Top 10 Places in Pyin Oo Lwin

1. Mahar Annt Htoo Kan Thar Pagoda

The building of this Pagoda has a history of its own. The reason was that three marble Buddha Images sculpted in Mandalay were being transported to their planned destination in China. On this journey, one of the Buddha statues fell down from the truck and could not be reloaded due to its weight. After many attempts, this Image was left behind and the other two were taken on their way. A local Buddhist monk decided he would try faith. He sat for 7 days on this image and preached to the locals and recited teachings of Buddha. After 7 days the image was apparently easily lifted and placed in its current location and the local people built a pagoda as an offering to Buddha.

2. Kan Daw Gyi Botanical Garden

The National Kandawgyi Gardens (formerly National Botanical Gardens) is located in the Alpine town about 1.5 km south of Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly Maymyo), Myanmar. It was first founded by Alex Roger, a forest research officer, with the aid of Lady Cuffe, the botanist in 1915. It was modelled after the Kew Gardens of England. The original area of the Botanical Garden was 170 acres of land and 70 acres of water spread totaling 240 acres. The government declared as a state-regonized garden in 1917. In 1924, the site was declared as a Goverment Forest Reserve. The garden has many collection of flora, including foreign species, orchids of various species in orchid garden, dahlia gardens, rose gardens, many exotic fruits and shady trees. In 2000, the garden was upgraded to be a recreation garden and renamed it “Kandawgyi National Gardens”.

3. National Landmark Garden

Just beside the Kandawgyi National Botanical Gardens is another must-see attraction, the National Landmarks Garden. It consists of scale models of well-known landmarks from each State in Myanmar, including its most famous pagodas, spread over 50 acres of parkland. There is a mini theme park and a huge garden. It is established in 2006 with the aims to be able to observe ancient cultural edifices, pagodas and stupas, palaces, caves, hills and mountains can be viewed round collectively in the garden.

4. Kandawkalay Lake

This beautiful lake is only a 20-30 minute walk from the centre of Pyin Oo Lwin. It is a wonderful place to visit in the evening at sunset time and could be done after a trip to the Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens.

5. Annisakan Waterfall

At an impressive 120m tall, this waterfall is genuinely extremely impressive and a little terrifying if you get up close. The spray from the waterfalls dampens everything in the area. The ominous plunge pool is not safe for swimming. A visit to Anisakan waterfall is a must do if you are in Pyin Oo Lwin.

6. Pwal Kaut Waterfall

The Pwe Kauk Falls is a very pleasant picnic spot in Pyin Oo Lwin where many Myanmar families come for a picnic. Pwe Kauk or B.E waterfalls is also known as Hampshire Falls in British times. It is located on the way to Lashio and not too far from Pyin Oo Lwin town. There are two waterfalls in Pwe Kauk where many people swim or play in the shallow waters. There is a market besides waterfalls where you can buy local products such as wines, strawberry jams, fruits and flowers etc. Pwe Kauk stunned by it’s natural beauty and breathtaking scenery.

7. Pate Chin Myaung Cave

Peik Chin Myaung Cave (also known as Maha Nandamu Cave) is located on the Lashio road near Wetwun village, 12 miles east of Pyin Oo Lwin town. It is a limestone cave estimated between 230 million and 310 million years old. The cave is called Peik Chin Myaung as plenty of Peik Chin plants used to grow there. The entrance of the Peik Chin Myaung cave is about 20 ft wide and 1,600 ft long. The long cave is filled with so many Buddha images and pagodas in various sizes and position at every corners and niches.

8. Purcell Tower

Purcell Tower stands in the heart of the town, Pyin Oo Lwin. The clock was one of the few made in 1934 by Gillete and Johnson Co. of England in commemoration of the Silver Jubilee of the reign of King George V of Britain.

9. Local Market

The local street markets of Pyin Oo Lwin are one of the best places to connect with and immerse yourself in local culture. Locals sell a wide variety of fresh fruits, veggies and meat.

10. December Café and Milk Bar

Situated on the way of May Myo – Larshio Road as a garden or restaurant. Relaxing with flowers and Strawberry fields as one stopping place. Having lunch or snacks with fresh milk be appeased. Their favorite menu is fresh milk from dairy farm at behind of the garden. Also get experience how they farm for dairy cattle.