Mawlamyine is one of the Orient’s most picturesque ports.
In the heart of Lower Burma, it is famous for being the site of Kipling’s Pagoda. Not far from here is the Thanbyuzayat Cemetery, a memorial to the Allied troops lost in World War Two.
It is also a good place in which to experience Myanmar’s spiritual side at Buddhist shrines such as the Yele Paya perched over the sea at Kyaikkami and at monasteries and nunneries which welcome visitors.
Accessible only by road and a full day’s drive from Yangon, this town sees few visitors but the journey itself is worthwhile, passing through Mon and Karen villages and stopping at various interesting cave temples en route.