmese breakfast dish made with fish broth, rice noodles, and various herbs and spices. You can find it at many street food stalls in Mawlamyine.
- Shan-style noodles: a popular noodle dish from the Shan State of Myanmar that is served with chicken or pork broth, vegetables, and herbs. You can try it at Aye Myit Tar restaurant.
- Seafood: Mawlamyine is located on the coast of the Andaman Sea so there are plenty of fresh seafood options available such as grilled fish or prawns. Try them at Sein Lan So Pyay restaurant.
- Tea leaf salad: a famous Burmese salad made with fermented tea leaves, peanuts, sesame seeds, tomatoes, garlic oil and other ingredients. You can taste it at San Ma Tau restaurant.
- Mon-style curry: a spicy coconut-based curry that is typical of the Mon people who live in southern Myanmar including Mawlamyine region as well. You can try it at Min Lann Restaurant & Beer Garden.
- Kyaikthanlan Pagoda is an iconic landmark situated on a hilltop that provides breathtaking views of the city.
- Setse Beach is a stunning beach that offers visitors the perfect opportunity to swim, sunbathe, and relax.
- Mawlamyine Strand Road Park is located along the riverfront and boasts a picturesque walking path, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Seindon Mibaya Park has a large lake with paddle boats available for rent, as well as walking paths and playgrounds.
- Win Sein Taw Ya Reclining Buddha is one of the world’s largest reclining Buddha statues located just outside of Mawlamyine.
- Thanlwin Bridge Viewpoint Park is situated near Thanlwin Bridge and showcases panoramic views of the river and surrounding area.
- Visitors can explore Mawlamyine’s temples, markets, and natural beauty by joining guided cycling tours offered by several companies in the area.
- Kayaking or canoeing on Thanlwin River allows visitors to experience the beautiful scenery along this river that flows through Mawlamyine by renting kayaks or canoes.
- Trekking in Bilu Island offers visitors an opportunity to see traditional villages, farms, forests while experiencing scenic countryside landscapes through day hikes or multi-day trekking trips with local guides available in Bilu Island.
