Mawlamyaing
Mawlamyine is the fourth largest city in Myanmar situated 180 kilometers east of the nation’s capital across the Gulf of Mottama at the mouth of the Thanlwin river. It is the capital of Mon State with a population of about 400,000 people. Formerly known as Moulmein, it was once a major port and the administrative capital of British Lower Burma. The town’s signature landmark is Kyaikthanlan pagoda built in 875 AD and thought to be the site from where Rudyard Kipling wrote his famous poem, ‘The Road to Mandalay’.
The Thanlwin bridge, the longest road and Rail Bridge in Myanmar is the most prominent landmark in the area. It stretches a distance of 11,000 feet over the Thanlwin river connecting the country’s south eastern region with Yangon.
Mawlamyine is generally considered to be off the main tourist trail for most travellers to Myanmar but the town does have a charm of its own with its rich history, buildings with colonial style architecture, World War II era wooden buses, and its close proximity to the infamous Siam-Burma “death railway”, making it a fascinating place to visit!Thanbyuzayat, about 60 km from Mawlamyine, there is a large, well maintained war cemetery for thousands of Allied prisoners-of-war who died during World War II constructing the infamous death railway for the Japanese; Guangsay Island is also a nice place to consider. Another 28 km brings one to Kyaikhamior Amherst, a popular coastal resort during British times with is well-known Kyaikhami Pagoda in the sea. Setse Beach, a 20 km, drive away, is a favorite with local residents but has no infrastructure yet in terms of accommodation, dining, etc.
Win Sein Taw Ya, 30 km south on the outskirts area of Mudon is the site of the world largest reclining Buddha image.
HPA-AN
It is the capital of Kayin State with monumental hills, wonderful caves and lakes, 4 hour-drive from the city of Kyaikhto (base campe of Kyaikhtiyo) & 7 hours from Yangon. Usually tourist –An. visit en route to Mawlamytine or overnight stay in Hpa-An. There are several good hotels in downtown and outskirt of Hpa-an in Zwekabin Hill.
It is bordered by Mae Hong Son, Tak, and Kanchanaburi provinces of Thailand to the east; Mon State and Bago Region to the west. Situated at the foot of Zwekabin Hill, which has a very unusual shape, once seen, is not easily forgotten. There are great views of Zwegabin from the attractive Kan Thar Yar lake (a 15-minute walk from the centre of Hpa An).
There are many cave attraction. Saddan Cave-this breathtakingly huge cavern contains a pagoda near the entrance with many Buddha images. Continue to the end of the cave to find a hidden lake in the mountains. Kawkathaung Cave, YathayPyan(Hermit) Cave, Khayon Cave, Ruby Cave are also famous caves in Hpa- an. BayinNyi Cave and the hot spring-The BayinNyi cave is located north of Hpa-An which can visit on the way to Hpa-An. There is a large entrance chamber that is filled with many statues and Buddhas. The cave itself is not illuminated by natural light.
