Pyin U Lwin is a picturesque hill town surrounded by lush evergreen forests. Handsome colonial buildings and red-brick churches recall the town’s past as a summer sanctuary for the British. Visit the beautiful botanical gardens, hike to tumbling waterfalls and dine at lakeside restaurants.
Things to do in Pyin Oo Lwin
Discover a wonderland of roses, orchids and lilies in the National Kandawgyi Gardens. Laid out in the early 1900s, the gardens are beautifully maintained and showcase more than 450 flower species. Wander through sun-dappled bamboo groves, learn about medicinal plants and admire colourful insects in the Butterfly Museum. The rolling lawns are perfect for sun-drenched picnics.
Aung Htu Kan Tha Paya crowns a nearby hillside and is one of the most impressive pagodas in Myanmar. Within the gold-covered pagoda is an enormous statue of Buddha carved from gleaming white marble.
Watch your step on the moss-covered trail to Anisakan Falls. The falls tumble down forest-covered cliffs and into natural pools. Dat Taw Gyaik is one of the most beautiful and features a trio of cascades. Next to the emerald-green pool is a picturesque pagoda that will take your photos to the next level.
From elegant restaurants housed in half-timbered colonial buildings to cheap and cheerful street stalls, Pyin U Lwin offers a good variety of dining options. You can find some of the best eateries clustered around picturesque Kandawlay Lake. Dine at local restaurants to try mouth-watering Burmese dishes like “nan gyi thoke” rice noodles served with spicy chicken curry and “lahpet thoke” tealeaf salad tossed with crunchy peanuts and dried shrimp.
Getting around Pyin Oo Lwin
Pyin U Lwin is compact and easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. The town is a 1.5-hour drive from Mandalay. Tuk-tuks, taxis and private drivers are the best way to visit surrounding sights and attractions. Motorbike and scooter rentals are alternative modes of transportation. Mandalay International Airport is a two-hour drive away.