Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly known as Maymyo) is a scenic hill town in Mandalay Division, Myanmar.  It is more than 1000 meters above sea level and is located in the Shan Hills, less than 70 kilometers from the town of Mandalay.

Pyin Oo Lwin was discovered by the British in the late 19th century.  Its high altitude and cooler weather eventually turned this town into a hill station and a summer getaway for the British.  Colonial style houses from that era makes Pyin Oo Lwin today seem less like Myanmar than anywhere else in the country.  The town is also home to many ethnic Indians as Pyin Oo Lwin was once a military center for the British Indian Army.  As a result of intermarriage, there is also a large Eurasian community, consisting mostly of Anglo-Burmese and Anglo-Indians.  Many Chinese, mainly from the Yunnan Province are also starting to settle in this mountain town.

The attractions of Pyin Oo Lwin are unlike any other Burmese towns.  Because of its colonial past, many of the sites are of European origin.  The town’s clock tower, known as Purcell Tower, has chimes sounding like Big Ben’s in London.  One of the oldest hotels in Myanmar is the Thiri Myaing Hotel (once known as the Candacraig) which was originally built as a guest house for employees of the Bombay Burma Trading Corporation in 1904.  Established in 1915, the National Kandawgyi Garden is a great stop for those who enjoy being in the surroundings of flowers and plants.  There is a wide range of flowers here, many of which are of English origins.  A stupa in the middle of the pond, as well a rose and orchid gardens are the highlights at this botanical garden.

There are also several attractive temples in Pyin Oo Lwin.  There is a Shiva temple dedicated to the Hindu God, and a colorful Chinese temple that was built by the Chinese immigrants of the town.

Pyin Oo Lwin is also a great base to explore some of the region’s natural attractions.  Anisakan Falls, located near the town of Anisakan, is a good half day hike from Pyin Oo Lwin.  A small stupa rests side by side with the base of the waterfall.  Another nearby waterfall is Pwe Kauk Falls, also known as Hampshire Falls during the colonial era.  It may not be as grand as Anisakan Falls, but it is a great place to be in the company of Burmese families on a picnic.  An hour hike from these falls leads to U Naung Gu caves where several Buddha images are stationed.

A tour of Pyin Oo Lwin is highly recommended on a horse-drawn Victorian-era carriage.  On Exotissimo’s Pyin Oo Lwin Tour – Mandalay day trip tour, we will let you tour this beautiful mountain town in one of these charming horse carriages.  You may also take this trip when you visit Mandalay on our Essential Myanmar tour.  This package will also enlighten you about this mysterious yet special country as you visit glittering pagodas and experience rural Burmese life.  You can also see our suggested Myanmar tours page for other memorable experiences in Burma.