Pyin Oo Lwin

Pyin Oo Lwin: Mini India on the Mandalay Plateau

When talking about a city in Myanmar unlike any other, Pyin Oo Lwin is the answer that I, mr.hotsia, don’t want you to miss. It’s an easy trip from Mandalay, just 67 kilometers away, about a 2-hour drive to this cool highland town. At over 1,000 meters elevation, Pyin Oo Lwin is like an oasis of coolness in a hot land.

Pyin Oo Lwin is not just an ordinary town; it is filled with the atmosphere of the British colonial era when it served as a military base during the war. It was also a fortress town and a summer retreat for Indian soldiers in the past, resulting in a dense Indian community that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into India in the middle of Myanmar. You will see restaurants selling tea, roti, and the scent of Indian spices in every corner of the town.

Explore the town on foot and ride classic horse carriages

Walking around Pyin Oo Lwin feels like strolling through a small old Indian town. The main road, Mandalay-Lashio Road, is bustling with restaurants and lively people. What impressed me, mr.hotsia, the most is the Pyin Oo Lwin horse carriage, unlike any I’ve seen before, with a closed cabin door for comfortable seating. It’s an activity I recommend everyone try. Ride the horse carriage around town with a guide showing colonial-style houses, Chinese temples, and the Pyin Oo Lwin National Kandawgyi Gardens, a botanical garden with over 300 rare tree and orchid species, located not far from town.

If you want detailed information and atmosphere of riding horse carriages in Pyin Oo Lwin, mr.hotsia has an articleHorse Carriage Tour in Pyin Oo Lwin and Pyin Oo Lwin Public Parkrecommended for you.

Accommodation and town atmosphere

Pyin Oo Lwin has two main accommodation zones. The downtown area near the clock tower is the center of activities and markets, ideal for tourists who want to experience local life and stroll in the community. My choice was Bravo Hotel, costing about 1,000 baht per night. The owner speaks fluent English, provides good service, and importantly, the hotel features a 260-degree city view from the rooftop restaurant, a rare sight in Pyin Oo Lwin.Read more: Recommended hotels in Pyin Oo Lwin

The other zone is around the Pyin Oo Lwin flower gardens, offering resort-style accommodations for local and foreign tourists seeking relaxation. There are large hotels with spa and massage services, perfect for those wanting peace and full amenities. Horse carriages or car rentals are easily available for touring the town.

Food and dining: Small town with diverse flavors

Don’t miss the food when visiting this town. Pyin Oo Lwin’s cuisine blends Burmese and Indian cultures perfectly. You’ll find tea and Indian-style roti shops in almost every neighborhood, especially near the clock tower where I stayed. Notable places include “RUBY Restaurant,” which, although not my personal favorite, is popular among tourists and looks appealing. Another great find after several days is “Diamond Cage & Restaurant,” serving Thai, Chinese, and Burmese dishes in an air-conditioned setting, delicious and affordable, located on Mandalay-Lashio Road.

For those who want to try authentic Burmese flavors, I recommend checking out the atmosphere atAmarapura Food, Mandalaywhich is not far from Pyin Oo Lwin, as many dishes are similar. Mandalay also has the lively and interesting Thepyi Market where you can sample many local snacks.Thepyi Market, Mandalayis another destination I, mr.hotsia, really like.

Travel and accessibility

The most convenient for tourists is sharing a taxi for 4 people from Mandalay, costing about 500 baht per trip. On my last visit, I took a taxi back from Pyin Oo Lwin to Mandalay, which was more convenient and faster than the very long bus ride. For those wanting the experience of riding the train over the Gokteik Viaduct, you can start at Pyin Oo Lwin railway station and get off at Hsipaw. The distance isn’t too far, though the train can be crowded and you have to sit cramped for hours, but it’s an unforgettable experience for train lovers like me, mr.hotsia.

Summary of impressions from mr.hotsia

Pyin Oo Lwin is a town full of cultural charm, blending Indian and British influences on the Mandalay Plateau. It has cool weather year-round, perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle of big cities. Riding horse carriages around town and the flower gardens, along with tasting Indian-Burmese cuisine, made me feel like I discovered a new experience in Myanmar.

If you’re planning your next trip to Myanmar, don’t forget to visit Pyin Oo Lwin, this extraordinary small town. mr.hotsia guarantees you’ll enjoy the great atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly people here.