Pyin Oo Lwin

Pyin Oo Lwin, a hill station on the Shan Plateau in Mandalay Region

When talking about charming small towns in Myanmar, Pyin Oo Lwin is one of the destinations I, mr.hotsia, recommend you experience yourself. This town is located on the Shan Plateau in Mandalay Region, about 67 kilometers from Mandalay city, only about a two-hour drive. At an elevation of 1,070 meters, the weather is cool and comfortable all year round. When I visited, I even had to bring a light jacket, which is very different from the scorching heat of Mandalay.

Some may not be familiar with the name Pyin Oo Lwin, but for me, this is the true “Mini India in Myanmar.” During World War II, the British used this town as a military base and stationed Indian soldiers here. Since then, many Indians have continued to live here, creating a perfect blend of Burmese and Indian cultures. Walking around the town, I felt like I was really in India, with the restaurants, hot roti, and the unique atmosphere.

Exploring the town and local lifestyle

Pyin Oo Lwin town is situated on a high ridge, offering beautiful views of the surrounding valleys. Interestingly, the town has a special type of horse carriage that I have never seen anywhere else. The carriage has a closed cabin with doors, making the ride comfortable and protecting passengers from rain or sun. Riding the horse carriage around town is an activity I, mr.hotsia, highly recommend because you get to see colonial-era houses, the prominent clock tower standing tall above the small town, as well as Chinese temples and the famous Pyin Oo Lwin Botanical Gardens.

The Botanical Gardens, also known as National Kandawgyi Gardens, is a large botanical garden covering about 1,000 acres. It houses 344 rare tree species and 133 native orchids. It is so beautiful that many Burmese people travel here for tourism and relaxation. Established in 1915 and originally named Maymyo, it is a natural heritage site worth visiting.Read more about horse carriage rides in Pyin Oo Lwin’s public park

Getting to Pyin Oo Lwin

I, mr.hotsia, chose to travel by sharing a taxi with 4 people from Mandalay, costing about 500 baht per car, which is the most convenient and fastest option. Public buses take much longer. A special option, if you have enough time, is to take the train that passes over the Gokteik Viaduct, the longest and highest railway bridge in the world. The train departs from Pyin Oo Lwin station to Hsipaw. Traveling by this train allowed me to experience the authentic local atmosphere, even though sitting cramped for hours was tough on my knees. The experience was definitely worth it.

Where to stay in Pyin Oo Lwin

Regarding accommodation in Pyin Oo Lwin, I, mr.hotsia, recommend Bravo Hotel, where I stayed and was very impressed. It is located in the town center next to the clock tower. The hotel owner speaks good English, laundry service is affordable, and the highlight is the rooftop breakfast restaurant with a 260-degree city view, which I consider a must-experience feature.Read more hotel recommendations in Pyin Oo Lwin

There are two main accommodation zones in this town: one is the town center around the clock tower, suitable for foreign and Thai tourists who enjoy walking around markets and shopping, as there are no private cars crowded here. The other zone is around the Pyin Oo Lwin Botanical Gardens, where there are large hotels for local tourists who drive in and spa and massage services for relaxation after sightseeing. I have seen many foreigners staying in this zone, easily calling horse carriages around town.Check out spa and massage in Pyin Oo LwinFor those who want a comfortable stay

Food in Pyin Oo Lwin: What you must try beyond just roti

One of the reasons Pyin Oo Lwin is so interesting is its food, which blends Indian and Burmese cultures. Most restaurants sell tea and hot roti, which I, mr.hotsia, tasted and found much more flavorful and aromatic than food in Mandalay. If you like simple Indian food, this is a paradise.

The restaurant near where I stayed by the clock tower is called “RUBY Restaurant.” It looks nice but the taste was not quite to my liking. However, if you like Thai or Chinese food, I recommendDiamond Cage & Restaurantwhich is located on the main Mandalay-Lashio road. The food is delicious and suits my taste very well. I discovered this place only in the last days of my trip and regret not trying it earlier.If you want to learn more about food in Myanmar towns nearby, you might want to read about food in Myitkyina.However, most restaurants do not serve alcohol but often make exceptions for tourists.

Markets and local lifestyle in Pyin Oo Lwin

Life in Pyin Oo Lwin remains simple and natural. The markets in this small town are not as hectic as those in Mandalay. I, mr.hotsia, enjoy walking along the roadside shops selling local goods and snacks that blend Indian and Burmese styles, clearly reflecting the town’s history. If you like authentic local atmosphere, this place is perfect for strolling, watching people, and photographing daily life.

If you are planning a trip to Mandalay, I recommend setting aside at least one night in Pyin Oo Lwin to experience the cool atmosphere and culture different from the big city of Mandalay.Read more about food in Amarapura, Mandalayto compare the atmosphere and flavors of food in various towns in this region.

Summary of experience from mr.hotsia

Pyin Oo Lwin impressed me, mr.hotsia, much more than I expected. The year-round cool climate, the perfectly blended local lifestyle, colonial-style houses with British and Indian influences, the special comfortable horse carriages, and unique food hard to find elsewhere make this a destination you should not miss when visiting Mandalay Region. For those who love nature and deep cultural experiences, Pyin Oo Lwin will definitely satisfy you.