Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)

Pyin Oo Lwin is situated about 70 kilometers (2 hours drive) from Mandalay, up into the Shan Plateau at an altitude of over 1000 Meter above sea level. It is another summer retreat due to its “cool” climate. There is some Nepalese living in the town whose ancestors came there during the British time. The town is known as gardening town due to growing various kinds of flowers. Coffee plantations are located around Pyin Oo Lwin. The town is a transit point on the former “Burma Road” which leads to Muse to the Chinese Border via Lashio.

BOTANICAL GARDEN
It is a nice and green garden, which stretches over a wide area just on the outskirts of Pyin Oo Lwin. It was recently refurbished by a private company and is worth the entrance fee. There are different “theme gardens”, some birds and nice walkways around the pond and in the forest. A silent open “car” can take you around. If you prefer to enjoy the quietness in the garden, the late afternoon on weekends or on weekdays might be the best time for a visit.

PWE KAUK AND ANISAKAN WATERFALLS
There are 2 waterfalls around town.
Anisakan is a really beautiful one. It can be reached after descending for about 1.5 hours (nearly 300 meters difference in altitude) through a densely plant covered ravine on a narrow and in parts steep path down. The view on arrival is stunning, the waterfall comes down to you from a cliff, and there is a pool on the bottom.
The Pwe Kauk waterfalls are very close to the road. It is a short walk to a small and a larger waterfall, which are less scenic than Anisakan but a very popular picnic spot with local people.

PEIK CHIN MYAUNG CAVE
There is Peik Chin Myaung cave around 45 minutes away from Pyin Oo Lwin towards Lashio is a stalactite cave and contains many small Buddha Images. The cave is easily reached but in times slippery, as usual shoes must be taken off.
 

COLONIAL BUILDINGS
There are plenty of old buildings visible in town in Tudor and Victorian style. One of the loveliest buildings is the formerly called Candacraig Hotel, today a government run hotel in a big compound.
The town is actually quiet large, outside from downtown it is loosely built on. It is worth driving around and enjoying the town.

UNIQUE HORSE CARRIAGES
Unlike horse carts in other places in Myanmar, the cabins of horse carts in Pyin Oo Lwin are closed, like one would expect them in an old western movie. You can rent them for a trip, or for a certain time.