MAWLAMYINE, the capital of Mon State, is located at the banks of Thanlwin River and surely an ideal place for a journey back into colonial times. Explore the charming, green city surrounded by the river to the west and to the east by a canopy of shimmering pagodas by trishaw, drive past the   Que Lwin Bridge,Mawlamyine  MAHAMUNI PAGODA, where women too are allowed to enter the main Buddha chamber (!), the KYAIKTHANLAN PAGODA, Kipling's favourite, from where you have terrific views over the city, and don't forget a visit to the three mosques built during British rule - the La Pagoda de Kyaikthalan

SALUTI MOSQUE,
visible from far away because of it's bright turqoise-coloured facade, the

MOGUL SHAH MOSQUE
with its plain Moorish arches, and the

KALADAN MOSQUE,
which looked like a birthday cake until several years ago, but has been renovated now and the facade covered with white tiles to give this place a more 'decent' look, and, last but not least the

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH,
also known as 'Judson Church', because it was founded by the American missionary Adoniram Judson, it is Myanmar's first Baptist church!

GAUNGSAE KYUN
well known as the 'Shampoo Island', as the water from the island was used for the yearly Royal Hairwashing Ceremony during the Ava Period.

DAILY EXCURSIONS

BILU ISLAND
A visit to one of the little home industries producing pipes for smoking should not be missed and maybe you meet a fisherman who can dive for a long, long time under water - it is said that they have fins...You will arrive at the south of the island at Ywa Lut and cross the island by pick-up truck, departing at the north of the island in Chaungsone. Unfortunately there's not enough time to see all the 100 villages on that island!

KYAIKMAYAW Picturesquely located at the river bank of the Ataran River, this small town is easily reached because of its quite good road condtion - the roads are sealed! Flanked by toddy palms and rubber plantations, the road passes through eight villages before ending in Kyaikmayaw. Stroll around the charming town with its simple Myanma wooden houses, some covered with palm leaves, others with metal. It's also really worth your time to visit the

Khayone Cave a Kyaikmayaw

KYAIKMAYAW PAGODA,
built by Queen Banyahtaw in 817.

Yangon - Yangon excursions - Bagan - Bagan excursions - Mandalay - Mandalay excursions - Kayin State - Rakhine State - Shan State

© 1999 Myriam Grest Thein